Dear Family and Friends,
We hope this update finds you well. I, Chris, wish I felt a bit better myself. I’ve been sick for the last two weeks along with many others living on the property here in Urraco. Because our community is so close-knit, any illness that shows up usually spreads quickly. We are sorry it has been so long since our last update; life has been very full (and at times overwhelming) the past few months.
I promised in our last letter to explain the fractured cheek and nerve damage prayer request. I’ll do my best… It happened in the middle of the night when I woke up to use the restroom. I was half-asleep and fell on our concrete floor (all our floors are uncovered concrete:). Unfortunately, due to my groggy state, I failed to catch myself with my hands and landed directly on my left cheekbone, breaking it. The swelling and pain were impressive, and the left side of my face had gone completely numb. Thankfully, we have a dentist friend, David Yates, who specializes in facial trauma, and he was able to consult us on what we needed to do. He was able to confirm the break would heal naturally from photos we sent him! The six-week soft foods only diet wasn’t much fun. The only thing left at this point is the numbness. Some slight sensation has returned to the left side of my face, but whether more return or not in the coming months and years…only time will tell. I am sincerely thankful I didn’t hurt myself more seriously and for David Yates assessment of the injury for me. The first few weeks after it happened the struggle was more mental and emotional than it was physical.
We were very fortunate to go on a trip to the city of Comayagua for the celebration of Easter week. This city is famous for their weeklong commemoration of Holy Week (as it is known in Spanish). The most visible aspect of the celebration are the dozens of enormous ‘sawdust carpets’ lovingly assembled all around the town square. Most of the local population participates in one way or another. Some families have been making a carpet each year for the past 65 years! It was wonderful to see three and four generations of a family all working on a carpet together. An integral part of the tradition is that the carpets are destroyed within 24 hours of their construction as large processions walk across them. The short ‘life’ of the carpets is one of the things that makes this celebration so special! For us, it was a pleasure and a privilege to be part of such a long-standing tradition commemorating the most important aspect of Christianity (Christ’s death and resurrection).
Sharon and I just finished up a home group study on Psalm 23 led by Jared Smith. Though we know Psalm 23 very well, the verse that really stood out to both of us was verse 3, “He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” It is humbling to acknowledge that where I am being led isn’t for me but it’s for God.
Speaking of studies…next week we will finish the 3rd quarter of the Honduran school year! As always, the time seems to fly by so quickly. Overall, our students have applied themselves well this year and I am very proud of them. Some of the highlights of this quarter were: a puppet show done by the 2nd graders for the 1st graders, art class projects and me chasing chickens out of my classroom:). The biggest challenge our school is currently facing is retaining teachers, especially for kindergarten.
I wanted to give a quick weather report. Normally, we only have heavy rains from November – January (Rainy Season). This year has not been normal. We have been receiving copious amounts of rain the last several months. The main result of this has been constant and prolonged power outages due to downed power lines. Also, the section of the dirt road we live on has degraded to the point of being impassable by busses. The entire road is in dire need of repair and maintenance.
I (Sharon) am going to write this section. My heart continues to heal. Though completely devastated by being asked to leave the Jungle Hospital, hope has begun to sprout once again! It took me about 6 weeks to just be “okay”. Of course, my faith in God and His plans and His purposes has been the rock to which I have clung during this very difficult time. I am so incredibly grateful to you; my family and friends, who have been so supportive, patient and encouraging as I continue to seek God and his plans for me. Chris has also been just simply INCREDIBLE! His just being with me and walking patiently with me through this valley has been a blessing without compare. I have been very intentional about spending time seeking the Lord and looking to Him for the future. During this time, the Lord has made alive to me two stories from scripture, that I know so well, but have come to understand in a new way. The first is the story of Joseph and his vision from God. Joseph endured years of hardship and downright suffering from the time he had his vision until the reality of it came to pass. The other story is that of King David. He was anointed king as a teenager and then spent at least two decades fighting battles for a different king, then being hunted down and persecuted (unjustly) by that other king, before he was anointed king. Please don’t think that I am trying to equate myself with these Biblical heroes, but I have found significant comfort in the difficulties faced by these men who truly desired to serve God in the way they believed He had led them to. Please continue to pray with me as I seek God for what is next.
In June, I found out that my dad had fallen and broken his hip. My sisters and I decided that I should fly back to help take care of our dad. I had about a weeks’ notice before I left, and my sister Kim was there doing all she could for dad. My time with my dad was very good, but also very stressful. To start with, 3 days after arriving I got Covid (a first for me)! But God is good and fortunately, I had already met in-person, most of the staff at the rehab where dad was, and I was able to monitor his care (to a very large degree) over the phone. My sister Kim stepped up once again to help where I could not. I also spent this time seeking out a temporary residence where dad could transition before being ready to go home alone. I did not get very sick, and my major concern of worsening headaches never occurred! I was back at my dad’s side after my 5-day quarantine was over. Thankfully, dad has made an incredible recovery! He is back at home, continuing physical therapy, and has already ditched his walker! A big thank you to our MCC church family for all they did to reach out to dad during his road to recovery.
We are thankful for:
- Sharon’s pain from migraines being significantly less the past month!
- The chance to experience Easter with an entire city of people
- 3 quarters of a successful school year finished…just 1 to go!
- The smooth and rapid recovery of Sharon’s dad
- The faithful support of so many people that allows us to be here
Please pray for:
- God’s direction and guidance for Sharon’s next steps
- Healing for Chris’s nerve damage
- A reliable, used 4×4 for a reasonable price
- Teachers for Give Hope 2 Kids school
Great to hear from u, Sharon and Chris. Platelets are rising, 670,000. Upping my hydroxerua to lower them. Oncologist not concerned. Are u going thru all the stuff Ellen sent? Fun. Fun and it will keep u busy. Hope to see u later this year when u come for a visit. We had 104 people in church today. Our church is growing. Brandon is doing a great job.
Miss u
Love Sue
That is such great news about your health improving Sue! My mom and I will go through all the stuff Ellen sent down when she gets her in mid-September. We can’t wait to see you too! We just bought our tickets, but don’t know our Melbourne dates yet. We are so glad our church is doing well, we love the believers of MCC. Love you! Sharon
Thanks for the great pics. So sorry you fell and fractured you jaw Chris. What a terrible thing. We are just so human and so easily damaged aren’t we. Loved the Easter designs but don’t understand the making of them and why and what happens if it rains and they get walked on, etc. Lots of good things are happening and as always you guys just step up to the plate. Glad the headaches are better Sharon and hope you dad is way better.
We are good here in Sierra Vista, Az. Missed not being able to see you Sharon when you were in Santa Cruz, CA. You guys take care and know we are praying for you.
Hi June! Thanks for your empathy with the fracture…yes, we are definitely fragile beings and get more fragile every year. About the Easter ‘carpets’ The progression of photos with the two girls is the first step in the design process. They lay out huge sheets of paper, then glue thin rope too it as an outline, then they put that on the ground and fill it in with the colored sawdust, beans, rice, etc… The tradition comes from the Spanish Catholic church, you could look it up online I am sure. If it rains before the procession walks on them, they cover them with tarps, after the procession walks on them, they are destroyed and removed. We are so happy to hear that you are doing well in Arizona. We missed seeing you during our California visit too. Thank you for your prayers! Love, Chris & Sharon
I’m sorry to hear about Chris’ jaw! OMG! And Sharon’s dad. Glad everyone’s healing well. I was distressed to hear about the Jungle Hospital situation for Sharon; that is odd and very disappointing to hear. However, as Maria says in “The Sound of Music,” God never closes a door without opening a window somewhere. You will find something better soon. Don’t doubt it. As for me, Kate and I went to Denmark this summer! She starts 6th grade in a few days.
Oh Kathy! It is so good to hear from you! Yes, we are so glad my dad is recovering well and thanking God that Chris is slowly healing. The situation at the Jungle Hospital is very sad, but I do believe that God has something else for me. I just don’t know what it is yet. I would love to hear about Denmark (maybe you could e-mail me?) and I can’t believe your daughter is already going to be in sixth grade!!! Love, Sharon
No one said life was easy! God takes care of the smallest birds. TRUST in HIM! Life is an adventure. My husband and I are supporting a Ukrainian family in our home while my next adventure is walking across the UK (the Coast to Coast trail) with the Ukrainians house sitting and taking care of our dog. Thinking of our trek in Peru together and all that has happened since. I have learned that you don’t have to go overseas to be a “missionary”. I have connected with many clients who are immigrants to Canada and my experience overseas has helped to build the relationship with them. There is lots of work for you back home, too. God is blessing you…Hugs, Cindy
It so wonderful to hear from you Cindy! Peru was amazing, but yes, life has gone on and and been full of other adventures. Our faith in the Lord is strong, despite (or perhaps because of) the many challenges we have face. What an amazing gift of love to host a family in your home! We firmly believe that all Christians are missionaries and repeat this often to visiting groups. Your own mission field sounds very busy at the moment. We hope that your walk across the UK is as amazing at is sounds! We feel blessed. Hugs returned! Chris & Sharon
Hi guys! So happy to read your update and so sad to hear about your accident Chris. That pain must’ve been horrible! I’m glad you’re healing and I pray that you will heal fully. You’re right, something like this takes a very long time.
I am so sorry I missed you up here Sharon and so sorry you had to be quarantined! Your dad is looking good. He was in church this Sunday. I miss you terribly and I will update you on our most recent aventures by email. Love you guys!
Sandra
Hi Sandra! Actually the pain wasn’t that bad after the swelling went down (took about 2 days). I am sure that was mostly due to the nerve being damaged and therefore my inability to feel anything in that area of my face :). Mixed blessing! Thanks for your prayers, always appreciated! We look forward to hearing about your recent adventures. Love and miss you too wonderful lady! Chris & Sharon
Praise God for healings, physical, emotional, and spiritual 🙌. So glad the school year is going well in spite of the rain… prayers continue for direction, Sharon… glad you were able to help care for your dad😊. We had a wonderful visit with our son and family in July… three days back and the evil virus hit me (Vicky)… plane travel can be very hazardous to one’s health…much love to you both💗💗
Yes, we are praising God! So sorry to hear about your own battle with CoVid, how has your recovery gone? (You can write through email or FB messenger) Thank you for your prayers for direction, there are so many unanswered questions at this point. Love and miss you Vicky! Chris & Sharon