October 27, 2009
So here I am in El Salvador, exploring what life might be like here in this country. I have been visiting in particular a ministry called "La Casa de Mi Padre" (My Father´s House). It works with children who have been pulled from their homes by the government for various family situations. But not only does it give a home and therapy to the children, it also works with the parents to restore a relationship there and equip them so that there children can return to live with them. I have been very impressed thus far by what I have seen. They seem to do a great job in restoring the lives of the children. And so I am praying about whether I might be able to work with them for about a year and learn from how they do things. Yesterday I went with the missionary, Kathryn, to a home about an hour outside of the city. Habitat for Humanity had constructed a house for the mother there and she has been learning how to read and write as well as basic life skills.
Tomorrow I will visit another ministry in the mountains of El Salvador in a community that is dark because of spiritual oppression. After talking with the LAM ministries director who is also here, I think that La Casa de Mi Padre would be a much better fit than the this place I will go tomorrow. But we will see what the Lord wants to teach me through the experience and how he wants to work through me. Today I also visited a Christian deaf school. That is another language that I should learn. It seems as if everywhere I go I am seeing efforts to work with children and their parents and I think that this is so important. To help one without the other is incomplete and when the two come together again, much will be lost of what was taught or previously gained.
I am staying with an El Salvadorian family. The couple have 4 children who all attend a German Christian school so they are trilingual (more or less). The mother is a massage therapist so I may have to give in and get a massage for once in my life. She went to Mongolia last year with a missions team and so she has a worship CD in Mongol (or however you call the language). I am listening to it in hopes of picking up a few Mongolian words.
This morning I went on a short run in the neighborhood I am staying in -- a neighborhood that during the war was occupied by the military. Having been mostly sedintary for 3 days, it was good to get out again. In reality though I think that running will be even more difficult here than in San Pedro. The driving is more difficult too since San Salvador is such a large ctiy. I will wait and see what the Lord says to me as I wrap up this trip.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
The Grace of God
October 23, 2009
The days fly by! This morning I experienced my first rain shower here but it was nothing like the real rainy days. Last night there was a near disaster here in the apartment when little Lisbeth pulled a bowl of hot soup off of the table and down over herself. Thankfully her burns were not bad but it was a scare for all of us. I am seeing God's hand of protection over myself and many others in these days.
Yesterday I received news that causes my heart to grieve. In Honduras there are a large number of “maquilas” or factories which are owned by persons from other countries. For example Hanes is here and many others. At this point the maquilas are waiting to see what happens with the governmental situation and if things do not improve and Honduras does not have the support of the international community, they will leave. And that would mean the loss of 100’s of 1000’s of jobs here in Honduras. In a country that is already struggling economically, I do not know how the people would survive. I pray that the maquilas do not pull out and create a huge vacuum.
Last night I had another near disaster when I almost swallowed perfume instead of mouthwash in the middle of the night when I skipped turning on the light. Thankfully the smell alerted me to my mistake before I committed to the swallow.
On another note, I would ask for prayer because my heart is heavy at the moment with the pain those around me are experiencing. I am in need of wisdom to know how to respond to several situations. Tomorrow I fly to Panama where I spend one night and then go on to El Salvador. I will probably try to a little sightseeing there but I may discover that more important is some solo time since I will not have much of that in these coming weeks. I am praying that my time in El Salvador will give me insight into further possibilities for the future and how I can learn the skills that I need to work with young children and single moms.
The days fly by! This morning I experienced my first rain shower here but it was nothing like the real rainy days. Last night there was a near disaster here in the apartment when little Lisbeth pulled a bowl of hot soup off of the table and down over herself. Thankfully her burns were not bad but it was a scare for all of us. I am seeing God's hand of protection over myself and many others in these days.
Yesterday I received news that causes my heart to grieve. In Honduras there are a large number of “maquilas” or factories which are owned by persons from other countries. For example Hanes is here and many others. At this point the maquilas are waiting to see what happens with the governmental situation and if things do not improve and Honduras does not have the support of the international community, they will leave. And that would mean the loss of 100’s of 1000’s of jobs here in Honduras. In a country that is already struggling economically, I do not know how the people would survive. I pray that the maquilas do not pull out and create a huge vacuum.
Last night I had another near disaster when I almost swallowed perfume instead of mouthwash in the middle of the night when I skipped turning on the light. Thankfully the smell alerted me to my mistake before I committed to the swallow.
On another note, I would ask for prayer because my heart is heavy at the moment with the pain those around me are experiencing. I am in need of wisdom to know how to respond to several situations. Tomorrow I fly to Panama where I spend one night and then go on to El Salvador. I will probably try to a little sightseeing there but I may discover that more important is some solo time since I will not have much of that in these coming weeks. I am praying that my time in El Salvador will give me insight into further possibilities for the future and how I can learn the skills that I need to work with young children and single moms.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Honduras Again
October 21, 2009
So I am here in Honduras. I arrived yesterday with no problems in the travel. I arrived quite tired because of little sleep the night before due mostly to the early morning departure. Today Evelin, Lisbeth, and I came out to camp. I was able to hold one of the new babies, José, and visit with a couple of the others on camp. We will have some brownies a little later for one of the children’s birthdays, but right now I am trying to get on-line and it is not working. I can tell that internet communication could be a problem for a while. And the problem is that there are several things that I need to respond to and figure out.
I also have a long list of people to call and re-connect with. I am realizing that I do not have all that many days here and I am not sure when I can get together with everyone, pack, and move out of the apartment. It has been good to chat some with Evelin and to see Lisbeth. At first Lisbeth seemed angry with me (which makes sense – I disappeared for nearly 3 months) but she quickly warmed up to me.
Well, considering the rather monumental task ahead of me, I think this is all for the moment. I will see about finding an internet connection and also organizing the Outdoor Education supplies here at camp.
(Yeah, I obviously connected to the internet and at least part one of my connection without Outlook is working which makes life much easier. I will work on part two later)
So I am here in Honduras. I arrived yesterday with no problems in the travel. I arrived quite tired because of little sleep the night before due mostly to the early morning departure. Today Evelin, Lisbeth, and I came out to camp. I was able to hold one of the new babies, José, and visit with a couple of the others on camp. We will have some brownies a little later for one of the children’s birthdays, but right now I am trying to get on-line and it is not working. I can tell that internet communication could be a problem for a while. And the problem is that there are several things that I need to respond to and figure out.
I also have a long list of people to call and re-connect with. I am realizing that I do not have all that many days here and I am not sure when I can get together with everyone, pack, and move out of the apartment. It has been good to chat some with Evelin and to see Lisbeth. At first Lisbeth seemed angry with me (which makes sense – I disappeared for nearly 3 months) but she quickly warmed up to me.
Well, considering the rather monumental task ahead of me, I think this is all for the moment. I will see about finding an internet connection and also organizing the Outdoor Education supplies here at camp.
(Yeah, I obviously connected to the internet and at least part one of my connection without Outlook is working which makes life much easier. I will work on part two later)
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Travels Through North Carolina
October 15, 2009
Today is my final full day in North Carolina. It has been a good trip with various adventures. Getting to NC was the hardest part because I had to contend with Friday afternoon traffic between DC and Fredricksburg. Since I was driving a standard vehicle I did not feel like sitting in stop and go traffic for several hours on the freeway. I, therefore, decided to take some other roads which were of course way out of the way and I arrived at my destination late. I would have been better off finding a place to sit for a couple of hours until rush hour passed and then continued on my way.
Rain has been the constant of the past week with only a few days of sun. But during the sunshine I had some opportunities to hike with friends and the other days I visited with friends indoors or exploring various parts of the towns across the state. I have enjoyed reconnecting with friends and seeing a bit of their lives. Saturday evening I was able to attend a church service in Spanish and meet some Hondurans who live here in North Carolina.
Monday evening was an adventure since I ended up square dancing with a group of 55 plus. I enjoyed the chatting with the people more than making a fool of myself square dancing, but it was a good evening. Wednesday I got to see a bit of downtown Salem and also play with my friend's nephew. I have spent a lot of time on the road and tomorrow is the big day of travel from Asheville to Harrisburg. I am excited though because after reaching Harrisburg I will head north to a cabin with my family. And there I expect to see snow, possibly up to 10 inches. I would love it! And being October it is so exciting. We will see what actually happens though.
Then on Monday I head to DC before my flight out to Honduras on Tuesday. Lots and lots of travels.
Today is my final full day in North Carolina. It has been a good trip with various adventures. Getting to NC was the hardest part because I had to contend with Friday afternoon traffic between DC and Fredricksburg. Since I was driving a standard vehicle I did not feel like sitting in stop and go traffic for several hours on the freeway. I, therefore, decided to take some other roads which were of course way out of the way and I arrived at my destination late. I would have been better off finding a place to sit for a couple of hours until rush hour passed and then continued on my way.
Rain has been the constant of the past week with only a few days of sun. But during the sunshine I had some opportunities to hike with friends and the other days I visited with friends indoors or exploring various parts of the towns across the state. I have enjoyed reconnecting with friends and seeing a bit of their lives. Saturday evening I was able to attend a church service in Spanish and meet some Hondurans who live here in North Carolina.
Monday evening was an adventure since I ended up square dancing with a group of 55 plus. I enjoyed the chatting with the people more than making a fool of myself square dancing, but it was a good evening. Wednesday I got to see a bit of downtown Salem and also play with my friend's nephew. I have spent a lot of time on the road and tomorrow is the big day of travel from Asheville to Harrisburg. I am excited though because after reaching Harrisburg I will head north to a cabin with my family. And there I expect to see snow, possibly up to 10 inches. I would love it! And being October it is so exciting. We will see what actually happens though.
Then on Monday I head to DC before my flight out to Honduras on Tuesday. Lots and lots of travels.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
A Lovely Day
October 7, 2009
What a beautiful day! I had spent the last few days down at Black Rock Retreat helping to hostess an Exploritas (formerly Elderhostel) group. While they were in lectures, I was usually working on my computer or doing homework for a class that I am taking. yesteday I accompanied them on their field trips and saw several familiar faces from when I had helped with that program over 8 years ago.
This morning I stole away from inside the retreat center to sit for a few minutes outside at a picnic table. I loved the scene that great me. The wind tore through the trees, sending leaves in a spiral dance towards the ground below. Acorns plummeted downward and I feared that perhaps one would find my head as its stopping place, but thankfully none came down on me. As I sat there with God, I found myself wanting to shout out, "Jesus I love you!" Somehow the wind swirling around me, spoke to me of God's presence. Even as I am back in Millersville this evening, I find myself wanting to take a late evening stroll in the wind. I have too long of a list of things to do to actually do so though. Friday I head out for a week visiting people in North Carolina and so I have much to do before that time. And the following week I leave for a few weeks in Honduras and Central America which means even more packing and preparation.
The other beautiful part of today was when I stopped by my sister's house for a few minutes and held my nephew Jack. It seemed as if he had grown a ton in just 3 days. Much to my delight he smiled at me for the first time -- intentionally. He is finally beginning to focus on people and not just some unknown spot on the wall. So cute! I suppose that I should post a picture soon.
And that was my lovely day. I have much to be thankful for.
What a beautiful day! I had spent the last few days down at Black Rock Retreat helping to hostess an Exploritas (formerly Elderhostel) group. While they were in lectures, I was usually working on my computer or doing homework for a class that I am taking. yesteday I accompanied them on their field trips and saw several familiar faces from when I had helped with that program over 8 years ago.
This morning I stole away from inside the retreat center to sit for a few minutes outside at a picnic table. I loved the scene that great me. The wind tore through the trees, sending leaves in a spiral dance towards the ground below. Acorns plummeted downward and I feared that perhaps one would find my head as its stopping place, but thankfully none came down on me. As I sat there with God, I found myself wanting to shout out, "Jesus I love you!" Somehow the wind swirling around me, spoke to me of God's presence. Even as I am back in Millersville this evening, I find myself wanting to take a late evening stroll in the wind. I have too long of a list of things to do to actually do so though. Friday I head out for a week visiting people in North Carolina and so I have much to do before that time. And the following week I leave for a few weeks in Honduras and Central America which means even more packing and preparation.
The other beautiful part of today was when I stopped by my sister's house for a few minutes and held my nephew Jack. It seemed as if he had grown a ton in just 3 days. Much to my delight he smiled at me for the first time -- intentionally. He is finally beginning to focus on people and not just some unknown spot on the wall. So cute! I suppose that I should post a picture soon.
And that was my lovely day. I have much to be thankful for.
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