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
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