Honduran Elections

Today was the Honduran election day... and we are still awaiting news of who won the presidency. It is against the law to have any meetings today (I guess so that you don't sway votes) - so we didn't have church. Instead, Erin and I went out to the Gochez's house (Norman, Cesia, y Paola) - and ate lunch with them.

Afterwards, we went to vote with them. What a fun experiece that not many people have! We were able to go in to the school where they are registered and watch them vote. After they voted, they had to dip their pinky finger into ink so that they couldn't vote again under a different name.
It almost felt like a party - because there were so many people there.. greeting each other and selling food to eat.. I am so glad that we were able to go with them!

Afterwards, we took a walk around Ceiba, ending up at the beach near zona viva. We stayed there until the sun had almost set - and then walked home. Cesia and I had some very meaningful conversations about our lives and what we believe... and I am reminded that I need to be ready at any moment to give an account for the HOPE that I have - and for the REASON that I live the way I do.

yo vivo para Ti.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am ridiculously full! We had a huge thanksgiving dinner with Americans and Hondurans alike - we began the day thinking that 20-25 people would come do dinner.. and the final head count was 36 people! It was such a blessing to find this "family" away from my family. I miss my family - especially now, as my sister is in labor with my nephew.. but I have found such community, acceptance, and love here.. and for that I am very thankful!

First week of class...

What an adventure these past few days have been! With my first week of classes complete - I am walking away with many lessons. I wonder if the other teachers realized that I am not a teacher by profession, nor have I EVER taught a class before. :) When I walk into the classroom, and all the students stand up and say "Good Morning, Miss Stephanie..." and then the class is mine to control.. what a task! But classroom management is nothing compared to the task of making sure students who barely speak English can comprehend what I am talking about and are actually LEARNING. I have really stepped out of my comfort zone - as I sing (loudly, while the teacher is listening :/) with the kids to make sure they stay with me and pronunciate words well. They are all so sweet - and I look forward to getting to know them as well as I can. This week I talked about how God created the world and everything in the world - and how He loves us very much and wants to talk to us and for us to love Him and talk to Him back.
This whole experience has really brought me to my knees as I am constantly learning how to best deal with each unique class in each of the grades, to communicate with the students, and involve them in learning. The Lord has been so faithful to meet me in my weaknesses and insecurities. My natural tendency would be to back out - as I would much rather work with kids one-on-one - but what an incredible opportunity to teach over 70 kids in EACH grade - from all different backgrounds - about God and what it says about Him in the Bible!
I pray that with this class - God's word would touch the hearts of the children and that they would understand how God wants to be involved in their lives.

"Let your light so shine
that they may see your good works,
and glorify your Father who is in heaven."
~ Matthew 5:16

faithful in the little things

HOW easy it would be to complain about life here - about the mold that grows everywhere, the guys that grab at you as they pass on their bikes, the constantly humid or rainy weather, the culture that is so different from everything we have ever known..
...and yet the Lord reminds me that when it rains in our lives - when we are tired, depressed, lonely, or sad - that He is ever close. And in those times God continues to call us to be faithful in the little things He has given us.

This morning started out like any other morning, waking up to find the rain pouring down, the power still out, and leaks flooding our apartment. I did not want to go anywhere.. and was fed up with cleaning up the water on the floor. I seriously considered playing hook-y from language school - however I grabbed my largest umbrella and set out walking the 7 (mas o menos) blocks to school. Little did I know that we were in a "red alert" - which closes most schools - and the water was flooding the colonias and houses so much that most of the teachers couldn't come to school anyways. Instead of turning around and going home to my nice, warm, dry bed - I continued walking downtown to check up on Paola (and the condition of her house), who was working in her family's tourist kiosk.
I went there with the intention of saying "hi" and asking about her family in attempt to show her that I care about her and her family. However, because of the rain, there wasn't much business, and Paola and I ended up having one of our most meaningful conversations while sitting in the little kiosk. We ended up reading the Bible together and sharing a devotional from "The Daily Bread" - and that opened the door for a discussion on our spiritual gifts and women's roles in the church.

Not too much later, I enjoyed lunch with Paola, Norman, Erin, y Oscar - and then spent some more time with some other friends, Cesia and Tammy - who also came to the kiosk in the afternoon. I have loved coming to know my new friends - and I see how they have such a heart to love, know and serve the Lord in their lives... but they have received such shallow teaching of the scripture.

I am so grateful that the Lord has opened doors for me to talk about the Bible and go deeper in my relationships with these girls. I can't believe I would have missed out on my morning with Paola if I had let the rain keep me from venturing out of where I was comfortable. Staying inside today would have been a lot easier - it would have been a lot more comfortable - and I would have less laundry to do. But what an amazing day it ended up being - despite all of the rain.

I am here in La Ceiba to serve the Lord in every aspect of my life - but the only way the Lord is able to use me is for me to be faithful in what He has already brought into my life. When we are faithful to continue pouring into the people and the jobs that the Lord has placed us in, this then allows Him to open more opportunities to join God where He is working.

"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 4:10-11

I want to encourage you - that no matter where you are, no matter how trivial your task may seem (be it caring for your children, praying for a friend, studying for test, visiting someone who is sick) - be diligent, and work "as unto the Lord" - for God will use you in unexpected ways and reward you for your faithfulness to Him.

rain rain go away

So we are approaching our third day of continuous rain... Erin and I have given up on catching all the leaks and trying to prevent mold from growing until the rain stops. This rain floods the streets and houses so often, I have never seen anything like it! It is always an adventure showering or cooking or really doing anything - because the power and water are continually being disconnected with all this rain. Being the good student that I am, however - rain in the streets up to my knees isn't enough to keep me away from language school... and no light to do homework by is easily remedied by a candle and my laptop screen. Yes, I'm dedicated.. ;) (I know I'm looking incredible good in this picture.. haha, oh well - I felt like I needed to give you a visual aid)

Honestly, the rain hasn't been all bad - as it has demanded that I stop running around everywhere, and allowed for time to rest and spend quality time in the Word. As I am preparing to begin teaching the Bible to students in a non-Christian school, it is my prayer that whatever I teach would be from the overflow of my heart and that the kids would be able to understand what I am talking about. I pray that these classes would be led by the Spirit and that through all that I do, I will point the kids to Jesus Christ. Please continue to be in prayer for me and the students - that my transition from "administrator" to "teacher" would go smoothly, and that the students would be receptive to the teaching!

Children's songs...

Behold
what love
the Father has bestowed on us
that we
should be
called the sons of God.

i have been singing children's songs to myself all evening - preparing for the Bible classes for 1st-3rd graders I will begin to teach on Monday - as well as building my self esteem to sing acapella in front of the students. As I'm forced to consider the words that the students will not understand and then explain the song to them in words that they do understand - I have been struck by the depth of meaning in each of the songs.
What an amazing thought, that the Lord would call us His sons and daughters - that by nothing we have done, we receive such an incredible gift. So often it is easy to say to someone they are my sister or brother in Christ, and lose the actual meaning because these churchy words are so commonplace - but to actually think God has made us joint heirs along with Christ.. that God has brought us into His family.. what a privilege.. what a blessing.. to know that we will have family no matter where we go in the world - because God is God over ALL the world. and as far at the east is from the west, nothing can separate us from the love of God. can we even comprehend the enormity of what this means for our lives?

Dinner fun...

Erin, Cesia, Paola, and I had a dinner party - where Cesia and Paola taught us how to make a typical honduran meal (with home-made tortillas, of course! pollo, chismole, y salsa)! I can't tell you how many times they just laughed at Erin and me... tortilla-making isn't easy! The real challenge will be to see if Erin and I can make the same meal without them standing next to us... ha ha, um... I should have written it down. ;) No worries, by the time I come back to the States, I will be an expert tortilla maker! (and they taste so much better than the ones you buy in the store)

I often get frustrated because I want to talk with these girls about more meaningful things, but our conversations are so limited. Please pray that I will be diligent in making time to study Spanish, and that our relationships would deepen as our ability to communicate with each other improves.

This picture is of Cesia, Norman, and Paola standing in the central park in Ceiba. I met them at our church, Primera Iglesia Bautista, and they have become some of my closest friends here. They speak very little English - but they are helpful and patient with me as I blunder through my spanish (as long as I talk fast, it sounds good - who cares if it is wrong) ;) Every once in a while they practice a little English with me - and I appreciate it when I am the one doing the correcting for once.. :) I am so grateful for their friendship - as we are able to have fun together, as well as talk about the Lord. I am looking forward to continuing building our friendship!

life experiences...

So I am officially posting my life on the internet for everyone to see due to Ruth's recommendation. Yes, no more super long emails about my life - it is now your responsibility to check out this website if you want to know what is going on in my life. You could always call me as well, as Erin and I have a US phone in our apartment: 1-865-686-6399. Erin has been a great "companera de cuarto" and I am so thankful to have her to live life with. I can't believe that I've been in Honduras for 7 weeks - the time has flown by. The days are busy and I am constantly being pushed out of my comfort zone... whether it is teaching in classes (grades 1-6, with no training!), participating in dramas for youth evangelism/outreach, playing guitar and leading worship for our team worship, or por supuesto, speaking in Spanish (I am constantly battling the perfectionist in me to just jump in and say whatever and make errors and not worry about it, but learn from my mistakes.) I had the opportunity to go to Naval, a military school here in Ceiba, with the University Christian group - as they minister to the students training there. It was really great to be a part of a Honduran outreach, and they are already planning on me giving my testimony, helping with their one-on-one evangelism, and singing a song in English (HA! yeah right, joyful noises are not ment to be solos! This is the time I wish I had Dee-Dee or Rachel's voice!).
The Lord has blessed me with some amazing friends here - and I love our team. I am reminded once again that in the body of Christ I have family all over the world - and I have seen that here, as I've been welcomed into the hearts and homes of both missionaries and Hondurans here in Ceiba and around the country.
I hope you enjoy reading my updates and please respond - or email me (stephanieleecole@gmail.com) - because I would love to hear from you!
En Dios confio...

Me with my first teacher at Language school - Esther - who will have her first daughter any day now.. She gave me lots of advice on getting around Ceiba - and she was a great teacher! Look, I'm not sweating on this day (and wearing longer sleeves)! It must have only be 80* - but the cooler temperatures didn't last long!

floods

...and rainy season begins with a visit from Hurricane Beta..

When it rains, it pours.. and streets flood quickly.  Schools close often during this season for "code reds" - and people are left bailing out their houses.. and cars.

Hey everyone!
I can't believe October is almost over! Time has flown by here - as I realize that 5 weeks have gone by. Each week has held so much - and each has been so different. Quick recap: The first week was full of adjusting - and taking care of 4 boys for one of the missionary families for 4 days. The second week - Tom Stewart came down here and we spent the week with him. Tom is the head of MTWs Street Child ministry - so he was assessing our area and seeing the possibilities for starting the ministry here - we spent time going around to all the different ministries and locations we have things going one.. but I will talk more about the street child ministry later. Third week: We had meetings with Bill Yarbrough - the MTW director for ALL of Latin America. It was so great to talk with him - for me personally.. and for our team too.. we made up our team goals, our mission statement - and talked about how to practically get started. Forth week: Erin and I had the incredible opportunity to go to Copan Ruinas - for a conference about Honduras with a lot of the NGOs here working in Honduras - it was set up by www.projecthonduras.com - and we learned so much about what is going on in Honduras. We were able to network, learn how to do things more efficiently, and make contacts all over Honduras. It was not all work though - as I went with several friends to see the Mayan Ruins and go on a horse back ride up a mountain. I thought the ride would be nice and a chance to see beautiful scenery.. haha - no. We galloped some of the way up the mountain and the WHOLE way down it! I definitely learned to appreciate galloping over the "trot of death" - and we were all SO sore afterwards. It was an unforgettable experience - I am so thankful for the opportunity to go to Copan. Some of the facts I learned there - Honduras is the #1 leading country for AIDS/HIV, and the #2 country for poverty in the western hemisphere.. We rival many African countries for HIV/AIDS population, and are among the top 15 countries in the world. WOW. who knew. I learned that the biggest needs here are education and medical care - as the people need education to be productive individuals in society, but the most common problem that businesses have is that the few qualified workers they have can't stay healthy for long enough to be dependable. I met many amazing people who are involved in educating people - both scholastically and with health education - and while each life they touch makes a difference, there are SO many more that need help. (I would love to tell you more about this - so email me if you want to know more). The Lord spoke to me a lot during this conference - especially as I saw the needs of the people here so clearly, and how other people are working to meet those needs. The final thing I'll tell you from the conference is the missionary's equation for happiness:
reality * flexibility - expectations = happiness

So we returned from Copan last Sunday - and I FINALLY was able to being NORMAL life here in Ceiba. I feel as though the Lord has opened SO many doors - and I continually have to be faithful to step through them - and to have wisdom about how much to commit to. This past week - I began working at Brassavola Bilingual School. I am actually working with the administration right now - sitting in on the classes (grades 1-6) and assessing the teachers and students in the way the classroom is managed and how well/much they use English. I will be working there three days a week - and soon I will start my own class to help the students that have the most needs. I have been overwhelmed by what I've found in the classes - as far as how much is lacking.. but the students have impressed me with their politeness and respect. I LOVE walking around now and hearing a child say "Hi, Ms. Stephanie" when I'm in the mall, or having them run over and hug me. :) It is so easy to show these kids love - and to let them know they are important - which is the biggest struggle for a kid living in poverty - to think they are actually work something. Soon I will start teaching at the school, and then possibly begin a Bible class there (they really want it even though it isn't a Christian school! but I need to talk with them about the time commitment..) I work with 5 people from my church - so it is really fun to see them on a regular basis. I feel like I'm making many connections and friends my age here - through church and work. I have also met some high school aged girls who aren't Christians (Paoula and Jaclyn) that I am building relationships with - always the Young Life leader! Jaclyn is a 9th grader from Brassavola, and Paoula is a 11th grader that was kicked out of Brassavola. good times. :) This was the first week for me to complete 5 consecutive days of Spanish school - and on Thursday 5 of the teachers went over to the Noonan's house (one of the missionary families) along with Erin, myself, and 4 other missionary women - and we learned how to make corn and white flour tortillas by hand, frijoles fritos, y some salty CA cheese.. and had a big lunch party. IT was so fun. :)

Other doors the Lord has opened for me to be involved here - I am going to help a couple nurses once a week that work in villages around Ceiba - helping to aid them in their health care and with health education of the woman here. AND of course the Street Child ministry.. we have received the "go ahead" from MTW to begin this ministry - and now are in the process of becoming a NGO in Honduras. This process could be really slow or REALLY fast.. depending on who is in power and whatever they feel like doing. So we are meeting weekly to pray over this ministry and the girls that we will initially take in. We are currently investigating several housing options as well for where to have the house. We are trusting this ministry to the Lord's hands and in His timing.. and know that we don't want to get ahead of His plan.
So much is going on - but I LOVE being involved in the life here - and really feeling like a part of this community. I am constantly amazed at the authority and respect I have just because I am from the United States - and I realized that it is both a privilege and huge responsibility to be looked up to so highly. I realize that I have always had some grandiose idea of missions... but really it is just living your life before people - being a witness of Jesus' unconditional love and redemption. What I am doing here is not any different than any of you in the United States. I want to encourage you to continue to live your life before others wherever you are, knowing that they are looking at you and will wonder what makes you different - why you have peace and joy when there is no reason to have it - why you spend time investing into them when you could be doing millions of other things.. why you care about their lives - no matter how ugly or awful... "Whatever you do, in WORD or DEED, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus..."- so live as to establish credibility of the Christian faith so that you will be able to make the most of every opportunity that comes your way (Col. 3:17). I am reminded of where I'd be "sino fuera por Tu gracia y por Tu amor" - but for the grace and love of the Lord. What reason we have to give of ourselves - of our lives - to others.. for them to experience the same grace.. the same love. If you have any encouragement in Christ, any comfort of love, any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others as better than oneself. May the Lord be with you - my He speak to your heart and let you know how vast is His love.

Con todo de mi amor,
Stephanie

ps.you wouldn't believe HOW many people have the name Stephanie here! I think there is at least one girl in every class I have been in at Brassavola.. who knew it was so popular!

Copan, Honduras

Standing in the square in Copan, Honduras. I definitely recommend visiting this place!  We were able to go horse-back riding in the afternoon - galloping up and down a mountain to a little village on top where they sold handmade corn husk dolls (their only source of income) was definitely a unique experience.. and one that left us sore for days!

Visiting the Mayan ruins in Copan - we made some great friends from Roatan - and had an unforgettable experience at the conference with projecthonduras.com.  We are standing in front of the same view found on the Honduran Lempira (dollar)

Erin and I eating our "desayuno typico" to start our day off right in Copan Ruinas. :)

Our MTW team at Pico Bonito, just outside of La Ceiba

it's been 2 weeks in Ceiba

Steph and Erin visiting Mission of Hope and playing with all the ninos

Hola!
I hope that you all are doing well! Life in Ceiba, Honduras has been very different - each day holding new experiences. I am grateful that it hasn't been very hard for me to adjust to this culture - probably because I expected it to be really different (especially when I thought I would be going to Guanaja)... but being in the city, I am not without a lot of conveniences that I have at home: microwave, tv, internet, frig, AC in my room at night, etc... I have become proficient at getting around, and I have learned my way around the city -so I can walk or take a taxi, depending on how far and how much time i have... I prefer to walk, but I feel safer in a taxi. When I'm walking around, men constantly make comments "mi amor" or make noises at us.. but most of the time it is harmless and I don't pay them any attention. Being here has really given me an appreciation for Latinos in the US - as I am in the minority, I speak a different language (most of the time)... it has really been a good experience.. and I will definitely be more tolerant of people who come into the US and do not speak much English.
My apartment-mate (Erin Troxler) has been great - I can't imagine being here alone, I am grateful for another single girl my age. Soon two guys in their twenties will be coming to join the team (in Nov and Dec) so we are excited for more "friends" to hang out with. We are also making some Honduran friends in Language school and hopefully we will have the girls over for dinner soon. Erin has been really homesick and depressed - and I know she would appreciate your prayers. I recently have been really frustrated because this experience has been nothing like I imagined it to be. I have been thinking "what is a missionary" and "why am I here?" - because I didn't feel like I really had a purpose to be here in Ceiba. The MTW team in Ceiba is new - our presence began a year ago - so the team is what is called an "advanced team" - which means we are here to explore where possible mercy ministries could be set up with the possibility of church planting - or if we can work alongside an already established church for some mercy ministry. So the leadership and families aren't doing much (besides a ministry to taxi drivers) and a lot of "feeling it out". It was a really unexpected discovery for Erin, the Guzman family, and me - as we were all origionally destined for Guanaja and just recently moved to the La Ceiba team. I think some good things are starting... and I realize that I have to be really proactive in my involvement in this culture and ministry here. I already feel as though I've been useful to the team, just in suggesting different ways to do things as a team.
SO what am I doing? Well, in the mornings I go to Central American Spanish School - an intensive one-on-one school... so hopefully my spanish will improve drastically while I'm here (even though I've surprised myself and my teammated with the spanish I already know!). Erin and I lead worship for our team worship meetings... talk about a stretch of my comfort zone! But it is a blessing to the missionaries here to be able to have live worship in English every once in a while.
What about the Orphanage? I went out to Ninos de la Luz - and while I was there I really didn't feel like that is where I need to invest my time. The orphanage is for all boys - ages 5-16 - and it is really well run. Erin and Brian (missionaries with MTW) will be working there - and I felt like my time could be better spent elsewhere. I have been praying about where to invest myself, and this afternoon an opportunity to work in a Christian bilingual school - a school for poorer families -fell in my lap. The group that runs this school is called "Disciple Makers" - and the missionary asked me to play my guitar and teach the childern fun songs like Father Abraham... any suggestions? :) She said that they have such a need for help that I could be used in many different ways - really whatever I feel up for. I will help give make-up tests, so teachers don't have to take time away from their classes, I will help tutor English, and I may pick up teaching a science class to third graders.. It is up in the air right now - but I will keep you updated. I am excited about this opportunity.
I also really have it on my heart to help start the street child ministry for the girls in Ceiba. The orphanages are primarily for males, so the girls have no where to go. Last weekend some of the missionaries and I were walking downtown and we saw a boy laying on the pavement ahead of us... I knew he was homeless, and I thought "oh he's just resting there because he has no where else to rest".. but as we got closer, I saw that his eyes were wide open, staring blankly into the sky, and there were flies on his lips and face - and he just laid there... still, with a brown paper bag not too far from his fallen hand. I think the was the saddest and worst thing I have ever seen... I thought to myself "oh Lord, no.. he's dead.." and when we said something, Cathy (our team leader's wife) looked and saw his chest rise. She told us that he was just really stoned and pointed out the paper bag. She told us that that is what the street boys do - they get SO high that they go unconcenscious - and they do it over and over again so they don't have to feel hunger, or worry about life.. or be bored.. But there is places that grab those guys off the street. The girls - we don't seem them out during the day like the guys - they come out at night and prostitute themselves in order to survive. It is so awful - and then some thirteen year old girl prostitute then has a baby that she can't care for. Cathy and I both have a heart for those girls - and so we are looking to partner with the church we attend (Primera Iglesia Bautista) and start a day house for the girls. Please be in prayer that the Lord will open doors for us and that we will take actual steps to start this ministry.
Something I've learned here is that EVERYTHING is out of my control... and the only thing I can do is rely on Christ and remain faithful to what He has called me to do. He has reminded me that I am to make known in Honduras what He has done (Psalms 105:1) - and that these ministries that I am getting involved with are just tools to do that.
I've also realized that I am in a third world country - and I have to be willing to GIVE UP some of the things I have at home in order to be here.. but the Lord has really laid Phil 2:1-4* on my heart - and that living here with the ANTS in my kitchen is part of this experience. I am just thankful that thus far I haven't found any turanchelas!
I guess this email is ridiculously long.. and if you've made it this far - thanks for being interested to read this much!


*If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being likeminded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others. Phil 2:1-4

**For it is God who works in you to WILL and to ACT according to his good purpose. Phil 2:13

Erin and I flying into San Pedro Sula and waiting for the Guzman's to pick us up - do you think we have enough baggage? (only three of the bags  actually are mine.. ;)