Opportunities to Serve

Joel and his family received their new home  a couple of weeks ago thanks to a team  from Ohio.

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death - even death on a cross!'  Philippians 2:6-8  

Jesus chose not to use the fact that he was equal with God to his advantage, but instead 'took the very nature of a servant'! Who are we then to put ourselves before others, to try and get ahead and only do what is best for #1, when Jesus himself became a servant to others.

'Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him...When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.' John 13:3-5,12-17

This is a pretty well known story in the New Testament and it shows Jesus serving his disciples. In those times they would have worn open sandals and their feet would have been pretty disgusting when they arrived at their destination. It was the job of a Gentile. When Jesus washed the feet of his disciples it showed an amazing act of humility. Jesus always taught by example. He wants us to serve with an attitude of humility.

Teams are starting to arrive from the states to help serve our community here in La Ceiba.  Some of the ways teams come to serve is through medical teams, construction teams,  and children ministry teams. I am looking forward to meeting the teams this year and seeing what God is going to do in and through each team that comes. 

I am really looking forward to next week because my parents are coming to visit for a week.  There will be a team here from the states during their visit, which will give them an opportunity to see all the areas of ministry. 

Beginning of the New School Year

The week was the first week of classes at the public school. In Honduras the public school year starts in February and ends in the beginning of November. The beginning of the school year it means a lot more planning for the staff of CNI. The things that we were able to accomplish this week was only made possible through the Lords work in and through our generous partners.  

Getting Organized

106 backpacks filled and ready to distribute

Last week we collected our kids school supply list and looked at our donated inventory to see how we could help supply for the needs of our kids. We were able supply basic essentials for all of our kid, all 106 of them! Each child received a backpack, colored pencils, crayons, eraser, ruler, pencil sharpener,  2 notebooks, pencil, and pens. 

Walking Alongside

During our planning meetings we discussed the idea of creating a little more stability for our kids. Our kids experience so much change especially with people coming a going from their lives from parents, teachers, friends, and volunteers.  So this year we are staying with the kids that we tutored last year. 

This year I will tutoring 1st and 2nd  grade. A handful of my first graders didn't pass last year due to learning disabilities,  being absent during testing, and other circumstances that were out of their control. I will be tutoring 30 kids this year. I will be tutoring 2nd graders for an hour in the morning and 1st graders for an hour in the afternoon. 

Some of our 6th grade girls ready to head to school in the afternoon

Precious kids that are so grateful!

Fingerprints of God: Ricci and Jason

Ricci playing with the foam puzzle 

Jason and Mely (staff member of CNI) at the Christmas party

God's Fingerprints: Ricci and Jason

Two weeks ago today Ricci and Jason came up to me and said "Adios" (Goodbye).  I immediately looked at them both and asked why did you just say "Adios", culturally you do not say goodbye you say I will see you later. They told me their mom's boyfriend was here to take them to another city to go and live there. They aren't sure when they are going to return.  Their mom left last September to live in this other city. Jason and Ricci have been living with other family members here over these last 5 months. 

These two kids are so strong. Life has not been easy, especially over these last 5 months since their mom left. Jason and Ricci both are very mature for their age because they have had to be very responsible. Ricci, like many of the girls at CNI, cooked for her and Jason. Jason is the protector of his family.  They both attended the church here and the church family has provided so much for these kids.

One of the things I liked to watch was Jason play soccer. On the soccer court his walls came down and he could be a kid even if it was just for a few moments. Another thing he enjoyed doing was coming up behind the staff and covering our eyes and making us guess who it was.  

Ricci is so sweet and she watched out for the younger kids. One day when I was watching the kids on the playground she took the initiate to push some of our younger kids on the swings.  In September while a medical missionary was here she taught Zumba classes. For a while Ricci joined us because she had to wait for Jason to finish school so they could walk home together. Her laughter was contagious. One time after a hard workout the next day she said her back hurt a little and that she felt like a old lady. Then she pointed to me and said, "just like you!"

I thank the Lord for the time he has allowed for me to get to know two of His precious kids. I pray for their safety, protection, and health. I am thankful that they are able to be with their mom now and play with their two younger siblings. I know the Lord has a perfect plan for their lives and He will take care of them, which brings me peace and comfort.

Picture from my time in New York at Rice to Riches restaurant. 

it's official

I am so thankful for how the Lord goes before His children and works in ways that I will never see of know.

Yesterday morning at 7:30 I boarded the plane to go to the capital of Honduras, Tegucigalpa, in hopes to return later that day with my paper copy of my residency. I bought a one way ticket to Tegucigalpa because we were not sure how long the process would take. I was prepared to stay the night in case the immigration offices were busy or if we ran into any problems. When I met the lawyer at the airport he said that this process should be really easy to to go ahead and buy the tickets to return in the afternoon. 

When we went to the ticket counter Bill and I found out we were buying the last two tickets on the flight to La Ceiba for that afternoon at 2:30, another provision from God. Left the airport and arrived at immigration at 9, right when the doors opened. The lawyer, Marbin Sauceda, went before us and we just followed him and signed on the pages that were needed. The last step was to get our fingerprints scanned, photo taken, and electronic signature for our official card. The process was completed at 10:30am. 

It is unbelievable to think that  I am officially a resident of Honduras! My residency is for 5 years. Being a resident means I can open a bank account here, get discounts on some tourist things, and I don't have to leave the country every 90 days.  In the next couple of weeks we are going to work on getting my license.  

Marbin drove us Tegucigalpa so Bill and I could see a little more of the capital city. We had a celebratory lunch at an Argentinean restaurant that had amazing grilled meat. Then at 2:30 boarded the plane and came back to La Ceiba as a catracha (word for a Honduran).

So Blessed!

View of Tegucigalpa from Spain's Plaza

The lawyer, Marbin Sauceda, with GCLA church  that made this process so easy for me. 

New residents of Honduras
Left to Right: Heather, Bill, and Melissa.

God is in every tomorrow

On Saturday night I read this entry in Streams in the Desert: January 14

"When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them." (John 10:4)


This is intensely difficult work for Him and us, it is difficult for us to go , but equally difficult for Him to cause us pain. Yet it must be done. It would not be in our best interest to always remain in one happy  and comfortable location. Therefore He moves us forward. The shepherd leaves the fold so the sheep will move on to the vitalizing mountain slopes. In the same ways, laborers must be driven out into the harvest, or else the golden grain would spoil. 


But take heart! It could never be better to stay once He determines otherwise; if the loving hand of our Lord moves us forward, it must be best. Forward, in His name, to green pastures, quiet waters, and mountain heights! He goes on ahead of [us] (Ps. 23:2). So whatever awaits us is encountered first by Him, and the eye of faith can always discern His majestic presence out in front. When His presence cannot be seen, it is dangerous to move ahead. Comfort your heart with the fact that the Savior has Himself experienced all the trials He asks you to endure; He would not ask you to pass through them unless He was sure that the paths were not too difficult or strenuous for you. 


This is the blessed life- not anxious to see far down the road, nor overly concerned about the next step, not eager to choose the path, nor weighted down with the heavy responsibilities of the future, but quietly following the Shepherd, one step at a time. 


The shepherd always walks ahead of his sheep. He is always out front. Any attack upon the sheep had to take him into account first. Now God is out in front. He is in our tomorrows and it is tomorrow that fills people with fear. Yet God is already there. All the tomorrows of life have to pass through him before they can get to us. F.B. Meyer

God is in every tomorrow,

therefore I live for today,

Certain of finding at sunrise,

Guidance and strength of my way;

Power for each moment of weakness,

Hope for each moment of pain, 

Comfort for every sorrow, 

Sunshine and joy after rain.

God is in every tomorrow!  What a wonderful promise to hold on too. God knows his children so well because He is their creator. God was present in our tomorrow, Sunday afternoon. There was a tragedy here in La Ceiba. One of the brothers, Brian Rosales, from my church (Great Commission Church)  that I am serving at unexpectedly passed  away.  Brain was a worship leader here at the church. His love for Christ was very evident.   

I am so thankful to Lord is in our tomorrows. God is with us. He will be with his children as they grieve and comfort them as only our Heavenly Father can. Please join me in prayer for the Rosales family and for my church family here in La Ceiba. 

Settle - being all here

Picture taken at the property where the church staff had our Christmas Party.

Webster defines settle as to establish in residence.

       Can't believe we are already half way through January, time seems to just keep flying by. I am making a conscious effort to be all here  and be fully present. For the first time in three years a mental shift has begun to happen, I am wanting to settle. 
       While I was growing up my family and I never lived anywhere longer than 4 years. Then after graduation from high school (2003) I spent 3 years in Tennessee, 2 1/2 years in Chicago, 3 months in the Bronx, 1 year in Wisconsin, 6 months in Miami, 7 months in Costa Rica and I have been in Honduras for 5 months. Thus, this desire to settle for a while is a new concept and desire. 
       This journey of obedience to bring me here to Honduras was not easy at times, mostly because I had to let go of my plans and pride and thinking I had some control. God used each of the different jobs, responsibilities, and relationships as a way of preparation to bring me here. I am so glad He is writing this story, which demands faith, surrender, obedience, and trust. 
     The culture in the states places a lot of emphasis on a destination being the most important measure of success? We do we put so many hours worrying about our future only to discover that it keeps changing. What you are doing now may not be what you’ll be doing this time next year. Those things you care so deeply for now may seem very small and unimportant a month from now. I am not minimizing the difficulty you may be experiencing or the trial you may be in the midst of. However, whatever season you are in right now is your companion and teacher that the Lord has given to you, which is leading you toward the next season.  I have been reminded time and time again, especially since Christmas, of the wisdom it takes sit back and enjoy the adventure of today, whatever gifts and sufferings it may hold.
What gifts have your past seasons brought you so that you can live this one more fully present and alive?  - Emily Freedman

My 1st Christmas and New Years in Honduras

We celebrated Christmas with David's family here in La Ceiba and celebrated the New Year with Mery's family in Progreso.
(left to right: Heather, Mery, David (son), David, and Sammy)

Mery and David giving David his present. This little three year old is very animated, his expressions are comical. 

It is tradition to set off fireworks at Midnight on Dec. 25 and  Jan.1 and then give a hug wishing everyone a Merry Christmas or Happy New Year. Then it is followed by a dinner and the sharing/opening of gifts .

Christmas Party at CNI on December  23. Each child received a new t-shirt.  Thank you to those who donated money for the stockings, the kids were surprised. 

Individuals from the church donated gifts to give to children in the community. The  church donated  some of the gifts to our kids at CNI. This picture is one of my favorites from the day because it is one child giving to another.

Kevin really liked the truck he received. 

Rebecca sharing with the kids about the first gift given, Jesus Christ. 

Alessandro hanging out with some of our kids while we waited for lunch to be served. 

Traditional Christmas meal :Tamales. 

The ladies blessed our kids with making close to 250 Tamales. Each child ate one for lunch and took one home. 

Kids showing off their gifts.

Kids collecting their candy from the pinata that was donated.

Best Christmas Present: three of our kids returned  to La Ceiba after being gone over 5 months due to a very difficult family situation.