Together Again!

Sharon and I hope you are well. Yep, that’s right, we are finally back together!!! After 168 days apart, minus 2 weeks, Sharon arrived in Honduras to her lovesick husband (me:). Before I move ahead, we need to do something important first. We are both extremely grateful and thankful for our long-term hosts while in the States. Kim (Sharon’s sister) and her family took excellent care of us for more than 6 months. We’re also thankful for Walter & Anne’s gracious hospitality. Additionally, we want to give a big thank you to the two families that lent us their vehicles for 7 ½ months. Because of the sacrifices made by all these families our time in the States was much more fulfilling and productive. God bless each one of you.

Sharon flew into Honduras on July 6^th. Her travel day was very long from door to door – 17 hours! To make things more interesting she traveled in her full motorcycle outfit (to avoid paying for an additional checked bag). After her arrival, we were able to spend three days at the home of a friend. However, we had much to accomplish in our few days near the city, mostly shopping. Sharon’s special migraine diet meant we needed to stock up on approved food items. We also began the process for our five-year residency. Very exciting! But not the most exciting thing that week…We bought a motorcycle! Our generous Melbourne Community Church family had raised funds for this purchase months ago, but I had been searching diligently for a used motorcycle. It was not to be. Instead, for the first time in our lives, we bought a brand-new vehicle! A Honda 250cc Tornado. It’s dual sport (mostly for off-road use, but street legal:). It is perfect for the road we live on (dirt, mud, ruts, and rocks). Thank you so much MCC, we appreciate your investment in our ministry!

I didn’t want to forget to talk about the school, so I am shoving it in here…my apologies:). I mentioned in previous posts how far behind most of the students are in their studies, now I would like to give you a concrete example of that and show how much progress they are making. Once I realized how much foundation was missing, I had the students make up flashcards for addition and multiplication that they use daily. To track progress each math class starts with a 2-minute speed drill covering either addition, subtraction, or multiplication. These daily scores are transferred to a large graph (see photo) displayed in the classroom so they (and you) can see how much they have learned. For example, the average number of correctly answered subtraction problems for 6^th graders in February was 9. That number has now risen to 55!!! And the more successful they are the more motivated they are to continue improving. It’s infectious…in a good way.

Everyone here in Honduras has been beyond helpful in getting us settled into our new life and home (apartment). Just a few of those people: Jason & Sarah, Will & Sinndya, Henry & Ruby, Elias & Arely, Victor & Jina, Walter & Wendy, Fredi & Sarahi. They, and many others, have bent over backward and bent their backs (under heavy loads) in helping us. This, more than anything else, makes us feel like we are truly home. Speaking of home, I decided to carry Sharon across the threshold of our new abode (see photo). Spoiler – I opted for a fireman carry:). These same helpers installed our new water tank too! We are so fortunate. Below you’ll find a Google Map showing where we live now.

The Jungle Hospital visited GiveHope2Kids and ran a medical brigade on the property. They attended to the medical and dental needs of over a hundred people! We appreciate Dr. Martin and all the teams that gave of their time, energy, and talent. It was exciting to be working with both ministries that Sharon and I will be working with for the foreseeable future. Sharon will start working at the Jungle Hospital this week!

Our grateful and thankful list (as a good friend calls it):

• I feel like I would just be repeating myself if I wrote anything here. Nearly this whole update is people and things we are grateful and thankful for…

Please pray for:

• Our students to continue learning (and for Honduras students on a national level…they are still mostly virtual)
• Health for Chris & Sharon (migraines)
• Sharon as she starts work at The Jungle Hospital
• New volunteer for GiveHope2Kids

And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” Isaiah 6:8