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I have been working a lot lately. Six days a week minimum, sometimes a little on Sunday as well. Some things, like budget, accounting, and more are easier when I have a desk, and two monitors.
While I have been able to do that, I wouldn't say I have had energy, or been in a good head space.
It happens. Not fun. But God buoys, and keeps me afloat, through a lot of prayer, and despite me being a doofus.
Seen here is a new battery for the truck in Las Botijas. They had been popping the clutch...for about a year. Thinking it was a starter issue. It wasn't.
Sometimes, you need to take it in, instead of assuming and just dealing with it.
While I have been able to do that, I wouldn't say I have had energy, or been in a good head space.
It happens. Not fun. But God buoys, and keeps me afloat, through a lot of prayer, and despite me being a doofus.
Seen here is a new battery for the truck in Las Botijas. They had been popping the clutch...for about a year. Thinking it was a starter issue. It wasn't.
Sometimes, you need to take it in, instead of assuming and just dealing with it.
Planning, budgeting, and looking forward...having the gifting to do that can be a blessing, but sometimes it is also a bit of a curse, to not be able to always stop and smell the roses of prior proper planning.
Right now when I look at the mess of a road in Sampedrana (yes, that is rain water, even though we are supposed to be done with rain) I see the money, sweat, and time it will take over years to get this to where it needs to be.
Sometimes I forget there wasn't even a road there at all, just a foot path, before we started.
Right now though, comes talk of several months of time invested, moving Bombin (our tractor) back to help, how/when to get Jorge and Jeffrey up to help, and then when the road is open...how much time to get sand, gravel, and cement up, all before May. It sounds like a lot of time...but that will also be harvest time for the coffee.
I taught a few here the expression "You have to make hay while the sun shines." We will be trying to do two different harvests simultaneously for a while.
You might be tired hearing about this...just imagine our staff, our neighbors...all the people that needs this road, EVERY day!
Right now when I look at the mess of a road in Sampedrana (yes, that is rain water, even though we are supposed to be done with rain) I see the money, sweat, and time it will take over years to get this to where it needs to be.
Sometimes I forget there wasn't even a road there at all, just a foot path, before we started.
Right now though, comes talk of several months of time invested, moving Bombin (our tractor) back to help, how/when to get Jorge and Jeffrey up to help, and then when the road is open...how much time to get sand, gravel, and cement up, all before May. It sounds like a lot of time...but that will also be harvest time for the coffee.
I taught a few here the expression "You have to make hay while the sun shines." We will be trying to do two different harvests simultaneously for a while.
You might be tired hearing about this...just imagine our staff, our neighbors...all the people that needs this road, EVERY day!
We are experiencing change going into the new year, a few staff changes. Right now, pastor Juan is not only taking on his church duties, but helping out more on the farm, as we said "nos vemos" to Carlos, who is moving, and hello to new staff for the farm in Sampedrana.
But he still has time to lead a devotion time specifically for the Milk Project staff there. Integrating the church and the Milk Project for the long term...investing spiritually in the staff that is investing in the children, and part of the church's future, is important. It takes time, planning, cooperation, and effort.
But he still has time to lead a devotion time specifically for the Milk Project staff there. Integrating the church and the Milk Project for the long term...investing spiritually in the staff that is investing in the children, and part of the church's future, is important. It takes time, planning, cooperation, and effort.
We are wrapping up the year for the Milk Project, which usually ends with all the Christmas activities. With five different locations now, that is a lot to coordinate.
Maria did a lot of work, to reward some of the kids that did the best this year (attendance, Bible knowledge, grades, etc.) to go today to the Christmas events in Talanga and Cantarranas. Those that ride in our Fords will please take note...everyone in this picture went together in the Red Ford also pictured.
Maria did a lot of work, to reward some of the kids that did the best this year (attendance, Bible knowledge, grades, etc.) to go today to the Christmas events in Talanga and Cantarranas. Those that ride in our Fords will please take note...everyone in this picture went together in the Red Ford also pictured.
It all takes energy. Everything.
Sometimes you see the worth in it, sometimes you might not be able to see down the line.
Manuel sent this picture yesterday, of the baptism of Dana there in Talanga.
Whether we have the energy or not, we are to depend, live and strive, through God's energy, if you will. Through His Holy Spirit.
I think I can, I think I can. And when that fails you, remember that even when you can't...
God can, God can.
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Valerie and I are back in Honduras for several months! The trip to the US was good. God blessed us in that often for communication/fundraising/conference trips, the fruit from seeds planted come months if not longer down the road. But God was gracious as always to give us several opportunities to see Him working right before our eyes, which is a huge encouragement to doing these trips.
What's that? Yes...there are many things about being in the USA that are easier than Honduras (driving, errands, security [sometimes], shopping for example) but it is still work for us, and brings its own challenges and changes to our normal schedule, what we do, etc.
All that to say...seeing how it helps the mission to grow, that is why we do it, because overall having our place, our routine, and doing what we know more everyday here in Honduras is overall easier. But we aren't called to what is easy, or comfortable, or known. We have been so blessed though so far in these trips, and already have a bit of a handle of what the schedule for 2024 will be like...just as busy as 2023 probably!
What's that? Yes...there are many things about being in the USA that are easier than Honduras (driving, errands, security [sometimes], shopping for example) but it is still work for us, and brings its own challenges and changes to our normal schedule, what we do, etc.
All that to say...seeing how it helps the mission to grow, that is why we do it, because overall having our place, our routine, and doing what we know more everyday here in Honduras is overall easier. But we aren't called to what is easy, or comfortable, or known. We have been so blessed though so far in these trips, and already have a bit of a handle of what the schedule for 2024 will be like...just as busy as 2023 probably!
In Honduras, things are growing, things are going gangbusters, but also presenting challenges...what else is new right?
Seen on the left, baptisms in Las Botijas. But, as there is growth, there is also push back. There have been rumors slung at the pastor recently, which have been weighing on him a lot, so much so he has thought about giving up and leaving.
Add to that, for other reasons, both our Milk Project staff will be leaving at the beginning of the year...growth, and now even greater challenges.
Seen on the left, baptisms in Las Botijas. But, as there is growth, there is also push back. There have been rumors slung at the pastor recently, which have been weighing on him a lot, so much so he has thought about giving up and leaving.
Add to that, for other reasons, both our Milk Project staff will be leaving at the beginning of the year...growth, and now even greater challenges.
And there have been a string of kids in the Milk Project, with illnesses, bike wrecks, and more.
Plus, the more we grow, the more we also get to see how hard life is for so many, especially in the rural areas. Stability, staying in school, just being able to get to the Milk Project sometimes is hard.
Dian here came down with some stuff that required heavy duty meds. His parents work...when they can find work, and are barely keeping fed. Fortunately, we could help out to get the meds he needs for now, and make him some special food for his VERY strict diet.
Plus, the more we grow, the more we also get to see how hard life is for so many, especially in the rural areas. Stability, staying in school, just being able to get to the Milk Project sometimes is hard.
Dian here came down with some stuff that required heavy duty meds. His parents work...when they can find work, and are barely keeping fed. Fortunately, we could help out to get the meds he needs for now, and make him some special food for his VERY strict diet.
What else? Things on the farm in Cantarranas have not been going as well as we would have hoped with the young pastor we were giving a shot to prove himself, so we will have to make a change there beginning soon.
The construction in Danli is going well...still a lot to do, but pastor Edwin has been working hard when they can get the materials they need (they waited weeks for the second floor metal to pour the concrete into)
We are still praying we can find the right person to help us on the farm direction/management. We need someone who can drive, a go-getter, and that speaks English (to also help with teams) and have been looking/asking...but just haven't found the right person yet. Plus, Carlos will be leaving us at the beginning of 2024 up on the farm in Sampedrana. Pastor Juan has a new candidate we will be trying to see how he does, overall but also if he can drive up there as well!
And of course in Sampedrana, with the rains subsiding, we are hoping to start getting materials up there to make more road and bridges during the dry season. Pray that all comes together because it is time consuming, and takes a lot of planning to make that happen, along with everything else going on especially.
And the other big thing...the office building. Fundraising has not been bountiful for that...but we are 100% convinced it is actually a bigger priority and need than a lot of what can be seen...primarily because it is where we hope to have the most impact in what can't be seen...the faith and outreach success of all we are doing in the churches, Milk Project and farms. So, we press forward as much as we can. Have to put some plans and meetings/conferences/teaching on hold though until we can get that fully built out and finished.
So...we are coordinating end of the year activities, getting materials, closing out well...and also planning and budgeting everything for the year to come...December will be just as busy as every other month for the mission for sure!
Say a prayer for us to see how God would have us prioritize, and to help us cut ourselves a break when not everything gets done quite as timely as sometimes we would like. God timing not our timing!
The construction in Danli is going well...still a lot to do, but pastor Edwin has been working hard when they can get the materials they need (they waited weeks for the second floor metal to pour the concrete into)
We are still praying we can find the right person to help us on the farm direction/management. We need someone who can drive, a go-getter, and that speaks English (to also help with teams) and have been looking/asking...but just haven't found the right person yet. Plus, Carlos will be leaving us at the beginning of 2024 up on the farm in Sampedrana. Pastor Juan has a new candidate we will be trying to see how he does, overall but also if he can drive up there as well!
And of course in Sampedrana, with the rains subsiding, we are hoping to start getting materials up there to make more road and bridges during the dry season. Pray that all comes together because it is time consuming, and takes a lot of planning to make that happen, along with everything else going on especially.
And the other big thing...the office building. Fundraising has not been bountiful for that...but we are 100% convinced it is actually a bigger priority and need than a lot of what can be seen...primarily because it is where we hope to have the most impact in what can't be seen...the faith and outreach success of all we are doing in the churches, Milk Project and farms. So, we press forward as much as we can. Have to put some plans and meetings/conferences/teaching on hold though until we can get that fully built out and finished.
So...we are coordinating end of the year activities, getting materials, closing out well...and also planning and budgeting everything for the year to come...December will be just as busy as every other month for the mission for sure!
Say a prayer for us to see how God would have us prioritize, and to help us cut ourselves a break when not everything gets done quite as timely as sometimes we would like. God timing not our timing!
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I continue to marvel, in general at what God is doing through the mission.
Today, I am marveling at what started so many years ago from a germ of a sewing ministry, trying to teach mom's to sew...and today lives on with teaching the kids to sew in the Milk Project in Tegucigalpa.
Maria shared today that they are making bed sheets and pillow cases...to share with other Milk Project families that are in need.
Maria wants to take the kids that are making these to help visit and distribute the items they are making.
They have 100 sheets, and 30 pillow cases so far, all made from donated pieces of material we have received in past containers.
They are also going to make pencil cases, a staple of every student in Honduras, we will buy zippers for them to sew in, and then distribute those as well.
Another example of harvesting a crop though that you didn't know you were planting.
Today, I am marveling at what started so many years ago from a germ of a sewing ministry, trying to teach mom's to sew...and today lives on with teaching the kids to sew in the Milk Project in Tegucigalpa.
Maria shared today that they are making bed sheets and pillow cases...to share with other Milk Project families that are in need.
Maria wants to take the kids that are making these to help visit and distribute the items they are making.
They have 100 sheets, and 30 pillow cases so far, all made from donated pieces of material we have received in past containers.
They are also going to make pencil cases, a staple of every student in Honduras, we will buy zippers for them to sew in, and then distribute those as well.
Another example of harvesting a crop though that you didn't know you were planting.
And now...for a special announcement! This will be shared via social media very soon, but blog readers are getting a special first look at this unique donation opportunity!
By clicking on the donation link here, you can get a new His Eyes shirt (you pick your size when ordering), a new His Eyes coffee mug, and two pounds of whole bean Hill Climber coffee...and not just our normal coffee, but one pound of honey processed coffee, and one pound of cherry processed coffee! All for $70, with shipping included!
What is with the different coffee you say?
-Normal coffee is picked, pulped, washed, and then dried.
-Honey processed is picked, pulped...and then dried, no washing off of the "honey", which is the sticky part of the coffee when you pulp it.
-Cherry processed is picked...and dried! Then you pulp it. It gives it a different flavor that some of us really enjoy!
These are items that won't be available on the website normally, and right now we only have enough mugs to offer this deal to the first 10 people that click on the offer.
We have more shirts that will be available at ICOM, and there might be some of the experimental processed coffees available...but there are only 10 mugs in the USA, so after 10 clicks, the link will be disabled.
Thanks for your prayers and support, and let us know what you think of these limited type donation opportunities!
What is with the different coffee you say?
-Normal coffee is picked, pulped, washed, and then dried.
-Honey processed is picked, pulped...and then dried, no washing off of the "honey", which is the sticky part of the coffee when you pulp it.
-Cherry processed is picked...and dried! Then you pulp it. It gives it a different flavor that some of us really enjoy!
These are items that won't be available on the website normally, and right now we only have enough mugs to offer this deal to the first 10 people that click on the offer.
We have more shirts that will be available at ICOM, and there might be some of the experimental processed coffees available...but there are only 10 mugs in the USA, so after 10 clicks, the link will be disabled.
Thanks for your prayers and support, and let us know what you think of these limited type donation opportunities!
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Two posts in two days?
I must be excited about something.
As of Tuesday, we are now at 5 Milk Project locations!
Starting 23 years ago in Tegucigalpa,
Sampedrana in 2018, Las Botijas in 2022, and now two more in 2023! Cantarranas has been open about six months, and now Talanga.
The surge in new sponsors is thanks to South Shore Community Church, as you can see without their push, this normally would have taken us years!
The building isn't done yet, that will take quite a while yet, but the kids are there, and the staff has been hired (the director and a potential cook/helper) and they can use the sanctuary for the time being.
We poured another section of the ground level floor with the group this week, there is more to do there, plus getting all the blocks upstairs and working on the building itself. It will take a few months.
I must be excited about something.
As of Tuesday, we are now at 5 Milk Project locations!
Starting 23 years ago in Tegucigalpa,
Sampedrana in 2018, Las Botijas in 2022, and now two more in 2023! Cantarranas has been open about six months, and now Talanga.
The surge in new sponsors is thanks to South Shore Community Church, as you can see without their push, this normally would have taken us years!
The building isn't done yet, that will take quite a while yet, but the kids are there, and the staff has been hired (the director and a potential cook/helper) and they can use the sanctuary for the time being.
We poured another section of the ground level floor with the group this week, there is more to do there, plus getting all the blocks upstairs and working on the building itself. It will take a few months.
Huge change this year for the Milk Project then, not only in locations, but with Marvin moving from teaching English to taking over church development duties, we hired a new teacher, another staff person to help with the day to day in Tegucigalpa with Maria now supervising more locations, and hiring help in the USA to communicate with sponsors and coordinating communication on needs, goings on, etc. (Cecilia for those that know her!)
What's next then? Well, we have more sponsors to get for Talanga, but when the construction there is done, we will move to helping the church in Danli getting ready with the needed construction there, praying that perhaps in 2024, that will be the next location for another Milk Project!
There is also more training to do, as we grow, for the teachers/directors, but also how to further integrate the projects with the churches and getting the pastors more involved in being with the kids and doing home visits. When the new office/conference building is completed, there will definitely be more of those kinds of meetings going forward!
Prayers for the staff...working together during all these changes and growth, and keeping focus during this on serving Christ in their day to day activities!
What's next then? Well, we have more sponsors to get for Talanga, but when the construction there is done, we will move to helping the church in Danli getting ready with the needed construction there, praying that perhaps in 2024, that will be the next location for another Milk Project!
There is also more training to do, as we grow, for the teachers/directors, but also how to further integrate the projects with the churches and getting the pastors more involved in being with the kids and doing home visits. When the new office/conference building is completed, there will definitely be more of those kinds of meetings going forward!
Prayers for the staff...working together during all these changes and growth, and keeping focus during this on serving Christ in their day to day activities!
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We are going to run out of clothes sometime early next year. We are only doing clothing now with groups, and only when a container can be coordinated with other supplies. When will the next one come? Might be a year from now! That will mean some changes for groups at some point, when there are no more for a time. That will be interesting. It will also be sad, because we know how much people look forward to those in many rural areas around the country.
I've been absent from blogging mostly due to being way to busy to even think about it. That last sentence by the way, is not something I am proud of...nor should we prize being busy. Being occupied is one thing, but when I saw it has been two months, I knew that wasn't because there hasn't been many things to share while we have been in the US working for the mission, but rather just not having time to think about it.
I've been absent from blogging mostly due to being way to busy to even think about it. That last sentence by the way, is not something I am proud of...nor should we prize being busy. Being occupied is one thing, but when I saw it has been two months, I knew that wasn't because there hasn't been many things to share while we have been in the US working for the mission, but rather just not having time to think about it.
We had chance in the USA to meet some very cool women that were making pillowcase dresses and had asked us if there was a need for such a thing.
I said sure. I saw them and saw the work they had done, thought they looked good to me, but I had no idea how many smiles they would generate.
The first distribution in Las Botijas through the Milk Project produced more smiling pictures, and just visible joy than I have seen here in a while, especially in a country where being stoic when pictures are taken is the norm.
Used clothes are exciting enough, but new clothes are a big deal here, partially because for many...they are rare.
I said sure. I saw them and saw the work they had done, thought they looked good to me, but I had no idea how many smiles they would generate.
The first distribution in Las Botijas through the Milk Project produced more smiling pictures, and just visible joy than I have seen here in a while, especially in a country where being stoic when pictures are taken is the norm.
Used clothes are exciting enough, but new clothes are a big deal here, partially because for many...they are rare.
While waiting on the group at the grocery store, I perused the used clothing store attached. You can see here the prices on two pairs of fairly used shoes. $56, and $46. And these were fairly "well used."
Shoes especially is an area where we never have enough for the demand/need.
It also explains, even for our staff, why they have been so excited that we can get them new tennis shoes for Christmas for the past several years. If these are the prices for used, otherwise quality, shoes, imagine what new prices are here.
All that to say...let's pray God will work out the details for more clothing and shoes to come soon.
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I don't have any cool pictures today. Just wanted to give you all an update of what is going on, and what isn't going on, and how we can pray all the way around:
-We have several sponsors ready for the new Milk Project in Talanga. Manuel is working on gathering profiles, as well as continuing the construction there.
-Danli is working as well on continuing the outside wall to the property there.
-The clinic in Las Botijas had its first day Saturday, 40 patients, and Darwin already asking when we can go twice a month rather than once.
-The building construction for the office/pastor meeting space in Tegucigalpa continues. Fundraising has been slow, but we promised the builder he could finish once he started, so a little slower than we wanted, but hopefully they will be done with their work by the end of the month, and then we see how we can continue the interior walls, electrical, etc.
-Sampedrana clinic first day will be the 12th.
-Cantarranas work on the Milk Project play area will be on hold for a while, may have to wait for groups to help
-Farm work in Cantarranas is slooooowwwwly progressing. Some of it just getting everything stable, and getting a budget for how we can safely proceed.
-We haven't been able to hire the right person to be the farm development manager yet...praying God sends the right person soon.
-We also haven't been able to make any progress on the hospital. At this point, we need to find another property to be able to grow properly, especially for parking. Right now, we are looking to see what is available, where it is, and how much. Then even more prayer and see what to do then. We are having our eyes opened to how big this would be, and how much it could grow, so want to do it right.
-With all the groups and everything else going on, we are behind on meetings and leadership discussions. But praise God...He is keeping everything going, and all the many arms and feet moving, as we continually try to catch up with Him. Better than running ahead of him I suppose.
His timing isn't ours...and sometimes that is great, and sometimes frustrating, but always good, whether we see it at the time or not.
Keep praying...for health for all of us, spiritual and physical, and keeping our focus on Him. It's not just the name of the mission...it's a reminder.
Valerie and I (Felipe) will be in the US for most of the fall...praying that can be a fruitful time for the mission, and for a few days off when we can fit them in at the same time.
Thanks all...be back hopefully in the next month or two with some pictures, and more updates!
-We have several sponsors ready for the new Milk Project in Talanga. Manuel is working on gathering profiles, as well as continuing the construction there.
-Danli is working as well on continuing the outside wall to the property there.
-The clinic in Las Botijas had its first day Saturday, 40 patients, and Darwin already asking when we can go twice a month rather than once.
-The building construction for the office/pastor meeting space in Tegucigalpa continues. Fundraising has been slow, but we promised the builder he could finish once he started, so a little slower than we wanted, but hopefully they will be done with their work by the end of the month, and then we see how we can continue the interior walls, electrical, etc.
-Sampedrana clinic first day will be the 12th.
-Cantarranas work on the Milk Project play area will be on hold for a while, may have to wait for groups to help
-Farm work in Cantarranas is slooooowwwwly progressing. Some of it just getting everything stable, and getting a budget for how we can safely proceed.
-We haven't been able to hire the right person to be the farm development manager yet...praying God sends the right person soon.
-We also haven't been able to make any progress on the hospital. At this point, we need to find another property to be able to grow properly, especially for parking. Right now, we are looking to see what is available, where it is, and how much. Then even more prayer and see what to do then. We are having our eyes opened to how big this would be, and how much it could grow, so want to do it right.
-With all the groups and everything else going on, we are behind on meetings and leadership discussions. But praise God...He is keeping everything going, and all the many arms and feet moving, as we continually try to catch up with Him. Better than running ahead of him I suppose.
His timing isn't ours...and sometimes that is great, and sometimes frustrating, but always good, whether we see it at the time or not.
Keep praying...for health for all of us, spiritual and physical, and keeping our focus on Him. It's not just the name of the mission...it's a reminder.
Valerie and I (Felipe) will be in the US for most of the fall...praying that can be a fruitful time for the mission, and for a few days off when we can fit them in at the same time.
Thanks all...be back hopefully in the next month or two with some pictures, and more updates!
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Life flying by can be a blessing and a curse.
A blessing in that the stressful, hard, emotional moments are going by so fast, that you don't always have time to process them. A curse for the same reason, plus add in that things that take time, seem to take too much time.
A blessing in that the stressful, hard, emotional moments are going by so fast, that you don't always have time to process them. A curse for the same reason, plus add in that things that take time, seem to take too much time.
Take for example this cutie in Cantarranas, happy for that bag of corn she is taking home to share with her family (she is in the Milk Project there.)
I had enough time seeing all the pictures from this day of corn, to notice all the kids smiling, laughing.
But I continually don't have the space to think of the impact this corn has, both physical impact on so many families, as well as the emotional and spiritual impact of it being distributed by the churches and Milk Projects.
Plus...to notice all the new material under her feet as we prepare for groups that will help concrete this area to make for a safer entrance, a proper ditch, etc.
I had enough time seeing all the pictures from this day of corn, to notice all the kids smiling, laughing.
But I continually don't have the space to think of the impact this corn has, both physical impact on so many families, as well as the emotional and spiritual impact of it being distributed by the churches and Milk Projects.
Plus...to notice all the new material under her feet as we prepare for groups that will help concrete this area to make for a safer entrance, a proper ditch, etc.
We had three interns, plus Cecilia, in June with us. They came, they left. We pray for the impact on their lives through their time here...but with everything else going on, it was definitely a speedy blur I wish would have been a little clearer and slower.
Speaking of interns, and a blur...this woman is a patient in the clinic that Kimmie and Valerie saw. Through the process of an eye exam, this woman came to Christ.
They sent me the picture, we chatted briefly, and life moved on.
Thinking about the past month today though, of the details that were fussed over (someone has to fuss over them right?) and a bunch of stuff I am not even mentioning in this post, and then to find a few pictures, and recall a few conversations and think about what God is doing in and through this current of blurs...it is a little overwhelming, in a good way, but also the weight of it all.
Good thing the blur continues (I log off here to fetch the next group) I guess. Or...I guess?
Either way...might be a while until I am back. Until then, say a prayer for all of the staff at His Eyes...that somehow through the blur of this current phase of life, we keep the proper focus.
They sent me the picture, we chatted briefly, and life moved on.
Thinking about the past month today though, of the details that were fussed over (someone has to fuss over them right?) and a bunch of stuff I am not even mentioning in this post, and then to find a few pictures, and recall a few conversations and think about what God is doing in and through this current of blurs...it is a little overwhelming, in a good way, but also the weight of it all.
Good thing the blur continues (I log off here to fetch the next group) I guess. Or...I guess?
Either way...might be a while until I am back. Until then, say a prayer for all of the staff at His Eyes...that somehow through the blur of this current phase of life, we keep the proper focus.
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I can be honest with you, right? This year so far, I feel like we are just trying to keep up. Things progress/improve/advance, but not in the order/speed/sequence I had in mind sometimes.
We haven't been able to coordinate equipment and everything to get the rural clinics going yet...but the new Milk Project is in the new building, and as of today, is even painted inside and out. Still plenty of work to do there outside (need a concrete paved area for play/parking/etc.) but that part went fast. To the point we were able to take a group to work with the kids this past week.
We haven't been able to coordinate equipment and everything to get the rural clinics going yet...but the new Milk Project is in the new building, and as of today, is even painted inside and out. Still plenty of work to do there outside (need a concrete paved area for play/parking/etc.) but that part went fast. To the point we were able to take a group to work with the kids this past week.
The office building construction progresses, but donations have completely stopped, and well short of the goal. We are having to rob Peter to pay Paul on this one, as we can't just have the builder stop, plus, we actually greatly need the building and its space. When the contractor is done with their portion, we will have to see how to finish the interior work.
Power grid availability has been, and per news/government reports will be for some time to come, quite wonky. We had to get two new generators to keep the clinic going. Meanwhile, the new consult rooms there are almost done, and finally we are seeing the finish line for getting the "elevator" (seen in the background) installed.
It was very cool to see the special church service in Guayavillas recently...as well as get some very cool video from Cantarranas from people there who wanted to share what a blessing the recent corn donation they received was. (we haven't paid off the fees for that container either...more taking from other areas of the ministry.)
Power grid availability has been, and per news/government reports will be for some time to come, quite wonky. We had to get two new generators to keep the clinic going. Meanwhile, the new consult rooms there are almost done, and finally we are seeing the finish line for getting the "elevator" (seen in the background) installed.
It was very cool to see the special church service in Guayavillas recently...as well as get some very cool video from Cantarranas from people there who wanted to share what a blessing the recent corn donation they received was. (we haven't paid off the fees for that container either...more taking from other areas of the ministry.)
Add about a dozen other ministry related things that swing from good to not as good or thereabouts in my mind recently, and it adds up to some interesting feelings.
We took another trip to the hospital Thursday, and had really powerful debrief time after that sharing feelings and reactions. I had a sort of realization, that some of what we confront in our reactions to those visits can be related to our confronting our powerlessness ultimately. We want control, we think we can create/maintain control, but there are things in life that we HAVE to give to God, that we can't control, and that we have to come to terms with all that.
I think I knew that...but like many lessons, I needed to learn it again this week. Not just in that one area, but in a lot of areas. We will see what I learn from the next team that arrives today.
Pray for us in coordinating everything God is leading us to, in making connections for the US trip coming up this fall, and for the 50 consecutive days of groups in June and July for all they will be able to help with here, and the impact we pray it would have on them as they help!
We took another trip to the hospital Thursday, and had really powerful debrief time after that sharing feelings and reactions. I had a sort of realization, that some of what we confront in our reactions to those visits can be related to our confronting our powerlessness ultimately. We want control, we think we can create/maintain control, but there are things in life that we HAVE to give to God, that we can't control, and that we have to come to terms with all that.
I think I knew that...but like many lessons, I needed to learn it again this week. Not just in that one area, but in a lot of areas. We will see what I learn from the next team that arrives today.
Pray for us in coordinating everything God is leading us to, in making connections for the US trip coming up this fall, and for the 50 consecutive days of groups in June and July for all they will be able to help with here, and the impact we pray it would have on them as they help!
- Published on
I have tried starting this blog about five times now, trying to phrase this correctly, but can't quite nail it.
Essentially, trying to summarize ministry activity. I think it just boils down to: try.
Complicated eh? Try implies a few things, probably more than I am thinking but...
1. You don't always succeed
2. It requires effort
3. It doesn't have to always be complicated.
The picture here on the right (if this is displaying correctly of course) is from Talanga, pastor Manuel sharing this recipient of rice. When I inquired about the hoe, he then casually added that he was someone looking for work all day in Talanga, who lives outside the city, and not finding any work, but remembering Manuel in the past had been able to help with some rice, took a chance to see if there was any so his family could eat that night.
Essentially, trying to summarize ministry activity. I think it just boils down to: try.
Complicated eh? Try implies a few things, probably more than I am thinking but...
1. You don't always succeed
2. It requires effort
3. It doesn't have to always be complicated.
The picture here on the right (if this is displaying correctly of course) is from Talanga, pastor Manuel sharing this recipient of rice. When I inquired about the hoe, he then casually added that he was someone looking for work all day in Talanga, who lives outside the city, and not finding any work, but remembering Manuel in the past had been able to help with some rice, took a chance to see if there was any so his family could eat that night.
We had a group here this past week, the first of the "summer" which will have...the most in a summer since 2008, if not the most ever for us.
Soren is in country, and went with us, and thankfully recognized he was going to pass out before it happened. While he was chatting with staff splayed out on the floor, someone also volunteered to take his BP. Then he went back to talking to patients and their parents.
Soren is in country, and went with us, and thankfully recognized he was going to pass out before it happened. While he was chatting with staff splayed out on the floor, someone also volunteered to take his BP. Then he went back to talking to patients and their parents.
Things have just been starting in the Milk Project in Cantarranas, but already you can see the preparation and work coming together, not just in the daily activities, pastor Jonathan helping give classes a few days a week, new families coming to church now, but also in some very cool Mother's Day cards they shared making to take home.
Sometimes it is buildings, preaching, medical skill...sometimes it is some food, medical issues, and construction paper. All are ways to worship, honor and glorify God to those around us, near and far.
Sometimes it is buildings, preaching, medical skill...sometimes it is some food, medical issues, and construction paper. All are ways to worship, honor and glorify God to those around us, near and far.
- Published on
So much building going on in the mission, prayerfully we would always pray that the biggest growth would be in the hearts and minds of people we are reaching. Of course, some physical construction is also required.
Certainly the biggest project going on right now, is the office building. Fundraising on this has been very slow, please pray for us on that, as we can't really afford to slow down...we need this built ASAP, plus since we are using a contractor, taking a break isn't good either. Once the contractor is done, we will still have to build out the actually offices and meeting spaces. They are nearing being able to pour the first floor up there in the air...it is a lot of work.
As you can see below, to have a pastor's meeting right now means coordinating when teams aren't here, and to have their wives together...they had to use a bedroom downstairs. Having these dedicated spaces we plan to use on a much more regular basis...when working around teams wouldn't work.
Want to help? Click here We would certainly appreciate it!
As you can see below, to have a pastor's meeting right now means coordinating when teams aren't here, and to have their wives together...they had to use a bedroom downstairs. Having these dedicated spaces we plan to use on a much more regular basis...when working around teams wouldn't work.
Want to help? Click here We would certainly appreciate it!
There have also been some extra donations coming in to help Milk Project families with different things. One of the pictures Maria took to show just one of the issues was this one, which struck me...no wall, and a missing floor...in your living room.
Sometimes, it is picking priorities, as there are some rotting roofs, and in some cases, lost employment or rough times...requests for food instead of fixing some issues like this.
And, we will be starting with groups soon to build in the air the kitchen/space for the next Milk Project location, in Talanga.
Why not buy another property there instead of going vertical? We tried that, and the prices for the surrounding available lots are so high, it just isn't cost feasible.
We don't know when we will finish this, primarily using groups, but wanted to get started to be ready when the sponsors come.
Thanks to again special donations for church planting, the congregation in Danli is working hard on their church building as well. Again...going with a second floor to go vertical in the future rather than a traditional roof, for the same reasons as Talanga.
We should have enough funds to finish replacing the small building, and hopefully make at least some improvements to the house there as well, maybe an actual bathroom, safer exterior walls, and eventually...a second floor there as well for Sunday School rooms? We shall see.
We should have enough funds to finish replacing the small building, and hopefully make at least some improvements to the house there as well, maybe an actual bathroom, safer exterior walls, and eventually...a second floor there as well for Sunday School rooms? We shall see.
There is still work left to be done in Cantarranas (below) for the Milk Project building...doors, windows, bars on the windows, building out the kitchen with sink, etc. and then the appliances will need to be purchased.
We hope to use groups to do more work as well, maybe pouring some concrete for a good place to play outside.
We hope to use groups to do more work as well, maybe pouring some concrete for a good place to play outside.
I don't have a recent picture of the new exam spaces being built in the clinic, but those are proceeding as well, and work to install the equipment in the new clinic buildings in Las Botijas and Sampedrana, as well as on the farm in Cantarranas...you get the idea.
Lots going on...this is just sharing the construction side! Pray all of us in Honduras would be able to proceed apace, where the funds have already been received, and where the funds need yet to come, for good stewardship, and sharing His love during, around, and through that construction!
Lots going on...this is just sharing the construction side! Pray all of us in Honduras would be able to proceed apace, where the funds have already been received, and where the funds need yet to come, for good stewardship, and sharing His love during, around, and through that construction!