March 25, 2009
Today was a day of some firsts. I took Lisbeth with me to the grocery store and she was wonderful. It has been so fun to see her laughing and smiling and wanting to play. She still cries a lot at nap time, but she is getting better. And she keeps trying to talk which ends up being babbling. She also loves to give kisses. I pray that she will grow up loving Jesus and that her mom will be an example of Christ to her.
As I was sitting at my desk working this afternoon, something black drifted down onto the keyboard. It was the first ash of the season. It is amazing how they get inside through the roof. Yesterday I was riding out to camp with the Williamsons and the temperature read 91F. Today it had to be much hotter. The melting has begun. Yet when I was running around camp this morning I marveled at the beauty as I have been doing the past few weeks. There is definitely beauty here in the tropics, heat and all.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
God Encounters
March 19, 2009
I had a God encounter today. By that I mean an encounter that God clearly orchestrated. I had gone to the bank at the mall and as I was leaving decided to check into getting phone card minutes automatically via my credit card instead of having to always go to a store. As it turned out being a foreign citizen makes that option impossible for me. But the young woman at the booth, Julissa, began asking me why I am in Honduras. And so I shared a little bit of my story. One of her first questions was, "How do I become a missionary?" We chatted for a while and I shared some of my journey and also how being a missionary starts in the hear and now and how we live each moment of the day wherever we are. It was a good conversation and I hope to be in contact with her at a late
r time so that I can encourage her to keep following God's call on her life.
r time so that I can encourage her to keep following God's call on her life.The other God moment I had recently was last night when Evelin got baptized. It was a joy to see her kneeling down in surrender to God, taking this step. She was excited too because the Holy Spirit touched her while she was standing and making her verbal commitment to the Lord. The fact that Lisbet sat contentedly with the other women of the camp and myself for over 2 hours was definitely God at work. She was even laughing some of the time, which was probably a little distracting for the others around us but sweet to hear nonetheless. It was a blessing to have all of the staff women from camp at my house last night since they were in the city for the baptism. We got to have a "slumber party" of sorts.
(Lisbet with her aunt Marlene)
Riding the Waves
March 19, 2009
I feel as if I have been riding the waves these past few days. I would catch one swell that would carry me in one direction and then another would crash upon me, sending me in a different direction. Of course all of the time the current was slowing pulling me in the direction of my final decision. (I have obviously been spending too much time in a tropical climate considering my analogy comes from the beach scene and not from a snow one.) Last week I thought I had found an apartment and took steps to rent it when another option was offered to me by the same landlord. It seemed that it would work even better and Evelin could get a job because of it. Over the weekend though part of that plan fell through. Then on Tuesday the final part of the plan failed and I was back to renting the apartment I had originally wanted to rent anyway. So other than the frustrations with how everything changes, it was not too bad.
But then yesterday when I went to give the woman the information for writing up the lease, I learned of a new development -- someone else who would be within the same building that I did not think would be a good influence nor connection for us. It was a red flag and had me praying once again last night. Finally this morning I decided that there have been too many obstacles, detours, and whatever else with this potential apartment, as well as time wasted. I feel like God is telling me to just stay where I am, indefinitely. I wanted to go cheaper and smaller but that does not seem to be God's leading. Perhaps He wants to teach me to trust Him more and not depend on myself. Perhaps the move would have been too much change for Lisbet who is beginning to adjust to life here. Perhaps He has plans to provide another housemate in the near future or He wants me to still have a place for other missionaries to stay when in the city. I do not know the reasons, but I am staying put and not moving unless God puts an apartment in my lap and says, "Move!!"
I wonder why I had to waste all of the time in the process of coming to this realization, but maybe I was not listening too well in the first place. I am glad that I met the other landlord, and I think we will remain in contact some in the future. I also have come to the point of feeling good about staying right where I am and last week that was not the case. I look forward to the day when I can see the "why's?" behind all of life's situations and questions.
I feel as if I have been riding the waves these past few days. I would catch one swell that would carry me in one direction and then another would crash upon me, sending me in a different direction. Of course all of the time the current was slowing pulling me in the direction of my final decision. (I have obviously been spending too much time in a tropical climate considering my analogy comes from the beach scene and not from a snow one.) Last week I thought I had found an apartment and took steps to rent it when another option was offered to me by the same landlord. It seemed that it would work even better and Evelin could get a job because of it. Over the weekend though part of that plan fell through. Then on Tuesday the final part of the plan failed and I was back to renting the apartment I had originally wanted to rent anyway. So other than the frustrations with how everything changes, it was not too bad.
But then yesterday when I went to give the woman the information for writing up the lease, I learned of a new development -- someone else who would be within the same building that I did not think would be a good influence nor connection for us. It was a red flag and had me praying once again last night. Finally this morning I decided that there have been too many obstacles, detours, and whatever else with this potential apartment, as well as time wasted. I feel like God is telling me to just stay where I am, indefinitely. I wanted to go cheaper and smaller but that does not seem to be God's leading. Perhaps He wants to teach me to trust Him more and not depend on myself. Perhaps the move would have been too much change for Lisbet who is beginning to adjust to life here. Perhaps He has plans to provide another housemate in the near future or He wants me to still have a place for other missionaries to stay when in the city. I do not know the reasons, but I am staying put and not moving unless God puts an apartment in my lap and says, "Move!!"
I wonder why I had to waste all of the time in the process of coming to this realization, but maybe I was not listening too well in the first place. I am glad that I met the other landlord, and I think we will remain in contact some in the future. I also have come to the point of feeling good about staying right where I am and last week that was not the case. I look forward to the day when I can see the "why's?" behind all of life's situations and questions.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Family Moments
March 16, 2009
I love my family! This evening I watched the tape of my grandpa, Mervin Sutter’s funeral. I guess that in some ways it made his death more real though hearing everyone share stories about him during the meal following the memorial service, seemed more like a family reunion.
The hymns, aptly chosen, reflected what I know was my grandpa’s joy at leaving this earth and going to be with Jesus. He had peace like a river both in the storms in life and in his passing and he knew that it is so sweet to trust in Jesus. One of the stories that most impacted me which I first heard this last month took place while my grandpa owned a chicken farm. In those early years he and my grandma struggled to pay the bills, but he was always determined to pay off his debts. One year as Christmas approached he and grandma went to collect payment from a man who owed them money. When they arrived and saw the poverty of the man’s family, they decided that the money was not really so important. My grandpa sent my grandma shopping for all of the “fixings” for a Christmas dinner while he went and brought gifts. Back at home the family wrapped the gifts and then they carried the food and gifts to the man’s house so that they would have a Christmas dinner and toys that year.
When I hear that kind of story, I know that I want my life to “carry the baton” that my grandpa left behind, as my one aunt put it in her reflections of her dad. His generosity, servant’s heart, and love for people and for Jesus made him an example of Christ.
And speaking of family and passing on the baton, I am very excited that I will finally get to be an aunt this year as my sister Shana is expecting her first child in August.
I love my family! This evening I watched the tape of my grandpa, Mervin Sutter’s funeral. I guess that in some ways it made his death more real though hearing everyone share stories about him during the meal following the memorial service, seemed more like a family reunion.
The hymns, aptly chosen, reflected what I know was my grandpa’s joy at leaving this earth and going to be with Jesus. He had peace like a river both in the storms in life and in his passing and he knew that it is so sweet to trust in Jesus. One of the stories that most impacted me which I first heard this last month took place while my grandpa owned a chicken farm. In those early years he and my grandma struggled to pay the bills, but he was always determined to pay off his debts. One year as Christmas approached he and grandma went to collect payment from a man who owed them money. When they arrived and saw the poverty of the man’s family, they decided that the money was not really so important. My grandpa sent my grandma shopping for all of the “fixings” for a Christmas dinner while he went and brought gifts. Back at home the family wrapped the gifts and then they carried the food and gifts to the man’s house so that they would have a Christmas dinner and toys that year.
When I hear that kind of story, I know that I want my life to “carry the baton” that my grandpa left behind, as my one aunt put it in her reflections of her dad. His generosity, servant’s heart, and love for people and for Jesus made him an example of Christ.
And speaking of family and passing on the baton, I am very excited that I will finally get to be an aunt this year as my sister Shana is expecting her first child in August.
And I Plan Because...?
March 17, 2009
Just hours after I published my last blog entry mentioning that I had a place to live and details had come together well, I received a call from Elizabeth, my landlord to be, saying that the second potential renter for the downstairs apartment had fallen through and so she thought it would be best for me to rent down there. And once again everything changes. For the most part I am content with the change of plans. I think it will be nice to have my own space and not have to worry about Lisbet getting into Elizabeth's belongings. As I drove from the camp to the city, praying about this turn of events, I could not help but ask God why there were so many jumps from one plan to the next and in the end, I am back where I started with the original plan of renting the downstairs apartment. I do not really have the answer, but I did realize that because of the potential of living upstairs, Evelin and I got to know Elizabeth better which hopefully will translate into more interactions when we are neighbors in just a few weeks.
I tend to ask, "did we not hear God when pursuing the second plan?" or "was it just a detour with a purpose?" So many questions and not so many answers. I do not think I will sum up what the current plan is for two weeks from now because it could very well change tomorrow. Vamos a ver. (We will see). This is where I try to learn to be more flexible.
Just hours after I published my last blog entry mentioning that I had a place to live and details had come together well, I received a call from Elizabeth, my landlord to be, saying that the second potential renter for the downstairs apartment had fallen through and so she thought it would be best for me to rent down there. And once again everything changes. For the most part I am content with the change of plans. I think it will be nice to have my own space and not have to worry about Lisbet getting into Elizabeth's belongings. As I drove from the camp to the city, praying about this turn of events, I could not help but ask God why there were so many jumps from one plan to the next and in the end, I am back where I started with the original plan of renting the downstairs apartment. I do not really have the answer, but I did realize that because of the potential of living upstairs, Evelin and I got to know Elizabeth better which hopefully will translate into more interactions when we are neighbors in just a few weeks.
I tend to ask, "did we not hear God when pursuing the second plan?" or "was it just a detour with a purpose?" So many questions and not so many answers. I do not think I will sum up what the current plan is for two weeks from now because it could very well change tomorrow. Vamos a ver. (We will see). This is where I try to learn to be more flexible.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
More than I Ever Asked or Imagined
March 16, 2009
It has taken me a while to find the time to write this blog entry, but I have much to write and much to be thankful for. Last week I made several stops around the city as I checked into possible apartments that were up for rent. There was one apartment that I really liked both because of its size, the location, and the fact that it had a yard. The owner, Elizabeth, lives in Texas and only comes back to Honduras every two years or when she has to rent out the apartment again. Over the course of a three day span, I talked with her a lot as I tried to figure out if the apartment would work out for myself and Evelin and Lisbet. Wednesday afternoon I told her that yes I wanted to rent the apartment and then I left for camp.
Thursday evening I received a call from her saying that she had something she wanted to tell me. I was afraid that she had changed her mind and decided to go with other renters, but knowing God was in control, I went to see her with peace in my heart. Instead of bad news, she had a different offer for me. Her offer was that I could rent her personal apartment – something that she has never done before. In this way I would not have a lease to contend with as far as having to remain in that apartment for a year or more. And she was offering it to me at a much lower cost, furniture and all. I do not really need the latter since I already have what I need, but it gives me options as to what I can do with my stuff. The one catch or possible challenge was that she would still be in the country until June so suddenly there would be four of us living together. And yet I remembered that I had been praying about another housemate – someone with a better cultural understanding to help in ministry with Evelin. I simply had not expected a housemate to come about in such a fashion.
It looked as if Evelin could also get a job with the family moving in downstairs, cleaning and cooking for them. On Friday Evelin and I met with her again and went over a few of the details before I said “yes” to the arrangement. By this time I had learned that Elizabeth is a Christian and seen that she was genuinely interested in Evelin’s life and well-being too. We left her house that day with Evelin planning to head to work on Monday morning (today) for the woman downstairs. That part was a little overwhelming since it was so quick and Lisbet is not ready to be in day care. We were both so thankful though for how God had provided in ways that I never asked or imagined.
With Saturday came the news that the family downstairs would not be moving in because they did not have the money and the new renter did not need a housekeeper so the job for Evelin vanished. But she did not feel defeated and I know God has His hand in the timing and placement. Hopefully Evelin will have the opportunity to get to a baking class next week before we move and everyone has to re-adjust to the living arrangements.
The plan is to move the 31st of this month which means a lot of packing between now and then. I know that there will be many challenges for the first few months at least as we adjust to Elizabeth and she to us. I think for Lisbet it will be hard too because she was just getting accustomed to a new home and now she moves again. She has made some progress in not crying so much but there is still so far to go. On Saturday evening I was watching her while Evelin went to a meeting. She spent the first half hour standing at the door crying and screaming. No stories or toys would deter her from the crying. Finally I picked her up and took her over to my computer to watch pictures and sing along to some worship music. She loves to clap and after a little while she was clapping and babbling a few words which I would attribute to her attempt at singing. At least during those moments she is adorable. And soon after she fell asleep since the screaming had tired her out.
It has taken me a while to find the time to write this blog entry, but I have much to write and much to be thankful for. Last week I made several stops around the city as I checked into possible apartments that were up for rent. There was one apartment that I really liked both because of its size, the location, and the fact that it had a yard. The owner, Elizabeth, lives in Texas and only comes back to Honduras every two years or when she has to rent out the apartment again. Over the course of a three day span, I talked with her a lot as I tried to figure out if the apartment would work out for myself and Evelin and Lisbet. Wednesday afternoon I told her that yes I wanted to rent the apartment and then I left for camp.
Thursday evening I received a call from her saying that she had something she wanted to tell me. I was afraid that she had changed her mind and decided to go with other renters, but knowing God was in control, I went to see her with peace in my heart. Instead of bad news, she had a different offer for me. Her offer was that I could rent her personal apartment – something that she has never done before. In this way I would not have a lease to contend with as far as having to remain in that apartment for a year or more. And she was offering it to me at a much lower cost, furniture and all. I do not really need the latter since I already have what I need, but it gives me options as to what I can do with my stuff. The one catch or possible challenge was that she would still be in the country until June so suddenly there would be four of us living together. And yet I remembered that I had been praying about another housemate – someone with a better cultural understanding to help in ministry with Evelin. I simply had not expected a housemate to come about in such a fashion.
It looked as if Evelin could also get a job with the family moving in downstairs, cleaning and cooking for them. On Friday Evelin and I met with her again and went over a few of the details before I said “yes” to the arrangement. By this time I had learned that Elizabeth is a Christian and seen that she was genuinely interested in Evelin’s life and well-being too. We left her house that day with Evelin planning to head to work on Monday morning (today) for the woman downstairs. That part was a little overwhelming since it was so quick and Lisbet is not ready to be in day care. We were both so thankful though for how God had provided in ways that I never asked or imagined.
With Saturday came the news that the family downstairs would not be moving in because they did not have the money and the new renter did not need a housekeeper so the job for Evelin vanished. But she did not feel defeated and I know God has His hand in the timing and placement. Hopefully Evelin will have the opportunity to get to a baking class next week before we move and everyone has to re-adjust to the living arrangements.
The plan is to move the 31st of this month which means a lot of packing between now and then. I know that there will be many challenges for the first few months at least as we adjust to Elizabeth and she to us. I think for Lisbet it will be hard too because she was just getting accustomed to a new home and now she moves again. She has made some progress in not crying so much but there is still so far to go. On Saturday evening I was watching her while Evelin went to a meeting. She spent the first half hour standing at the door crying and screaming. No stories or toys would deter her from the crying. Finally I picked her up and took her over to my computer to watch pictures and sing along to some worship music. She loves to clap and after a little while she was clapping and babbling a few words which I would attribute to her attempt at singing. At least during those moments she is adorable. And soon after she fell asleep since the screaming had tired her out.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Life is Short
March 11, 2009
This morning I attended my first Honduran funeral. In reality there is not a funeral service as I know them in the States. After a death there is an all night vigil with the family and the body. Then within 36 hours the person needs to be buried since no embalming happens. I went to the cemetary this morning for the burial of the son of a woman from my church who often comes to camp to help cook. It is a sad story because he was killed and had just married last year. The mother had just been thanking the Lord for His protection over her family who lives in a more dangerous part of San Pedro Sula. And now less than three weeks later, tragedy has struck. It is one of those situations where it does not make sense the seeminly needless pain and yet God is still Sovereign. I hurt to see her pain and that of her 14 year old son, Bryan, who I also know.
At the burial site there were a few words spoken but then the coffin was whisked off and the burial happened. I had been told the burial was to happen at 9:00AM so I arrived on time. Others came a little later and said that they heard 9:30. And yet still others came later and announced that it was to be at 10:00. I later learned that the family began walking at 9:00AM from their home to arrive at the cemetary. So I had a little wait. The ladies I was with were discussing how at the cemetary the burial has to happen within a certain amount of time or the family had to pay more, perhaps by the minute. One of the woman said that she likes the towns where the burials are relaxed and people can take their time to grieve. There is no time pressure. It would seem that burials are one place where the laid back culture does not permit delays nor waiting ... unless you want to pay for it.
Last evening I was driving into downtown San Pedro to drop Evelin off at the church when suddenly a man dashed across the road, such that I almost hit him. I honked but as soon as he jumped on the sidewalk, I realized that he was probably running from something. Sure enough Evelin noted a security guard leaving from a nearby building, probably in pursuit of the man. All of this has reminded me again of the dangers that exist here in Honduras (though all over the world too) and the need to be careful and always in prayer. And sometimes God's answers to my prayers are not what I had expected or hoped for but that is where faith comes in and trusting that He still is in control.
This morning I attended my first Honduran funeral. In reality there is not a funeral service as I know them in the States. After a death there is an all night vigil with the family and the body. Then within 36 hours the person needs to be buried since no embalming happens. I went to the cemetary this morning for the burial of the son of a woman from my church who often comes to camp to help cook. It is a sad story because he was killed and had just married last year. The mother had just been thanking the Lord for His protection over her family who lives in a more dangerous part of San Pedro Sula. And now less than three weeks later, tragedy has struck. It is one of those situations where it does not make sense the seeminly needless pain and yet God is still Sovereign. I hurt to see her pain and that of her 14 year old son, Bryan, who I also know.
At the burial site there were a few words spoken but then the coffin was whisked off and the burial happened. I had been told the burial was to happen at 9:00AM so I arrived on time. Others came a little later and said that they heard 9:30. And yet still others came later and announced that it was to be at 10:00. I later learned that the family began walking at 9:00AM from their home to arrive at the cemetary. So I had a little wait. The ladies I was with were discussing how at the cemetary the burial has to happen within a certain amount of time or the family had to pay more, perhaps by the minute. One of the woman said that she likes the towns where the burials are relaxed and people can take their time to grieve. There is no time pressure. It would seem that burials are one place where the laid back culture does not permit delays nor waiting ... unless you want to pay for it.
Last evening I was driving into downtown San Pedro to drop Evelin off at the church when suddenly a man dashed across the road, such that I almost hit him. I honked but as soon as he jumped on the sidewalk, I realized that he was probably running from something. Sure enough Evelin noted a security guard leaving from a nearby building, probably in pursuit of the man. All of this has reminded me again of the dangers that exist here in Honduras (though all over the world too) and the need to be careful and always in prayer. And sometimes God's answers to my prayers are not what I had expected or hoped for but that is where faith comes in and trusting that He still is in control.
Monday, March 02, 2009
The Rains Pour Down but the Tears Slow Down
March 1, 2009
I guess that in these tropical climates, I do not have to worry so much about March coming in like a lion. Usually the rains have mostly ended by this point and summer is upon us. This year though, the rains are lingering. Today was a mixture of sun and random rain showers. Not so random though in that we were able to have our ropes course activities outdoors since the rains were before and after the event. Thank you Jesus!
I guess that in these tropical climates, I do not have to worry so much about March coming in like a lion. Usually the rains have mostly ended by this point and summer is upon us. This year though, the rains are lingering. Today was a mixture of sun and random rain showers. Not so random though in that we were able to have our ropes course activities outdoors since the rains were before and after the event. Thank you Jesus!
I think this could be a monumental day in some ways. First of all, I was finally able to put to use a new ropes course element that was begun last summer with construction, but because of several problems was not ready to use until this last work team, with its ropes course experts, came. And today I got to use it which was exciting.
The other stepping stone though is in the life of Lisbet, Evelin’s daughter. Evelin left for the city this afternoon in time to attend a baptism class at the church. Meanwhile Lisbet stayed in camp with her aunt’s family and me. Because Lisbet’s cousins have school tomorrow and an early morning, they did not want Lisbet at their house. After a birthday party, worship and devotional this evening I carried a crying, but tired Lisbet to my cabin. I expected to have to sing to her for at least half an hour or more, but she apparently was so tired that it only took a few minutes. She also seems to be getting more comfortable around me which is a big step. And Evelin continues to be hungry for more of God which is a praise.
Going back to the subject of rains, the time with the work team and my friend Janae was one of many rains. Last week after the team left, Janae and I went to the town of Tela which is on the north coast of Honduras. On Wednesday, our full day in Tela, we decided to do a tour to a place called Punta Sal. The day dawned nice but with clouds. We joined about 8 other people in a small motor boat and headed out to sea. One of the first things that I saw was a rainbow over the water. The tour began with a hike across land to a hidden cove, often used by pirates in the olden days. By the time we concluded the hike, it was beginning to rain heavily. Our boat had gone around the peninsula to pick us up so we hopped in and took off. We were now out at sea, not just in a bay and so the waves were big, especially for the size of the boat. The pilot had to cut back on the throttle each time we approached another big wave. As I sat there looking at the waves around me and the land quite a distance away, I pondered the plight of the disciples when they were in the midst of a storm and Jesus was asleep in the boat. My first thought was, “I wish Jesus was here in this boat.” That was quickly replaced with the, “Of course He’s here because He is always with me.” I thought too of the wonderful hymn “It is Well with My Soul” and how the song writer in the midst of tragedy penned the words “…when sorrow like sea billows roll, whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul.” I feel as if I, and those I love, have been in the midst of sea billows. There is sometimes fear in those moments; sometimes anger; sometimes despair. But what Christ wants of us is that whatever the emotions that pound our hearts, we still turn to Him and put our trust in Him. The conclusion of my story that day– I arrived safely at our next destination with no capsizing and only a thrilling ride to speak of. The rest of my life’s story is still being written but I do look forward to the day when I will arrive at heaven’s gates and the throne of God – my final destination.
The other stepping stone though is in the life of Lisbet, Evelin’s daughter. Evelin left for the city this afternoon in time to attend a baptism class at the church. Meanwhile Lisbet stayed in camp with her aunt’s family and me. Because Lisbet’s cousins have school tomorrow and an early morning, they did not want Lisbet at their house. After a birthday party, worship and devotional this evening I carried a crying, but tired Lisbet to my cabin. I expected to have to sing to her for at least half an hour or more, but she apparently was so tired that it only took a few minutes. She also seems to be getting more comfortable around me which is a big step. And Evelin continues to be hungry for more of God which is a praise.
Going back to the subject of rains, the time with the work team and my friend Janae was one of many rains. Last week after the team left, Janae and I went to the town of Tela which is on the north coast of Honduras. On Wednesday, our full day in Tela, we decided to do a tour to a place called Punta Sal. The day dawned nice but with clouds. We joined about 8 other people in a small motor boat and headed out to sea. One of the first things that I saw was a rainbow over the water. The tour began with a hike across land to a hidden cove, often used by pirates in the olden days. By the time we concluded the hike, it was beginning to rain heavily. Our boat had gone around the peninsula to pick us up so we hopped in and took off. We were now out at sea, not just in a bay and so the waves were big, especially for the size of the boat. The pilot had to cut back on the throttle each time we approached another big wave. As I sat there looking at the waves around me and the land quite a distance away, I pondered the plight of the disciples when they were in the midst of a storm and Jesus was asleep in the boat. My first thought was, “I wish Jesus was here in this boat.” That was quickly replaced with the, “Of course He’s here because He is always with me.” I thought too of the wonderful hymn “It is Well with My Soul” and how the song writer in the midst of tragedy penned the words “…when sorrow like sea billows roll, whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul.” I feel as if I, and those I love, have been in the midst of sea billows. There is sometimes fear in those moments; sometimes anger; sometimes despair. But what Christ wants of us is that whatever the emotions that pound our hearts, we still turn to Him and put our trust in Him. The conclusion of my story that day– I arrived safely at our next destination with no capsizing and only a thrilling ride to speak of. The rest of my life’s story is still being written but I do look forward to the day when I will arrive at heaven’s gates and the throne of God – my final destination.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
