Saturday, July 26, 2008

Humility... sometimes you have it, and sometimes it is given to you!

Today was a blast! We spent today almost exclusively involved in sports of some kind or another. After breakfast we played a game (complete with referee) against students of our own age in... get this... SOCCER!

Let's just say that on the way to the field our leaders were reviewing the items we had for first aide... gause, ace bandages, band aids, etc... I asked them if they packed any "pride aide" because that was going to be the most damaged part of our players.

Let's just say that no matter how hard the Honduran team tried to be gentle with us, it is hard to pretend that you haven't been playing this sport every day since you were a child. They - both as a team and individually - were incredible. As if it goes without saying, we lost 8 to 1. Kyle was able to nail a penalty kick to keep us from walking away completely empty handed.
Our students did incredible! I was so proud... I did not see one hint of attitude or competitive edge in the eyes, voices or demenor of our students - I could not have seen them act more Christlike!
After a quick nap and lunch, we met on a much more even playing field (both figuratively and literally)... BASKETBALL! The competition was well matched, but we did come out on top! We even got to see Scott dunk!

Now for the fun part... right now, our students are back at the compound getting a quick bite for dinner and then they will head to the Soccer stadium that we have been staying across the street from... to see a professional soccer game! Many of the students have already purchased the jerseys of thier new favorite team - the La Ceba Victoria!














Here are a few pics from the day... I have a game to get to!!! Btw - I think we have about 6 or 7 students on Cipro (including me) and 1 with a really bad sunburn (also me)... bald heads and big sun... bad combination!






















38 comments:

Kelly said...

Grayden, I miss you! I hope when you come back you play Legos with me! I love you. The end. Keegan

I love you Grayden. I can play cars with you and I can kiss you and love you. Micah

Dad says, It was pretty much all sports for me today too. I had a golf date with Chloe. She wasn't even looking when I sank the really long putt though. Great picture! Miss you and love you.

Team (from Grayden's mom) - The verse I keep thinking of is Zeph. 3:17 The Lord is rejoicing over you with singing! It is awesome to see Him work through you to bring the love of his Son to these kids in Honduras. Also, we were reading in Isaiah tonight and it was talking about God's blessings going down through generations. I thought of how you will be telling your children of this trip some day and the Honduran children will be doing the same.

Also, Jacob - Micah still loves it when we read about the "House of Jacob" and other such uses of Jacob's name in the Bible. He just reminded us tonight that Jacob is his helper in Sunday School!

Praying for all of you each day. Sure hope the Skype works tomorrow!

Kelly said...

Oh, yeah - bummer on the Cipro and sunburn. Will pray no one else is affected and those who are recover very quickly.

Anonymous said...

Catie, we are so glad you are still with the group and not lost in the city.lol We think we saw part of you in a picture through your pink camera, your scraped leg and tennis shoes.
Sorry to hear some of the group is not feeling so well. Get better soon!

Looking forward to hearing more Sunday morning in church.

Love & Prayers,
Mom, Dad & family

Anonymous said...

I was just wondering about Cipro today. Thankfully you have the medication. I will pray for you.

It sounds like the day was full of energy and fun! How fun to think of all the experiences you are having in such a short amount of time. Definate memories for all of you to share together. What a blessing!

Madeline - We miss you but wouldn't have changed a thing. This experience is God's plan and that excites me. If you are one of the unfortunate ones on Cipro, I am sorry. At least you are not alone. If not, be thankful! BTW, Joe and Laylin had a baby boy! Braden Carter. A. Ruthie says he is beautiful. Skin is dark and hair is black and curly like Joe's.

Jeremy - sorry about your sunburn. Bummer. Didn't that happen during your first visit? I will pray that the burn doesn't get worse.

Anonymous said...

Hey Alexis!
So I hope you dominated in futbol, but I'm sure you did cuz we both know how athletic you are! I'm jealous that you get to go to a pro game though! That sounds like a crapton of fun! Everyone back home realizes how much more fun it is when you're around cuz we're all bored outta our minds! so you get to hold that over our heads from now on... I'm about to go play some star wars trivial pursuit and try to hold on to my dignity at the same time (not sure that it's possible though). Even though I'm very proud of you for doing everything that you can to bring Christ's word to others, I really can't wait for you to come home! I'm missing you like crazy!

Anonymous said...

Yay! A picture of Jacob! Thanks! It looks to me like he has less hair than when he left and he has one of the sunburned bald heads? We love ya and miss ya Bud!
Uncle John says "Hey!"

Bummer about the cipro. Well, bummer about the sickness Yay for the Cipro!We'll be praying for restored health.

Sounds like you guys had a really great day. What an amazing opportunity.Isn't it cool when you set out to pour blessings on someone and the blessings that you receive in return are ten fold. You will have so many stories to tell. I can't wait to hear them all.

May God continue to bless each student and leader with memories that will impact them for a lifetime.

Anonymous said...

Sandy & Caroline, we miss you both very much and can't wait to see you. Caroline, as much as they would hate to admit it, Alex & Olivia miss you too.

Alex & I just got back from the BG soccer tourney. Their record is 2-1-1. Alex scored both of the goals in the tie game. It was a 1-1 tie. Think about that one. They play again tomorrow, so we are off to BG for the day again. Sandy, the wheels are really smoking on the car.

Well gotta go do soccer laundry. Can I wash everything in one load? Just kidding!!

I hope you guys are having a great time, and accomplishing everything you set out to do. See you soon.

Love,
Dad, Olivia, & Alex

Anonymous said...

Ashley, went to Jessica's wedding tonight. It was extremely pretty and extravagant. You missed the bouquet toss. It was a blast. Miss you muchos. See you soon!
oxoxox
Taylor and Kailey

Anonymous said...

We will say a special prayer for you all in large group today. Trusting God and thanking Him for a complete healing and health restored!

Anonymous said...

Hey Guys,
Well the old first grade teacher is in tears thinking of all of you. What a privilege you are having to serve Christ in such a big way. Psalm 126:3 says--"The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with joy." Everyone is filled with joy just talking about our gang in Honduras. We will pray for the Cipro coupled with God's power to work a medical wonder and for everyone to feel better quickly! You are each loved and treasured. Our neighbor came to the door last night and asked when the Skype would be--after she told me what it is-- I got the info!! If you hadn't made this trip, i may have died never knowing that tidbit of technology!!
With joy just thinking of great things!
Pat

Robinson's said...

Looks like you all had a great time.
I will be praying for your speedy recovery. Hopefully the med's kick in soon.

Connor, Grandma and Grandpa Avery stopped over last night and checked out all the pictures. They commented that you were not in any. Jump in front of Jeremy's camera so we can make sure you're still around.

We miss you very much.....oh by the way can't wait for you to see what we have done to your room. LOL

Looking forward to the web cast this morning.

Mom

Susan said...

Dylan,
We miss you, even Brandon and Baylee...I think they don't like the whole "dishwasher" task. We are going to the Toledo Zoo today after church, thought we'd save you from the "lame" trip. Hope you're ok,,,I saw you playing soccer a couple times, so you must not be one of the ones on cipro??? I thought for sure you would be one of the first ones on it!! Hope you all recover quickly if you are. Keep up the good work leaders, hang in there, your guys are AWESOME!!!
Prayers and Blessings,
Jamie and Susan Krupp
PS> Can't wait to see the web cam!!!

Anonymous said...

Hey Chrisden,

We’ll be talking to coach Pepple about high school soccer or should you just skip it and go pro! lol We’re glad you have the Cipro if you’re one who needed it. We’ll be praying for all a speedy recovery.

Love Mom and Dad

Anonymous said...

You know what I have noticed? The first couple of days you posted, there was much discussion of the oppressive heat, the cat-sized cockroach, the sneaky shower gecko... oh, and the oppressive heat. These last few posts have been full of nothing but bunk-bed building, soccer playing, Bible teaching, and relationship making. Even the Cipro discussion was short and sweet (which are adjectives that most likely do NOT adequately describe how those of you taking Cipro feel!).

And Jeremy mentioned today how he could "not have seen [you] act more Christlike!" Do you see what God is doing to you? It is lovely to see how he is molding and making you! You are learning "to be content whatever the circumstances." You already know what it is to have plenty, and now you are discovering what it means "to be in need." You are learning "the secret of being content in any and every situation" (Philippians 4:11-12). Paul would be proud, and I am sure Christ is doing some sort of victory dance with His angels over you.

May the changes He is making in you now be changes that forever mold your journey with Him.

Keep up the good work!

Anonymous said...

JACOB TYSON HOCH - did you shave your head??? I am certain there was more hair on top of your head when you left for the trip. I see that someone has been using your head as a drawing board - is that a blueprint for the bunkbeds? I hope you're feeling well and wearing your sunscreen - especially on that bald head. Love you and miss you!

Jeremy - thanks for the picture. We got to hear from you during service this morning - it was awesome. It's such a blessing to be able to follow along with you guys. You are all in our prayers!

Anonymous said...

Jacob - Hey Bud! I just couldn't wait for you to get home to tell you this. I had some friends out to the land last night and we decided to burn the pile of trash behind the barn. It was a little bigger than I expected and someone from the road saw the flames and thought the barn was on fire and called 911. Don't worry - after all the firetrucks, EMS, and Sheriff left - I was well informed on how to have a proper bonfire!

Anonymous said...

Suggestion: One of the youth grab Jeremy's camera and get a photo of all of the leaders together. We want proof that they are still smiling! Based on what we've seen and read so far, they are probably smiling bigger than ever - we just want to see it. If they aren't smiling, put a few of those adorable little Honduran children in the picture with them - that oughtta do it.

Just a few more days until you get back to sunny Ohio (and at 79 degrees, it'll seem rather chilly to you)! This blog is wonderful, but it will be great to hear the stories in person!

Stacey, rejoice in the knowledge that your house will be really clean when you get home. After Kevin's comment about whether it's you or T responsible for the mess, he and Brandon are gonna have to clean up to save face!

Love and ongoing prayers to you all!

Anonymous said...

Jacob, I am so hurt! I thought I was the only one that cuts your hair. Just kidding! Your Mom was thrilled. Grandpa said now you look like him. We love you!! We miss you!! Grandma Mast said she hopes you tell us more than you usually do when you get home.

Jeremy, the web cam was awesome this morning!

Group pictures would be great - leaders and youth. This blog is so incredible! I have been telling everyone to check it out. The comments from both Honduras and home so comfirm what a wonderful church family we belong to.

God be with you all for the rest of this journey.

Anonymous said...

Hi everyone,

It was wonderful getting to hear and see you on the bigscreen at church. Thanks for all the pictures on the blog. Can't wait until you get home and we get to hear first hand about all that you experienced. I'm glad that you shared the pictures of all those beautiful little faces. The smiles on their faces says it all.

Scott, the picture of you walking with the little children following you brought tears to my eyes. Keep following God's will in your life and you will accomplish amazing things. It is wonderful that you all are willing to scarifice your own comfort to reach out and spread God's Word to those who haven't had the opportunity to hear it. Keep up the good work.

Love you,

Mom, Dad and Cody

nsw :o) said...

Web cam in 3rd service was- just so moving.

Did you hear all the cheering and clapping?

Listening to Fransisco(sp sorry?) took it over the top. I felt like I was there.
Chris & Katie - Brenda's Peru mission trip return flight has been delayed twice. Scheduled for 4am--moved to 3pm--still waiting.

Laurie said...

Emily C
Hope you are feeling well...and putting on your sunscreen. Your Dad and I miss you and can't wait to hear about your trip when you get home.


Love, Dad & Mom

Anonymous said...

Joel I can't believe you forgot to tell Jeremy I rarely sit up front and I can hardly wait to start timing your showers -- I imagine I might pass out from shock :) Maybe you won't have to always go last. Seriously, it was a gift to get your wake-up call and to see you and hear you this morning.

I continue to be blessed by reading about what all of you are doing and the pictures say even more than words. And for you teenagers making it a "walk in the park" for you leaders -- thank you. You all have great gifts that God has great plans for. To all of the leaders, thank you (doesn't even begin to cover it) for your love, care and example!!

Sending lots of love & prayers your way! Check out Mark 9:35 -- it came to mind today!

Anonymous said...

Danae - It was awesome to hear your voice this morning and to see you on the "big screen". I am so thankful that God has taken you to this amazing place to share His story of love and forgiveness. You are awesome!

Joel - we stayed back so we could hear from you also. You did a great job! I am so glad that you are on this trip with the others. God has done and will continue to do some amazing things in your life.

Danae, after we spoke to you this morning, Dailyn came back into the room and she had been crying. She also said that she couldn't look at you today on the screen. She misses you a lot. Of course, it has been since July 6th since she last saw you. I hope that she remembers how much she missed you in about 2 weeks. Yes, reality does set back in.

That also goes for the entire group, reality will set back in and the days you have experienced will be wonderful memories. My prayer for all of you will be that you don't lose sight of the many blessings that you have here at home. May it be siblings, parents, running water...hot water, air conditioning, etc. Whatever it is, always remember where God has taken you to and brought you from and make a difference with that experience.

Several years ago...some of you were on the trip to Atlanta. One of the biggest impacts that I think a lot of us shared was when we were in an Atlanta cemetary. The one thing every tombstone had in common was a birthdate and a date of death. What sets us apart is the " - " (dash) in the middle. This is what defines what we have done with our lives. MAKE YOUR DASH COUNT!!!

Love you all,
Sue

Anonymous said...

Kyle - your Mom left a message and said that she is having trouble leaving a comment. I told her what I did (or wasn't doing) last year so I hope she is able to figure it out. I told her she could come over here if she needed to.
BTW - Mr. Jock - way to go on the penalty kick.

I hope you are having an incredible time. It has been great seeing your pics on the blog. I am so glad that you and Danae are getting to experience this trip together. My prayer is that it will be life-changing for both of you (and you're not sick of each other yet)

May God continue to use your amazing talents for His glory.

Love,
Sue

Anonymous said...

Taylor and Tristan, we miss you guys! It was so good to see Jeremy this morning on Skype.

Megan came to church with us.
Danielle went to camp.
Grandma tried to leave a comment for you.
Oh, yeah, the Indians traded Casey Blake (sniff).

Keep working hard and be prepared to tell us everything!

Love you,
Mom and Dad

Anonymous said...

Hi Jacob, We just wanted to tell you that we miss you, and are so glad you had this experience. Hope to see you soon. We are praying for you and we love you. Grandpa & Grandma Mast

Anonymous said...

Hello everyone!

I hope that you guys are able to have a restful day today! You have all been working so hard! Jeremy -I am sure you didn't get to golf but maybe you did get to take your nap like you enjoy doing on Sunday afternoons. Sorry to hear that some of you are having to take your Cipro, hopefully that kicks in real quick!

I know that God is using each of you in a different way to be His hands and feet. That has been my prayer for each of you on this trip that He will not leave you the same that He will make you more like Him!

Leaders - thank you so much for all that you sacrifice by going on this trip! I have been praying for your families that are here at home. Jeremy has said it many times - he couldn't do a trip like this without you!! So thank you!

Only 3 more days, the girls and I can't wait to see you!!!

Anonymous said...

Kyle - I spoke with your Mom and she has figured out what she needs to do to leave a comment. The bad thing is that since she doesn't have email at home, she won't be able to verify her subscription to the blog until tomorrow.

She wanted me to let you know that she loves you and misses you. The pics make her not miss you so much.

Danae - she misses you, too.

Love ya guys,
Sue/Kristi

Anonymous said...

I'm not sure when you read these comments to the kids - but I want to be sure to be the first (OK...Kyle probably has me beat) to wish Danae a "HAPPY 18TH BIRTHDAY" at 10:05 AM tomorrow!!!

Sorry - no Kroger lady to deliver cake and balloons. :)

We love you,
Mom and Dad

Grammy said...

Emily C - I hope you're not one of the kids on Cipro! If you are, be well soon. Cipro is pretty good stuff. Aunt Kim wants to know if you are giving any pedicures while there? :) We know how much you love painting other peoples toes!! Or are you doing everyone's hair? We figured you may have set up your own beauty shop by now! :) But then we remembered that you're there on the King's business! We miss you! Take care of yourself and please be well!!!!

Love ya bunches and bunches!!!!!

Grammy

Anonymous said...

Kyle, this is message # 8. I just want to say I love you and I'm very proud of you. Keep up the great work.

Danae, Ilove you too and can't wait to see you and hear all the stories.

Ilove and am praying for each and every one of you.

I hope you get this message.

Love, Mom

Anonymous said...

Kyle, well this is message number 7. Yes I said 7. But thanks to Sue, I might actually get you one that you will actually see!That's my boy!!! Way to make that goal!! I'm soo proud of you. Not only for that but for who you are and who you are becoming. Danae, it as wonderful to see your beautiful smile on the blog. It's so refreshing to see that smile again. By the way, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!The big 18!! Woo Hoo. To all of you, God is doing such a great work through you and in you and this will forever change your lives. What a wonderful gift to be there allowing God to shine through you and showing these beautiful children see that light. What you are doing will forever change their lives also. Kyle, I love and miss you very much and can't wait to see you and hear your stories. Danae, I know that you probably have taken 500 pictures and I can't wait to see them all!!!!!! I love you,Mom

Anonymous said...

Taylor,

Did you make it on the plane, or have you just been shying away from the cameras? All I could identify is your shoes in one pic.

Dad

Anonymous said...

I know don't faint Jeremy, I actually talked someone through a computer/internet issue. We still have the "european" siren sound come up but we'll worry about that later.

Danae and Kyle - how ironic that the first message that your Mom was able to send was message #8. Message #7 was copied and pasted from an email she sent me. Thanks to Dailyn for that brilliant solution. btw Kyle - your Mom now has a yahoo email account.

Love you guys,
Sue

Anonymous said...

Danae and Joel, you guys did an amazing job today!! I actualy stayed for the begining of 3rd just to see you guys!! Cause 2nd when nae started talking i had to put my head down. then Joel didn't get to talk and i wanted to hear what you had to say!! so ya i made my mom stay loger so i could hear you!!

Danae, when you called today I heard you everytime you said "Hello" but i didnt believe it was you so i just kept saying "Hello", once you said "this is Danae" i was soo happy i started to cry, yes everyone, i was crying cause i miss my sister!!
Happy 18th Birthday Nae!!

Caroline, Hope you are having an amazing time, cant wait to hang out when u get home!!

Anonymous said...

Hey,

Taylor, i hope your having fun, and i miss you. can't wait till you come back and i get to hear about what you have done. and stop being so shy of the camara haha. jump in at least one picture.

Megan<3

Anonymous said...

Danae, unfortunately not really missing you right now. I am enjoying the basement to myself. I also will add that I enjoy your closet, your bed, the TV, and the phone you got in your room. The bathroom all to me is nice as well.So, no hurry in coming home. Haha... Just messin. Come home anytime.. but make sure I know when you are coming home so I can hang up all the clothes and make the bed.

love your incredibly awesome sister,
Darcie

Kyle Roof (pooky) - nice job on the single goal. But it stinks that you have to be ugly. Just messin. Hope your having fun.

Anonymous said...

Jacob,
What an awesome job you and the rest of the group is doing. You are changing lives here and abroad. What a young awesome man of Christ you are.

We are so proud of you