Today was a sharp lesson in the culture of Central America. Last night, I made the annoucnement that we would allow everyone to sleep in today (until 8 AM). After everyone was up, dressed and ate breakfast we were getting settled in for a solid day's work on the bunkbeds... when the power went out.
Without drills and saws, it is difficult at best to cut and assemble beds. So, we adapted to the reality that there would not be any power until 4 PM. After our devotional time (on James 2), we headed to a downtown area where there is a great deal of shopping. Returning for a late lunch and then waiting for the lights to come back on (they were replacing a transformer... it's a wonder how they finish it in a day - this is what the wires look like on the poles...
The downtown area was crowded (and a bit difficult to keep up with everyone, but thanks to the best leaders I could immagine on a trip, we were able to return with most of our students... just kidding, lighten up). Btw - this picture doesn't do justice to the crowd...
You would all be so proud of these guys - the attitudes were great as we waited the problems out and once it came back on, every one of our students worked incredibly hard and got a lot done in a short amount of time!
During their "down time" a few children from the school/community were around and some of our struggled trying to comunicate, until they found common ground... digital cameras! They had a blast with our students taking their pictures and then showing them to the children... then it switched... the cameras were now in the hands of these beautiful children and were taking pictures of our students....
After they worked so hard, I just knew that they would love to get some great Honduran food. We headed down to where Vilma has been preparing our food for us to enjoy another great meal... there was pasta with a tomato based sauce, rice (a staple food here), bread, shreaded chicken... and a traditional soup. Even right now, while I am reading this to them, they are agreeing how good it was...
I wonder how many of them would have opted out of it if I would have told them that it had snails in it before we ate? (I read this to them as we unpack the day's events after I write this... I will let you know how it goes)
Ok... we need to get back to the campus... here are a few more pictures just for kicks... btw - we learned today that we are 18 pieces of plywood short to finish the bunk bed project... anyone have another $750 laying around? We're still deciding what we should do... pray for wisdom.
23 comments:
Great to see those Bryan Baseball t-shirts. :) Yanks were off tonight.
Grayden, I was wondering how you are liking the food. Hope you haven't had to resort to eating your snacks for the ride home. You aren't speaking Bri-ish to the Honduran children are you? That would really confuse them. Are the crowds as bad as China?
Love, Mom and Dad
Those pic's are awesome...this is so great to follow daily on this wonderful journey that our children are experiencing.
Dylan, are you eating? I cannot imagine you liking the food there?
Brandon says, Hurry home, he misses you, Baylee says Hi and Sam is still Meowing.....
Many Blessings!
I love all your smiling faces in these pictures! You all look great. Keep the pictures coming!!
Emily C. - Aunt Kim, Tina & Ella all say "hi" and that they love you and can't wait to hear about all your adventures when you get home.
Know that I am praying for you daily that God will continue to use each and every one of you with the many talents/gifts he has blessed each of you with. Remember God desinged you with a purpose in mind and this week I believe you are putting those gifts to good work!
I love you always-Mom
PS - I dont think I can recall your bedroom ever being clean for this long of a time...amazing!!
The pics of all the little ones was beautiful. How amazing that our kids are getting the chance to experience the "hands and feet" of Christ.
Danae - I know we have a big house, but you won't be able to bring any of them home! I hope you are having a wonderful time and that God is showing you many opportunities to encourage you in your walk with Him. I'm sure that you have been a blessing to the children there. I'm so excited to hear about all of your experiences and see all the pics.
G&G Gearhart are leaving Friday morning for San Diego. Dad offered to paint their bedroom. Well, we're taking it one step further. It's going to be our own rendition of "While, You Were Out". Don't worry we aren't shooting a 2nd episode in your bedroom, we'll "wait till your back".
Love, Mom
Jacob, thanks for setting up this blog for us. We feel so blessed to see all that is going on there daily! The pictures are wonderful. Thank you Jeremy...(get us a good one of Jacob!) We love you and miss you Jacob, and you know how proud we are!
God bless you all as you continue to serve Him!
Love,
Grandma & Grandpa
Hey, Logan sounds like you guys are all having a lot of fun. I really cant believe the wiring for electricity looks that bad.I really cant even imagine how they even begin to fix the problem. But,my mom says hi and she hopes your having fun and wishes you the best. Cant wait to hear all about your trip.Miss you!
Love,Alex
Hi Daddy!
We miss you! Mommy has been giving us extra hugs and kisses every night from you. We have been praying for all of you to stay safe and healthy! We are glad that you are able to go and teach other boys and girls about God's love!
We love you!!
xoxoxoxo
Marissa, Makayla and Myah
Hey Jake, How about getting in front of Jeremy's camera every now and again so that we know you are not one of the kids he left in town!
Jeremy,You should have seen Johnny's face when he saw the pic of the wiring. He had me forward it to him at work. He wants to show those phone guys that they don't have it so bad afterall.
Praying for you all everytime I think of you which seems like every minute of the day!
Hey, I am glad to hear that you've moved from getting whooped in soccer to photo shoots. No, but in all honesty, keep up the good work, even though there are set backs. One thing I've learned is that setbacks are still a perfectly good place for God to work, even though it isn't work of the kind you had planned.
Anyway, I hope that you are having fun. I hope you guys are meeting the heat with success. I'm going to go play at a waterpark!
We're enjoying the pictures and the comments from Jeremy on what has been happening. Truly amazing what you are doing for those beautiful people! Keep on keepin on! Sending prayers for each and everyone!
God Bless!
The Plassmann's (Dylan K.'s aunt,uncle and cousins)
Jeremy - Since my mom and sister have already harrassed you enough about posting a picture of my son, I won't mention it! I do miss his handsome face though!
Sydney says...Jakey, I miss you and hope you don't get hurt. I love you and I have a joke: Knock, Knock! (who's there) Boo! (boo who) Boo I miss you :)
You know your sister and her jokes that make absolutely no sense! She was insistant that I type exactly what she said.
Bernie is missing you - after all it is time to mow the yard. I am just amazed at how little laundry I have. How many times a day do you change clothes anyway? We all love you and hope that you are doing well.
I agree with everyone....Great Pic's!!!
Hopefully Connor wasn't one that didn't return. :)
Connor hopefully you have been using your camera for some great shots also. I can't wait to see your photo journal.
Just wanted to take a second and tell all the leaders that I appreciate all that you have sacrificed to take this trip with our kids. My thoughts and prayers are with you almost every waking moment! Your generous spirit is a delight.
Linda
Jeremy- Thank you so much for giving our youth this wonderful opportunity to be the hands and feet of Christ and for giving us the privilege to follow along. This blog allows us to share in what you are doing. Thank you again!
Scott- Grandma Rubel and Aunt Becky said to say Hi. They are anxious to see the pictures and hear about your experience too. I've been calling them daily and updating them on what you have been doing. We miss you, but know that you are where God wants you to be.
Love you - Mom, Dad and Cody
Oh, that comment about trying to keep track of everyone downtown brings back memories. I remember going to New York on a mission trip when I was in high school. We were SO tired of the leaders yelling at us to hurry up, slow down, catch up, stay with the group, etc. that we were quite disrespectful. (shocking I know, but I know you believe me Jeremy). Now, as a mother, I can appreciate those leaders and, hey, what's wrong with child harnesses?! Great job, leaders, for taking on such a huge responsibility!
About the power outage and additional plywood needed...
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. The Lord works out everything for His own ends...
Proverbs 16:3-4
Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.
Proverbs 19:21
Ditto to Brenda's Thank you! All of you leaders deserve a great big THANK YOU for your willingness to serve, taking time out of your own busy schedules to travel, not having air-conditioning, and so much more, I'm sure. Thank you, also for being there for my daughter and all the other kids.
Philippians 1:3 "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,"
Keep up the awesome work! Praying for you!
Blessings,
Maggie
P.S. Catie, your car is still in the shop, Dad said something about it being a ? ? I don't remember, just sounded expensive. Oh yeah, a front main bearing seal. Sorry! Looks like a lot of work to fix it but it, but Nick says it can be fixed! Oh, and Coot's been staying in your room while your gone to keep Christie company. HA! HA!
Madeline, I came home from Grandma and Grandpa's house to find lots and lots of laundry here. No one has taken over your household chore while you have been gone. Actually, Anna has been stepping up to serve but I am sure she will be glad to give the job back to you when you return.
Leaders - thank you so much for your commitment. I know it has been said before but it is worth repeating. You are so incredible to take time away from your own families and jobs to serve these kids. It makes us rest easy to know the kids are well cared for.
God has done so much! It is not possible for me to sit silent when I think of his care and provisions for all of you.
Psalm 100:1-2 On your feet now-applaud God! Bring a gift of laughter, sing yourselves into his presence.
(The Message)
Jeremy, I heard someone say that mess of wire looks a lot like your office. No not really just messing with you. (You know you dish it out you better be able to take it) A special thank you to yourself and the leaders for spending your time with the kids and giving them a truly rememberable experience.
What a trip! I can't even imagine what you are seeing, but i'm confident that it is life changing!
Thank you all for serving-it looks as though you are doing an incredible job.
Logan it is so quiet around here, I wonder why??? Take lots of pictures! Jeremy (while at the orphange) regardless of what he says Logan does know how to change diapers! I'm glad you are there and not me other wise we might have 6 kids.
Can't wait to hear all about it!
Love, Mom & Steve
Hey, everybody! You need a good electrician? I know a few.
You guys are doing such awesome things.
Ashley, I know you're having lots of fun because you're using the gifts God gave you, playing with kids. We're proud of you and miss you. Nathan says stay cool (as he sits in air conditioning)
Love you lots,
Nathan and Robin
Hey, Jeremy!
If I ever need a job, it looks like I can go to Honduras, huh?
Ashley, hope you're having fun.
Wish you were here!
p.s. Logan, Rayner, and Lillie said to tell you they got a new puppy. Rockey Clemens is a Lab and German Shepard mix.
Your photos are awesome, and I'm praying today for your health and stamina in the heat. I'm betting those showers feel mighty good in the evenings! Hope the water's more reliable than the electricity.
Hey Stacey, I'm an aunt again! Nadia Mae Moore, 7 lbs, 8.6 oz., 20.6 in. long, born at 7:53 am today. She's a cutie!
Christ's blessings to all of you!
Alexis,
Konner is looking at your blog picture and says he misses you.
Emily C - Do you miss your swimming pool yet?? :) I have a feeling you might! Hope the heat isn't making your hair flat!!!! :) Anyway, I'm thinking about you and praying that you will not only be a blessing to others but this will be a spiritual journey for you that will stay with you for years to come.
Love ya' bunches and bunches!!!
Grammy
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