Monday, January 31, 2011

Triplets

As most of you know I spend my days nannying for triplets. It's about as easy as it sounds....3, terrible twos, toddlers running around all day, fighting of toys, hitting each other, climbing things not meant to be climbed, biting, pinching, etc. etc.

The dad is deployed and the mom works 3 days a week. So I come to their house Monday evenings and stay until Thursday evening because they still aren't sleeping through the night. Yet in the midst of the chaos and tears I fell in love with these kids. I've been nannying for them for a year now and I adore them...most days.

I had one of those "most days" kind of days recently. Nothing was going right. I had a headache, the kids were especially cranky, no one napped, and they ALL wanted held at the same time. Not to mention one of the kids is potty training so I was also dealing with that. One of the little boys, (Mason) who isn't potty trained yet, figured out that if he takes his pants off he can then rip his diaper off. So that every time I turned around I found a diaper on the floor and saw a half naked boy streaking across the playroom in a fit of giggles. It was funny....the first 100 times. Then on that 101 time I look over in time to see him rip the diaper off and then take off running....peeing all over the floor as he left. By the time I cleaned up the mess and got a diaper back on him we had ripped it off again and peed on the couch.

Shortly after that I put the kids down for nap. When I went in to check on them a few minutes later Mason had once again taken off his diaper and peed all over himself and the bed! I had to strip the bed sheets and wash those and his clothes. Needless to say he has been wearing a onesie ever since....and while I didn't see the humor in the situation while it was happening I've since been able to laugh about it.

They certainly keep me on my toes!

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Happy Sunday

Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.

“Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So he got up and went to his father.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

“Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’

“The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’

“‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”


---Luke 15:11-32

Saturday, January 29, 2011

New baby

For those of you who read my blog while the team was in Honduras you will remember us building houses in the "dump village." That day we split into two separate building teams so that we could build for two different families. My team built for a family of three. A mom, her sweet sweet husband, and their little boy. The mom was VERY pregnant while we were there. Yet despite the heat and the dust that plagued us that day she sat on a rock close to the building site and watched us work ALL day. Well just 3 days after we finished the house the mom had her baby....and she was able to bring that sweet baby girl home to a new house! Praise the Lord!

Friday, January 28, 2011

Thursday, January 27, 2011

quote

"Fate loves the fearless." --James Russell Lowell

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

School

School begins in February (in Honduras) and MANY MANY MANY children need help to stay in school. The school supplies, uniforms, shoes are beyond what families can afford but desperately want their children to be educated. Often times families can only afford to send one of their kids to school so they have to pick which one to educate...leaving the others to work and pull their weight at home. We all know that education IS what changes the oppressive cycle of poverty. It is what will make the all the difference for the future generations of Honduras. We need everyones help to meet the needs of the 100's of requests that will be received for help! $175.00 will meet the needs of one child. Rally your friends and family to sponsor 1 or more children! Please and thank you!

Use Paypal here:
http://www.thehondurasproject.org/Honduras_Project/Give_2.html

or you can send a check made out to Belpre Church of Christ to me at 3515 St Rt 266 Stockport OH 43787. Just put a note in the envelope letting me know you want the money to go to schooling and I'll get it to where it needs to go.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Honor and Privilege

It is my honor and privilege to get to do ministry with Mike...for those of you who have read my blog over the years you've watched Mike and I lead several teams together. I met Mike almost 4 1/2 years ago when I started college at Malone. He was transferring in when I started as a freshman. We hung out frequently in the same circle of friends. However, when I moved to Honduras we lost touch and it wasn't until March of 2008 when we truly reconnected. He and 7 of our other friends came down to spend their spring break serving in Honduras. By the time they went home Mike had fallen head over heels for a little girl named Daniela and God had placed a call on Mike's heart for Honduras. Before the plane even reached Ohio I think Mike had started planning his return trip....and return he did. He flew into Honduras in August to stay for 3 months and proceeded to spend as much time there as he spent in the states. He became known as "Papi" to many of the kids at the orphanage...especially his little Daniela. Since my move back to the states Mike and I have led several college age teams back down. I honestly couldn't do what I do without him. In moments when I stress and get upset he stays calm and works out the problem. He is my cheerleader, my confidant, my voice of reason, my common sense, and so much more. He has one of the most amazing servant hearts I've ever seen and his love for kids just over flows when he is there. I am truly honored to call him my friend and partner in all this. I'm blessed that God brought him to Honduras 3 years ago and allowed us to rekindle a friendship that would bring us closer than I could have ever imagined. Mike now plays the role of big brother in my life. Growing up with one sister I have never known what it is like to have a brother....but lucky for me God decided it was time I had one. :) I get to play the role of pesky little sister and know what it is like to have a protective older brother. So, Mike, If you are reading this....know that I'm thankful for you today and the heart that God has placed within you.



Monday, January 24, 2011

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Happy Sunday

"How beautiful on the mountains
are the feet of those who bring good news,
who proclaim peace,
who bring good tidings,
who proclaim salvation,
who say to Zion,
“Your God reigns!”

Saturday, January 22, 2011

The girls





I got to spend all day yesterday with the twins. (the girls I live with) I just LOVE them. We danced and played all day. They've started to talk more and are more animated with each passing day. One of the first words they said was "Buckeyes." They both now put their arms in the air and yell touchdown. It is ADORABLE. :)

Friday, January 21, 2011

Thursday, January 20, 2011

quote

"The difference between what we do, and what we are capable of doing, would suffice to solve most of the world's problems." ---Mahatma Gandhi

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Starbucks serves 31-ounce drinks.

As of this week Starbucks has added another size drink called the Venta. "The "Trenta" will be 31 ounces -- one ounce shy of a quart -- and available for iced coffee, Tazo shaken iced tea and iced tea lemonade." For all you starbucks obsessed people out there this should make your day. To read all about it you can click on the link below.

http://money.cnn.com/2011/01/17/news/companies/starbucks_trenta/index.htm?hpt=T2

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

The Hunger Games trailer

Over the summer a friend of mine suggested that I read "The Hunger Game Trilogy." She knows me well enough to know my taste in books and she assured me I'd love these books. So in blind faith I ordered all 3 books without hearing anything else about them. I had all 3 books read within a week. They are fantastic. If I'm being honest I was a bit disappointed with the ending of the final book but overall they were phenomenal. And much to my delight right after I finished the last book I found out they are making the books into movies! I've included a trailer for your viewing pleasure. I hope you all go buy the books or at least go see the movies once they come out.

Monday, January 17, 2011

quote

‎"A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual doom." -Martin Luther King Jr.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Happy Sunday

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” - 1 Corinthians 10:13


I love that even though Sin is a guarantee in life that God promises to give us an out. We just have to choose to take it....How great and loving is our God?

Thursday, January 13, 2011

quote

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. In the long run, we really do shaper our own lives; and then together we shape the world around us. The process never ends until we die." ---Eleanor Roosevelt

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Haiti

One year ago today we all witnessed on television the devastation in Haiti from the massive earthquake, creating an even greater desperation for the thousands of orphan children in this impoverished country. It seems impossible that a year has passed already. More astonishing is how much work is still to be done there. In the months following the disaster, the media spotlight moved off this island in rubble, but the need to care for the children of Haiti with food, water, shelter, and medical care continues.

God has touched many of your hearts to reach out and do more for the orphan children of Haiti. I'm sure some of you are thinking "how can I help?" If you are able to donate financially then I implore you to find a way to do that. I have several missionary friends who travel to Haiti to do relief work so please contact me if you need a contact. AND most importantly I beg that you continue to pray over this country and those still being affected by the disaster that took place a year ago. On this anniversary of the devastating quake, won’t you join with us as we fulfill God’s call to “defend the afflicted among the people and save the children of the needy” (Psalm 72:4).

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Leeland "Falling for you".( Opposite way) Album.

For any of you out there who have walked (or maybe even run) from God at some point in life....this song is for you. I pray that you have found your way back and are falling in love with God all over again.

Monday, January 10, 2011

The Best Coffee at Starbucks Isn't on the Menu - DivineCaroline

The Best Coffee at Starbucks Isn't on the Menu - DivineCaroline

If you are Starbucks obsessed like I am you should probably check out the link above. Starbucks now serves and "instant brew." I had it today.....it was quite yummy.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Happy Sunday

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." ---Romans 8:38

Saturday, January 8, 2011

My heart misses Hondo

Some of you have been asking to see more pictures from my trip so here you go..... I realize most pictures have me in them....but hey if you are reading my blog then I figured you would want pictures with me in them. I know it's a conceited assumption....but hey I'm only human right. :)
The kids and I spent more than an hour playing this crazy Honduran version of London Bridges meets tug-a-war. The girl that I'm attached to and I would created a "bridge" with our hands and the kids would march in a circle around us while we chanted a song. When the song was over we would drop our arms and whomever was in our grasp then had to pick a fruit. If the picked the fruit that had been predetermined (secretly) as mine then they went behind me. After all the kids had been "caught" by the falling bridge we have one huge game of tug-a-war. It was a blast! :)
This sweet ladies name is Julia. She lives at the old peoples home we visit. Her husband passed away a couple of years ago. She never was able to have children and has no other family so she moved into the home.
This man's name is Max. He is a self proclaiming hippie. He spoke with animation of the places he has been and the things he has seen. We were of course fast friends as I listened with rapture to his stories.
For those of you who have been avidly following my blogs for years you might remember my stories of Luvin. Jen and I made the decision to bring him back to Casa with us nearly 3 years ago when he had no home. His background was riddled with abuse, hatred, anger, and violence. Because of that he had a hard time transitioning into the home. He was a good 2 years bigger than the other kids. We were eventually forced to make the hard decision to take him to an all boys home where he would have more men around him. Well he is now back living with Jen. He still has his struggles but the tenderness I saw in him this trip still amazes me. AND boy how he has grown. He has more muscles than most grown men I know!
The kids at our house building site took the spare wood and began making play houses of their own. I loved watching the way they would talk about what piece to put on or what they wanted the house to look like. It was like they were building their dream home.
One of my favorite little boys at the "dump community" Andres. He never forgets my name and always wants to know when I will return. He is a sweetheart for sure! AND quite the worker. He can hammer 3 nails in the time it takes me to do one!
Our amazing team of girls rocked this week!
I had the privilege of doing this trip with 3 of my closest friends....you each are a blessing to my heart.
We did devotional at the "junk cross" with the kids from Casa (the orphanage where I used to work). A couple of the older boys led music and prayed over us....it brought me to tears.
Ok so I just plan ADORE her. I've never loved another the way I love her. God bound our hearts so tightly together that sometimes I forget that she isn't truly mine. My heart aches for her with every beat and my lips find themselves whispering her name in the most random moments.

My heart delights in you little one.

Friday, January 7, 2011

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Wednesday

Today a small group of us had the pleasure of going to the dump to feed the people who spend their days working tirelessly in the midst of other people’s garbage in an effort to earn a feeble wage for their efforts. It is one of those experiences that you can never grow numb to, it will never become just something you do while you are in Honduras, or at least it shouldn’t. Driving into the dump you immediately feel dirty, you smell the stench of rotten food and things thrown away in the thousands of homes throughout Tegucigalpa, things that aren’t meant to be seen again, let alone dug through with human hands. And yet that is exactly what hundreds of people spend their days doing; searching, sifting, scavenging through trash in order to exhume plastic, cardboard, glass, whatever it is that they are responsible for collecting.

However, today at the dump was even more challenging for me personally. As we stood in the back of a truck and scooped out bowl after bowl of rice, beans and tortillas, we were enveloped in smoke. Every so often they burn the trash at the dump to make room for more waste. Today was a burning day. And there was no escape from the smoke. It burned our eyes, our throats and it covered us in a layer of stench and dirt that was recognizable from a distance. Our group spent 30 minutes at the dump today. 30 minutes. And for a lot of us the first things we talked about as soon as we drove away were the showers we couldn’t wait to take, or the cold water that was going to taste so refreshing. These aren’t luxuries that many of those workers were going to receive at the end of their long work day, a work day lasting far longer than the 30 minutes our group spent in the dump feeding. All day the men, women and children working there would be breathing in that smoke, smelling that stench and feeling that intense burning in their eyes and throats that I could barely stand for the 30 minutes I was there to serve them lunch.

Today being in the dump, at least for me, felt a little more real. Real in the sense that I endured their elements a little bit more. Real in the sense that I know how my body responded in that environment after only a few minutes. And real in the sense that I felt so appreciative driving away from the dump yesterday; for the opportunity to have gone and shared cold, clean water with those people and warm, nourishing food. In that moment it was also real to me how important it is to enter into to those places less appealing, less clean, and certainly less enjoyable because it is in those places that God has come looking for me time and time again.

The rest of us headed to Hospital Escuela. It is the "free hospital" in the city. If you have ever been to this hospital you know all too well how true the statement "you get what you pay for" can be. There is no such thing as a private room there. Instead most rooms have 10-12 beds lining the walls; filled with sick kids. The hospital often times is forced to reuse needles, tape, catheters, and other medical supplies because they don't have enough. I suppose when you are in pain and needing help you would choose the reused needle over nothing....but still it just makes my heart hurt. How spoiled are we in the states?? We take for granted the fact that we can walk into a hospital and receive good, sanitary, life saving medical treatment.

Our group split into two smaller groups at the hospital and headed to separate floors, armed with big bags of toys. My group had pediatric surgery and hydrocephaly floors. At each room we went to we handed out stuffed animals and toy cars. We played with kids, held hands with kids receiving treatment, talked with them, and formed bonds that surely wound their way into deepest parts of our heart.

After the hospital we headed to the airport where 12 more members of our team flew out. It is hard to believe that our time here is already over. My heart aches at the thought of going home already. I love this place and these people with everything in me.

Please keep praying over this place and the ministries here. I'll continue to put up a couple more blogs of pictures and stories even after I return home so keep checking the blog.

Pictures


Jen was a bit nervous using the chainsaw...but she rocked it!

Our almost all girl team ROCKS!



Our entire team at the Junk Cross. This Cross was literally built out of old car parts.
The finished product of our house building! :)
I ADORE her.




MANGOS!!!! I LOVE them.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Tuesday

Today we worked at the place where we have been staying all week. We have been staying with missionary friends of mine so we spent today building shelves, painting, cleaning, digging holes for hammock posts, and other such things. It was our opportunity to serve them today after they have served us all week.

After that we headed to KFC to meet the kiddos from Casa de Esperanza (the orphanage where I used to work) for dinner. We spent a couple of hours eating and playing in the play place with them! :)

And last but not least we had an Ohio State Buckeyes party. 4 of the missionaries here are Buckeyes fans so they came over to watch the game with us. We had white chili, red chili, corn bread, and buckeyes of course! :)




Sunset


Honduras has some of the most beautiful sunsets. God simply takes my breath away here.

Monday, January 3, 2011

Monday

The group split up into two separate teams today to build houses. We headed back out to the dump community where we had a carnival earlier this week. Each team built a home for a family. The houses we build are 16X16 wood one room houses. They take roughly 4-5 hours to build from start to finish.
Christina and Kristin braved the roof.

Katie played with kids all morning. They loved here....and I loved watching her with them. She was so patient and just delighted in playing with them so much.
Colby and some of our other girls braved the chainsaw for the first time today!

This was our house building team and the family we built for. We built for a sweet sweet family. A husband, his wife (who is 9 months pregnant), their 4 year old son.

After we finished building the two houses we headed up to the Jesus Statue. It is a huge statue of Jesus Christ that sits over-looking the city. The view at night is amazing. The team headed up there to have our devotional. After almost an hour of singing and devotional time at the feet of Christ we headed back home to get some rest. The team is starting to feel a bit tired and worn down.