that's all folks!

So this is officially my last blog - as I have not done such a good job keeping it up since I've been back from Honduras! (which I must blame on dial-up internet, my computer crashing, and losing my user name and password for a while)

I find myself these days singing in Spanish as I am working - songs like "Yo se que estas aqui" and "Cuando levanto mis manos" - that help make the time go by quicker as well as speak to my heart while I am riding around the golf course. I actually am really enjoying working outside - the guys all allow me to play the "girl card" a lot while I'm working :) but I have also proven to pull my weight and I think they are glad to have me around. Which is good.. Since I'll be around for a while longer. The younger guys I work with all tell me that I am the favorite of the older guys. Haha. Of course I am :) I am cuter! Jk.
It is challenging for me to take the lifestyle I lived in Honduras - living to love and serve others.. To show them Christ's love.. And incorporating it into my daily life here as I do mundane tasks, or at work surrounded by a bunch of.. Well, blue collar workers. (not that that is a bad thing, but they definitely are a different crowd from what I am used to!) I do work hard, as unto the Lord.

As I reflect back on my time in Honduras - those who are closest to my heart are most prominent in my memories... my family in Armenia Bonito, my students from Brassavola, and many good friends... I entrust them to the Lord - knowing that He cares about them even more than I do. It is easy for me to feel helpless, with all the problems that there are - not being able myself to offer solutions as the roots of all the problems spread nationwide - or even global.. And again, I entrust it to the Lord.. knowing what more specifically to pray for as I think about Honduras and many other countries like it.
Life is so different here - and it is easy to get so pinched down with day to day life to forget the larger picture.. That there is a world out there full of hurts and needs, full of passion and energy, full of intelligence and new ideas, full of love yet lacking Love at the same time... It is easy to forget as I am getting up early for work or while brushing my teeth that there is a GOD who is so big, so powerful, so holy.. Who is at work in ME, who is at work in the world, who is at work in the community around me. And my challenge now is to continue to look for Him around me, to join Him where He is working, and to be faithful to that which He places in my path.

My heart remains in Honduras, for what purpose? I do not know.. but I do know that my life will be forever changed because of my experiences - both good and bad - that have proven to open my eyes and teach me so much about people, the world, different cultures, and our Holy Lord who is God over all the Earth!

May you continue to learn and grow in Him - May you follow Him with all your heart, no matter where He leads you, trusting our Heavenly Father with your life, safety, and well being.

a final thought from a great man:
"If Jesus Christ be God, and died for me, then no sacrifice is too great for me to give for Him."

missing Ceiba

I miss Honduras. I miss Ceiba. I miss baleadas and pastelitos. I miss drinking from bags. I miss the palm trees. I miss taxi drivers. oh wait, no I don't! But I do miss my students... and my friends and my family in Armenia Bonito!

It is easy for me to get caught up in life here -in consumerism, in the fast pace- and forget what I learned about the world.. that it is so much bigger than the United States. It is easy to forget that there are people out there, and within our own country, that are intelligent and gifted but don't have the resources or access to prosper. It is easy to forget how lucky I am to have all that I do, clean water, clothes, safety, a car, a family that loves me... it is easy to forget how the Lord was faithful to me as I followed Him to a foreign land - do I think He will not continue to be the Same Lord here?

It has been an interesting "readjustment" time for me - as I hit the ground running. I immediately began taking summer classes and working... and only very slowly have I had time to process my past 8 months in Honduras. I have been hit hard with "culture shock" as I travel around Virginia. I do love being back, to be with my family and be a part of my loved-ones lives here. I cherish this time that the Lord has given me to be with them, knowing that He could call me to go somewhere else - and if/when He does - I will go. No matter what, no matter where.
It is the Jonah principle. If I don't obey God, I might end up in the belly of a whale! Who wants that?! ;)

I am contemplating when exactly to stop writing blogs, as this was titled La Ceiba - and purposed to chronical my experiences and adventures there. I will let you know when I write my last post! I promise. I still want to write at least one more reflection - perhaps more for my benefit than for your amusement!

:) So I am back in the States! and I have a cell phone again. SO You should stop reading this and call me!

Saying Goodbye...

During my last two days in Ceiba, I was able to visit with the friends and students that have left such a mark on my life and my heart. At Brassavola, my students would hug and kiss me and say "No te vayas, Ms. Estefani!" and "You are such a good teacher, who will teach us about God?" It just didn't seem sufficient to say, "I'll be back to visit!" It is hard because I realize the need for consistancy in their lives - but I was able to leave knowing that the Lord has other plans for me right now. (however if anyone wants to contribute to the "Stephanie's next visit to Honduras" fund - you are welcome!) ha. I am definitely going back in the next year, I just have to see what my schedule allows...

I had my last "typica comida Hondurena" dinner with Cesia, Tamy, and Paola (and brought Mary along because we were attatched at the hip for the past three weeks...) We had a great time laughting and talking... They all have such a heart to serve the Lord!

I was able to spend time with my family, the Madrids, in Armenia Bonito the day before I left. Mary and I had always teased about putting our names on the wall because the youngest, Jeisy, had written her name all over the house... so on my last trip out there - we painted our names :) I think it turned out rather nice, don't you? ;) It was cute to see the kids copying us.. while their parents looked on approvingly - happy about the "memoria" that they will have of me while I'm away. We played jump rope and my family gave me home-made maracas :) made by Vidal (the father) and painted by Angela and Jessica... I will cherish them forever - along with all the beautiful memories we've made together!
My goodbyes were full of "see you soon"and "keep in touch" instead of tearful.

Honduras has a special place in my heart - for the people I know and love, for the beauty of the country, for the work the Lord has done in my life and the lives of those around me...

beautiful Roatan

Mary and I had a fabulous time in Roatan these past few days - kayaking, sorkeling, playing with dolphins, laying on amazing beaches, and of course - saying goodbye to good friends there. I love it in Roatan - not only because it is SO beautiful there - but also because it is so peaceful, and I come away feeling refreshed. I definitely recommend it as a vacation spot (just make sure you bring bug spray and sun screen.. and you'll be set!) The Heavens declare the glory of God... que barbaridad!

El Gran Carnaval de La Ceiba 2006

This week there has been all sorts of festivities going on in Ceiba.. it is the week where the milk company, Leyde, has a rodeo/fair of sorts that lasts for a week long AND it is the week of Carnaval - so every day there were different events and each night a "Carnavalito" in different locations around the city. There are special stands all over the city selling stuff - and there has been so many more people out and about. Tonight is the actual Gran Carnaval Internacional de La Amistad - as well as one of the final futbol games being played in the city. I have kept my participation to a minimum - just going to one carnavalito for a little bit with Bill and Emily Noonan, and then going to the massive parade today. It started around 2:30 - and at 4:30 it was still going strong. I am honestly not sure how long it lasted but I heard that it did until 5:30 or 6pm.
About an hour before the parade started - we decided to walk down the street, Ave. San Isidro, to see all the stands of food and gifts - and a TON of Mardi Gras beads being sold and tossed everywhere! The man in the picture below decided to get in our picture with us.. it was random - but everyone was in such good spirits on the street!

here are some more fun pictures from the parade: Here is the Mayor, Dr. Simon, and Ms. Honduras - kicking off the parade - the mayor said "Hola" to me as he walked by. don't I feel special. ;) and then later the President of Honduras, Mel something, came by on horse back and waved at us.. yes, that is the president.. can you find me in this picture? (look on the right side...) And yes, those pin wheels are cleverly stuck into a head of cabbage for such an exciting display... There were a TON of horses prancing around and doing all sorts of crazy tricks..

there were so many fun floats and bands.. I could have done without the half-naked women and men dancing... but overall it was really fun and I'm glad I went! I have NEVER seen that many people on the streets and I can only imagine what the party is like tonight...

believe it or not, watching the parade in the hot sun was exhausting even though we were just standing there.. I am definitely ready for some rest tonight before I go to Roatan tomorrow and then return to say my goodbyes..

the sprint

falta 10 dias...

so much to do, in so little time... that doesn't even begin to describe how I feel right now. Waves of saddness hit me throughout the days as I am coming nearer and nearer to my departure from Honduras. I am really trying to take each moment captive - and i think that by the end of the month I will be ready to sleep for a couple days!

I've been so busy these past several days - and am looking to continue to spend each day I have left here with my friends in Armenia Bonito, from my church, teachers from the Spanish school and from Brassavola, with my students, with other missionaries here... soaking up as much as I can and giving all that I have in these last 10 days. (and perhaps seeing what all the hoopla is about the Carnaval this coming Saturaday)

This past weekend was fabulous - Mary and I went out to Cayos Cochinos - some islands just off the coast of Honduras. These islands are barely inhabited paradises - full of natural beauty, amazing coral reefs, and pink boaconstricters. :) We were blessed to stay the night with a wonderful older couple who live on the largest little island - and only had a few surprise animalitos in our beds. I have so many good memories from there - swimming, snorkeling, hiking in flipflops, watching the sunset, and talking around the table...

we would have liked to stay for more than 24 hours, but we had to get back to Ceiba because we promised that we would spend the night in Armenia Bonito with my family. This was an adventure, for sure! We went played with the kids in the afternoon - jumping rope, playing volleyball... then we went to a "culto" - or a revival-type service - and finally went back home to continue our slumber-party. Walking into their house I was only surprised by a few animals - but seeing the spiders and rats made me a little nervious about what else could be crawling around... We ate some more food and danced around a little bit before we went to bed - with the girls sleeping in the parents' bedroom and the guys sleeping in the kids bedroom. I ended up sleeping with Jessica and Jeisy on a little twin mattress on the floor, while Mary and Angela (the mom) slept on the double bed in the room. We slept in a little room with a wood shutter covering any windows and I had two little girls snuggling up on me... I have never been so hot in my life! But it was a special time to share with their family - and I am so glad that we were able to be a part of their worship service and see their life at times when I normally wouldn't. this was the friend I found when walking into the kitchen... the other one apparently ran off... Angela is sewing the family's clothes for the culto.. here we are sitting on the bench before the service began...

The next morning, Mother's day, Mary and I left Armenia Bonito by 9ish to come back to Ceiba.. and I have to say I have NEVER been on a bus that full. We were grateful to be some of the first ones on - because we were able to get a seat on the bus near the front.. todo el mundo wanted to go to Ceiba for church or shopping or something - and I remember watching 10 more people try to fit on the bus that already had people hanging out the door. CRAZY. We finally made it into town in time to buy a flower for our host moms here in Ceiba - then parted ways.. I made it to the Noonan's house in time to try to call my moms and take a shower (where I scrubbed and scrubbed...) and then turned around, got back out on the bus and headed to another village, Colonia Confite. There, my friend Diana had invited me out to spend the afternoon and evening with her - as her church had a special service for the Mothers. I really enjoyed meeting her family and seeing where she lived - as we normally just hang out together in Ceiba... I hope to make it back out to her house before I leave... Diana's friendship has meant so much to me - as we have been about to really spur one another on in our walk with Christ.

Today I spent the day with Dania, the 16 year old daughter of Angela from Armenia Bonito. We went shopping to buy a comal (so I can make really good homemade tortillas) and a little Bible for her, took professional pictures (SO CHEAP here, and a little cheesey with school picture backdrops from the early 90s), made CDs of Spanish praise music on my computer.. and just enjoyed each other. I have loved being able to encourage her and live my life before her as a young Christian woman. (below is a picture of Dania, Mary and me)
I have found that I am STILL frustrated with Spanish - as the more I am around people and have varying conversations the more vocabulary I realize I don't know.. and that is discouraging... Pray that regardless of my frustrations, I will be able to make the most of every opportunity that the Lord brings my way in the time I have remaining in Honduras.

an eventful week

Today was my last day teaching at Brassavola - and while I am a little sad - I know that I am going to go back to the school tomorrow and friday to work on a play for our program for Mother's day, so I will continue to see all the kids. This week in class we reviewed all that we learned all year long - from how the Bible is made up (Old and New Testament, how many books in each..) to talking about God as our Father and Creator, Jesus as God's Son and our Savior, and the Holy Spirit as our helper to make good decisions so that we don't disobey God. We played a trivia game where I asked all sorts of questions to the kids on the highlights of what we talked about in each class - different heroes of the Old Testament and then on the life and teachings of Jesus. I was really impressed with what the knew - and today I was even more impressed with the third graders abilities to remember verses we had talked about during this year. When I left each class I was crushed with hugs and kisses - ended up giving out my email address (to third graders? who knew they had email already!) - and I had to promise I would see them again so that I could leave to get to my next class on time!

I love my kids!

I have been working hard with the 2nd graders on their play - which is really looking good! We are getting the costumes together and fine-tuning their acting abilities :) so please keep them in your prayers for this Friday morning!

This past weekend I met another "joven" who had just arrived for her 2 month visit to Honduras. Mary has proven to be an excellent playmate - as we have found out that we are a lot alike... not only in activities that we do in the states (like Young Life, coaching basketball at a private school, taking random trips, playing guitar..) but also in our approach to life here in Ceiba. I have enjoyed "dando vueltas" in Ceiba with her, introducing her to my students and having her help me with the play, AND then today I took her out to Armenia Bonito to meet my family and play with kids out there.

We had a fabulous time with my family - playing jump rope both inside the house and then outside the house (with the neighbor kids - an experience made complete with several little naked honduran boys running around), painting finger and toe nails, coloring, playing frisbee, painting maracas (with fingernail polish - shown below!), taking crazy pictures, and of course making all sorts of crazy sounds in Spanish and in English (for example, the sound that a rooster makes.. it is different the way they say it here than how we say "cock-a-doodle-do"). (PS. Caleb, they were asking about you today - and when you were going to return to visit them... they have the idea that you are going to come sometime in the near future..I don't know where they got that idea from... but I told them that perhaps you would - pero solo si tengas pisto!)

On the way home (we stayed until after 6pm - which is later than I've ever stayed out there before..) we jumped on a bus.. and the guys told us that they weren't going in to El Centro. They were just going to a nearby town.. so needless to say, we talked to them for a while while they drove to the other town, making them laugh a lot and playfully arguing about the cost of such a short trip.. they ended up not charging us anything (perhaps because I gave one of them my sunglasses? - they were breaking, so it wasn't a loss for me..) and we just grabbed a taxi and took it home. I was definitely thankful to have Mary along with me - because I just felt much safer with a companion than I would have if I had been alone. I am looking forward to many more adventures we will have together in the next 2 weeks...

Random things: Emily Noonan and I are attempting to highlight our hair - using lime juice and water.. so if I have any lighter streaks, I'll have to blame it on my "lime lights". Casey Noonan (who is 8 yrs old) and I have been having lots of fun, swimming in the little pool behind their house or having girls nights where we stay up late and "talk" - and she asks me deep questions like "whats something funny that you did when you were like 2 or 3 years old?" Monday night cards has been revived - but I still am not good at Texas hold-em. I also haven't become any more proficient at jacks. OH and a woman called Brassavola that she was cleaning a house and found my wallet.. so perhaps I will meet her there at Brassavola and get it back? pray that she has the other things that where in my purse but of no value to anyone else as well...

that is all for now.

I do love hearing from you - I'm looking forward to reading your emails! :)

love for a lifetime

...another week of teaching completed, although I am going to the school tomorrow and friday to continue working on the play with my little group of 2nd graders.. but I am sad that I now have 1 week left with the kids. They are truly a JOY in my life - as I encounter a never-ending source of hugs, kisses, "i love you's", and smiles each time I walk into the schoolyard.
I find myself hearing their little voices in my head, smiling about things the kids did during the day, and trying to come up with ways to make my next class creative and interesting.
Today I substituted for one of the 5th grade classes - and it was fun to have older kids to work with for a little while. I couldn't say which I prefer, only that I am grateful for the experiences that I have had here - and that the kids at Brassavola have locked their place in my heart forever.

Here is a note from one of my second graders:
"Dear Ms. Estefani,
I love you. I learn about Jesus.
happy.

love, William"

On another note... it has been quite enjoyable living with the Noonan family - although I do miss both Erin and Stephanie very much! I feel like I am in an internet cafe when Jessica and I are both on the computer. :) We will sit here and talk and giggle.. and sometimes IM each other. It is quite amusing.

less than 4 weeks left...

I have been busy packing up this apartment and I will be moving to the Noonan's house for my last 4 weeks here in Ceiba. I'm looking forward to having a family around, especially since my apartment-mates won't be in Ceiba for the month of May. It isn't the same here without them!

I have been enjoying the last few days with "my family" in Armenia Bonito - making tortillas, drawing pictures, talking, dancing to music, practicing saying all sorts of crazy phrases, and "dando vueltas" around town with Jessica when she spent the night with me. Our friendship continues to grow - and we have begun to have Spiritual conversations. I am glad that I'm able to encourage both the mom of the family, Angelly (33 yrs old), and the oldest daughter, Dania (16 yrs old), in their faith and commitment to the Lord. I love sharing my life with this family - and if I were staying long-term, I feel as though I would need to define what type of ministry I wanted to poor myself into and then move to that location - as it is hard not being able to reciprocate hospitality to the family.
Here is a picture of Angelly and me in her house:

I have two weeks of school left to teach... in which I want to review all that they have learned, continue to work on memorizing Proverbs 3:5-6 and John 3:16, and continue to make memories with the kids and teachers. I am also working on a short play with the kids in 2C to perform for Mother's day. Pray that we will be able to bring it together well in the next two weeks! I'm getting a little nervous! :/

Another unforeseen blessing has been spending Saturday morning with a group of teenage missionary girls - we have breakfast and study the Bible together. We have challenged each other to memorize Philippians 4:4-9 and 1 Corinthians 13. As I have been reading over these scriptures, the Lord has used them speak to my heart during the past week. I have been reminded to take each thought captive for Christ, to set my thoughts on things above, and been challenged to live a life that is defined by love. I am compelled to love others - even those who do wrong things or are difficult to love - with a love that is patient, kind, forgiving... with a love that never fails... because I have received unconditional love from Christ. (1 John 4:7-21) Praise the Lord for such love! A Love that casts out all fear...

It is because of God's grace that I'm able to face the reality that I was confronted by two men with guns and robbed this past Tuesday. Thank you - to those who did know about it - for your on-going prayers for me, my safety, my sanity, and the work that the Lord is doing in Honduras. He continues to make me bold to fearlessly face each day, give me peace as I go out, and allow my heart to remain open to all that I love about being here. Praise the Lord, in His mercy and protection, that I'm alive and safe despite all the bad that is out in the world. I have been reminded not only to be grateful for that I have materially, but also for each moment I'm alive, and especially for my salvation through Jesus Christ. New doors have been opened to relate to Hondurans, as many have come to me to talk about their own experiences of being assaulted. As I'm challenged to love those who committed this act of violence against me, please join me in praying for their salvation. May the Lord continue to use me for the remainder of my time here however He sees fit, to further advance His Kingdom.

"Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Phil. 4:4-9

good encouragement

"My soul finds rest in God alone;
my salvation comes from Him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation;
He is my fortress, I will never be shaken...

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from Him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation;
He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

My salvation and my honor depend on God;
He is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in Him at all times, O people;
pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.

Lowborn men are but a breath,
the highborn are but a lie;
weighed on a balance, they are nothing;
together they are only a breath...

One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard:
that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving.
Surely you will reward each person according to what he has done."
(Psalm 62)

God over all the earth...

{{Happy Birthday, DAD! I LOVE YOU}}

A friend of mine recently wrote: "One important fact to keep in mind is that the Gospel transcends cultures. There will always be differences in ways people live from one country to the next, but because Christ’s message is the same in Honduras as it is in America, Christians can live for God wherever they go."

Reading it, I am reminded of my first days here in Honduras, and how I was hit by the reality that I am here - in a foreign country - without anyone I've known for more than a day or two. And then how God reminded me that He is God over all the earth... not just the part of the earth that I've always known... and that I am not alone because He is with me. Looking back at my journal for those first days, I wrote, "it is easy to be 'spiritual' back home where you are comfortable - to be viewed as a good Christian and seem to have lots of faith - but here, in order to be able to LOVE others, to be able to get up and face the day and the numerous problems that are out of our control, we HAVE to stay close to the Lord and in His Word - because otherwise we fail.
I remember praying for Honduran friends, praying for opportunities to share Christ's love, praying that the Lord would help me and speak through me as I went to teach kids about Him even though I was terrified of commanding a classroom...

How easy it has become to live here. For quite a while now I have been very comfortable living in this culture, I have a lot of great friends (both Christians and non-Christians), and am so comfortable teaching that I hardly prepare for my classes any more. Praise the Lord for answered prayer; however, in my comfort, I have found that I rely less and less on God and more and more on myself and my own capabilities.
Granted, I am grateful that I am no longer nervous about teaching, and feel so blessed with the community of friends and believers around me, but I realize I have lost something very sweet - my daily dependence on Jesus Christ.

So then what is the answer - I mean, who wants to live under the constant feeling of being inadequate that reveals our need for Christ? Yet I am foolish to think that I am adequate in myself to do all that Christ calls me to.
In Romans 12 we are urged to renew our minds as we offer ourselves as living sacrifices to the Lord. Perhaps the answer doesn't lie in being in uncomfortable situations so much as daily dying to self - waking up each morning and giving up my own will for the Lord's.. remembering that I have been crucified with Christ so that I no longer live, but it is Christ in me that is alive and at work in the world.. that through Him I am equiped for every good work.. so that when I leave here, or wherever I am, I can look back and say, as Paul did to the Corinthians, that "when I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified."

It is all for Christ. all for His glory. all over the earth.

Alegrense los cielos, regocijese la tierra!

Grande es el Senor,

excelso sobre todos los pueblos.

Sea alabado su nombre granioso e imponente:

El es Santo!

Christ has risen, indeed!

Happy Easter!

It has been a new experience celebrating this Semana Santa in Honduras. On Thursday afternoon, Good Friday, and Sunday everything in town is closed. The streets are deserted for the beach - where you will find TONS of people swimming, cooking out on grills in little grass huts, getting their hair braided, and enjoying each other. We had a church service on Friday afternoon and again this Sunday. There are mosaics of Jesus down the center of the main street, Ave San Isidro, that tell the Easter story.. a Santa mision.

Next week returns to "normal" - as Caleb leaves in the morning, and classes begin again at Brassavola. I am looking forward to the "tourists" from Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula to go back home - perhaps it is because they are from larger cities, but they just don't seem as friendly as my Ceibanans. Pray for me this week - as I present the Gospel of Jesus Christ to my students and their teachers at Brassavola. Pray that they will have soft hearts to hear, understand, and accept all that the Lord has done for us.

an unforgettable day

Today my brother, Caleb, and I went to Armenia Bonito to spend the day with my "adopted family" (important to note that they only speak Spanish and all the following happenings were in Spanish). ;) We arrived a little late due to the punctuality of the Honduran public transportation system - and as we were walking down the path to get to their house, Antono and Jessica ran to greet us with hugs. We then walked hand-in-hand to their house, where I introduced Caleb and he was given a very quick tour before being whisked outside with Antono, Noel, and the other guys to play with the soccer ball and football. I was left inside with the women - Angela (the mother) and her daughters Danyi, Jessica, and Heysi. I immediately heard a CD of children singing Spanish praise songs that I had given to the girls when I visited with my mom two weeks earlier - and the CD continued to play on repeat the entire time we were in the house. We spent the rest of the morning playing with games and toys we had brought - and I discovered that I am very proficient at turning a jump rope, not so good at playing jacks, and great at teaching how to play pick-up sticks. Caleb was outside playing sports until he was drenched in sweat and then came inside to sit in front of the fan and draw with Antono.

We ate lunch together - and I was glad that they didn't treat us TOO much like guests, as I was able to help serve the food and clean up a little bit afterwards. We sat on the floor to eat, and the mother - who ate last - ate with her hands, as there were not enough forks for everyone.
Afterwards, we decided to go to a nearby river and swim at a place called "tres pierdas". As we started out, Antono asked Caleb and me if we like to walk. Of course, not understanding all that the question implied, we replied, "yes." Well, that was apparently the correct answer, since we then proceeded to walk for 45 minutes to get to this place... all the while I am thinking - "I am going to have to walk back this way?!" Needless to say, Caleb and I are both a little pinker in our skin color than we expected.
The rio was beautiful - and SOOOO refreshing in the hot sun. I was struck by the fact that it was all "locals" there, even this week when Ceiba has the largest influx of tourists in town. I was also struck by the fact that they all went swimming in their clothes. When I asked about it - I found out they do this for two reasons, they can't afford a bathing suit and since they don't have a suit to wear, they are too modest to swim in anything less. I watched as women got in the river in their skirts and blouses - and everyone had big grins just to have the chance to swim.

Caleb and I had to cut the time at the river short.. and walk another 45 minutes to return to Armenia Bonito by 4pm in order to catch the last bus back into Ceiba. We were there at the bus stop by 3:40... and waited... and waited... and waited... and by 4:30, with the sky getting darker with more threatening clouds and less sun, we decided that the bus was not coming. Good thing we like to walk. We said our goodbyes (even though we were offered beds at our abuela's house to spend the night) and we started walking toward the main road. This entails walking ALL the way through Armenia Bonito, around the airport, and then ALL the way through Primero de Mayo (another village). Well, after about another 45 minute walk, when we were ALMOST to the main road, a taxi came to our rescue and took us all the way home. Talk about being tired!

As we walked, we had time to reflect upon the day... and I realized how I feel like such a part of their community. From the beginning, I was drawn to two little girls who love to smile, to play, to share their lives with me. I am constantly amazed that while this family has next to nothing, they are so happy and so hospitable to their guests. It was hard for me to think that perhaps because of the large meal we had today, they wouldn't eat perhaps for the rest of the week. Despite that reality, it didn't stop them from opening their house and making both myself and my brother feel comfortable and welcome.

I am having a hard time knowing what to do with all of this - as I have the means to give them so much, and would LOVE to give them all things that they don't have - but know that it won't fix a long term problem. I struggle with the fact that I am leaving Honduras for who knows how long in less than 6 weeks and I won't be around to continue to be a presence in their lives. And as I struggle with these things, the Lord continually reminds me that as much as I care about them, that HE cares about them more - and that even when I am not around, HE is. And He always will be. And I have to trust Him and continue to be faithful to the things and the people that are in my life now... faithful to live my life openly before them, faithful to give God glory for all that He has created and what He has done in my life, and faithful to LOVE unconditionally - just as I am loved. I know it is impossible for me to do these things, but with Christ ALL things are possible.

back "home"

What a whirl-wind trip to the US - and I am left sitting here in my little apartment in disbelief that it is already over. It felt like a sprint - and I'm left now to recover from trying (unsuccessfully) to fit in everything I wanted to do while I was in Virginia. BUT I must say that it was a very rich time - especially in spending time with people I care about.
highlights:
LOTS OF BABIES! I was incredibly glad that my sisters were visiting our dad's house with my niece, Victoria, and my nephew, Stephen.

I was also fortunate enough to get my hands on several friends' babies while I was home. :) SO CUTE.

Shenandoah County craziness... apparently the sucker fish are running up stream and get caught at the dam in our back yard - which creates the opportunity for an amusing pastime.. catching the fish and throwing them up the river. ;) I watched.

I did NOT expect it to be SO COLD - I mean, come on - it is April! But I think that this spring weather is more fickle than women.. one day it was beautiful with highs around 80*F and the next a bone-chilling high of 55*F with wind and rain. (note the hoodie in the above picture. yes, I was shivering.)
Now I am back in the very humid 90+ weather of Northern Honduras... and I'm lovin' it. Well, I love it more around 6pm when it cools off enough to take a nice walk without sweating too much.
good times.

I can't believe I only have 6 weeks left... I definitely want to seize every moment and make the most of every opportunity - knowing that time is short.

This week is Semana Santa - or Holy Week - which is the most important holiday of the year. Everyone takes off work and spends the days playing in the rivers and the oceans, cooking food outside, and enjoying each others' company. This is also a special week for me because my younger brother, Caleb, is visiting Honduras. I pray that the Lord is lifted up this week as we remember what He did for us on the cross by paying the price for our sins, and how He defeated death by raising from the dead to sit at the right hand of the Father in Heaven. Praise God for His love and His grace He has poured out upon us.

ps. I no longer have a phone number here - but you can always email me :) and I will get back to you as soon as possible!
oh, and apparently it is hurricane season again? We have a tropical storm coming our way...

I LOVE Honduras.

So I am leaving for the airport in 5 hours to begin my day-long journey back to visit family and friends in Virginia. This past week with my mom has been really special (except for the part where she got sick... which can only be accounted to a true Honduran welcome) and I am so thankful to have been able to share my life here with her. I do feel like she was able to see places I love and meet the people who are so important to me here. In addition, she was able to drink water out of a bag, judge a science fair at Brassavola, ride the public transportation, help out in two medical clinics, talk a little bit in Spanish, make tortillas from scratch, meet my hermanitas and their grandmother as well as see their house in Armenia Bonito, and of course, walk around the busy streets of Ceiba. I know that I would have no problem getting her to come back to visit me if I were to stay here (or somewhere else in Latin America) longer. Sharing my life with my mom here has reminded me HOW MUCH I love it - and how richly I've been blessed with amazing, intelligent, and such sweet Honduran friends. I have to remind myself WHY I am leaving here, knowing that I want to do what my Heavenly Father calls me to... but - who knows what the Lord will bring after nursing school... :)

Here I am, Lord. Send me.

beautiful Roatan

My mom, Mari, and I had a great time in Roatan - waking up to the sound of the waves, taking walks on the beach, relaxing in hammocks, kayaking and snorkeling around on the reef, going out to dinner... ok, ok, I'll stop before you get too jealous. ;) Here are some pictures from our time there:
Of course, we can't be in Roatan without spening some time helping out in La Clinica Esperanza. Mom was able to see common medical problems here and help translate Spanish for the newest volunteer in the clinic, an ER doctor that will be there for 3 months. (in this picture, I am posing as a patient with another volunteer, Deb, to give you a view of the exam room.)

We are back in Ceiba now - and I am preparing to head to Virginia on Saturday. It is hard to believe that I was originoally going to be home for good on April 1st. I am grateful for all the support I recieved to be able to stay until the end of the school year at Brassavola - and am definitely looking forward to coming back here on the 10th!

OH! Please pray for my visa situation, I was only given a 30 day visa last December and I need to go get it all straightened out before I try to leave. This usually means spending all morning in the immigration office and then in lines at the bank - and it is a ridiculous and LONG process that can be very annoying and discouraging... so pray that it goes smoothly and for some reason they won't make me pay the $80 to be able to leave! :)