Miller Impressions

It’s beginning to look a lot like…

2012-01-30T22:40:00.001-05:00

…Christmas?

No! Although that is usually the only time I find myself turning out dozen after dozen of cookies! These 20 dozen cookies were made to welcome and sustain a hungry work team of 9 men who are currently working with the Shalom church here in Choluteca.

Cross-eyed Missions is a work team made up of 2 doctors and a random collection of other professions such as a mechanic, a retired principle, a milk sales distributor and equipment rental owner, all here to share of their lives and blessings with those in need of eye care.

Daily we are traveling to locations in and around Choluteca, setting up clinics for eye-exams and glasses fittings. It is amazing to me that probably upwards of 90% of those patients who are seen, need glasses! Some have had glasses previously, many have not. But can you imagine simply living with poor eye-sight because….

…well, you still have some sight so you just use what you have,

…there are no resources for something that is not immediately urgent,

…and it just isn’t a given in life to get routine eye checkups!

Eyes filled with hope.

Eyes clouded with cataracts

Eyes carrying the weight of the world.

Eyes shining a warm smile.

Eyes covered with ptryegiums.

Eyes too beautiful for words!

Our latest newsletter article…

2012-01-28T20:12:00.001-05:00

"Life isn't Fair!"

How many times have we heard this complaint from little ones who feel the sting of losing out? How many times has our own spirit muddled in frustration over circumstances that just 'wouldn't have to be' if life was fair...all the while knowing that life truely never is fair.

We have the head knowledge but our heart still longs for justice.

As I contemplated what to share with you in this newsletter we received a phone call from friends in Tegucigalpa. It was a phone call that one never wants to receive. It was a phone call that would never have to be made if life was fair.

Kevin was a quiet little boy whom we first got to know when we began our work at AFE. He was rarely seen with a clean face. His soleful eyes were void of purpose and heart-breakingly empty. His home, his caretakers, his daily existence revolved around life in the dump.

But life began to change for Kevin when he enrolled in kindergarten at AFE. His smile was infrequent at first, but he learned what it was like to hold a crayon and color a picture. Despite a speech impediment that seemed to keep him a boy of few words, he learned to read and write. In a couple short years Kevin's eyes began to shine with excitement and purpose. He loved to be in the midst of work team members giving hugs and working on construction projects. His sense of responsibility at the tender age of 7 was evident as he was often found collecting discarded paper products around the school to take home for the family recycling efforts and income source. Kevin was an eager helper for those around him, and in the words of one of his teachers, "won the love of many".

The injustice of children working in the dump meant that on Jan 16th, Kevin's young life was lost beneath the wheels of a dump truck as he worked among the garbage. He leaves behind a mother and five younger siblings, along with his grandparents who were love and consistency in his life.

There is nothing you and I can do to rectify the 'unfairness' of what has happened to Kevin. But it can remind us, challenge us....no, SCREAM at us to face the reality of life's inequity that much of the world's impovershed population lives daily. How am I sacrificing my life, to make life better for someone in need? When God calls me to love my neighbor as myself, is that just a pleasant thought or does it motivate my every action? This is a call to prayer. Will you pray for the comfort of Kevin's family? Will you pray that God will fashion beauty out of this pain? I don't know about you, but I need to be reminded that there is a world of hurt, waiting for the love of God to cover the pain, to rectify the wrong and to make something beautiful out of the broken. I don't ever want to receive phone calls like this while living oblivious to others' need. We can't solve the world's problems, but we can make a difference in the lives of those God brings to our paths.

We serve an awesome God who is able to do any and all things. But He asks us to join Him. Am I willing? Are you willing?

Family Reunions

2012-01-24T12:31:00.001-05:00

It is always amazing to me when God coordinates family reunions for us here in Honduras!

In previous posts I have shared stories of times spent with my cousins Janice and Malerie who also lived and worked here in Honduras.

This past weekend we had the awesome privilege of spending life-encouraging time with my cousin Cynthia and her family, David, Rochelle and Philip!

David, Cynthia and family will be living and working with a ministry called Border Buddies in Tegucigalpa over the next 3 months. You can be sure we are going to take advantage of this 3 month opportunity to get together. (If you would like to follow their journey you may do so here.)

This weekend we took advantage of enjoying the beauty of the volcanic island of Amapala off the southern coast of Honduras…

…enjoying the 18 kilometer joy ride around the island on a motorized 3-wheeler…

…relaxing amidst the ocean breezes under thatch huts…

…savoring the delicacies of fresh ocean catch, eyes included!

And all that fun was just on Saturday!

Sunday and Monday were filled with visits to the norms of our life here in Honduras; attending church with the ones we know as our Honduran family…visiting the community of

San Jorge… inching our way through the crowded streets of the market and visiting the vocational center.

But what I appreciated the most was precious time to just sit and talk from our hearts about things that matter in our lives. To listen, to share and to be heard. God’s gift of relationship is paramount. Without relationship with Him and others there would be no purpose to life.

So I rejoice in the many relationships that enrich my each and every day…and especially for the blessing of family relationship we could enjoy face to face this weekend!

Every Boy’s Dream…

2012-01-18T12:37:00.001-05:00

…Or at least my little boy’s great delight!

Friends of ours, Chacho and Paty, are the owners of 2 oxen named “Conejo” (rabbit) and “Jugete” (Toy). Unlike living in Tegucigalpa, oxen and their pull-behind carts are common here in Choluteca, hauling loads of dirt, sand and what-not, hither and yon across the city.

Chacho had long ago promised Breylon a ride in his ox cart and yesterday the moment finally arrived!

The Shalom Church is beginning to build a home for one of our church families in need. Conejo and Jugete are responsible for pulling at least 10 loads of sand and rock from the river bed up to the new building site.

Breylon couldn’t be happier to help out!

I know things like this take a phone call and dump truck load in the US.

Here it means hours of manual labor, riding the cool evening breezes on the cart and communal effort!

Happy Travels Today!

Over already!

2012-01-16T12:12:00.001-05:00

VBS Theme Song

Our week of VBS flew by in a flurry of spirited singing, meticulous (and some not so much) coloring and committing verses to heart!

Of the 480+ children involved in VBS throughout the region this week, 380 received an eagerly awaited diploma at the closing ceremony. Receiving a diploma meant you attended classes for at least 4 of the 5 days of Bible School. And not only did they receive a diploma…but also a special treat of a mandarin orange and pack of cookies!

At times it feels like a week of Bible school is but a drop in the bucket to combat the sea of difficult circumstances many of these children face every day. Reality is…our efforts alone are and only, ever will be a ‘drop in the bucket’ of the world’s problems.

Thankfully, working hand in hand with God provides a different reality!

God asks us to plant seeds. He will bring the growth. Gods asks us to be faithful to share His word, regardless of how it is received. He will cultivate the soil. God asks us to be faithful in the small things. He will make them increase and grow and develop and blossom according to His plan!

And for that we are praying in the lives of each of these children who heard the word of God this week.

More then a few smiles…

2012-01-12T13:48:00.001-05:00

It was great fun on Wednesday when little “Peluquita” arrived on the scene! (You can even find her on FB @ peluquitaysusamigosShalom!)

Peluquita captured the attention of 80+ kids as she laughed and chirped and teased her way through such subjects as the evils of robbing change from your grandpa and how to live forever with Jesus in your heart!

Smiles continue as we learn and work together this week on how we can be Frogs for Jesus…otherwise known in Spanish as Sapos for Jesus. As always … there is a reason to the wacky themes that go hand in hand with VBS. To be a sapo for Jesus, we must:

S: Servir (serve those around us)

A: Amar (love those around us)

P: Perdonar (forgive those around us)

O: Obedecer (obey God’s rules for our lives)

As for those of us leading…we try to keep our own smiles firmly in place when we have 90 kids all begging for a green crayon with which to color, when we wade through the masses of squashed together chairs to pass out 180 frog hands and googly eyes and when everyone needs the 4 bottles of glue we are trying to share among all!

It is not too hard really. And it is worth it all when you feel that hug from behind and an eager voice saying, “Good-bye! I’ll see you tomorrow!”

“Come to Bible School…Come to Bible School…”

2012-01-10T14:20:00.001-05:00

Just those few words probably brings the familiar song to mind we all sang countless times as children if we had the opportunity to go to Bible School.

This week, hundreds of children in the Southern region of Honduras are singing their own version of ‘The Bible School Song’…

…“A la escuela vacacional, vamos todos para aprender. De Cristo quien murió para salvarnos de Satán. A la escuela vacacional, vamos todos para aprender. Tú y yo y todos de nosotros, vamos todos aprender!”

I did say 100’s of kids…but that is not 100’s of kids in one location! Every January, Shalom church delves into the huge effort of taking Vacation Bible School to numerous different communities in which we are involved. This year involves 8 different communities, touching approximately 500 different children.

This effort would not be possible without the committed involvement of many church members! Before the VBS week begins, many of us gather together to start cutting….and cutting…and cutting! Prepping materials for 500 kids for 5 days worth of activities means cutting upwards of 5000 coloring sheets, frog legs, lily pads, sunshines…you get the idea! Everything the kids need is cut and ready beforehand. Setting 100’s of kids loose with scissors to cut their own supplies is not only impossible due to lack of scissors but could present some serious chaos in the moment.

As it is, we have enough chaos going on! This is the first year our church is holding VBS in the San Jorge Community…the community Mark and I are involved with. We went prepped the first day for materials for 70 kids, unsure what to expect. Seventy seemed a rather generous number!

One Hundred and twenty five kids showed up! Thankfully, someone had the foresight to bring extra…”just in case!”

We received permission to use the public school porch, which upon arrival was so slathered with dust, the floor was invisible! But since all of us here in Choluteca are used to living, breathing and eating dust these days, we gave it a quick sweep and got down to business singing, memorizing, coloring and learning a Bible Story.

So we are in full swing right now!

We covet your prayers that the seeds planted take root and grow. We covet your prayers of protection against any weapon Satan intends to weld against the sharing of God’s word to these children. Negative influences abound in these children’s lives, but God created them for great purpose and we are trusting Him to produce the fruit of these efforts.

Check back soon for more VBS updates!

A New Year has arrived…

2012-01-02T14:24:00.001-05:00

…and here I am, still blogging about the life and times of 2011!

Bear with me as I catch our activities up to speed!

Having arrived in Honduras 6 short months ago, June of 2011, we chose to stay here this holiday season. Christmas - a time to be with family is not just an American tradition, but also an integral part of Honduran culture.

Maybe it is because Jesus came as a baby to usher us into the beauty and depth of relationship, that being with those we love is so important at this time of the year. No matter how many Christmases we are away from family – my heart always longs to be together. But in the absence of that togetherness this year, we were surrounded by our church family and neighborhood friends who welcomed us into their celebrations with love and generosity.

In effort bless those who have welcomed us so warmly, as well as to avoid some of the loneliness that comes from being far from family, we decided it would be fun to invite our church family to our home for a Christmas Open House.

Although ‘Open Houses’ aren’t typical here, it was certainly well received; so well received in fact that we found the church bus and various cars spilling 60+ people onto our awaiting doorstep on the appointed night (astounding to me since we only announced it 24 hours prior!).

There were people inside, outside and every spare corner! It was fabulously fun with Christmas music, a bonfire to roast hotdogs and marshmallows and lots of games and laughter.

I had hoped to prepare lots of our traditional American Holiday snacks, but what was I to do without, chocolate to dip my pretzels, make peppermint patties, dunk Buckeyes or most anything in, Rice- Krispies for Rice Krispie squares, dates for date balls, cheeses for cheese balls?!?

We opted instead for Carmel Corn, Lemon Squares, Sugar Cookies, Cucumber slices with cilantro and lemon, Ritz crackers with cream cheese spread, grapes and the rage of the night…Hot Chocolate! I couldn’t make enough!

My Helpers:

Our Much loved Church Family:

As always happens, when we seek to bless…we are blessed beyond measure in return! A delightful evening of Fellowship!

To the happy couple…

2011-12-23T22:03:00.001-05:00

It was with great anticipation we recently attended our first Honduran wedding.

In our short time here in Choluteca, we have grown to love and appreciate David and Maribel as we have gotten to know them through church and work opportunities.

It was an all church event, with lots of photogenic moments. I’ll let the pictures do the talking…

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 15:5-6

Snowmen in Choluteca…

2011-12-20T22:46:00.001-05:00

Ok – so they aren’t real! But if you turn down the AC very low and imagine really hard as you drive by an inflatable Frosty, you can imagine for a short moment that the temperature is less then the raging 95 degrees burning through your car windows.

Or not!

This evening we were invited over to the home of Doña Chinita, a teacher at the San Jorge Elementary School, to see her annual nativity display.

We had no idea what we were getting into really, but having received repeated phone calls and invitations, we figured it was something rather important.

It was a delightful outing!

It has become a tradition which draws people from around the neighborhood and surrounding neighborhoods to enjoy the creativity.

Four women (Doña Chinita on left) spend at least six days unpacking, organizing, and creating a miniature replica of the city of Choluteca – with a few extra additions like the nativity and the above pictured Frosty!

The famed Choluteca Bridge through which one enters the city, (although in reality, no sharks inhabit its waters).

The neighborhood of our church is even present, Barrio Los Mangos.

New this year is the artistic creation of the nativity scene made entirely out of pop bottle tops.

Honduran hospitality never fails to offer at least a cup of Coke if not a tasty morsel and we were blessed with both tonight.

Despite the fact we had just come from supper, we couldn’t turn down the plates of enchiladas and cold Coke we were so eagerly served.

Caffeine and grease – an excellent bedtime snack!

Altogether – a wonderful evening and peek into the traditions of Honduran culture!

“Women–Firm in the Midst of Trials”

2011-12-15T11:02:00.001-05:00

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….

Big Picture God…Small Picture Me

2011-12-07T11:46:00.001-05:00

Futures waiting to happen!

Lives capable of changing the world!

Individuals created with unique purpose!

Students of San Jorge Elementary School…

But what happens when lives, born for great purposes, get caught up in the fray of life’s evil?

What happens when learned behaviors of promiscuity and illicit habits derail good intentions?

What happens when one is never taught to dream, to reach for something higher then the surrounding moral decay?

What happens with the grip of poverty battles you on every side?

Nothing good!

Unless a new hope, a new role model, a new example, a new opportunity is introduced and mentored in these lives.

I have to hold on to this as I admit to some recent discouragement and hopelessness in light of recent headlines.

*Within Latin America during the years of 1990 – 2010, Honduras and Mexico where the only 2 countries where the numbers of persons living in poverty increased rather then decreased (as stated in the following article: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-15957422). And this country is swarming with mission agencies, NGO’s, and foreign aid! What is going wrong?

Likewise shocking:

*In light of the world’s countries, Honduras ranks insignificant in most any measuring stick one would want to apply. Yet it holds the recently released infamous title of having the highest murder rate in the WORLD! Teeny tiny little Honduras is home to approximately 20 murders a day! Corruption runs rampant, youth gangs and drug lords reek havoc on a society struggling to survive.

Do the odds look overwhelming? Absolutely…at least when I look at the big picture. I know we are often encouraged to look at ‘the big picture’ as a way to get a broader perspective and greater discernment.

But I think for the moment, my focus needs to draw a tighter circle. I can’t change those statistics, but God has asked me to touch and influence the lives that cross my path today. When I look into the eyes of the children above my heart beats to effect a lasting change. When I stand on the promise that God directs our steps according to his “big picture” plan, I can focus on reflecting His love and grace to those around me today…

…knowing God, and only God will be the One to bring hope and purpose to a dying world. What a privilege if you and I can be a small part of that!

Refreshing Waters

2011-12-01T11:20:00.001-05:00

There is nothing like spending a few hours in the vibrant beauty of God’s creation to give one a fresh perspective.

We were able to take advantage of that opportunity recently, traveling 5 hours north of Choluteca to the mountainous city of Siguatepeque to visit my cousin Malerie.

It was a lovely few days, with a leisurely walk exploring the town, sipping steaming cups of coffee, enjoying the joys of companionship with family, and a special highlight; exploring a local cloud forest.

There is certainly nothing lush and refreshing about the vegetation in Choluteca and all of us were eager to hit the trails for a few hours.

We even had to wear jackets!

Do plants grow this big where you are?!? Yikes!

Perfect for the imaginative mind!

We decided to opt out of crossing this ‘swinging bridge’! Swinging alright! We would have been swinging to our deaths/detriment below!

Of course – Breylon was up for it but Mom put a stop to that idea!

Along the way we found a look out tower and all decided it was fine place to partake of leftover Thanksgiving turkey sandwiches, veges and apples and chips!

With this kind of view, why not!

A lovely day, topped off with a meal to assuage the largest appetite! It doesn’t get much better then this!

Thanks God for a delightful day of friends, nature and fellowship!

Gottcha!

2011-11-14T11:35:00.001-05:00

I guess we are just not Honduran enough to enjoy an iguana scrambling around on our roof all hours of night or day!

So Mark set out to catch it…(after the rat poison was ineffective)!

He succeeded! The iguana better be glad he picked our roof to hide out rather then anyone elses…otherwise he would have been turned into the famed iguana soup!

Instead he just got dumped outside the city. (It is technically illegal to kill them.)

Our iguana free house lasted about one day…now we have another inhabitant of the same variety who has taken up residence and resumed the scrambling in the rafters!

Oh well!

Happy Birthday Breylon!

2011-11-08T10:54:00.001-05:00

Our family is so much richer because of a little smiley faced, generous hearted, eager spirited boy who joined our family 7 short years ago!

So we celebrated at home…

At school….

And even at church… where the whole congregation sang him songs of blessing and personally filed through and gave him umpteen hugs!

We Love You Dearly Breylon!

Mennonite Hospitality, Honduran-Style

2011-11-06T22:27:00.001-05:00

The Sunday Lunch invite…always a pleasure we anticipated giving and receiving many times through out the years of growing up in Mennonite circles. Just the thought brings images of roast beef, home made bread, graham cracker fluff, pickles, slices of Amish cheese or tapioca pudding to mind.

I need not stay on that train of thought too long! Yum!

As relational as the Honduran people are, invites for meals are rare – especially for a Sunday noon meal! Gathering around food tends to happen with celebrations, such as holidays, birthdays or weddings. But just for anyhow…not so much.

But today was an exception!

A family we are learning to deeply appreciate in the church invited us over for rooster soup! And we were thrilled to accept!

I supplied the cabbage, yuca, green bananas and squash for the soup. Socorro killed the rooster and threw it all together! I definitely had the better end of the deal!

We spent a delightful few hours under the shade tree beside their home. The kids played like monkeys in the trees, took a walk to the river and roamed around in the corn patch behind the house. Mark and I enjoyed the warm breezes as we shared stories and thoughts with Vidal and Socorro.

What could better fill a Sunday afternoon?

“Honduras, Corazon de America”

2011-11-04T23:03:00.001-04:00

Tonight was Fiesta Tipica Night at the children’s school – Vida Abundante. My shabby photos cannot even begin to do justice to the amazing array of color, music, lights and festive atmosphere that invaded the school grounds in a valiant effort to recognize the beauty and tradition of the Americas.

Students showcasing the typical attire of each country in North, Central and South America, walked an extravagantly decorated runway, while music and pictures of said country filled the screens.

Quite fittingly, Breylon and Madi were chosen to represent the United States of America. While it isn’t an immensely cool thing to have to wear a crown of pointed prongs on your head when one is in 6th grade, Madi was a good sport and managed to survive. Breylon was thrilled with his role and didn’t waste more then a moments stress about the process.

Huts built of palm leaves housed a wide array of Honduran delicacies, the sales of which go to benefit a needy school in Honduras. Tamales, Tajaditas with cabbage salad, Tacos, Pupusas, Horchata, Grilled steak and beans, Argentine chicken, Bread pudding, Corn on a cob slathered with cream and cheese….tantalized the taste buds and satiated the hungry stomachs.

Needless to say – an intriguing and fun evening.

“Friend…”

2011-11-01T13:22:00.001-04:00

We were continually, gratefully aware of the blessing we experienced the first 2 years of living in Honduras.

The blessing of never loosing so much as a penny to a pick pocketer.

It is an unfortunately common experience equated with reality in Honduras. On a recent newscast the announcer joked, “If you haven’t been robbed at least twice in your life…you aren’t truly Honduran!” While that may be true – it is sad that a culture has become so inundated with the evil of twisted morals that it becomes a point of light-hearted joking.

The reality of this decay was all mine a few short days ago as I experienced first hand the violation of being robbed before my very eyes…or behind my very back as it was.

I don’t care to go into the details of how it happened. I don’t care to think of it at all really…but the images are burned so clearly on my memory and the feelings still so fresh they want to follow me around like a lonely puppy dog.

What has brought me up short is Jesus call to love our enemies. The feelings of rage and violation and revenge stormed my heart with drop dead speed. Those pacifist beliefs I say I hold are now up for a real life challenge. Evil in your face is frighteningly different from evil contemplated from a distance.

I knew I was supposed to pray for my violator. But could I? I contemplated the emptiness of his life. Was he laying on a street corner, drunk or drugged with my 75 stolen dollars? Did he return home to a family with beans and eggs and offer them food to last a night? I couldn’t find compassion within me, but I threw the thought of him up to the feet of Jesus – asking God to do for him what I did not have the strength to pray for him myself.

And then this morning I read Jesus’ words, “Friend, do what you came for.” Matt. 26:50.

“FRIEND!” Jesus called Judas a friend! In the very moment Judas came to betray him, to usher in Jesus’ death on a cross, Jesus extended grace! Judas wasn’t just snatching away Jesus’ bag of belongings to turn tail and run. Judas wasn’t acting out of the poverty of need or the compulsion of drugs. He chose to betray the sacred trust of relationship.

And Jesus called him “Friend”.

I won’t tell you that I am there; that I have arrived at extending the lavish, unfettered and all encompassing grace Jesus calls us to exemplify. But I hear His voice calling me one step farther then I was before.

How can I not follow when, without God’s grace in my life, I would have nothing to live for?

What do 5 days in a shelter look like?

2011-10-19T23:04:00.001-04:00

The unceasing rains started 10 days ago and have yet to dissipate!

Misting rain, drenching rain, steady rain, sporadic rain…I don’t think I have ever seen so much rain in all my life!

For me, this rain is an inconvenience. A nuisance.. A frustration! But it is not the devastation which it is for so many others.

Thousands of people across the southern region of Honduras are living these days out in shelters, their homes and communities in areas of risk or worse, already destroyed by the floods.

Shalom church is home to 40+ persons from our congregation who have needed to leave their homes.

It means communal cooking with everyone adding a helping hand.

It means living on a cement pad, covered by a tin roof, but open to the wind and rain.

It means sleeping side by side on the wooden platform with your brothers and sisters in Christ.

It means washing your clothes on a sidewalk-turned washboard-and stringing the clothes up around the sides of the church – with no real hope of them drying any time soon!

It means endless fellowship…whether you want it or not! It has been 5 days of waiting out the rains with no where to go! Our family spends hours at the church, just hanging out and being together. There is really not much else to do right now and it is much more pleasant to be bored together!

Madi sharing her bracelet making skills with a few interested learners.

Today I took paper and colored pencils and asked anyone interested to draw pictures of their life here in Honduras for me. I can’t wait to turn them into postcards and use them to write you in the near future!

Above all I am impressed, but not surprised by, the amazing attitudes I see exhibited by one and all.

Could I be so positive if it were me living communally under a tin roof?

Be Aware!

2011-10-17T21:49:00.001-04:00

It’s for real folks! We are living in the midst of it all!

Information on the rains and resulting devastation in Central America: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-15331290

Pictures: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-15332068

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-15340109

Reality in Southern Honduras

2011-10-16T22:54:00.001-04:00

A few pictures…albeit poor ones…to give you a better idea of what 7 days of rain looks like here.

As of today’s edition of the paper:

*3,184 people evacuated from their homes

*16,996 people affected

* 2,427 damaged homes

My guess is these numbers are quite conservative.

President Profirio Lobo has declared a State of Emergency for our area.

Our yard….

Our living room wall…so saturated it is wet from outside in along the entire East side of the house. Only this was a few days ago so now it mostly all wet! :-)

We spent the evening last night, this morning and this evening with people from our congregation who are evacuated from their homes and staying in the Shalom church till the waters recede.

It is pretty powerful to hear them give thanks for God’s protection as they stand amidst the few belongings they brought from their homes, waiting, unknown as to the damage their homes may endure.

Evident were many tears, but also patient joy, and hope in the Only One who can bring them through another tragedy.

Rain, Rain Go Away…

2011-10-15T19:15:00.001-04:00

What started out the week this past Monday as an unusually rainy day, has turned into an insanely rainy week! The sun has not shown it’s face and the rain falls continuously with occasional breaks of minutes to a couple hours at a time for 5 days straight.

The effects on Choluteca and the southern region of Honduras are devastating! We are functioning in a state of emergency with 1000’s of people being evacuated from homes filled with water.

Walking down the street yesterday, I watched as 3 boys tossed bucket after bucket of water from the floor of their home out the front door.

Streets have turned to rivers, rising to waist high level as people struggle to save a few belongings as they leave their homes behind.

Thirty plus members of our church left their homes this morning and are congregating in the church and home of fellow missionaries (who live beside the church) to wait out the storm.

The San Jorge community where Mark and I are getting involved is flooded and Mark is currently out that way – seeing if there is anyone who needs some help moving to a shelter. We will see what stories he comes back with. River" vspace="5" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs025/1101268607049/img/265.jpg" width="195" height="258">The potable water system for the entire city has collapsed with means no potable water will be flowing to any home or business till the pumps can be repaired.

Since the devastating effects of Hurricane Mitch in 1998 this kind of flooding has not been seen. For so many who lost everything at that time, this brings frightening memories and too much familiarity.

What makes a situation like this so devastating is the fact that people here live day to day. What someone earns today is what they buy food with for tomorrow. Therefore, when rain halts your income for today – you have nothing to eat tomorrow.

However, it is in times like this when the goodness in us comes out. We leave behind the pressing to-do list of today and focus on our neighbor. The mayor of Choluteca, known and loved for his involvement and efforts in this city, just called for all of us as a city to pull together and give what we can; a dry shirt, a pack of diapers, clean water or a can of milk to those who are without anything.

These people are survivors…and together they will do it again!

Dreams Come True

2011-10-14T12:11:00.001-04:00

This one has been a long time in coming….3+ years in fact!

At one point before moving to Honduras the first time (2008) I allowed the words to escape from my mouth: “You can get a dog when we move to Honduras, IF we have room to keep him outside.” Of course, the second part of my sentence was completely lost on the kids! So when we moved into a home with no yard to host a dog…and we didn’t get one…Mom was accused of not keeping her word.

Well, the promise of a puppy still stood when we returned to Honduras this time. And a key factor in the house search was a home with a yard. And what do you know, when we found one, Mom kept her word!

“Cafecito” is the new beloved member of our home. He is readily soaking up all the love and attention and whines dreadfully if he has to go to long without any!

He is our two-culture-puppy…as so aptly exemplified by his name, “Little Coffee”. In the US – there are many who love a good cup of black coffee! Here in Honduras, black coffee is a horrible thought! Rather we lavish it with creamer and sugar till it turns the lovely caramel color of “Cafecito’s” paws! As a family – we are all mixed up in two cultures…it’s only fitting our puppy is too.

Everyone in the family enjoys a good cup of coffee – now we can enjoy it every day of the week, every moment of the day…at least the 4-legged version.

What’s for supper?

2011-10-10T12:21:00.001-04:00

It would take a visit from my cousin Malerie to ever get me to remotely even contemplate the idea of eating snail! It isn’t high on my list of ‘Foods to Eat Before I Die’. But, being the adventurous person that she is – Malerie was eager to try the famed “curiles” soaked in a mixture of lemon, cilantro and blood. So of course – she talked us into a taste!

The sight and thought of it was more then Breylon could handle and he literally lost his appetite (no small feat for him!) for the entire meal! The rest of us gave it a try!

All this to say – we had a great time with Malerie! We have loved having the rare connection of family here in Honduras – even though she lives and works in a city 4+ hours from here. We take advantage of the opportunities we do have to get together. Hopefully we can do that at least once more before she heads back to the US in the upcoming months.

Taste of Honduras

2011-09-30T12:29:00.001-04:00

Our fellow missionaries recently returned from a quick visit to the US and brought us an outdoor thermometer…something that up until now we have been unable to find here. It has been quite enlightening to see how we have already acclimated to life here. Our new “cold” is the upper 70’s!

We awake to temps around 78 EVERY MORNING! It is those cool morning breezes that are worth awakening early to enjoy! By mid morning we climb to 90 degrees and usually top out in the upper 90’s by the afternoon. In the shade with high humidity of course! Day, after day after day….there is so little variation it is amazing!

With all that said, I think you can understand our enjoyment of the following recipes. I thought you may enjoy a taste of our norms here.

Licuados (milkshakes) – are a family favorite at which all the kids are proficient at making on their own, any time of the day or evening! We are inundated with papayas from our own trees (we got down 13 the other day!) and have as such – invented the following concoction.

Papaya Licuado – Blend in the blender, frozen chunked papaya, milk and a dash of nutmeg. The more frozen fruit you add, the thicker the shake…we even make it thick enough to pretend we are eating it as ice-cream.

Of course any combination of fruit can be used and we keep a stocked supply in our freezer at any given time: papaya, bananas, watermelon, pineapple, or mango. Excellent, easy, and healthy!

Our other fun discovery has been making sherbet…without an ice-cream freezer. The following recipe comes from Barbara Pinkley , WGM missionary to Africa.

Jell-O Sherbet

1 small box any flavor gelatin – dissolved in 1 cup boiling water

Add to above and dissolve: 1 cup sugar (I use 1/2c – 3/4c) and juice of 2 lemons

Add: 3 cups milk (It will curdle slightly but you can’t tell once it is blended and frozen) .

Freeze till partially set. Stir and refreeze. Enjoy!

If you are ever in the area – come on over and cool off with an icy treat! We would love to have you!

Did you know…?

2011-09-25T16:25:00.001-04:00

…that angels drink juice?

Today is Day of the Bible – widely celebrated in Honduras!

Our church joined numerous other churches in voicing our gratefulness and celebration of the Word of God by marching through the city of Choluteca.

For us, of course, it was a new experience and a lot of fun to get to know fellow church members in a relaxed and celebratory manner as we walked along the streets singing, chatting and sipping bags of cold water.

Your word is a lamp to my feet

and a light for my path.

Ps. 119:105

Now that is something worth celebrating!

A Godly Heritage…

2011-09-20T13:17:00.001-04:00

Today I hold the memories of my Grandma close to my heart even as she has been released from life on this earth and rejoices, exuberant in the presence of the One from whom she drew her unbending faith, strength and purpose.

She left us quickly and quietly, with little forewarning, but provoking much afterthought! We rejoice she experienced little pain; it is us remaining whom now walk through the tears and the memories to bring closure and release of one whom we loved much.

And for me, these are the moments where living far from home feels like a heavy sacrifice. But, I have been deeply blessed by the calls and e-mails from home that remind me others, even in their moments of grief, remember us in our grief here in Honduras.

I was blessed with a step of closure the other night when, in church, we were asked to stand and share “…words of gratitude" for something God has done in our lives. I knew clearly this was my time, to bless God publicly for giving me the amazing blessing of a godly heritage. Albeit with tears and imperfect Spanish, I could thank God with all my heart that Grandma lived a life of faithfulness, despite great challenges…that she showed my Mom what walking with Jesus meant…who in turn showed me what a life of true faith looks like…for her example of sincere humility…that although one never wants to feel the sadness of loss…my life was richer because she was my Grandma.

I celebrate your Joy today with you Grandma! Your example and testimony will be a witness through the coming ages as it is passed down through our lives to the following generations.

Life as a Missionary Kid

2011-09-13T14:07:00.001-04:00

Honduras celebrates it’s independence this week on Sept 15th. And it does so with much parading around town!

Today the private elementary schools of Choluteca took to the streets with dancing bands, decorated floats and hoards of sweaty marching students. Tomorrow the Public Elementary schools march and on Thurs all secondary schools march.

We have been serenaded with practicing bands of surrounding schools all hours of the day for weeks and weeks…the time for the show has arrived!

Instructed to begin lining up at 7 am…we didn’t actually start marching till after 8:30. What else would you do if you were a Honduran boy except find a plastic bottle and start to play soccer!

Parents walk alongside the students to give them drinks and snacks along the way to combat the intense heat. They have the privilege of carrying umbrellas though – unlike the students!

Saluting the leaders of Choluteca…

What is a celebration without food? The Hondurans love to eat and venders were out in force, with make shift stands and wonderful aromas to take advantage of the opportunity!

While the heat was enough to drain even the most energetic, we were incredibly grateful for a somewhat overcast sky and a few breezes that skittered through every now and then! Even so, we take home a sunburn souvenir!

VIVA HONDURAS!

Moving Prayers

2011-09-12T13:39:00.001-04:00

Lest you think that I am an especially deep thinker, consistently meditating on life’s profundity…let me share with you my recent moment of humor – during prayer no less!

Everyone close to me knows I am not a big fan of Coke, or Pepsi or any of those sugar laden liquids that really do our bodies no good when we ingest them! Stomach issues run rampant in this culture and I have no doubt it is in part due to the massive amounts of Coke people drink daily! Sorry kids…we’re drinking water…again!

Recently we were invited to a neighborhood Bible study at the home of friends, during which we were first served cups of Coke. In all sincerity, the leader led the group in prayer as we began saying, “…and we thank you for this drink that we have been permitted to ingest, and we pray that you would purify it in our stomachs!”

I instantly started laughing, albeit quietly so as only my husband beside me could hear me.

If anything needs purified, it’s Coke in our stomachs! I’m so glad our God is a God who likes to laugh along with us!

“…Walk beside me and be my friend…”

2011-09-07T12:01:00.001-04:00

Have you ever questioned the wisdom of supporting a missionary to the tune of 50,000+/year?

I mean really…this seems excessive when one lives and works among those living in block homes and mud huts! Why not just send that money to the needy instead?

Disregarding the fact that many hidden expenses are incurred that are otherwise never needed in the US – such as, air fare, language school and residency paperwork to name a few…Taking into account that we choose to live in a home that is secure, has tile floors and running water…I, myself, a missionary woman, wife and mother, have struggled with this seemingly in proportionate amount of monies needed for us to live here.

In thinking of this, I was challenged recently while reading Radical – an incredible book that merits numerous blog entries of it’s own. But for now, the challenge that spoke to me is the vital relationship of giving AND relationship.

Radical describes a Sudanese man, having grown up in the midst of war, persecution and suffering expressing thanks for the the generosity of so many people/agencies who brought supplies to them during his times of need. But above and beyond any THING he received he concluded, “A true brother comes to be with you in your time of need...thank you (short term work team member) for coming to BE with us. (emphasis mine) ”

God didn’t send gold, silver or jewels to save us from our sin, He sent his own Son to walk in relationship with us!

What is it that encourages me most in my times of difficulty? Without a doubt, it is someone who cares enough to take time to listen, care and join me so that I don’t have to suffer alone.

I find this same sentiment working here in Honduras among the Honduran people. Our white skin initially screams money, wealth and opportunity. But by forging friendships with people they know we have made a choice to leave behind many things to extend love and stand in solidarity with their needs. The joy and humility with which they receive this challenges me so powerfully, I in turn want to give more deeply of myself.

Without relationship, donations and monies are a quick fix to the worlds’ deeper needs. Let us never separate our giving and our going. Let us not simply give of our excess, but give sacrificially…of our hearts, our time and our concern.

In so doing, we are forever changed!

Feeling Burdened Today?

2011-09-05T13:33:00.001-04:00

Día Del Niño

2011-08-28T15:16:00.001-04:00

“Day of the Child” is quickly approaching, Sept 10; a much anticipated and profusely celebrated holiday here in Honduras.

The Shalom church decided to celebrate a couple weeks early to spread out the fun and avoid the rampage of parties, candy and fun that come from school, home and church alike in Sept.

Not only was the celebration to bless the 50+ kids in our church, but was also a means of extending our reach to the surrounding neighborhood by inviting the whole community.

Jorge Paz – you should meet him…you’ll never forget him if you do! Enthusiastic worship leader and entertainer par excellence!

Art exposition in progress….

4-7 year olds 8-10 year olds

11-13 year olds

Our friend the clown, who needed to learn how to clean her dirty heart…dirty from stealing her friend’s hat, dirty from saying bad words, dirty from annoying her brother…

…could she scrub her heart clean with a broom?

…could she wash her heart clean with soap?

…could she whiten her heart with clorox?

…could she heal it with a shot?

No! only the prayer of a fully repentant heart could bring her the joy she sought!

Lots of games and prizes of course!

Are the prizes worth the wait?

It was a day of a lot of fun, a lot of work, a lot of sweat, and a whole lot of smiles!

[We] planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. I Cor. 3:6

Our desire was to plant seeds of God’s love today…may He continue to produce growth and fruit in these children He loves!

First Day of School

2011-08-25T15:26:00.001-04:00

Looking good on the outside…a little more scared on the inside!

These are the moments when my mother heart quakes. It is one thing to make decisions that put myself in a hard place. It is a much heavier burden to know I made a decision that placed my children in a hard place.

Today, the ‘hard place’ for my children was facing a whole new school, all new teachers, all new students, with not one friend to help ease the transition. And not just new faces, location and routine…studying in a new language. A language they are not yet comfortable in.

Half of their classes – the core curriculum of Math, Science, Language Arts, Spelling, History & Reading – will be taught in English. The remaining classes – Art, Music, Spanish, Social Studies & PE – will be in Spanish. Because they are the only Americans in the school, Spanish is definitely the choice for recess, playground and lunchtime!

We are excited that the intense Spanish exposure will soon produce 3 fluent little Spanish speakers, but in the meantime…it is kind of rough!

Although we left the kids with tears in their eyes, they came home their first day with smiles and the budding of new friendships. God is gracious to us in our time of need.

As you think of the kids today – would you say a prayer for their peace, security and understanding? The prayers of today effect lives into the future.

Too much time…

2011-08-23T10:27:00.001-04:00

…on our hands!

School was scheduled to start Monday, August 22nd. We were all very ready – despite the first day fears – to get into a routine of purpose.

Alas, true to Honduran style, we received a call on Friday, August 19, that the first day of school was pushed back to Wednesday, August 24th.

Strange things happen when we are bored!

Photo sessions with the Dolls…

Hours and Hours of lego creations…

Skyping with Friends…

The kids have been great troopers for the very chaotic, unusual and at times, stressful summer.

An Interesting Conversation…

2011-08-22T23:36:00.001-04:00

Our family is on the receiving end of so much blessing here in Choluteca.

The blessing that has impacted me the most is the warmth, love and generosity with which we have been welcomed and accepted.

Expressing – to our directors recently - the pleasant surprise this has been, I learned a very interesting perspective. In their experience, the people in this southern region are quick to befriend and love. Their generosity is overflowing. Trust is freely given. They long for relationship and respond eagerly to any kindness and respect given them. However, should this trust be broken, the consequences are devastating. Hurt runs deep and the rift takes much time, energy and a concerted effort to rebuild, if it is rebuilt at all.

This trend is surprisingly different from the people in other parts of Honduras where our mission also has missionaries. These people are initially much more distanced and slow to invite one into confidence. It takes repeated efforts, and evidenced faithfulness to gain the deep and lasting trust of friendship. However, once that trust is gained, the resulting loyalty withstands the fire of great trial.

At the same moment I am moved by the kindness so easily given us here, the afore mentioned conversation struck me with a bit of fear. For how often do I, without intention, offend another? How often do we, with our cultural differences, fail to understand correctly what is meant to be communicated, and respond inappropriately? I fear it is more often then I would hope.

And so I am humbled again, realizing that so much is outside of my control. I pray for grace to do and say as I ought. I pray for grace in the eyes of others, that I might not offend without knowing it. I pray that I may be as generous, loving and kind. I pray that the grace of God cover my stumbling attempts to imitate His perfect love to others.

Missionary retreat

2011-08-18T15:02:00.001-04:00

(This entry is a couple weeks late, but somehow missed getting posted. Since I wrote it, I’ll post it! Better late then never.)

This past week has been our annual missionary retreat – on the North Coast of Honduras this year.

*A week to spend with fellow missionaries, many of whom we see infrequently as we are each involved in ministries separated by hours and hours of travel.

*A week to enjoy the lap of waves and the thrill of the pool’s curly slide.

*A week to sleep in and take time to read.

* A week to receive fresh Bible input and perspective as we studied the book of Ruth with our speaker Todd Eckhart.

*A week for me not to have to cook. Instead, we enjoyed lots of amazing Honduran food…one evening this bowl of coconut soup with an entire fish immersed in the broth. It was the most amazingly delicious soup I may have ever eaten, made by the Garifuna people who live here on the North coast and Northern islands.

*Aweek we were very blessed to be able to enjoy! We are so very aware there are many who can only dream of such a week and never want to take the blessing for granted!

They call this “Winter”!

2011-08-12T09:22:00.001-04:00

It’s winter time here. Or so they tell us!

We awake to temps in the 80’s, with balmy sunshine bathing the world in steamy heat. We haven’t been able to find a thermometer to track the actual temperatures here but I am sure the red would reach the upper 90’s and 100’s everyday! Humidity isn’t much different! This couldn’t be any more different then the winter of never-ending cold in Indiana!

It always makes me chuckle inside to hear a Honduran say, “Wow – it’s really unbearably hot today!” when I can’t tell any difference from the past 20 days of ‘unbearably hot’. However, the longer I am here, the more I am able to discern between “hot” and “hotter”. The air get’s heavier right before a rain, the humidity so oppressive it hangs like a damp blanket around you. A few days without rain brings a heat so intense it probably even makes the iguanas sweat! The streets quiet down as the temps climb, but soccer balls and chairs are brought out as the temps slowly drop in the evening hours and people relax together in the shade.

But the rain…the rain is the reason this season is called “Winter”. This is the rainy season (May – Nov). The frequent afternoon storms that roll in from the NE bring thunderous downpours and cool breezes. The winds begin to blow and the skies turn grey. It is our queue to bring out the buckets to set under the-not-yet-fixed-leaks in our roof. It spurs prayers of anticipation for the refreshing breezes we will soon enjoy.

Sometimes it even evokes a shiver and some goose bumps!

So if this is winter….what do you think summer is like?

Shalom Church

2011-07-28T23:09:00.001-04:00

We are incredibly blessed to join a vibrant and passionate community of believers who are purposeful in reaching out to their neighbors and the surrounding communities with the love of Jesus.

Despite the initial awkwardness of being new, I find my soul basking in the freshness of worship here at Shalom. There is no distraction in fancy decor as we worship together under a tin roof set above an open air cement slab. No one seems to have a set place to sit as often there are not even enough chairs to accommodate all who come. Each service gives opportunity for individuals to share with the congregation the praises God has worked in our lives in the past days. These praises are often answers to prayer which have been shared with the body and prayed for faithfully as we carry each other's burdens. They are not praises born of frivolity or the ease of a good week. They come from the lips of those without work, those who know the pangs of hunger, those who battle illness without answers.

The tears of joy, the testimony of faith, the struggle of discouragements is shouldered by a group of people pledging to bear each others burdens. I find this accountability something for which I long among the church body. It is an accountability that will not let me sit in my chair each week unchanged, uninvolved.

Church at Shalom requires a lot more then sitting in a chair on Sunday morning. It is the goal of the church, “to have everyone involved in ministry is some way.” (Pastor Larry). Tuesday evenings, Thursday evenings and Saturday and Sunday afternoons, groups of individuals from the church travel to outlying villages to hold itinerant church meetings. These “campos blancos’ (white fields) are communities without an evengelical church. It is the desire and purpose of these visits to raise up new churches who will also continue to multiply and share God’s love. The fields are white unto harvest and it is our responsibility as Jesus followers to labor in them.

Along with the Shalom Church, we are privileged to join a team of missionaries working here in Choluteca.

Larry and Angie Overholt are seasoned 30 year missionaries, with 10 of those years being here in Choluteca. Larry serves as head pastor of Shalom, serving alongside 3 other pastors in the congregation. I am sure I could not even begin to list all the Overholts are involved in here in Choluteca but we look forward to working together with them as we learn more of their hearts and vision for this city.

Tim & Aleyda Spetnagle are also part of this team. Tim has lived and served here for 6 years, during which time he met and fell in love with Aleyda. We have enjoyed our times spent together and look forward to more.

Already we are greatly indebted to Aleyda. We arrived home one night after having been gone for several days. Our house was infested with trails of ants, eating away at packages of crackers and chicken bullion cubes – we had unsuspectingly left on on the counter, albeit sealed! Aleyda immediately went to work with a home remedy dishsoap mixture that when poured on the ants, stopped them dead in their tracks.

Hmmm…..better make sure to rinse those dishes well from now on!

So although we are new to the area, we are surrounded with the prayers, love and support of like minded believers. We eagerly anticipate working in the fields ready for harvest together.

First Impressions

2011-07-22T23:24:00.001-04:00

It’s been one month since we arrived back in Honduras; a month that could be counted as if only a few days, or a month that stretches into countless months…depending on one’s perspective at any given moment!

It doesn’t matter how much you learn, study and read about the stresses of transition…you still have to walk through – not around – those stresses. That is what this month has been – walking through the stresses.

Granted… in all of our moves I’ve learned a thing or two about how all of us react to the changes that hit us when we move between countries. I know that I become more controlling. Mark becomes more laid back. (Think of the great opportunity for marital conflict with that combination!) Marya becomes much more clingy and needs a lot of physical touch. Madi – teenage hormones on steroids! And Breylon…well, we just need to wash a lot of sheets.

In and of itself – I don’t think transition gets easier with experience – I mean we are on our 5th major move in 5 years by now – but I think my perspective is getting a little wider. It’s still hard – but I know we will come out on the other side and move on with ‘normal’ life! Just take one day at a time in the process.

Normal life…now there is a thought!

Normal life for us involves a 3 foot iguana that lives under our roof and scurries around on our ceiling at night.

( This is actually the neighbor’s garobo, I guess we are surrounded!)

Normal means day after day after day of unending heat! I have never in all my life been this hot so consistently! The car thermometer read 116 degrees the other day! But we are all taking it rather in stride. On a personal note – I can deal with this a lot better then being cold for months on end in Indiana!

Normal means near-daily downpours of rain, infestations of ants in our house, sunshine every morning, salamanders running wild on our walls and papayas fresh from our trees.

A new normal for us is the friendliness of everyone here in Choluteca. From the grocer at the store to the mechanic at the shop, to the passerby on the street – we greet each other, exchange smiles and share a word or two. I find this so different from Tegucigalpa where smiles from strangers were rare and there was always a sense of distrust or distance that lingered till friendship was built.

We deeply appreciate your thoughts and prayers that carry us in these days! Thanks for checking in with us!

Mere Survival?

2011-07-16T18:52:00.001-04:00

Survival Mode…

2011-07-08T17:49:00.001-04:00

Miracle on ? Street!

2011-07-04T21:59:00.001-04:00

No one seemed to know the name of the street, let alone the house number! But apparently the only address needed is to direct people to the “yellow house” a few blocks from the “green” market!

This is it…the house we hope to call home very, very soon! The contract is in the works, and with the best possible scenario – we will be moving in tomorrow!

As so often seems to be the case, this was the very last house we looked at. I was almost at the point of despair as we traipsed in and out, in and out of houses all over town, knowing that none of the houses we saw were the right one for us.

The pressure to find a house mounted with each perusal because here, one does not call a realtor and peruse an endless list of homes for rent. Here it is all about who knows who and what connections you can find word of mouth. And for that we had to depend on others working diligently on our behalf! Knowing we were taking their time and energies we hesitated to be too picky. But I also know that a safe and adequate home is central to the well-being of our family and ministry.

So here we are – at the end of all the leads. We walked in the front door, and hope mounted with each subsequent step! This was it! It needs some work – but the potential is great!

We thank God for our home-to-be!

Looking out our front door….

…to the right… …to the left…

A very Honduran kitchen with NO cabinets.

Our living room which opens out to the front porch/patio…

Two big bedrooms with a 3rd to be built on to the back of the house.

Do you see what I see? Cold water showers only at our house!

Our back patio and side yard! Green space is precious here and, while it doesn’t look like much now I have full intentions of transforming it into a gorgeous oasis of palms, flowers and plants! Room for the kids to play outside and room for a dog…it is a true blessing!

Can’t wait to get started with the transformation!

Thanks for checking in on us!

Rent-a-room for 5…

2011-07-01T22:35:00.001-04:00

We are still here – living out of suitcases and looking for a place to hang our hats for good…or at least for a year or 2!

An entire week has elapsed since our arrival and days have been filled with visiting old friends, renewing our residencies, eating our favorites & collecting our goods from friends and storage. Even with so many wonderful moments to fill our days we are anxious to find our new home and unpack our suitcases!

Today

was the beginning of that journey! Today we packed up and moved ourselves and our belongings to Choluteca.

And today was the day I was embarrassed to be an American who “needs” so many things to simply live!

A friend of ours so kindly used his connections to find us cheap transportation to move our belongings on the 90 mile trip south of the Capital city. Of course, when he mentioned that he found us a cattle truck to do the moving – I questioned the importance of the ‘cheap’ aspect! I could just envision the cattle truck rolling into the guesthouse – cows included!

But to our pleasant surprise, a clean box truck showed up right on (Honduran) time, 1 hour late! We loaded up in a snap with the help of 3 ayudantes (helpers) who came with the truck rental and off we drove.

Creeping through the mountain ranges at 20 mph we were tempted to despair about ever arriving – especially with everyone’s attitudes and spirits a bit on edge with the unknown looming and transition stresses already taking their toll! But arrive we did – 3 hours later – to a vocational school that is part of the ministry of our mission in the city of Choluteca. Because at this point we have no home in which to unload, this is where our stuff will be stored till we can find something.

And this is the part where my embarrassment took front seat. Thirty plus pairs of eager eyes watched our arrival at the school and upon opening the back truck, all the vocational school boys started hauling things out as if their grades depended on it. And all I could do was imagine what they must be thinking! “Who on earth would need so many things just to live!” Regardless of what they actually where thinking, I was once again humbled and reminded to think about how I live!

Our afternoon was spent looking at various houses, without much luck. We did find a hotel room for tonight – the most pressing of lodging needs. So here we are – waiting out the night so we can start out all over again tomorrow morning – hopefully with more results!

It’s beginning to look a lot like Honduras….

2011-06-24T18:56:00.001-04:00

We’re here! We arrived, with sweaty palms and a pounding heart – at least on my part! Many of you probably know the Tegucigalpa airport is one of the shortest runways in the world – leading to many hair raising stories of heart stopping take offs and landings.

Well, this was our first time landing in Tegucigalpa, and I must admit to being a bit apprehensive! As we bounced to a landing and the pilot slammed on the brakes, I found myself praying desperately, “Please stop! Please stop! Please Stop!” And he did – all of 100 yards before the end of the runway. The cabin broke into applause – as is the custom for a safe landing - and we soon found ourselves firmly planted on Honduran ground, surrounded by dear friends who came to welcome us back!

Last time we arrived we were overtaken with all the new sights, sounds & smells. This time it feels like coming home to the familiar. Which reminds me of our last-night-in-America activity…

Into one (imaginary) box we packed all the joys and experiences we can have only in America – by listing them out one by one. “…playing with Joah and Matias, …eating Chief ice-cream…going to Waterford school….”the list goes on. Taping the box closed with our make believe packing tape we tied it with a bow and mentally set in on the shelf in Grandma’s basement, to be opened upon our return to the USA. Equally as important, we then pulled our packed box of Honduran delights off the shelf, cut the tape and opened the lid, itemizing each anticipated delight of Honduras that awaited us in the coming days and years. “…being with Valerie, Lydia, Isabel, Ada, Paola, Kaitlyn, Trevor, Javiercito….eating baleadas…sipping liquados…latin music…awesome coffee…..” I want my children to recognize and savor the good things in the present, rather then always wishing for what they don’t have. Because as third culture kids, there is always something we ‘don’t have’, whether in this culture or that.

So we are here, savoring, delighting, renewing, planning, dreaming…

What are the treasures in your life today? Pull them out, contemplate them and enjoy them for what they are. There may be a day soon when you also will have to pack them up, wrap them with a bow and set them on the storage shelf.

But if so…a new box awaits opening! And in it are new and delightful treasures as well!

Who’s been praying for patience?

2011-06-22T16:20:00.001-04:00

Well…the alarm rang at the perky hour of 3:20 am, but that was about the only thing that has gone according to plan today!

Last night we watched from our hotel window as ferocious storms raged through the area. Little did we know what that meant for our day today.

With 300+ flights canceled from O’Hare airport due to the storms, we found ourselves in long lines to rebook our flight this morning at 4;30 am. Somehow the where-with-all to verify our flight before leaving the hotel this morning eluded us, so we trucked to the airport with all our baggage, hung out in the lobby for a few hours, and then trucked it all back to the hotel.

We are grateful to have a room to stay in. The first 4 hotels Mark called to find a room were full, due to the overload of stranded passengers! And not only a room to stay in tonight, but early check in at 8 this morning compared to the normal 4pm check in.

Madi and I settled in for a nap till 12 while the younger set watched cartoons and swam in the pool. With no car to travel and no ambition to travel on public transit…I guess we’ll just be hotel bums for the day.

We’re disappointed to say the least! But – we could be on cots in the airport!

Looking forward to another 3:30 am alarm clock tomorrow. This time we’ll check flight status before waking the kids!

Today we cry….

2011-06-21T20:33:00.001-04:00

…Tomorrow we fly!

Today we packed the final smattering of belongings left laying around the house and pulled out of Goshen.

Much thanks to our faithful airport transporters…Grandpa and Grandma Miller and Jeff, Monica, Joah and Matias Newcomer Miller….for making the 6 hour round-trip drive to deposit us at our hotel in Chicago this evening. How many times will you guys make this trip for us over the years! We love you so much!

We are at peace and ready to go.

Just waiting for that 3:30 am alarm clock to ring!

Our latest Newsletter…

2011-06-16T08:48:00.001-04:00

Pack Your Bags…

We’re Moving to Honduras!

Packing List

Flight Plan:

Leave Chicago, IN: June 22nd, 6am
Arrive Tegucigalpa, HN: June 22nd, 12pm

Clothing: "Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." Eph. 6:10

Reading Material: The Word

The Hole in our Gospel, Richard Stearns. An excellent read about what God really expects of us if we are Jesus-followers.

Travel buddies: Jesus: "I am with you always, even to the very end of the age." Matt: 28:20

Camera: Reflect the Lord's glory , being transformed into His likeness. II Cor 3:18

Medications: "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine." Prov. 17:22

Journal: "Let love and faithfulness never leave you...write them on the tablet of your heart." Prov. 3:3

Snacks: "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him." Ps. 34:8

Music: "I will sing of the Lord's great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations." Ps. 89:1

Blessed to travel this journey together with you,

Mark, Melanie, Madi, Marya & Breylon Miller

The countdown in on…

2011-05-22T16:45:00.001-04:00

The goal we have been working toward…

The anticipation we have been holding…

The dreams we have been nurturing…

…are suddenly upon us!

One short month from today, the wings of a Boeing 727 will carry us South to the home we left behind one year ago! Back to the land of sunny skies…EVERY DAY! The land of blaring car alarms and curb side vendors offering vine ripened bananas and fresh baked bread at your car window. Back to the land of greetings with a mutual kiss and Coca Cola out of a glass bottles.

Back to the land of many unknowns.

This year has taught us, challenged us, and encouraged us. We know we don’t go alone…we take you with us in our prayers for each other, in memories of our times together, in spirits of friendship that aren’t contained by mere miles.

So pack your bags, throw the final good bye parties…hit up your favorite hang out spot one last time…it’s time to head South!

Spring is coming….

2011-04-14T14:23:00.001-04:00

…at least that is what the calendar indicates. I am witnessing the brown turn vibrant green and the bursting color of newly opened daffodils. My ears assure me the birds’ cheerful cacophony of trills herald Spring and the ~~sweet~~ scent of farmers readying their fields for planting supplies yet another proof.

Why is it I still can’t get warm?!? I determined at the beginning of this winter to not complain about the cold the whole way through. I think I did a pretty poor job on that determination. But, I can hardly even fathom feeling warm to the core again. So I sit here, soaking up the warmth from my 1000th+ cup of hot beverage and enjoy spring from inside my window.

It is a restless time for our family. Within 2+ months of departure back to Honduras we are once again feeling strongly the pull of both worlds.

This period of transition surprised us early this time brought on by our untimely move from one house to another. We have packed our bags and sorted our belongings. Some boxes are on their way to Honduras with friend. The other important-enough-to-keep-but-not-appropriate-to-take-along stuff is boxed and stashed in the corner of Mark’s parents’ basement. We are awaiting the end of the school year. We are finishing the rest of our speaking and traveling commitments. We are purchasing airline tickets and beginning communication on housing possibilities.

We are eager. A bit unsure. We are contemplative. We are restless. A tad worried. Sometimes overwhelmed. We are dreaming of Honduran favorites . We recognize the need to finish strong. We recognize we are incapable on our own strength.

We are in transition!

Again!

He will supply all your needs…

2011-03-18T21:56:00.001-04:00

…sometimes in very magnificent ways!

Welcome Home!

Wow! Leave it up to God to provide a home like this!

This is where we will be hanging our hat for the next 2 months, amidst the beauty of Spring as it transforms the bare to beautiful all around us!

Hope Springs Manor is a an assisted living home for the elderly. It is owned and operated by a dear couple from our church who immediately offered a suite they had open when they heard our family’s need.

Full of light and beauty, we will be more then comfortable!

But….

…before we enjoy our new home…

…the boxes await!

A very happy birthday…

2011-03-12T08:15:00.001-05:00

…it was for me!

My very favorite part was being able to spend the day with the ones I love!

Monica and I went out for lunch – along with Matias…his very first outing. Being a cool, but sunny spring day, Monica had him bundled in layers. When he was finally unwrapped at the restaurant and I asked to hold him…I found him wearing this adorable onsie!

“I like hanging out with my Aunt!”

Tammy, my sister-in-law, and I share birthdays that are only one day apart. This year we once again got to celebrate together with a delicious family supper at my in-law’s home!

Fresh cookies delivered to my door from friends in the neighborhood!

And an amazing supper hand made by Mark and Breylon!

A Wonderful Birthday Indeed!

Lessons to Self

2011-03-08T10:24:00.001-05:00

As so often happens traveling 100’s of miles with young children in the car we hear a furtive…

“…Mommy, I have to go potty!” emanating from the backseat.

OK – pull over the car…AGAIN!

However, this time Breylon seemed to get sidetracked when a convenient stopping place was not immediately available. “It’s OK Mom, I can hold it” was his response.

So we keep driving…and driving…and driving…wondering how long our luck will hold.

Pretty soon – from the back seat we hear Breylon’s self talk…

“Breylon, obey yourself! You can hold it!”

Beyond the instant smile it brought to my heart, I had to think…, what a good reminder for me . All my good intentions, my high hopes, my noble purposes – don’t cast them aside when the going gets tough. “Obey yourself!” Keep trying and don’t give up too easily!

If you are struggling today – give yourself a little pep talk - and keep driving!

Our New Neighbor!

2011-02-28T22:03:00.001-05:00

No – we haven’t moved yet! But someone moved into the house next door!

Baby Matias Jay Newcomer Miller was born Feb 27, at 8:46am, much to the great joy and excitement of our family!

We jokingly told Monica and Jeff – soon after our return from Honduras – that if they wanted to enlarge their family they should do it soon! Arrogant, I know, to ask them to conform to our wishes. But when we are only in the US once every couple years……

Little did we all know at that point that Matias was already on the way!

And thanks to his 9 day early entry into the world – we get to spend more time living right next door!

What a precious addition to our lives!

Housing Update

2011-02-24T08:42:00.001-05:00

Instead of looking out my front window to see the ominous “House Sale Pending” sign perched beside the dirty snow drift I must move my sights to “House for Rent” signs in other people’s yards.

The house sale has been finalized and we are being asked to move out of the home we are in by March 25th. Three months before our anticipated return to Honduras.

It is not the outcome we had hoped for. It is actually the outcome that I have dreaded and despaired of. The outcome that has forced me along a faith journey I wouldn’t have chosen of my own free will. The outcome that has me wondering what God has for us to learn in this.

And God, in His grace filled, timely responses gave us this reminder in our family devotions yesterday around the breakfast table…

“…God may send some problems to you that seem as difficult to overcome as the lion did to David (the lion which attacked his flock while working as a shepherd boy). God doesn’t waste anything. Everything that happens to you happens for a reason. Not only will God help you now, but he will also use it as training for the what will happen in your future. In temptation, trouble and problems, don’t despair or run for cover. Those troubles are God's opportunities in disguise.”

Alright…so this is happening for a reason! I trust it is a good one!

The Prayers we Pray…

2011-02-03T20:34:00.001-05:00

…and the way God answers.

I hope I am learning to recognize, and be grateful for, God’s responses to the many prayers we utter. I am afraid there are too many times I receive the answers I desire only to take them for granted.

It’s when the answers aren’t what I desire I seem to take note a bit more quickly….like this welcome home sign in our yard!

It wasn’t a total surprise – since we had received a call on our drive home from FL that an agreement had been reached and a closing date was pending for March 31st. However – when riding in car for days on end with 3 young children, the “Mommy I need a Kleenex”, and “Mommy, I want a snack” and “Mommy, she stole my favorite car!” diversions didn’t allow much processing of the overwhelming reality that phone call delivered.

Stuff it in the back of my mind, focus on the moment and pray I get home without loosing my mind.

And now I am home – and reality sits staring at me from my own front yard.

Did God really need me to specify when I prayed a year ago that I wanted to live in one house for all 12 months of our furlough? I don’t think so – He knew my heart. He knows the endless reasons I don’t want to leave this house for the last 2 months of our time in the US.

But I also trust Him to do what is best for our family. Fretting and worry are knocking at the door of my mind. If I so much as open it a crack I fear an all out invasion. So I refuse to answer the summons and am fighting to live today knowing God has a perfect plan and praying I can accept it with gratefulness…Stay or Go!

The art of learning…

2011-01-25T20:02:00.001-05:00

…or maybe better said: “ …the art of Mommy-not-pulling-her-hair-out-while-teaching!”

Homeschooling comes as part of the package deal as we spend these five weeks in FL (see previous post). We are immensely grateful for wonderful teachers at Waterford Elementary who worked hard to plan ahead the lessons and themes the children needed to work on for this time away.

But that still entails a guiding hand to make sure it happens…aka Mommy and Daddy!

Anyone who knows me well, knows that I struggle with even the thought of homeschooling my children. This has absolutely nothing to do with the value of home school. In fact, my best elementary schooling years were the years I studied in the back room of our family home (and I experienced everything from public to private schooling situations). My issue has everything to do with being very aware that God has not graced me with the abilities or personality I need to be a patient, competent and creative teacher!

So day #1 begins and the kids are eager and ready to go…excited, cheerful and willing. I surprised myself with the fun I had on day #1, watching the kids learn a new concept, read a new word or complete an assignment on their own motivation.

A slight crack in the door of my thinking began to creak open as I thought, “Maybe this homeschooling thing is more do-able then I imagined.”

That crack stayed open for a whole 24 hours when it came slamming shut with such force on day #2 that I knew God gave me a passion for being a nurse and not a teacher in all His perfect wisdom!

So currently, we are on day 12 of 14 and I am the one counting down with the most anticipation!

To my kids I say…thanks for your patience with your mother!

To my husband I say…there is no way I would have survived without your help.

To all teachers out there I say…I admire you more then ever!

All in all, some very valuable lessons for the month!

Life on the road

2011-01-06T21:42:00.001-05:00

Visit to Bok Tower Gardens – a Botanical Garden in Central Florida

For the first time during our year here at home in the USA – our family finds itself on the road for 5 – 6 weeks in a row. Of course, ‘on the road’ is relative since what it really means for these 5 weeks is an extended stay at my (Melanie) parent’s home in Florida. We are away from our Goshen home, away from school for the kids and away from the norms of life as we knew it for the past 6 months. But our suitcases are unpacked, our meals are home cooked and life is taking up a routine of it’s own here in FL.

I am sure no 2 missionaries spend their furlough time in exactly the same manner. However, a norm which we have noticed, and which missionary furlough goals necessitate, is much travel. Furlough is meant to be a time of reconnection with our supporters, an opportunity to share with our supporting churches and individuals the ways God has been using us and them in doing whatever it is God has called us to do. And typically, supporters and churches are spread from sea to shining sea…or at least in a number of varying states!

Mark and I decided early on that being on the road full time with a family of 5 was not something that would be very beneficial to the health of our family. I am wowed by my missionary friend moms who travel for weeks on end, homeschooling out of their car and sleeping wherever the road takes them that day. That would turn me into Hagar the Horrible for sure! And by all means – that is something to avoid.

So we have worked hard at focusing our support raising into several condensed areas which we can then visit in specific time periods, without a lot of continual travel. Hence we find ourselves here in Florida, seizing the opportunities to connect with those of you here who have joined us through your prayers and support serving in Honduras.

And hey – when you set your own schedule…why not schedule Florida in January!

Important Life Lessons…

2010-12-08T11:11:00.001-05:00

…never try to make a snow angel face down!

Oh, the fun! The kids are ecstatic with the recent snow fall! Just a few pictures of their delight! Humor us – it’s been awhile!

Seek…

2010-12-01T15:29:00.001-05:00

…and you will find… the perfect Christmas tree!

Each Christmas in Honduras we would remember longingly the fun our family always delighted in, searching for our own perfect Christmas tree to adorn our home during the holidays. Honduras offered no such opportunities. But, seeking to make the best of the situation we created our very own Charlie Brown Christmas tree – which surprisingly enough the family now remembers quite fondly.

But here we are – back in the U.S. and decided to take full advantage of our year to have a real live tree again. And not only did we get to find our own tree but we got to do it with the girls’ bosom buddy Emma, and our favorite littlest neighbor, Joah! So many good things all rolled together in one. All that was missing was the snow!

An evening of fun ensued….

I think one of the greatest gifts our family received over the Christmas season in Honduras was what we didn’t have! Gone were the many parties and the suppers and the Christmas plays and the light shows and the shopping expeditions. In the absence of the busyness we began to purposefully celebrate the season of Advent. We lit candles and spent our time together, we created new activities focusing on the Advent themes of hope, love, peace and joy.

So this year we have the joy of meshing our time honored traditions with our newly forming traditions…and time will only tell what will evolve.

High Gravity Days

2010-11-22T20:50:00.001-05:00

Did you ever have one of those?

Recently Madi came home from school sincerely describing what she thought to be a strange phenomenon she experienced playing with a friend at recess….

“…it’s like there was lots of gravity today because we couldn’t swing very high on the swings at recess…”

Yes, I have had those kind of days I just can’t get off the ground too.

…those days my prayers seem to be hovering at ceiling level, unable to rise any farther.

…those days my to do list only grows longer rather then shorter.

…those days the tears roll down my cheeks and it is an effort to pull the corners of my mouth into a smile.

But along the way, small pleasures chase the gravity away, such as a recent quip from my son Breylon:

Breylon – out of the blue: “Mom – you are the best ‘sew-er’ I know.” (Not sewer by the way!)

Mom – “Wow! Thanks Brey. How many ‘sew-ers’ do you know?”

Breylon - “Only you!”

And once again I am laughing!

Anticipated pleasures...

2010-11-05T12:24:00.006-04:00

...cashing in on one of the many we remembered but couldn't enjoy in Honduras!

Next anticipated thrill on the list is romping in the snow. Beware all Goshenites...prayers are eminating from the Miller children for a snowy winter!

This world is not my home…

2010-10-27T10:06:00.001-04:00

…it seems that there is no lifestyle more quick to teach me this then this life of coming and going that we are living! I find that no where and everywhere is home – all at the same time!

For me it began many years ago as a missionary kid, moving back and forth between Guatemala and the US. It continues now with my own family as we move back and forth between Honduras and the US.

I have fallen in love with the warmth of Latino relationships. I crave the unique flavors of their beans and toasted plantains. I long to see the tropical flowers spilling over walls lining cobblestone streets and hear the mariachi music drifting from the taxis. But deep down inside, I know I am still, and always will be, somewhat of an outsider to these places that now hold a piece of my heart.

So I return to my birth country, and I relish in the fact that I blend in with humanity and no one sees me as strange. I communicate without stumbles and give voice to my deepest thoughts without grasping for words. I relish the flavors of tradition and see with renewed appreciation the beauty of fall leaves and bite of crisp air. But, I soon find my enlarged worldview is rarely understood. My thoughts keep drifting to how I can live more frugally that others may simply live. I feel like a fish out of water.

And then I am reminded that no where on this world is truly home for me. I don’t fit ‘there’ and I don’t fit ‘here’. But, rather then leaving me homeless, God has granted me many places of respite, of safety, relaxation and security. The location changes frequently, but God is my one constant, my true home!

PS.

2010-10-08T07:42:00.001-04:00

To all of you, my friends, who happen to be Facebookers, I am so glad you accept me as a friend without having to check the box.

I admire the purposefulness in how and why you Facebook. Use it to it’s best potential!

And clue me in to any earth-shattering news you glean that I may otherwise miss. :-)

To Facebook or not to Facebook…

2010-10-07T12:51:00.001-04:00

…that seems to be the question for me.

Since returning from Honduras we have noticed few changes more dramatic then the explosion of Facebook followers. And so, invariably, I am asked if I am on Facebook.

It has me thinking…what about Facebook?

The pros they tell me, are many…

“…it is so easy to connect with people you otherwise never talk to.”

“…people will be more quick to read your blog and keep up with you if you are on Facebook.”

“…it will help people pray more knowledgably for you.”

It seems to be a good way to keep up with the times.

But I ponder…

I haven’t checked the “Will you be my friend box?” since elementary note passing days. Do we really need to do that all over again?

Furthermore, I thought we already were friends.

Is it really too much work to click another link to my blog? Have we become so streamlined and fast paced here in America that the few seconds to download another web page taxes our patience?

I worry that Facebook will steal my time in a sneaky kind of way – teasing me with the idea I am connecting with friends when I am simply peeking into their lives without the commitment to respond to what I learn.

I worry that one liners will replace heart to hearts.

I worry about a false sense of friendship.

I wonder why everyone eagerly embraces this time-eater which seems to me so superficial - yet constantly complain they are too busy to connect with the ones they live beside.

Life is complicated and what I know I am then responsible to act on. Do I really want to know everyone’s waking activities?

I desire fewer friendships that go deep.

If it takes Facebook to get you to pray…I need to be praying for you!

And quite frankly – I don’t usually want to be like everyone else. It tends to get me in trouble.

I know this blog entry places me so last century. It will step on toes and ruffle feathers. On second thought… no one will actually read it – they are all too busy writing on THE WALL.

A Gift Freely Offered…

2010-09-23T12:22:00.001-04:00

“…I don’t know if my small gift to your support really is enough to make a difference. Maybe I shouldn’t give at all.”

As I listened to this humble, elderly woman share her heart with me the other night following the church service, I was overcome with gratefulness for this woman’s sacrifice and sweet spirit. How I wanted to throw my arms around her and assure her that 10$/month given faithfully and in love has blessed not only our lives but also the ministry we have been a part of these past years in Honduras.

Although I didn’t wrap her in a bear hug, I did seize the opportunity to encourage her in the vital part she plays. Since leaving for Honduras this woman’s support has never missed one month. And I know her prayers blanket the financial gift and multiply the its benefits. What amazing commitment!

God doesn’t ask us to do it all ourselves…whatever “it” may be. That is why we as human beings are created to be in relationship with one another. As hands and feet, eyes and ears we all have abilities and gifts to contribute that when brought together produce something beautiful.

Don’t hesitate to give…give of your time, give of your love, give of your money, give of your wisdom. Give, even when you feel it is insignificant. It is a piece of the bigger picture and one never knows what it will inspire.

As the quote goes…”You can’t steer a parked car!” Give away something today and see where the ride takes you.

Hands and Feet for Jesus

2010-09-09T14:20:00.001-04:00

Marya: “Mooommmmmm! Breylon is playing with the For Sale signs outside…”

Mom: “That's alright – sometimes they get blown over and he is just entertaining himself for a while.”

Marya: “Moooommmmm! Breylon is hiding the For Sale signs in the bushes…”

Mom goes outside to investigate.

Mom: “Breylon sweetie, what are you doing with the signs?”

Breylon: “I am hiding the signs behind the bushes Mom, because I don’t want anyone to buy our house!”

My mother heart sinks to the ground as I didn’t even realize this happy, little carefree boy even registered the stress of possibly leaving this house, on his radar.

Mom: “Breylon – we have to leave the signs in the yard. That is our responsibility. But you can always talk to Jesus about keeping the house open for us to live in. He will take care of us.”

My response sounded great and in my heart of hearts is what I believe. But sometimes my heart wants to take control and make sure things go as I please too. Like pulling the Sale signs out the yard. But then I come face to face with the fact THAT THERE ISN’T ANYTHING I CAN DO… besides trust the One who brought us here in the first place.

Do you sometimes feel like Jesus needs a helping hand in doing his job too?

You know you are an MK when…

2010-08-31T13:54:00.001-04:00

…you can’t answer the question “Where are you from?”

…your life story uses the phrase “then we went to…” at least 5 times.

…Strangers say they can remember you when you were “this tall”.

…you sort your friends by country.

…you know how to pack.

…there is always room for at least one more person in the car.

…your parent’s relatives are strangers to you, but you have 20-30 “Aunts” and “Uncles” who are no blood relation to you at all.

…you think nothing of straddling white lines to pass between trucks or buses traveling side by side, because, “There was plenty of room, officer. Honest! At least 6 inches clearance.”

…your school memories include days that school was canceled due to a political coup.

…you marvel at the cleanliness of gas station bathrooms.

Yea – my kids understand!

Unadulterated Fun!

2010-08-24T16:41:00.001-04:00

Credits to Sara Louise Newcomer for the great pix!

Gone…

2010-08-15T20:49:00.001-04:00

…gone are the days I have filled with little ones at my feet.

…gone are the days my schedule is determined by naps and snack times and infinite diaper changes.

…gone are the days of finger painting with pudding, swinging in the park and snuggling up for story time.

…gone are the days of 12 solid hours of “Why Mommy?” and “Mooommmmyyyyy – come wipe me” cries from the bathroom.

…gone are the days my yes’s and no’s to possible commitments are determined by if and how I can find babysitting for my children.

…gone is my hair – commemorating birth, growth, survival and development of my 3 adorable children to the school years of Kinder, 3rd and 5th. I am now childfree for a whole 35 hours a week.

For Sale

2010-08-09T09:51:00.001-04:00

This is the sign that sits in our front yard – the yard of the home we moved into 6 short weeks ago upon returning to the US.

Do I want to move again so soon after packing up my whole family and moving from 3 countries away? No

Do we have any where else to move if we have to get out? No

Do I like to clean my house over and over again as the house is shown to potential buyers? No

Does the For Sale sign strike fear in my heart each time I look out the window? It could! And sometimes it does! But I am choosing to believe that God has given us this house for a reason. And if we have to leave – it is only because He has something BETTER for us.

And that better would have to be downright glorious – because you see, this house is a very special gift from God.

When we began praying for a place to live upon our return, we knew we would be settling in Goshen, IN. Goshen is also where my sister, Monica and her family lives. I decided I would pray that God provide a home within 3 blocks of Jeff and Monica so we could take full advantage of our chance to live close.

God just didn’t provide close…He provided NEXT DOOR! There is only 60 short steps between our front doors and we are wearing a trail back and forth! Isn’t that just like God!

So, the faith walk continues…sometimes I want to resort to begging, sometimes I am overwhelmed. But the For Sale sign remains and with it the reminder that my dependence is on Him one step at a time.

Brain Freeze

2010-07-29T22:26:00.001-04:00

I am hesitant to post – lest I bore you with my lack of inspiration. And I don’t even have pictures with which to lure your interest!

But I do want to say “Hello” from the Miller Family. We are alive and well in Goshen IN, melting in the humidity and loosening our belt buckles another notch from the plethora of foods we have missed the past 2 years finding their way to our waists!

“How are you transitioning” seems to be the question of choice these days, and most of the time I find myself giving the succinct & understandable answer that all is well. In all reality – I think it is going quite well. There has been no earth shattering melt downs, but lots of whining and discord between the kids (OK – so maybe some whining with Mom and Dad too). We haven’t seen too many shocking changes in society that took us by surprise, but at times marvel at the many, many, MANY options there are for any purchase and the way texting has apparently taken over communication. Tears come easily these days for me and I long for a cup of coke (drink of choice in Honduras) with my dear friends at AFE. Communication is far too difficult but the notes we do receive are treasured dearly.

Life is a series of transitions – more for some of us then for others. Just about the time we are comfy here, it will be time to pack up and move back to Honduras. Life is an adventure!

World Gospel Fishin’

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Re…

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…renew…refresh…rejuvenate…remember…relive…revive…rejoice…How do we accomplish this in the midst of transition?

REENTRY…not simply a momentary experience but a joyful, tearful, confusing, sometimes sticky, most often time emotional process of debriefing our past term and looking to the future that awaits. It is unpacking and setting up house…AGAIN. It is reconnecting with friends and figuring out how to navigate a grocery store where every purchase requires choosing between 5 different brands and 20 different flavors within the brand! “Can you watch the kids Honey for 5 hours…I need to go pick up a few things at the grocery store!”

This week our family finds ourselves at our Mission Headquarters for our Reentry Retreat, along with many other RET-URNING missionaries. It offers us the opportunity to process with others in similar situations, to raise questions and vent in a safe place to the extent we need.

The blessings have come in many different ways for me. The joy of getting to know and connect with others in similar situations. The fellowship of meals together in the dining hall. Relaxed time with our kids. Peacefulness of a Midwest morning sipping coffee by the lake.

But I think the one comment that has challenged me the most in these 2 days of sessions has been this: “If renewal is based on external circumstances, it will often fail.” How often do I allow the chaos around me to frazzle my sprit? How often do I allow the bickering of my kids to drive me to anger? How often do I blame my lack of focus, energy, poor attitude or short words on the fact that I’m too busy to take time for me?

So rather then waiting for the perfect set of circumstances to bring me wholeness and healthiness we were challenged to “REMEMBER”. Just as the Israelites were told to write the law of God on their door posts we are to ‘write’ the faithfulness of God on our hearts today. We find RENEWED hope and faith and focus as we look back over all God has done and how He has moved in the past, celebrating His work and His ways which then moves us into greater trust and security for the future.

There is a lot of shifting sand these days but I gratefully stand on the solid rock! REJOICE!

Observations…

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…the new…the exciting…the strange…and the surprising!

Having only been gone for 2 years I didn’t expect to find reverse culture shock too shocking. But, 2 years of my life is only a scant 5.6% of my life, where as for our kids it constitutes a whopping 20-40%.

Here are a few of their observations and joys:

Flying in over the endless, orderly city of Chicago, Madi utters in amazement, “Mom, the roads are straight! And there is space between the cars on the road!!”

Breylon: “What are those wooden things in front of the houses Dad?” (Turns out they are mailboxes.)

“There are so many trees!”

“Hey – there is a horse and chariot” our kids exclaim in excitement seeing the Amish horse and buggies travel the roads.

The kids got to discover once again the treasures they packed away in their trunks prior to leaving for Honduras. Amazing how exciting pencil collections and nameless trinkets can be!

The many squirrels, chipmunks and rabbits that roam our neighborhood have Breylon completely intrigued…we rarely saw any wildlife in Tegucigalpa – and definitely not in our yard!

Foods we are devouring…cherries, ice-cream, bacon, fresh tomatoes, cream of wheat, peaches, & blueberries…

Activities we delight in: bike riding the gorgeous city of Goshen, playing in the park, a library with more books then imaginable, (the kids were allowed around 5 books at a time from the school library in Honduras…here the limit is 100).

We’ve Arrived!

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And although we are on American soil once again we have brought a little of Honduras with us…World Cup soccer uniforms, packages of Honduran refried beans and countless friendships in our hearts.

But now we are living up the many joys of once again being close to family, friends and The Chief ice-cream! We have been choosing our flavors for many weeks now, “What will we get on our first visit to The Chief?”

To all you faithful readers…I am very humbled by your faithful following of our experiences via this blog. I was a little overwhelmed to come back and hear your enthusiastic responses to our entries. And no – despite my absence this past month, I have not abandoned the blog. In the whirlwind of leaving, my creative juices, and spare moments got packed in the suitcases along with everything else.

So for the moment – we are unpacking, settling, enjoying, and anticipating the many opportunities we have in the coming months to touch base with you and share about God’s awesome family in Honduras. That is our job this year – we hope to do it well.

Sunday Lunch

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As many of you know, we will be returning to the US on June 17th for our time of furlough. The gamut of emotion, the upheaval, the uncertainty and 100’s of decisions this entails is in full swing.

But along with that comes the opportunity to purposefully savor the things we love about Honduras – taking time to enjoy one last time the treasures we have found here.

And one of our favorites is our Sunday stop at the baleada shop!

Winding our way through the narrow alley ways of an outdoor market we take our places at the tiled counters of the best little baleada shop in all of Tegucigalpa.

Baleadas are a delightful combination of refried beans slathered inside fresh grilled hand-made flour tortillas, cream and cheese – toasted on a tin can-like grill.

Add a cup of fresh raspberry juice, horchata or pozol (a cinnamon corn drink), and we all come away more then satisfied for 5$!

And should we ever get tired of baleadas…right next door we can order up a bowl of iguana soup, a plate of cow tongue or another Honduran specialty – intestine soup!

Keeping Busy

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Anyone else ready for a new month?

“Mis Mujeres”

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“My women”…the ones I have grown to love and appreciate so much!

“My women”…the ones who teach me daily what it means to persevere in the face of trials I can only imagine!

“My women”…the ones who have included me in their friendships and opened their hearts enough to trust and confide in me.

“My women”…the ones who can smile in the midst of the darkest valley.

“My women”…the ones I will miss desperately upon my return to the US!

These are the women of Luz Y Esperanza – the coop I have been privileged to help grow and develop these past 3 months.

I won’t burden you with the emotional reflections leaving home here in Honduras evokes – at least not in this entry. But the thought of breaking friendships once again brings me to tears often these days. There will be no e-mail when one doesn’t even know how to use a calculator. There will be no long distance phone calls when there isn’t even food for the table.

All of us packed in my little CRV – on a field trip to buy supplies.

There will be many good memories…of chatting around the work table, of visiting in homes over a cup of coke, of having the privilege to share the gospel and the amazing purposes God has for each of these women with them face to face.

But what do I do with the pain when I want so much more then memories?

Enrique’s Journey

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…for those of you who wish to understand the devastating realities of life in poverty,

…for those of you who question why a mother could ever leave her children to enter and work in another country illegally,

…for those of you who wish to be better neighbors to the 12 immigrants living in the 2 bedroom home next to yours,

…for those who want a close up look at the life and realities we face here in Honduras,

…for those of you who want to more fully understand what it means to care for the stranger among you,

…for those of you willing to put aside prejudice and preconceived ideas about illegal immigration,

I challenge you to read Enrique’s Journey!

A true life, documentary style book written about a boy’s journey from Honduras to the US to find his mother, this book leaves little to the imagination. In vivid, disturbing and heart breaking clarity this story illuminates the experience of many persons with whom each of us rub shoulders…those who survive the journey and live beside you in the US, those who are driven to make the journey from here.

God asks me not to judge. God does ask me to love, and love abundantly. How can I do a better job of that today?

Just call me “Nelly”…

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…at least that is how they introduced me at church this past Saturday night.

Of course this was no normal church service! Shirts on men and boys were not required. Children ran around during the service trying to catch the flying cockroaches, or June bugs, or whatever they happened to be. I must say they were slightly distracting as I felt one brush past my cheek when I had my eyes closed in prayer The offering was given in bills of 1 Lempira ( 5 cents) and the service ended abruptly in the middle of the message when the torrential downpour pummeling the tin roof was far louder then even the pastor’s yelling.

Oh the things one gets to experience living in Honduras!

This past weekend our family had the awesome and humbling experience of traveling with our friend Jose to his village of Chichimoral 3-4 hours outside the city.

I say awesome for the fun we had hiking straight down the side of one mountain and trudging up the side of another to visit Jose’s parents. They live close to paradise on the side of an uninhabited mountain surrounded by a wild tangle of flowers, chickens, horses, pigs, cows, and a fresh water source.

(Do you spy the tiny white house – our destination?)

The kids delighted in the hike, fording the river & winding their way along the horse trail.

Our Gracious Host…

How do you store your eggs?

We were privileged to dine on fresh made quajada (like cottage cheese), fried plantains and delicious beans – all made without our our kitchen norms for sure!

I say awesome for the delightful fun the kids had running and playing with the village children…especially playing in the brook that ran in front of Jose’s home. It was Breylon’s paradise!

And no…I refused to let myself worry about what was in that water! The kids had way too much fun to say “No”!

I say awesome to be privileged to sit in Gloria’s kitchen with her as she ground her corn and patted out her tortillas for the day, all while sipping a cup of home picked, home roasted, & home ground coffee!

I say awesome because for 25 hours we lived among the pristine beauty of nature without the horns and smog and fear of theft.

But most impacting and humbling to me was how warmly welcomed, served and honored we were by those who were so excited we came to visit! We were showered with eggs, and plantains and beans to take home. We were served more food then we needed, beans, tortillas, beans, plantains, beans, cheese, rice, chicken…We were warmly welcomed into homes around the community to just sit and visit. We were thanked profusely for just being there.

Reality is…the blessing was all ours!

It’s a small world after all!

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Who knew I would get to hike the mountains of Honduras with cousins whom I never lived close to in the States!

Janice (white shirt) has been here since we first came, teaching at Madi & Marya’s school. We’ve already had many fun times hiking, eating, & marketing together.

Malerie (green shirt) is a recent arrival to the country, working in a hospital 3 hours from the Tegucigalpa. This weekend we had the very fun privilege of getting together and getting to know each other for the first time really (other then those few brief outings in childhood which remain dimmed in the memory).

So we spent Sunday hiking the hills and creating a grand sushi fest!

The fresh air was great and the company even better as we hiked along for the better part of 2 hours. Despite our break for the one and only Chiki cookie (not found on US soil unfortunately) we were still able to work up a great appetite for the much anticipated sushi!

Another sushi lover, AFE teacher and friend of mine, Laura, also came for the night to join the fun. With julienned mango, avocado, carrots and cucumbers, baked fish, proscotti, cream cheese and shredded chicken everyone rolled to their taste.

Wow! Was it good!

Thanks God for the blessing of family and friends in a far away country!

Papa is Here!

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We had the added fun of having my dad with us this past week.

One of the privileges of being a missionary today rather then 100 years ago is the ease with which we can communicate and even see each other between our times in the US. Two week ship rides have become a several hour plane flights. Letters with news from months prior have become a quick e-mail from the morning’s events.

So we had a great time soaking up the special treat!

Dad actually came to help make a Lorena stove for Manuelito – a ministry to street kids. This stove is a wood burning stove which can be used inside the home. Made out of clay, it is extremely efficient in it’s use of wood, is enclosed for safety and vented to keep the smoke out of the home. The Lorena stove at AFE uses about 7 pieces of wood daily to cook the food for 150 lunches, morning coffee for the teachers and any other cooking needs of the morning.

The rest of the week was just spent doing the family thing, hanging out with our routines and taking advantage of time together.

Amazingly enough, my Uncle Harold, Aunt Joyce, cousin Janice and her family were also in the country at the same time…visiting their daughter and my cousin who teaches at Madi and Marya’s school! So a family reunion sprung up in Tegucigalpa, Honduras! It really is a small world. It was great fun to be able to spend Easter day together and various other times through out the week.

Next time we are together….it will be us in the US! We can’t wait to be together with friends a family again! Whether 2 weeks on a ship or 2 short airplane flights…it is still far apart!

Plans…

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…are made to change!

We are still reaping the ‘benefits’ of rolling our car one month ago. Unfortunately!

Holy Week in Central America is a highly celebrated holiday due to the Catholic influences and traditions. Celebrations begin & revolve around Good Friday and the death of Jesus…and pretty much end there as well. It is so heart breaking to imagine celebrating a holiday which signifies such destitution and hopelessness.

But, even so, it is the all time vacation week for the country. Public employment has the entire week off and private enterprise typically closes on Wed – Sun. Don’t expect to go grocery shopping on Friday and hopefully you won’t be in need of medical care. Personnel is very sparse!

Because both Mark and I, along with the kids have off of school, we thought it a good time to do some traveling…and this is where the car comes in.

“Your car will be ready on Friday (before Holy Week).” was what we first were told. Right then and there I knew we probably wouldn’t be traveling ANYWHERE! Mark, in all his optimism, held out hope.

Friday – no car. “Your car will be ready on Monday. We are waiting on the windows!”

Monday – no car. “We will bring you your car on Tues.”

Tues – no car. “The windows to the opposite side of the car where delivered. We will have it to you on Wed.”

Wed – the car was actually delivered. However, it was undrivable because there was no first gear (impossible to drive the hills of Tegucigalpa without first gear), the hood didn’t latch, the left tail light didn’t work, the 2 front blinkers didn’t work, the fan was still messed up, the rearview mirror was unattached, the back window was taped in place and various random pieces were missing from inside the car.

Needless to say…we didn’t go anywhere in our car this week!

(We did hitch a ride with some friends for an overnight out of town. Great time! Only God knows the reasons our car wasn’t ready ‘on time’!)

PS

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Today was the long awaited day when all the students we have been tutoring in the dump were set to begin in AFE. We were thrilled this morning to see each of their smiling faces milling around AFE this morning waiting for classes to begin!

They took the first big step into a new world today…now we continue to pray for their persistence in it.

We know these kids are persistent! At the beginning of our time teaching in the dump we offered a prize to the student who had the best attendance. At our party (previous entry) we had not one or two winners…we had 7! Let me present our dedicated, bound-and-determined-to-win-that-prize, present-every-single-day, students…

Gerson:

Marvin:

Oscar:

Jefri:

Ariel:

Pedro:

Kevin:

Yami: