“Women–Firm in the Midst of Trials”

It was my recent privilege, and eye-opening experience, to attend a 3 day women’s conference of the National Holiness Church (the denomination of which our church here in Choluteca is a part). 

Two women, along with myself, boarded a bus and traveled the 3 hours into the capital city of Tegucigalpa.  There we joined approximately 100 other women from around the country at the frigid retreat center, Villa Gracia, located on the top of fog shrouded mountain. 

In all honesty, I must admit, my sense of “frigid” has shifted over the past few months.  Eighty degrees with no humidity now feels absolutely, delightfully cool.  I would make a wild guess that our mountain top living experience hovered in the 50’s with rain, fog and wind.  For those of us who are accustomed to 90+ degrees – there was no hope for dressing warm enough!  (Hermana Antonia on the left tried…wearing 4 shirts at once!) But the fresh air, lush green foliage and sweet smell of pine was a treat!

Being of the American mindset that I am…I think of “retreat” as a time to process, reflect, gain insight and perspective.  And in so thinking, I went armed with plenty of journals and reading material and tennis shoes to hike the trails in solitude!  My journals never got opened so much as once the entire retreat, my books remained closed, but my tennis shoes did keep my feet warm! 

Started at 5 am the 4 shower stalls available for 50 women started running (with only cold water mind you!) and it was off to the races from there.  Devotional time as a room unit was completed before our 7 am breakfast hour and then we jumped into sessions of praise, worship and teaching throughout the day. 

I was immensely blessed by the teaching of various pastors who shared over the course of the days.  It started out great and only got better as we focused on themes of Breaking down Strongholds, Becoming Women who Edify, and Triumphing over Discouragement.

I was incredibly excited to share the day on Friday with my dear friend Yami whom you may remember from past posts.  I was unsure if I would see her even after she accepted my invitation to come because it meant taking 2 buses across the city to a place she had never ever been before.  That is not something a woman would commonly do here by herself!  PTL we were able to spend time together and join with 100 other women in prayers of confession and renewal, breaking down strongholds we have battled in our lives.

Rummage sale and crafts…

 

 

 

 

 

 

I bought the most amazing coconut and milk candy you can imagine! 

Prayers for the nations…

…the call was urgent, the call was clear.  “We are no longer a mission field…we are a mission force”  shared the Missions Coordinator for the National Church.  “There are places Americans can not go with ease (Muslim countries), but we as Latinos can enter, live and work.”  “It is our time to go!”  Amen!

A good time by all….