No, we don't have Lucaidos

Today started at a beautiful 7 am as Bowen and I walked to the Plaza to meet Mallori. We didn't know the adventures that would meet us, but we were excited none the less. Bowen had planned a trip to El Parque Nacional Cerro Azul Meambar-- we knew we needed to get a bus to La Guama, then a bus to Santa Elena, and then a Taxi to the parque... hmm yeah we should have known it would be difficult.

We did our normal long hike to the Texaco to await a random bus to stop and pick us up (which we learned almost 12 hrs later that this method is ridiculous seeing that the chicken busses actually have a bus station in town). It took a while to find a bus going all the way to San Pedro Sula-- but finally one arrived... standing room only obviously. We climb aboard to go down the road about 2 minutes and to stop for another 20 minutes so the passengers that had been riding for an hour could get food and use the bathroom. We climb back on the overly crowded bus.... and stand... and stand... until 45 minutes later we reach La Guama. This is where life got interesting.

So-- off the bus we go. To stand and look around awkwardly not knowing what to do. We grunted some Spanish at a random bus driver who told us that someone would be by at some point to pick up people to go to Santa Elena. But, we didn't have to wait long for three nice police officers to offer us a ride up the hill (interesting event #1 please see pictures). They drive us about 3 of the 7 km up the hill and then tell us to walk the rest of the way. But, we were thankful none the less because they didn't charge us so we started our long walk up a huge hill toward the place where we were planning to hike. IT TOOK FOREVER. It was hard. Very hard. We stopped at one point to have our peanut butter sandwhiches and then on we went. During the long hike not one vehicle passed us... it was strange. Finally we arrived at Panacam. The hiking was wonderful. And the views where beautiful. But, none of this compared to what was about to happen. We hiked to the highest point 1200 km or something like that... saw a beautiful view of the lake. Hiked back down expecting to meet Erick the manager who said he would take us back to La Guama. Erick was there when we got down the hill and pointed out a trail that with just a short easy 15 minute walk we would be able to see a beautiful waterfall. And well he didn't lie about that. The walk was pretty easy and the waterfall was beautiful (see picture), however he did lie about taking us down the hill. We got back to the lodge area... rested our tired legs only to notice the Panacam truck was gone. When we grunted our Spanish to the workers they told us yes, he was gone (interesting event # 2). However, they were quite sure that the random Honduran couple with the nice silver truck would take us to La Guama. Runnig through my head was pases like "seriously" "they have got to be kidding" "how do we even ask for that?" While contemplating this the couple get up... walk to their truck... and go to leave. NOOOOO... so we pitter patter after them like puppy dogs saying "permiso, permiso, lo siento." They were really nice though offered for us to ride inside the truck, but after hiking for 5 hours we figured the back of the truck would be better. So, off we go in the back of a really nice truck to the town of La Guama (interesting event # 3 see picture).

We had hopes of eating dinner by the lake-- but we couldn't get a taxi to take us 5 minutes down the road. So, we settled for a chicken bus. On this overcrowded chicken bus we were overcharged AND given the wrong change back. A very nice young man tried to argue for us, but the man would have nothing to do with it. But, once again the situation was saved! Once some people got off I was offered a seat at the front of the bus. I awkwardly sat down, but a few stops later I met a new best friend! His name is Rigo. Rigo-- is an older man, married, 2 kids... well I could tell you his whole story actually. But, I won't. His English was great from living in Austraila for 5 years. So-- I met him and we talked the rest of the way and I hope to see his piano concert in town on Friday!

And yes... the day keeps going. We get back into Sigua and we are hungry. So, we walk to the pizza place. I never want to visit this pizza place again. For the first time while being in Honduras I felt ugh-- about service... and it was because we were gringas. So, not only were they really short and impatient with us-- they also lied! They told us they didn't have Lucaidos (smoothies)... so Bowen and Mallori walked to get one from somewhere else... and then the next group of Hondurans that came in ordered some! Ya-- so we had to listen to their loud mixer thing crush up their ice and deliciousness... when we were told they didn't have any. Geesh! But, our dinner was tastey and--- Bowen and I got to see and feed Carlos Immanual and Jerson which was exciting. I looked up from the table to see Carlos (a beggar we met one sunday after church) and we had leftover peanut butter and bread from our hiking-- so we made them sandwhiches and talked with them. It pretty much made my day! And then walking home I saw my "Good morning guy." As we wait for the bus in the mornings there is one Honduran who is walking to work or something... with his backpack on and he always really cheerfully says "good morning" in a funny little accent... so this evening he also became my "good evening guy." And that was just really cool because I also saw him at like 7 that mornign as he was on a bus. Ohh yeah and!! Our laundry guy was totally working at a little store next to the pizza place. We went in to get some milk for our friends and I was like woah-- there is our laundry guy! In a big city of people we can't understand I'm finally recognizing people... and somewhat forming weird little relationships! Yay!

Wow-- okay thats all!

He's got the whole world in his hands....

He's got the whole world in his hands.... My kinder kids are starting to learn this song. Its pretty precious.

A quick update about nothing important! Life at Destino is going really well. The past few weeks have been pretty regular. Life is becoming normal I guess so I don't have as much to update on. I'm getting use to seeing oxen, roosters, and horses in the streets. And-- I'm beginning to to expect the unexpected-- FLEXIBILITY is key.
Tomorrow school lets out at 12:15 and then the parents are coming at 1. It will probably be crazy-- a lot of people on two school busses. I'll have to try to remember to take my camera.
There is a group here from Missouri or somewhere working with John and Yessy and they took us out to eat on Sunday to a place that had pet monkeys, bunnies, turkies, and random birds. That is so funny now that I think about it-- because at first I was like nope nothing new... and then I remember Oh yeah... MONKEYS!
Zoe has been sick so pray for her recovery (just some stomach stuff) and so I've got to work with third grade a little. Its been fun.
That is all for now. Thank you for your continuous prayers. I love it here... but I can't wait to visit for Christmas!

Amanda

And I'll give give give... (thank you Relient K)

Well-- it is almost November. I've had nice Saturday afternoon. We did our weekly shopping at Del Corral, ate some street food (pupusas and pastallitas or something like that), and visited the other teachers at Destino, Nathaniel and Mallori, as they moved into their new house in town.

Please continue to pray for Destino. Financially God has been blessing Destino (and huge thanks to people in the Pendleton County area). Please pray for Rhonda as she continues following God and his will with Destino. Also remember Carlos (minister, maintenece guru), Wendy (the wife of Carlos and principal), the Honduran teachers, and us Americans. Also, the school is lacking about 50 sponsors for the students. A lot of these are my kids since they are the youngest in the school. Not only do they need the money, but Rhonda is very persistant on the idea that these kids are not being prayed for by name. So please, check out the Destino del Reino website and if you can't sponsor a child every month ($60) you can sign-up to pray for one. $60 might seem like a lot-- but God will bless you. That is what I've learned a lot about being down here. Give, give give. Give time, give money, give love, give food, give forgiveness, give grace, give mercy, etc..,

Here are some of my students that do not have Padrinos (sponsors from the United States). So, if you fell led to be a sponsor for a child in anyway contact the ministry or me.

Eneyda (pic)- Kinder, very timid. Usually silent- which I've heard isn't too uncommon at this age. Hopefully in a few months she will break through and speak English!

Ingrid- New to Destino, but to old for Kinder so she went straight to Prepatoria. She is behind because of this, but she can catch-up. My biggest concern is how often she falls asleep in class- since I can't really communicate with her I can't ask her if she is sleeping at home. I've told the principal. So hopefully things will get better.

Jasmin (pic)- Precious and beautiful! She is a tiny girl in Prepa very smart. Her English is great. If she keeps going like she is she will excel in school and be a great leader.

Javier- He has come a long way in the past few weeks. I enjoy him because he is so loving- he gives us hugs daily. He is also really funny. Everyday at lunch he walks behind me and quietly whispers in Spanish (profe, if anyone doesn't want their food I'll eat it).

Jonathan- A happy Prepa kid who is further behind then the average student. He has a lot of joy and behavior wise has come a long way.

Karen- Like Ingrid she skipped Kinder, but she is doing very well. She is a fast learner, very quiet, and polite. A joy to have in class.

Andrea (pic)- A beautiful Primero student who is an excellent student. She makes me smile when we sing songs (like Amazing Grace) because she really gets into it!

David- An awesome Primero student who has changed a lot over the month. He is really maturing fast and is a lot better behaved then in September. He struggled last yer and they thought I would have to tutor him, but as for now he is doing excellent!

Karina V- Karina misses quite a bit of school because of a family situation. She needs a lot of prayer because she is falling behind in class.

Jafeth (pic)- A great kid who learns quickly and sometimes gets bored in class (oops).

Karina N- Jasmin's older sister- very polite and loving.

Katherin (pic)- A great Primero student- very smart and kind to her classmates. Respects the teachers and a great role model for her peers.

Maryuri- Likes English a lot and is really good at a few phrases. She is loving and sweet.

Rosa- A kind Primero student. She is very sweet. Sometimes easily distracted, but very precious!

Thanks all! See you in December!

Constantly being reminded and amazed of God's love

Wow! What an incredible journey this has been so far. Mainly I want to take time to say thank you to everyone who continues to support me. Your prayers mean so much to me. My 2 months in Honduras have been wonderful. God has blessed me in so many ways with this transition and I know that each of your prayers helps me every day. I e-mailed this to Bro. Harry to read to FBC, but I also want everyone who supports me to be able to read it. Please know that I will never be able to thank you enough for your love and support over these past few months.

To the congregation at First Baptist Church! ¡Buenas dias! I hope all is going well back in Kentucky. I just wanted to thank you for all of your prayer, love, and financial support over the past 3 months. You have been such a blessing to me, my roommates, and especially the school. I would have never imagined the ripple that Destino del Reino has made on my life, the students lives, the teachers lives, and even the lives of people back home. I want to also thank you for sponsoring one of my kinder students. His name is Osman Eliel and he just turned 5 years old. He is a really great kid that God is preparing to do awesome things with! He is smart and loves English. He brightens my day. The church is sponsoring him for $60 a month which provides him the transportation to the school, his two school uniforms, shoes, underclothes, a warm lunch everyday, the chance to learn Spanish and English, and to learn about God’s love everyday. I have been so inspired by God’s love since I’ve been down here. It has been a life changing experience. I have realized how important it is to focus on other people and just love people in anyway possible. People sometimes give up on themselves, so we as Christians shouldn’t. I encourage you to find ways to genuinely love people that you come into contact with; whether it be an encouraging word, a great big smile or hug, great conversation over a warm meal, or even things like paying for someone’s gas, buying someone’s groceries while shopping at Wyatts, or buying the persons food behind you in line. Random acts of kindness like this can really change people’s lives. First Baptist is the light house—so let each of your lights shine brightly. So, in closing- love random people, love people who need it, love those beside you, love those who have hurt your, and love those who are different from you. The greatest commandment is to love God and love your neighbor. Thank you again for being a blessing to my life. I can’t wait to see everyone in December.

Amanda

"The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." Galatians 5:6

Als0-- a huge thank you to Northern Elementary who raised over $1200 for Destino. I am posting a Thank You video--

Southern Elementary is beginning their change drive next week- I have started a blog for them Southern and Destino Unite as we try to incorporate a little bit of Destino into the classes at Southern. I look forward to this partnership and to the direction it may go.

I am also starting a blog for the sponsors of the Prepatoria and Primero students sponsors. Amanda is doing Kinder and I will be doing the older two grades. I hope to update them monthly and add pictures and stories and ways the sponsors can specifically pray for their kids.

Shhhhewww-- that is a lot of blogging! But, God is good!

Since I wrote last time I....

Traveled to Cuevatas. A small mountain villiage 3 1/2 hrs away from Siguatepeque (though the trip there took over 5 hrs) where I saw over 26 baptisms and one Honduran wedding. It was a really fun Sunday afternoon. The baptisms just took my breath away! It was so cool to see all kinds of people pouring over the hill to come to the small spot in the river close to a waterfall where Pastor Jon and Pastor Hector baptized people from both of their congregations.

I also made delicious Chicken and Dumplings-- watch out Mom. Mine could give yours a run for your money.

It got cold. Okay, not cold- but for Hondurans 70* means bundle up in scarves, hats, and gloves ALL DAY. It was so funny the kids were dressed like this throughout the whole day. It was chilly for about 2 days, but it has warmed back up.

The only thing that counts... Galatians 5:6

I love sand! The beach makes me so extremely happy! So- here is Mallori and me by the Caribbean.

Long time, no update. Sorry! The past few weeks have been amazing! I have now been in Honduras for 2 months- and I love it!

We missed school because of the political unrest in September, but we haven't seen anything different here in Siguatepeque. It sounds like things are still rough in Tegucigalpa, but for now life is back to normal. All of the news is so biased so I have trouble forming an opinion on the situation. I feel safe so pretty much I'm just waiting to see what happens with Zeleya. The election will be held at the end of November and the change in Presidents will happen in January.
Last week we had Friday off. Bowen, Mallori, and I traveled to La Ceiba. It was one of the best experiences of my life. We traveled 5 hours by bus, arrived in La Ceiba, taxi'd to downtown to eat at Pizza Hut. We then walked to the beach, saw the Caribbean Sea, and headed to Jungle River Lodge-- about 25 minutes outside of the city in the Rain Forest of Pico Bonito. All of this was exciting- just working through it on our own. With our little bit of Spanish skills...simple everyday life things are fun because it is a challenge. I like being challenged. It helps me grow as a person.

The Lodge was amazing. The area was beautiful. Saturday morning I got up early and had an amazing quiet time overlooking the Rio Cangrejal. I just remember thinking about all of the bad things that God has to see everyday-- but then wow, he also gets to see things like this everyday.

We then went on an adventurous river hike with two tour guides and four backpackers from Australia. We waded through water, climbed and jumped off of big rocks, and then rafted. The rafting was fun, but because of the time of the year the water was pretty low and thus no class IV or V drops. We headed back to the "chill" lodge, rested in the hammocks, read, ate lunch, and then went zip lining through the Pico Bonito Rain Forest. It was actually a cool learning experience. The two tour guides, Angel and Darwin, taught us about plants in the forest that were good for different remedies and we ate wild bananas (a little different from normal bananas because they had seeds that you couldn't eat in them) other random fruit-- oh yeah and termites. This picture is actually of me eating a termite. They taste like carrots! Dead serious. I would put them on a salad if I had the opportunity.
<-----Eating a termite

<----- Hiking during the zipline tour

This rock was really hard to climb up-- I bloodied my knee and had to tie my shoes to my lifejacket. But it was worth it.

Another really great thing about this trip was the fact that we had a 5 hr bus ride both ways. So, right before leaving I downloaded some sermons from Jon Weece at Southland Christian in Lexington-- and it was one of those things where I was just like WOW! This is exactly what God wanted me to hear. It is funny to think about the way God works. Like, I downloaded the sermons on a Wednesday when I didn't go to the Bible Study with my two roommates (I thought I just needed downtime and alone)... but it was actually so I would finally take time and look for podcasts from Southland so I could hear these amazing sermons. I challenge all of you if you can to either stream the sermons from the internet or download them for free on itunes... God is moving right now in this world. He is doing some crazy things-- and there is going to be amazing revivals in churches, towns, and hopefully even bigger than that! Southland is doing awesome things like really challenging its members to LOVE people. To SERVE people. To do crazy radical things... make people think what are these people up to... and then to point it all towards God. Jon challenged the congregation of 10,000 people to go serve (he let church out 40 minutes early... because sitting in church isn't what its all about-- I liked what he said about God not wanting our faith to be like a comfy couch that we just sit). He then talked about all of the stories he had read the next week of people who were served. Stories of a waitress searching for God who had "it" done to her twice through large tips and inspiring, but simple notes about God's love. He spoke about a man who had been driving around contemplating suicide-- pulled into a gas station and a Southland attendee filled up his car for him. And story after story was read of the people that God led others to help. Literally, changing and saving some of their lives.

http://www.southlandchristian.org/media/series/it/

It has just did crazy things for my faith. My roommates are on board and we have some great ideas about how to serve the people here. Pray that this doesn't fade like some spiritual highs do. Pray that God is really changing people.

I was a little anxious about this week because it was the first 5-day week in about three-weeks. And it was great. God is really working the lives of the students. Kinder is still a little crazy, but it is getting better. Our relationships are growing with our students and that makes it a lot better too.

Life—is good if we can rely on God and strive to be in his will. Some things he has really been teaching me lately about is: to watch out for complaining (which I fall prey to quite frequently—complaining about little things that shouldn’t matter) and instead of complaining find ways to give thanks to God in all situations; and to trust fully in God relying on him solely— I struggle with trying to plan out everything. I still want control of my life—so I continuously have to ask myself—my plan or God’s plan? I was reading in a short devotional that said our lives shouldn’t be divided into things we can do and things that we need Gods help with… EVERYTHING should rely on him. And love people (I think it was in one of Jon’s sermons that he said always LOVE people, believe in them, encourage them, and support them because a lot of times people give up on themselves).
God is good… All the time. Thanks for your continuous prayers. Love you all!

The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through LOVE—Galatians 5:6

Prayer requests:
Patience with the children
Financial support for the school
Sponsors for the children at Destino (both financially—but also spiritually—the children at Destino need to be prayed for individually—even if you don’t think you can support them financially through the website you can become a prayer sponsor of a specific child).

For more info on Destino visit: http://destinodelreino.org/ddr/home

Want to sponsor a child for $60 a month check out:

http://destinodelreino.org/ddr/school_sponsor

According to the website about 55 sponsors are still needed.

Ohh I can't leave this part out about my life in the past few weeks without updates...

This is Marvin Micheletti-- He was our cat for about a week. Bowen and Zoe found him crying in our wash bucket in the backyard. We took him in, warmed him, and fed him to discover a few days later how he fell into our lives. One evening we heard another kitten in distress. We searched for him in the back and side yard with candles and flashlights. We found him-- on the roof. Crying. We were going to rescue him (we thought he had been left like Marvin) when we realized that Marvin wasn't dropped by his mother cat into the water bucket- instead he fell from the roof into the bucket. At about that time we saw the mother cat coming for its kitten (she seemed pretty ticked off at us). We tried to give her Marvin back, but she didn't want him. A few days later we had a teary goodbye to Marvin when Ariel (a teacher at school) said he was looking for a cat. So, Marvin has a better home than we could have gave him-- and he still has my surrogate sweater to lay on.

The past few weeks...

Michelle--- from Kinder... my prayer girl : )

I have had an amazing 5 weeks so far in Honduras. Since my last update the Kinder students have gotten better at school in general. They are starting to understand the rules and that they have to listen. The other two classes are going pretty well reviewing and learning new vocabulary.
I talked about this in my last e-mail- but wanted to say it again (mainly for myself). One of the most difficult students the first week of school was a little girl named Michelle. She still misbehaves in class (though she is already a lot better in just three weeks of school- i.e. she doesn’t run away anymore), but she is changing. The Honduran assistant prays with the students before lunch and then Amanda and I walk them to the cafeteria. And the past two days I have sat down next to Michelle and she has said “Profa oraciones en ingles” and so I pray in English and she repeats it. It just gives me one of the best feelings ever.
I still get to love on students on the bus and give about 100 hugs a day. So, though teaching them English is hard, it is easy to love on them even not knowing their language.

I visited San Pedro last weekend. It was good to get out of Sigua for a few hours. Zoe, Amanda, and I caught a nice big coach bus for really cheap to the city. However, once we got on the bus we realized we had to stand the whole time because there were no seats. So- we were in the aisle for a long time trying to keep our balance. It was comical. A lot of things here seem funny just because they are so different from America. For example, Friday on the bus ride home from school we get on to realize the woman in the front seat has a duck in a bag. I’m not sure why or how, but she did. Its head was the only thing out of the bag. But—I like the strangeness. It makes me smile.
Anyway- in San Pedro we taxied to the mall—I ate KFC and bought nail polish. We taxied back to the bus station to get on a small shuttle without air-conditioning, but at least we got to sit down! So we spent four hours on two busses, but it was worth it for the KFC.
The past week or so I’ve also visited the Bilingual school of Sigua to observe another ESL teacher, went to a festival downtown celebrating schools, and ate a lot of starch… haha. That is one thing I’m getting use to is the lunch and food in general… tortillas…beans..rice..spaghetti. Everyone always asks if I’ve eaten anything unique. I haven’t really- baleadas (thin tortilla, beans, cheese thing) are delicious and I’ve never had one in America, but nothing is gross or weird.
We have a local dining place we like to go to. It is called Belly’s Grill. It’s a nice and cheap sit down restaurant good for fellowship. We also have a water guy (a pulperia that we always go to for our water refills), a laundry lady, a baleada lady, a new banana lady, and I think that is all of our connections for now. But, we are establishing connections (well sort of—with the language barrier it is hard) and this place is becoming our home! We even had a guy chop our front gate area that was all overgrown.
Which that in itself is a story. He was standing at our gate when we were walking back from the pulperia. It worried us at first, but then realized that he wanted to chop our yard. He wanted to do it for 200 limps ($10). So we haggled him down to 150 L (which I surprising like to haggle...) and then he needed a lema (a sharpener for his machete I think) and of course we didn’t have one, but we couldn’t understand why he didn’t. So he had to go buy one. Then we realized he wanted to do our whole yard and we didn’t want him in our gated area. We just needed him to do the outside of the gate area. So, Zoe had to do all of this talking with him and then get the price even lower because the space is really small. I wish I knew more Spanish because we have to rely on Zoe a lot for circumstances like this one (and they are obviously frequent). Bowen and I are thinking about trying to find a Spanish tutor.
Sad news: Our banana tree died… it uprooted itself from the ground. I don’t know if it was a storm of if the large bundles of bananas weighed it down.
Zoe and I just finished our first music video ever to “Shake It” by Metro Station. It was fabulous. It is 2 am… but I just have so much energy. I have not seen this hour since I’ve been in Honduras.
Keep praying for the school, the students, the teachers (especially patience) and Ariel’s sister. Thank you all for everything! I can honestly feel everyone’s prayer. The transition to life down here has been so smooth because of all of the prayer warriors at home. God is good- All the time!


Write me:
Zoe Tolson
Attn: Amanda Bruin
Apartido Postal 110
Siguatepeque, Comayagua
Honduras, CA

Part Retriever/ Part Beaver

Picture: Destino Teachers Mallori (4th, 5th, and music), Zoe (2nd and 3rd), Bowen, and me.

Tonight was fantastic! Bowen and I had plans to go to San Pedro for the big Honduras soccer game. However, God had other plans (here lately I have been seeing his other plans more frequently…. it is a blessing). Instead, we ended up going to the church picnic where not only did we have good food and good fellowship, but we met two amazing warm, loving, Godly women that really touched me.
Karen and Shannon are from Missouri and were visiting Sigua to do a seminar for women on personality types. Not only after meeting us did they invest time into understanding why we were in Honduras, but they also ran through the seminar just for us. I learned that I am part Golden Retriever part Beaver. This discussion really meant a lot to me because it helped me learn more about myself, but also about my roommates, and even the students in my classes. The ladies also prayed over our home when they brought us home. It means a lot to meet sisters in Christ and have them immediately whole-heartedly invest in your life.
I am so glad God did not want me to go the soccer game. I would have never learned this stuff standing in a stadium.
Ahh yes… and school has begun. We taught for four days. The first day was crazy! My youngest students were very ape-like. They would run out of the classroom, the lunch room, any where we tried to keep them contained. Some cried the whole time… I don’t know if they missed their parents or if the crazy Gringas were just scary because they were speaking another language. However, as the week went on it got a little better. My two older classes are precious (there are rowdy children… but it is all worth while). And… I enjoy the bus rides where I sit next to students and get to love on them. I might not have a positive impact on all 90 of my students… but I know God will touch some of their lives through me and that is what keeps me going.
I am so thankful to be here. And I thank God for everyone that is praying for me back home and supporting me financially. You all are truly awesome!

Love you all!

Check out Psalm 91

Don't Stress About Your Steps

Sunday- August 30
Things are still going really well here in Sigua.
School starts Tuesday and I am starting to get a little nervous. I wasn’t until I met some of the students on Friday and realized I could not talk to them at all! However, I fell in love with a second grader named Karen. She was precious. I loved spending time with her. I won’t be teaching her class, but I’m sure the 90 students I have will be just as precious.
I’ve already decided… when in doubt I’m just going to sing and dance. They are little kids… so they need to play and laugh. I think Bowen and I are going to try to teach them “My God is so Big.” In November (I think) they will “perform” at church and they are supposed to do things in both English and Spanish… so this song will hopefully be one of their performances. The children here memorize a lot. My first night at Destino church many of the kids from the home stood up and recited whole Psalms. Way longer pieces of scripture than I’ve ever memorized. It was impressive.
Once again church and Bible study have been great. The pastor, John, is really passionate and I enjoy hearing him. His wife, Jesse, is also really blessed to be able to translate for him like she does. They have a really neat rhythm. And- the Bible study group. They are just really encouraging and once the crazyness of school starts I’m sure they will be a safe haven. We meet on Wednesdays to do our little study… but my favorite part is the worship. A couple guitars and sometimes bongos…it just makes time with God so much more intimate.
Please continue to pray for the school. Financially I’m not sure how well things are going. I’m sure they still need sponsors for children and just help with daily functioning. So- if you want to help out in anyway please contact me (abruin0@gmail.com) or speak with Bro. Harry or my mom. Pray that through the language barrier the American teachers can show Christ’s love to all of the students, teach them English skills to help them with their future, and give them hope for impacting the world.

I love how God works… he will keep showing you something over and over again until you realize what he is doing. And this week I’ve had two things that keep showing up. Both deal with God and his plans for our life.

A piece of scripture that keeps reoccurring…
In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9

And a reoccurring theme in both devotional time and church…
God sees the problem and weaves his plan into it… he has the answer to the problem before we know there is a problem.
“Even when life throws the unexpected at us, it is never unexpected for God. He always has a plan... We are children of the God who sees ahead and who has already interwoven his good, sovereign plan with the strange presumptuous will of human beings.”

“Seek God’s will and determine to pursue it, but don’t stress about your steps. He always puts them in order.”

How great is it to know that whatever we are going through (or will go through) God has already figured out how we are going to make it through it.

Pictures of life so far

2 little girls from Detino : )

Eating planternas… yumm. Thanks to the neighbor boys who showed us how to open them.

I hunted that banana with the stick in my other hand… I’m quite good at it actually.

Pythons, Bulls, and Chickens... Oh my?

So, I have been in Honduras for 9 days now (I think) and it has been fabulous. I am really enjoying this experience. I haven’t got to play with any kids yet and that makes me sad, but school starts next Tuesday (September 1). Today was an amusing day. While at school there was a random huge cow that came through the gates and was just right by the front office. And then there were quite a few on the playground. Then a really large snake was caught in the hen house (I think) and they brought it over to show us. I would honestly estimate it to be about 5 feet long. Hopefully you can see a picture. It was wild. Then, on our way home Amanda and I wanted to stop and try a baleado (a tasty little Honduran thin tortilla, bean, and cheese thing). While waiting for our baleado Bowen noticed two large bulls fighting on the soccer field. Children just kept playing soccer and neither really seemed to notice the other.

The playground and some cows.

I missed the photo of the bulls actually fighting with their horns… and just got them walking away.

Yay for climing trees in our backyard!

Sunday, August 16, 2009
We safely arrived in San Pedro Sula Saturday morning and met up with Rhonda and Carlos. The past two days have been relaxing. We have just settled into our house, went grocery shopping, and are just getting to know each other. We have not seen Destino yet, but we go first thing in the morning.
Church this morning was a blessing. Zoe attended the church when she was here last spring. The American pastor preached in English while his wife translated in Spanish. It was a strong sermon about how as Christians we should be eager to spread the news of Christ (much like we would spread other good news in our life). We shouldn’t hide the news or doubt that God can change people.
The language barrier here makes me feel incompetent, but with time I will pick up more Spanish and hopefully become more comfortable in settings such as the grocery store (man… is that intimidating).
Overall everything is going really well. Continue to pray for Sigua, the school and the orphanage at Destino, Zoe, Amanda, and myself.

Thursday, August 20, 2009
This week has been amazing. We are mainly doing training and preparing at the school and trying to set up our house. School doesn’t start until September 1, so I haven’t met any of my students yet. We did get to meet the Destino children just for a few moments and they were precious.
God has just really shown me a lot this week and I feel really blessed do be here doing his work. Besides the church being wonderful on Sunday we also went to a Bible study last night that was really uplifting. There were about 20 young people, mainly Americans, but also Canadians, Hondurans, and even some Brits. We are supposed to meet every week and go through a study (something about group life). I’m really looking forward to it.
I’m adjusting well to life, but I expect the homesickness to hit me in a few weeks or even months from now. But, even thinking about the “lows” that I know I will run into… I just have this huge amount of peace about the whole year.
So- be praying for the start of school! Thanks for everything.

Friday-- August 14

I can't sleep so I decided what better to do with my time (eh, who needs to pack anyway) than to start this blog so everyone who wants to can keep track of me! First off thank you to EVERYONE who has supported me on this crazy adventure. From prayer partners, hymn singers, yard sale donators, financial contributors, uplifters, cheerleaders, huggers, and all of the other wonderful roles many of you have played in my life I say thank you and God bless. The grace of God has blessed me to go on this adventure and he did it through each and every one of you.
I will arrive in Honduras early Saturday afternoon (they are 2 hours behind us... just in case you needed to know that). Monday we start a two-week training course and then school begins. I am really excited. Amanda Marie (Bowen) and I will be teaching 4-7 year-olds in the youngest classes (prepa, kinder, and 1st). Yay! So look for updates and check-out the school's website: destinodelreino.org

Love you all!

Amanda