Well, this will be short and sweet... I can barely keep my eyes open.
We have finished the ministry portion of the trip and everyone is feeling the fatigue that has, up until this point, been staved off out of sheer necessity.
Today, we started the day out by attending (and taking part) in the chapel services at the school that we have been staying at. It was a great time!
All of our students dressed up in the clothes that they wore to Church on Sunday morning sat in an outdoor stadium that rose in temperature as each of nearly 2000 children and student showed up! (over 2 services)
Nate Bristol (our new Student Ministries Assistant Pastor) took the stage to share a message about how God created us to exist in community. I have to be honest, when we interviewed Nate I had no idea that we would be hiring such a capable young man! As this week has gone on, we have seen how God has gifted him to work both with our students as well as with children (something that I am NOT gifted to do!). It has been a great experience for our students to have Nate along... what a way to get acclimated to a new job, huh?
After Nate finished, 3 of our students took the stage (one at a time) to share what God has been doing in their life over the last week. Graduating Seniors Scott and Kyle as well as one of our fantastic young ladies, Emily shared thoughts from their heart as well as a verse that encourages them. We forgot about it the first service, but for the second service, our group got up and sang "Sanctuary" as a special music.
After we finished the services, we all loaded the bus to head to one of two orphanages! What an incredible experience! Our students had opportunity to play games and talk with little children who lack the love and affection that many of you long to show your own children!
There is far too much experience in that to capture in a short blog article, but I absolutley MUST tell you about one of the orphanages! Back before I made my advance trip (March) to Honduras, I researched the potential of our visiting an orphanage while we were here. In looking through the options, I came across an organization called "the Children of the Light." I visited their web site and had planned to see what it would take to visit them while we were here. Unfortunately, because of the brevity of the trip and my lack of relationship with the team here, I was unable to pursue that research and was forced to trust the experience to the hands of our hosts. Get this... when we pulled up to the orphanage, I completely missed it (I am trying to rest at every opportunity). It wasn't until the wife of the gentlemen who runs the orphanage was explaining the history of the ministry that I realized that this was the orphanage that I wanted to check out while I was here! What an amazing and sovereign God we serve!!!!
Now, we have moved to the Quinta Real Resort. It is amazing to enjoy air conditioning and some of the comforts of home again... as well as the beach and a pool! Tomorrow, we will take a "canopy tour" of ziplines through the rain forest complete with a natural hot water spring and volcanic mud... followed by a relaxing afternoon before we head home! (by the way - there has apperantly been some confusion... we leave HERE Wednesday morning and will arrive home hopefully very late in the night that night (it will actually be Thursday AM when we get there)
Here are a few pictures before I fall asleep and drool all over my keyboard... btw - thanks for all of the great comments, I read them all to our students during our nightly meetings before bed... they love to hear every word! KEEP THEM COMING... TOMORROW IS THE LAST NIGHT (so the comments posted to this posting will be the ones I read on our last night!!!!)
Thanks!!
35 comments:
Jeremy, thanks for writing even when it sounds like you needed sleep more. Joel, I sure hope you take advantage of getting some sleep on your way home. Fun football practices await your arrival :) Of course I'm not looking forward to you being tired each night from practice--too tired to argue with your siblings or even me :) :) Okay, maybe I am. I always love you though!
I hope all of you enjoy your remaining time in Honduras -- I am sure that God has much more in store for you while you are there! You all look wonderful -- the pictures continue to be a great link. Thanks so much for your servant hearts. I look forward to welcoming you all back in the wee hours of Thursday morning.
'No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what He requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.' ~Micah 6:8
This blog is so cool! It has made even me, an "outsider" wish I were with you in Honduras. I am beginning even now to pray for an easy, safe return for all of you. Obviously, MANY of us are joyfully awaiting your return.
Love in Christ to you all!
Hi Chrisden!
Uncle Rick and Aunt Chrissy Poo here!
Got your daily blog reports via email from your parents. So we've got the scoop over the last week of how things are going in Honduras. Sounds like lots of experiences, lots of fun, lots of hot weather, lots of great services to the local children, lots of great mission work. You've had a great opportunity to gain a unique experience in life from a very different perspective. We're sure that the education will change how you view and live life going forward. We are proud of your desire to make a difference, give of yourself to help make a better life for others and especially to witness to others in the world about your faith and love of Jesus Christ.
Grandma Coffman is visiting and you'll get to see her when you return. She sends her love also!
We miss you, look forward to seeing you soon and have the opportunity to get the details of your trip.
Love from,
Your God Parents
PS Loved the photo of the wire nest at the top of the telephone pole! Looks like your dad's work!
Emily C.
You have no idea how it feels to actually see your beautiful face this morning in that picture!! I have missed you. I was beginning to wonder where you were. So glad to see that you were sharing what God has done thru you this week. Hold onto to everything you have learned this week. I love you.
Mom
Hi Catie! This is Christie. It looks like u guys have been doing a lot down there. I miss u and can't wait till u get home.
P.S Don't worry I have been feeding your fish every day.
Jeremy,
You totally underestimate yourself, you ARE gifted to work with students and children. Thank you for everything you do. Praying you will get much needed rest when you get home to your beautiful family.
I was again brought to tears reading your comments about your day. I am constantly amazed to see what God has been doing!
Catie,
It was so good to see your smile this morning. You really are in Honduras! I was beginning to wonder. Can't wait to hear all about it. Hope you and the group were able to enjoy and relax today.
Love & Prayers,
Mom
Blessings to you all for the wonderful work you have done reaching out and showing God's love to everyone around you. You have all received another star in your crowns. My prayer is that our Loving Father will continue to bless each and every one of you as you continue on your walk with Him.
Scott, I can't wait to hear all the news when you get home and you better be ready to talk. The canopy zipline tour sounds like fun. Can't wait to hear about that also, but first I want to hear all about the little children you got to spend time with and what God has done in your life since you left home.
I know I've said this before but I would like to say thank you once again to all the amazing leaders who took time away from their families to give of themselves on this trip. May God bless you for this as I'm sure He already has.
Praying for your safe return.
Love, Mom and Dad
Hi Scott,
Happy Birthday, possibly a day early. It looks like you are having a great time. Wish I could be there with you. Christ is sure moving in a miraculous way through the church team. This is an experience you will never forget and neither will the people whose lives you've touched while ministering Christ's word.
Love, Aunt Becky
Brit,
I have only seen one picture of you....I hope that you are still smiling. Miss you. Hope you have enjoyed it and learned lots. You are truly a blessing.
See you soon!
Love, Mom
Hi Grayden
Stopping by to say hello to one of our favorite grandkid! Know you are having a meaningful time and getting the job done you were called to do. Your mom says you'll be home very soon and late!! Hope and pray your folks get a car to bring all of your family to nana and papa's to cook out and swim and hear about your trip. So long for now and have a safe trip home. Love you, Nana and Papa
Hi Scott,
This is my wish made just for you -
A day that's filled with happiness and neat experiences, too-
Follow your heart as it's filled with God's love so you can share the blessings sent from above.
A year that holds the best in store - No one ever deserved it more.
Many wishes for a truly Happy Birthday.
Love, Grandma Rubel
So, seeing a picture of Catie (with a C, not a K), Ally, and Connor reminded me of how much I miss them. I'm glad you guys are coming home. And Scott is a stud.
Oh, I guess I miss Tyler too. OF COURSE I miss my mommy (that should go without saying, but I'll say it anyway). I can't wait to get back and hear all the great stories you all have to tell.
I can't wait for Tyler to get home because I just had this brilliant thought. I mean, he has been focusing on serving others for the past 9 days, right? So MAYBE he'll come home and just naturally want to serve ME (I like eggs, and bacon, and steak and corn).
And as a final thought, I don't reccomend trying to catch a monkey in the rainforest and sneak it home. It'll never work.
Hi Scott,
I sure miss you. I am doing all your chores. Need some support here. Can't wait for you to get home and hear about all that you did. Oh, and Happy Birthday!
Your loving brother, Cody
Hi, Ashley
We didn't get a chance to leave a comment yesterday, when we saw the River of Grace baptism, but wanted to let you know today how awesome we thought it was. How exciting to be baptized, but even more so in that place! We saw the pictures and Lillie said that she wanted to go swimming with Ashy :)
Lillie wants to tell you that she got new flip flops that are green and they make her happy (oh to be 2 again). She got them yesterday and even wore them to bed last night.
Rayner says to tell you monster truck (he's wearing monster truck jammies).
Logan says to tell you that he went tubing on his belly at the lake and it was fun.
Have fun and bring home one of those cute little babies for us.
Casey and Randy
Emily C - I was thrilled to see your picture!!! A scripture that I have had underlined in my Bible for a long time (when your mom was still a teen) is this, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." III John 1:4. That scripture expresses what I have always felt. I have watched your mom's spiritual journey and now I am watching yours. There truly is no greater joy!!!! I can't wait to see you again!!!!!!
Love ya bunches and bunches!!
Grammy and Grampy
I hope you all had a nice relaxing day - I'm sure you all needed it. I am looking forward to seeing everyone early Thursday morning.
Jeremy, Nate and leaders - thanks so much for all that you've done with these kids. It is such a blessing to have people like you in our church family.
Jacob - Two-a-days should be a breeze Thursday since your used to working in the heat :) We are all looking forward to having you home and hearing about your trip - we want details. It has been wonderful to watch you grow into such a Godly young man - I am so proud to be your mom. I hope you carry this experience with you as you continue to follow His path. I love you and can't wait to give you a big hug.
I'll be praying for safe travel home and that things go as planned. See you soon!
HI Connor!
I hope I'm not too late! I just read the blog for the first time today! It's amazing! I'm so proud of you and the work you have been doing! Just like your mom, my eyes welled up with tears as I read of your journey to the River of Grace. Your courage to take this leap of faith is inspiring! I can't wait to see your pictures! Enjoy your last day! Love always, your cousin, Sara.
Hope that everyone has a safe trip home. Cannot wait to see you Danny. Grandma and Grandpa miss you.
Mom
Grayden - I'm so glad you are coming home soon, because Micah is driving me UP. A. TREE. He really misses you now and wants you to come home! We are all anxious to hear your stories. This should give you something to talk about for a couple of days besides baseball. :) I miss your help around here too - playing with the boys, doing dishes, mowing the lawn - you sure are a big help to us!
In case you decided to Smuggle instead of Snuggle (as someone said) at the orphanage, that's fine. Just let us know becasue we are close to getting our 8 passenger van and we'll need to change it to a 9 passenger. Actually, looks like from the pictures, Jeremy may need an extra seat. Lookin' pretty cozy with that sweet little girl there, Jeremy! I know you miss your own.
Well, the McCashens sure are proud of all of you students. You are a shining example to your peers and all around you. (Matt 5:16)
Leaders, again, you ROCK! A thousand thank yous to each of you, but I know the experience was rewarding for you as well.
We'll be waiting anxiously at the church for your return! God's richest blessings to each of you and prayers for safe travels!
Jeremy, I knew that you where getting someone special when you hired Nate. I may be a little blinded because he is my son. (What Can I say I am a very proud parent) God has really blessed him with this new ministry. For starter the church family at New Hope Community Church has reached out to him with loving arms, and the staff has been very supportive of him as well. THANK YOU JEREMY for your support, leadership, mentor role and friendship Nate. I look forward to hearing more story in full details. Have blast on your last day in Honduras.
Hey Logan!
I cant wait to see you soon. I bet your really tired and worn out. I hope you had a great trip, took a lot of pictures and had some fun.I will see you Thursday morning.Miss You!
love
Alex
Oh PS. Don't forget to call when you get back just in case I'm not up.
Taylor and Tristan,
We are so looking forward to seeing you and hugging you. We can't wait for you to tell us all about your experiences. Dad and I will be meeting you at the airport; I'll have plenty of tissues with me! Danielle will still be at camp and Trevin will be at Grandma's. They are anxious to see you, too.
We love you,
Mom and Dad
Dylan,
Hey! Hope you are surviving the heat. You haven't missed anything here except me and Baylee have had a 24 hour stomach flu...not good! So far, Brandon and Dad are safe.
I want you to know that we are sooooo proud of you in your baptism on Sunday. I wish we could have been there, hopefully someone got some great pictures! I hope you never forget this experience. I am positive that God has so much more in store for you in your journey walking with Him.
Jeremy, you are the greatest! This blog is absolutely wonderful, especially for all of us moms! It makes us wish we would have went with you! To all the other leaders, Thanks again for putting up with our teens!!
We are praying for a safe and healthy trip home, can't wait to see you Dylan! (AND SAM IS DRIVING ME CRAZY!!!!!!!!)
Jacob and Dylan-Mr. Dierks stopped by with a note on what else needs done to the landscaping and guess what???? He knows another guy who needs some rocks moved, not as much as his, but wants to know if you guys want to earn more money and do his also!!! I am sure you can't wait!
Enjoy your last night in Honduas, we can't wait to see you!!
Love ya!!
Mom
:)
Hey Gang! I just wanted you to know that I am so proud of you all! For some of you I have spent the last ten years watching you go from elementary aged little kids to be amazing Christ following young men and women. Teens that I am proud to say are part of NEW HOPE COMMUNITY CHURCH! Way to go team!
Ashley- I'm sure you have enjoyed every second of working with those kids. You are a natural at that. How long have you been helping in Kids' Kingdom now? I'm so proud of you for taking that step at the River of Grace. You will never forget that!
Jacob, You know that I think of you as a son more than a nephew sometimes. You were kind of like my firstborn. It's hard for me to believe what a wonderful young man you are turning out to be! I just deleted a bunch of embarrassing cutesy stuff about you:)You're welcome!
Jeremy, AWESOME job!Don't grunt and groan Just say "thanks Misty" The countless hours of planning and sleep deprivation were worth every second of what these kids experienced. As leaders it's what we all want. For the kids to have God expperience that will last a lifetime!
Leaders, I know that he will say he couldn't have even begun to do this without you. He's right. What amazing people you are! Serving God in this way is above and beyond the call of duty. THANK YOU!
See you all back in Sunny Northwest Ohio!
Blessings,
Misty
Wow, I can't believe that the time is up already. To me, it has went so fast.
Jeremy, I want to thank from the bottom of my heart for the daily updates. Every morning I could not wait to get to work because that would be the first thing I would do. I would pull up the blog just to see what amazing stuff you all did for God that day. And the pictures were awesome. It made me feel like I was there sharing this awesome time with all of you.
Kyle, I know that you are probably not ready to come home but the laundry needs done and the lawn needs mowed!! Ha Ha!! Just kidding. I miss you very much and I can't wait to hear how this trip has made your faith in God grow stronger.
Danae, I know you want to come home and see what your sisters have done to your room!! But I can't wait to hear how this has effected you also and to see the mass of pictures you took. What a memoriable 18th birthday. Something you can tell your children about!
I wish I could talk to each of the children of whose lives you have touched. I bet you all have know idea what an impact you had on these children these past ten days but from the pictures and the updates, God was doing a great work through each and every one of you.
A big thank you to all the leaders for keeping every one safe and leading our children to a much stronger faith and deeper love with our Father. If it weren't for all of the leaders in this group, this could of never happened for my son or the rest of the group.
My prayers go out for a safe trip home with NO surprises.
Love you Kyle,
Mom
P.S. Grandma Pat says she loves you and can't wait for you to get home and tell her all about it.
Well, I think this will be the last comment before we see you tomorrow night. (OK - Thursday morning) We are praying for all the last minute details to be ironed out and that nothing is left behind. I can't wait to hear about all the wonderful things that God has been doing in each of your lives. What a mighty God we serve?
Danae - I hope your 18th birthday was a special day and that you liked your "cake".
Scott - A big Happy Birthday to you also. You and Danae have had some memorable ones that's for sure.
Looking forward to seeing everyone - Praying for your safe return and that God will continue to bring about life-changing experiences when you come home.
Love,
Sue
Hi Grayden!
I was talking to mom trying to figure out a way to the church so I could see you sooner. Mom said I probably couldn't go b/c everybody else would have to go too. So, I asked Keegan if he wanted to get up and go. He said, "Nah. I'll just see'em when he gets home." I'll keep working on him.
Love you, Emma
Hi Chrisden,
You have made a world of difference. Keep up the good work!
Love to all,
Aunt Terri
Hey Ashley, what's up? well i got in trouble last night for forgetting to write you a comment,so here it is. life's been pretty boring here. see you soon.
much love
taylor
And because we like to play a little game called Hog the Blog - here's another comment for Grayden. Dad says:
Sure am excited to see you Wed/Thurs and talk to you about the people you met in Honduras! I am proud that you are putting other people before yourself and serving. I'm sure that God has used everyone there for His glory. Hey - Can you speak Spanish and Bri-ish at the same time? Your Yankees AND my Tigers both lost last night. Miss you. Love, Dad
Small Group Guys (Dylan, Connor, Jacob)- I hope you will use the experiences you have had on this trip to challenge the rest of our group to serve others in our own community this coming year. I'm proud of you guys. Dylan and Connor - congratulations on your baptism!
To the Leaders;
John Quincy Adams wrote about leaders:
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”
We want to thank all the leaders for their faith in action. Throughout your trip I have brought up the missions trip to everyone I have encountered. I have encouraged everyone to get on the blog to see what is happening. In sharing with one of my clients he told me of his son who was serving on a mission’s trip to Peru. He encouraged me to visit their blog site. I did and I have to admit there was a real difference. I’m sure both groups are God led but there was a significant difference between the two. Perhaps that is the power of prayer. I can’t begin to fathom the number of people who have been praying over our team. Nor can I imagine the countless hours the leaders have spent in planning, organizing, and caring for the team. These efforts are truly Christ in action. Thank you for being the loving mothers and fathers of our children.
Peace and Glory to our Heavenly Father,
Neal and Denise
Hi Chrisden,
Wow, what an amazing time this must have been for you to experience. I don’t want to be termed the “quote master” but throughout the week I have brought to Mom’s attention the quote painted on Mrs. Urfer’s kitchen wall “Man's mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions.” We know this experience has stretched you from your comfort zone. Our prayer is that you use this experience to move towards God’s purpose for your life. We love you and are so proud of you. We are looking forward to your return home.
Love Mom and Dad
What we do here is just the beginning-new life is starting at every ending - we are a part of the story unfolding-this is the weight of the world we are holding - this could be our day.
Clearly it's time to make a change - or I could keep sitting and waste all day - I know thata it's time for me to move. I've been given this minute to use and given this moment to prove that-I was holding back - now I've come undone - I want to touch the world - heal the broken ones. Ending the cycle has just begun - we've been given this minute to use - and given this life to prove - to give ourselves away for something beautiful a million miles away to the one who is hungry and thirsty and needs some hope- to the people who are weary and broken and left alone. I'm giving myself away.
-Addison Road
We love you all and we are so proud of you!!!
Nae, I cant wait to see you!! i MIGHT have somthing to show you...sorry cant tell ya. you have to wait!! ( i'll be at the air port waiting for you...u better be happy to see me....at least act like you are...please:)!!!) lol
Hope you all are having fun!!
Love,
dailyndobrae
Emily C.
Rest well tonight. I can't wait to see you Thursday am!! I am praying for a safe journey for everyone. Take care!! I love ya!!
A big shout out to all the workers and chaperones you are appreciated beyond words. Thank you seems so little but I mean it so much!! You've been the stand in parents during this journey for us back at home. I can't tell you how much it means to me to know they have been in good hands. God bless all of you.
Jeremy and Nate, again there are no words that seem fitting enough to express our family's gratitude for everything you have put together to make this trip happen. God bless you now and always as you continue to be lead and used of God. I know you have encouraged the group to branch out in their relationship with Christ this week and will continue to do so. This will be a memorable trip for all...those in Honduras and those of us at home as we have followed along on-line.
Emily, I want to leave you with a verse to a song tonight instead of a prayer. I heard it on the radio this morning by Watermark - Knees to the Earth
"Beautiful Jesus,how may I bless your heart?
Knees to the earth I bow down to everything you are
Beautiful Jesus, You are my only worth
So let me embrace you always as I walk this earth.
Be Blessed, Be loved, Be lifted high
Be treasured here be glorified
I owe my life to You my Lord
Here I am! Knees to the earth!"
I love you sweet pea!!
Mom :)
What a thrill to have taken this trip with all of you!
From beginning to end it has been filled with surprises designed especially for you by the God of the universe! I am sure that your hearts, minds, and spirits are full of memories that will last a lifetime.
We are so very proud of you and will be praying for a safe trip home. As you come back to the more familiar part of the world, remember that the God who has been at your side on this trip will also journey right along with you into the hallways of the high schools/colleges where you will find yourselves in just a few short weeks . He will have surprises waiting for you there too! Don't miss a single one. Each of you is a hero in my heart!
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