So today I walked up to a friend and told him, "THIS IS THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE!"
and he looked at me and said, "are you engaged?"
ha.
noooo.
I am completely amazed at how the Lord provides when we trust in Him for His leading. Since I've decided to come home this Spring instead of remaining in Honduras, I've been worried about how I've committed to stay here longer (until June) and will be hurting a lot more financially than if I would have gone home this coming April 1st... and so really it has been putting a damper on me staying.. BUT when I came home from teaching at school today to find an email from UVA telling me that if I accept the position to the CNL program, I will be designated a Fuld Leadership Fellow (sounds official, huh!) ;) AND that comes with $10,000 EACH year to support our education - with no stings attached. WOW. HOW INCREDIBLE! Even now, hours after I first got the news, I am still completely floored - because I have been preparting myself to go into debt in order to pursue nursing school and I didn't want to get some hospital to pay for me because I would owe them time afterwards when all I really want to do is come back to Honduras (or some other underserved area) to work.. I am even more amazed that I didn't apply for any sort of funding, scholarships, or financial aid - and this money just fell into my lap. Praise God!
So needless to say, the Lord has reminded me -AGAIN- not to worry, but to be FAITHFUL to what He has called me to... and He WILL provide for all my needs according to His riches and glory.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Sunday, February 26, 2006
R&R by the Sea...
I took a MUCH needed break this week...
I went to the Hotel Canadien this past Thursday with several of our MTW current and future team members and spent the afternoon running around in the pool, eating good food, and enjoying beautiful weather.
The afternoon was SO enjoyable, I did it again. ;)
This afternoon, after church of course, Erin and I went with a friend to the Palma Real in Roma (a little ways outside of Ceiba to the East). For anyone who wants to take a vacation to Honduras.. I HIGHLY recommend this all inclusive resort! It was a shock going there - I was in Honduras one second, and then we turned the corner and walked into something that looked like Florida. What a surprise!
We spent the afternoon laying on the beach, playing in the pool, and listening to a variety of music from the ever popular reggaeton to some oldies but goodies. ;)
I write this not only so that you be jealous :) but really to let you know that we make some time to rest and enjoy ourselves here. MAKE that time in your life!
I went to the Hotel Canadien this past Thursday with several of our MTW current and future team members and spent the afternoon running around in the pool, eating good food, and enjoying beautiful weather.
The afternoon was SO enjoyable, I did it again. ;)This afternoon, after church of course, Erin and I went with a friend to the Palma Real in Roma (a little ways outside of Ceiba to the East). For anyone who wants to take a vacation to Honduras.. I HIGHLY recommend this all inclusive resort! It was a shock going there - I was in Honduras one second, and then we turned the corner and walked into something that looked like Florida. What a surprise!
We spent the afternoon laying on the beach, playing in the pool, and listening to a variety of music from the ever popular reggaeton to some oldies but goodies. ;)I write this not only so that you be jealous :) but really to let you know that we make some time to rest and enjoy ourselves here. MAKE that time in your life!
Friday, February 24, 2006
good news!
I have been offered a position into the Clinical Nurse Leader master's program at UVA... not a moment to late or too soon.Over the past several months, I had been struggling with what to do with my life - to pursue residency in Honduras and work in a Honduran youth ministry or return to the US and do who knows what. In the process, the Lord has taught me what it means to wait upon Him. Elisabeth Elliot describes it well: "that waiting on God requires the willingness to bear uncertainty, to carry within oneself the unanswered question, lifting the heart to God about it whenever it intrudes upon one's thoughts." She also warns that "it is easy to talk oneself into a decision that has no permanence - easier sometimes than to wait patiently." I found myself often in that position, talking myself into all the reasons I should stay - and then making that "decision"... and then later talking myself into the reasons why I shouldn't stay - and making that "decision".
I went before the Lord - as He convicted me that I need to SEEK Him first (above my desires to be with my family, my fears of being on my own, my heart for the people here...) and since then I have just been waiting... and learning what it means to wait silently, just offering it up to the Lord every time I thought about what I was to do. In the past few weeks, He has laid it on my heart and shown me through circumstances that for now, my time in Honduras is drawing to a close.
I have such a peace about this decision - although I do get hit with waves of sadness to be leaving people that I have come to care deeply about. I look at my time here and see so much that the Lord has taught me. He has shown me Himself in so many ways, He has given me new direction in my life - as I would have never considered nursing before I came to Honduras - and He has given me an incredible love for Honduras and the people here. I know that as I will look to go home in a couple months, my time here is not over. I don't know what is in store for the future - but I do know that resting in God's plan is the very best place to be.
and just as God is ever faithful to us, He calls me to be faithful to what He has given me here and now... May I be worthy of that calling.
Sunday, February 19, 2006
its getting hot, hot, hot!
when weather.com says this: Índice UV: 10+ Extremo - it really means that in the 15-20 minute walk home from church in your tank top and skirt, you can expect to be sunburned..
Rainy season is over - and hopefully soon I will find a happy medium between having very white skin and skin that is very red. Already I am dreading the weather getting hotter - but I know it won't be too long before it is a good 20 degrees warmer here (yes, that means somewhere around 105*F!) If only my visitors knew what they were getting themselves into when they agreed to come in March and April.. ;)
how's the weather where you are? ;)
Rainy season is over - and hopefully soon I will find a happy medium between having very white skin and skin that is very red. Already I am dreading the weather getting hotter - but I know it won't be too long before it is a good 20 degrees warmer here (yes, that means somewhere around 105*F!) If only my visitors knew what they were getting themselves into when they agreed to come in March and April.. ;)
how's the weather where you are? ;)
Friday, February 17, 2006
medical team!
This week has been crazy busy as we hosted a medical short term team out of Georgia. We worked in Armenia Bonita, a barria out by the airport in La Ceiba. 
Heydi and I were in charge of registration... I think we took the names and complaints of somewhere around 650 people, and the three doctors ended up seeing 520 total in 3.5 days (plus the few that came back as repeats). Some came to be registered for the doctor as "something to do" (especially the kids!) but got tired of waiting so they would go home. Others came back more than once to see how much candy, vitamins, and other meds they could get... so we had to be careful not to send people in more than once for the same problem.
The doctors didn't know much Spanish, so each of them had translators with them. For me, it was espeically helpful working with Heydi because she would take their names (SO hard to understand! but I got better as the week went on) and then I would record their age and complaints for the doctors. I think I was most surprised by how the Hondurans put on their very best clothes and fixed their hair to come see the American doctors.
I made friends with these two girls, Karen and Silvia.. I am not exactly sure what I did other than smile and talk to them a little bit - but on our last day there, they brought me those flowers sprayed with perfume and a note that told me their names and phone numbers. I was really touched... and reminded that - I, being an "extranjera", am watched ALL the time, and the smallest thing makes a difference to others. Don't be afraid to smile at someone you come across in the street or show a little bit of kindness - as it could make all the difference in the world in their life!
Heydi and I were in charge of registration... I think we took the names and complaints of somewhere around 650 people, and the three doctors ended up seeing 520 total in 3.5 days (plus the few that came back as repeats). Some came to be registered for the doctor as "something to do" (especially the kids!) but got tired of waiting so they would go home. Others came back more than once to see how much candy, vitamins, and other meds they could get... so we had to be careful not to send people in more than once for the same problem.
The doctors didn't know much Spanish, so each of them had translators with them. For me, it was espeically helpful working with Heydi because she would take their names (SO hard to understand! but I got better as the week went on) and then I would record their age and complaints for the doctors. I think I was most surprised by how the Hondurans put on their very best clothes and fixed their hair to come see the American doctors. 
I made friends with these two girls, Karen and Silvia.. I am not exactly sure what I did other than smile and talk to them a little bit - but on our last day there, they brought me those flowers sprayed with perfume and a note that told me their names and phone numbers. I was really touched... and reminded that - I, being an "extranjera", am watched ALL the time, and the smallest thing makes a difference to others. Don't be afraid to smile at someone you come across in the street or show a little bit of kindness - as it could make all the difference in the world in their life!
Friday, February 10, 2006
children of the light
"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offerning and sacrifice to God..." Ephesians 5:1-2
...how easy it is to get caught up in our anger, in jealousy, in gossip, in shame... and out of these things come actions that very often we end up regretting and needing to apologize for... how easy it is to participate in the "fruitless deeds of darkness" without even realizing it. Perhaps that is why Paul writes SO often to to be very careful with how we live. He URGES the Ephesians, as well as many others, to put off our old self and to live the life God intends for us... in the light, instead of the darkenss.. and to be unified. That is why we NEED to meditate on the scripture, speak encouragement to one another, and being thankful to the Lord.. it isn't just because those are good things to do.. but that is the only way we won't allow the devil to get a foothold on us... to tear us apart... to tear us down.
I have been learning that no one is perfect (not even missionaries) :o but praise the Lord we know Who is perfect.. and that is who we constantly try to imitate. Whether you mess up, or someone has messed up and it has affected you... it is never to late to turn to the Lord and tell Him what is going on. Life is so so much better in the light.
...how easy it is to get caught up in our anger, in jealousy, in gossip, in shame... and out of these things come actions that very often we end up regretting and needing to apologize for... how easy it is to participate in the "fruitless deeds of darkness" without even realizing it. Perhaps that is why Paul writes SO often to to be very careful with how we live. He URGES the Ephesians, as well as many others, to put off our old self and to live the life God intends for us... in the light, instead of the darkenss.. and to be unified. That is why we NEED to meditate on the scripture, speak encouragement to one another, and being thankful to the Lord.. it isn't just because those are good things to do.. but that is the only way we won't allow the devil to get a foothold on us... to tear us apart... to tear us down.
I have been learning that no one is perfect (not even missionaries) :o but praise the Lord we know Who is perfect.. and that is who we constantly try to imitate. Whether you mess up, or someone has messed up and it has affected you... it is never to late to turn to the Lord and tell Him what is going on. Life is so so much better in the light.
Monday, February 06, 2006
a little about la Clinica Metodista
On Fridays I go to El Pino (about 20 minutes outside of La Ceiba) and work in a free medical clinic. 
The clinic is funded by a Methodist mission, but run completely by Hondurans.
Eloida is the nurse who runs the show - acting as medical care provider and overseer of the clinic. She sees patients, gives shots, and writes prescriptions.
Charles works in the pharmacy, making sure that the patients get their medicine and pay the 10 Lempira (which is about 50 cents) for the entire visit. However, it isn't important if someone doesn't have money to pay for the visit.
I spend part of my time with Charles and part with Eloida. It definitely proves to be interesting and educational! I have become efficient in reading the Spanish prescription and filling it.. although I am always amazed how every patient gets at least 2 different types of medicines to take home with them. Granted, half of the time it is aspirin, tylenol, allergy, or worm medicine - which isn't something people can just go out and buy anywhere out in the pueblo - but still, it always seems like a lot of meds!
With Eloida - I have been privileged to observe many consultations - lots of headaches, rashes, infections, temperatures, and other aches and pains for babies, teens, adults and the elderly. I have become very acquainted with penicillin shots (in the rear end) and how to work a nebulizer. It is amazing to me how Eloida really acts as a doctor - but that is what the situation demands of her, and without her there, the community would get no health care.
There are many things I would do differently - such as actually use a thermometer to take someone's temperature, perhaps check blood pressure or blood sugar as hypertension and diabetes are common problems, and prescribe a lot more drinking of water. I am definitely not coming away from this experience thinking that everything I see is the way to do things... but the bottom line is that it is an incredible blessing to the people who live in this community to receive some form of health care that they wouldn't otherwise be able to afford.
Seeing the people who come into the clinic remind me just how many needs there are in this country - be it a doctor or shoes for bare feet.
Whom shall I send? Who will go for me?
The clinic is funded by a Methodist mission, but run completely by Hondurans.Eloida is the nurse who runs the show - acting as medical care provider and overseer of the clinic. She sees patients, gives shots, and writes prescriptions.
Charles works in the pharmacy, making sure that the patients get their medicine and pay the 10 Lempira (which is about 50 cents) for the entire visit. However, it isn't important if someone doesn't have money to pay for the visit.
I spend part of my time with Charles and part with Eloida. It definitely proves to be interesting and educational! I have become efficient in reading the Spanish prescription and filling it.. although I am always amazed how every patient gets at least 2 different types of medicines to take home with them. Granted, half of the time it is aspirin, tylenol, allergy, or worm medicine - which isn't something people can just go out and buy anywhere out in the pueblo - but still, it always seems like a lot of meds!
With Eloida - I have been privileged to observe many consultations - lots of headaches, rashes, infections, temperatures, and other aches and pains for babies, teens, adults and the elderly. I have become very acquainted with penicillin shots (in the rear end) and how to work a nebulizer. It is amazing to me how Eloida really acts as a doctor - but that is what the situation demands of her, and without her there, the community would get no health care.There are many things I would do differently - such as actually use a thermometer to take someone's temperature, perhaps check blood pressure or blood sugar as hypertension and diabetes are common problems, and prescribe a lot more drinking of water. I am definitely not coming away from this experience thinking that everything I see is the way to do things... but the bottom line is that it is an incredible blessing to the people who live in this community to receive some form of health care that they wouldn't otherwise be able to afford.
Seeing the people who come into the clinic remind me just how many needs there are in this country - be it a doctor or shoes for bare feet.
Whom shall I send? Who will go for me?
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