Honduras Mission Trip 2009

Friday, January 16th: Larry and I arrived in Sabetha shortly after 8:30pm and went over to Jim and Barb’s house to hang out until our early morning flight. We’re all very anxious to get to Honduras to see what the Lord has in store for us. We anticipate great things happening as the Lord has been working to raise money ahead of time for needs not yet realized. This has never happened before. After I sent in the initial amount for building supplies and other budgeted needs people continued to give me money and the church has sent an additional $500 for the work project (clean-up, construction, etc) and I have another $500 or more for any other needs that arises. The others in the group have similar stories so we are all anxious to see what God has planned.

Saturday, January 17th: After arriving in San Pedro Sula, Honduras around noon on Saturday we stood in line just over two hours waiting to go through customs. We were one of several teams arriving in Honduras on medical and work related mission trips from the U.S. A UB pastor and driver met us and our team boarded a school bus and headed to Burger King for lunch. Afterwards it was a three hour bus trip to La Ceiba to the conference headquarters where our dormitory is located. Our dorm rooms are very nice, complete with bathrooms and showers, only no hot water. The most discouraging thing is it has been raining ever since we landed and many of the streets are flooded. The new superintendent took us out for dinner at a Honduran restaurant that served chicken or fish. I chose a shrimp and rice dish that was very delicious.

Like in El Salvador there are armed guards where ever money is exchanged, like hotels, restaurants etc, and there are armed check points throughout the area looking for drug dealers. Drugs are a huge problem in Honduras. Julio our driver has been waved through every check point we’ve come to. His parents own the bus line in La Ceiba so I think everyone is Central America knows him. Someone is always hollering at him when they see him pass. He drives for the family business and two months out of the year – Jan & Feb – he takes off and works for the conference as a driver/translator for the mission teams.

When we got back to the compound we had Bible Study and talked for a while and then turned in. We’re all looking forward to the week ahead.

Sunday, January 18th: Meagan thought she heard a machine gun go off in the neighborhood last night. Barb heard something also but I slept right through it. Church began at 9am with Sunday School, followed by worship service. An English man named Roger helped to translate for us during the service. He and his wife are Wycliff Bible translators. Her father was one of the first translators in Central America and they are carrying on his work. After the service we handed out the bags of toys we brought for the children because we knew we wouldn’t be attending church next Sunday. Afterwards Tammy came over to me and asked if I’d be willing to give my big candy canes to a school teacher for her students. It turns out she had thirty four students the exact number that I brought. Which is funny because when I bought them at the dollar store I didn’t look until I got home and realized one was missing from the box. A coincidence? I don’t think so. The school teacher, Heather, and her son Joshua came over to the compound, which is next door to the church, after services and visited with us for a couple of hours. She speaks English and is sending her son to a bilingual school so he will have more opportunities later in life. It was very moving listening to her story. She is a single mother who teaches in a village outside of La Ceiba. She has to take a 2 hour bus ride then walk an hour to the school. She lives there during the week with a host family while her son lives in the city with another host family. She shared an awesome testimony with us about how God meets her every needs. I’d never met anyone who was so open about their total dependence on the Lord. She is a very special woman. While she was visiting Barb and I went back to our room and got some of the boys clothes that Rose Marie sent and a pair of shoes. The clothes were a perfect fit, but the shoes were too tight. He wanted to keep them anyway though. We’ve decided to pick him up a pair later in the week. Joshua especially liked the airplane pen that Marcia sent along and the large rubber ball. I’m thinking she is a good person to give some of the money to that the church sent with me. I’ll pray about it and we’ll see what happens.

At 2pm we went out to the worksite. As it turns out we will be doing what was originally planned because the Bethel Church (next door) has been working with the flood/mudslide victims and has pretty much taken care of those needs. So we will be working on the church camp. The way I understand it this place was at one time a resort of some sort and was destroyed during one of the hurricanes. It decimated most of the buildings, leaving mostly empty shells. The conference bought the property and hopes to fix it up for a retreat for families and children going to church camp. Their first church camp is scheduled to take place next week. It looks to be a two or three year project. The man who cares for the property lives here with his family. There are two families living in this little two room house with a total of eight children and three adults. This is where the clothes I brought with me will go I think as the children range from infant to maybe 12 years old.

For dinner we ate at Applebees with Julio and his family. He is our interrupter and driver. While there we watched a soccer game between Honduras and another country. Honduras won and you should have heard everyone in the restaurant. They take their soccer as serious as we take our football and baseball. Afterwards we went to the Mall and looked around. When we got back to the compound we had Bible Study and some great discussions about our experiences so far. Phil and Megan are newbies and it’s been a real eye opener for them. He is Jim and Barb’s son. I know this trip will be special for them because your first always is the most meaningful.

Monday, January 19th: Barb’s alarm clock didn’t go off this morning so it was a mad rush for us gals this morning. It wasn’t as cold last night (the weather is unseasonably cold) but still could have used a blanket. Two pairs of socks, sweats, and a long sleeved shirt over a short sleeved shirt took the chill off reasonably well.

We arrived at the worksite and none of our material was there yet so we occupied ourselves by playing with the caretakers children. We had a lot of fun playing football with the kids. Some of the ladies even joined in. Lumber then arrived, but no concrete nails, so basically we moved lumber and tore out the old form getting ready for tomorrow.

For dinner we went next door to the college cafeteria and one of the ladies from church fixed us a delicious meal of fried chicken, tortillas, beans, rice, broccoli and carrots, and spice cake for desert. I skipped the cake because I was too full from everything else. I have a feeling I’m going to be gaining back some of my weight on this trip, as this woman is a wonderful cook.

Tuesday, January 20th: We got quite a lot of work done today. Us gals carried lumber and shoveled sand mostly. Earlier in the morning I spotted the little girls playing on the swings down the hill from where we are working so I went down and got some pictures. Their mom was doing the wash nearby. It’s hard to explain how the wash is done so I took pictures to help. Basically there is a cement wash area with a wash board and she places the clothes over this wash board and uses a large round bar of soap to scrub. Afterwards one the kids take the clothes up the hill to hang them out to dry. The oldest boys are eleven year old twins and you see them carrying a machete a lot. They go up the mountain to cut wood and bring it back in a barrel. They are strong little guys. When we were carrying lumber they were carrying one and two boards by themselves where as it took two of us women to carry one. We learned from Julio today that the dad injured his back not too long ago when he fell off a roof he was working on at another job. He needs to go to the doctor in San Pedro Sula but the family doesn’t have the money for the bus fare etc. Each church has decided to pitch in to help cover the trip. I’d also like to give the family some of the money my church sent.

For lunch we decided to go into the city. We didn’t realize it was the day Obama was being sworn in. Here we are in Wendy’s, an American restaurant, in Honduras, watching the first black president being sworn in on CNN. It was so cool. Everyone in the place had their eyes glued to the set. According to Julio people throughout Central America gathered on beaches in celebration of the occasion. I’m not exactly sure why though unless it’s just the significance of a black man serving as president of the United States. I do know that the United States is more respected in Central America than another other place in the world right now. And most would do anything for the chance to come to the U.S.

We had a scary moment on the drive to Wendy’s. Phil was driving while Julio led the way in his truck (we needed the extra vehicle to carry lumber and supplies that the lumber yard forgot), and the van started smoking pretty bad. As it turned out though Phil forgot to take off the emergency brake. It would have really been a sight if it was anything more serious– nine Americans stranded on the side of the highway in Honduras.

The kids have taken right up to us. This afternoon some of the women braided the children’s hair and painted finger and toe nails.

Wednesday, January 21st: Another beautiful day. It rained most of the night so it was rather chilly. I sure am missing my heated waterbed. I’d settle for a blanket or some hot water. It could be worse though, we could be sleeping outside. Spent most of the morning shoveling and hauling sand in wheel barrels up narrow boards to where the guys are. I only lost one barrel so I did okay. Like the children in El Salvador they are little work horses, putting us gals to shame. Off and on during the day we would stop and play with the kids. I’ve really gotten attached to two of the little girls. Despite the language barrier we communicate pretty well. Whenever they see me taking a break they come over and visit with me. They even try and help shovel the sand and carry rebar. The little things are almost as strong as their brothers.

This afternoon while we were waiting on material to arrive, Roger (the Wycliff translator) dropped by the sight and offered to take us to the beach which isn’t too far from the work site. He’s a neat guy. He’s from Michigan, speaks sixteen different languages, and has served in many parts of Africa and now Honduras. He took us to a village called Sambo Creek on the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a very poor area consisting of former slaves who freed themselves back in the 1800’s and moved to the area – mixed in with the Indians and started their own little culture. They even have their own language. As soon as we got out of the van we were bombarded by children begging for money or wanting to sell us sea shells. We all bought sea shells from them and handed out candy. Later we’re going to send toys with Roger to give out. Roger is working in this area to help translate a Bible in their native tongue. The sea was pretty rough so all we got to do was walk along the beach picking up little shells and enjoying the peaceful sound of the ocean.

Besides the people my favorite thing about Honduras is the mountains around La Ceiba. They are always cloaked in clouds like a mystic fog of sort. They’re very beautiful. Before we went on our road trip this afternoon, Larry, Jim, Barb, Ryan and me walked up the hill trail and got to see some of the area scenery. It’s not as steep as the stair trail but just as pretty. I’m determined to do the stair climb before Saturday though. I almost made it to the top the other day but had to turn around at the downed tree because it was too slippery to maneuver because of the recent rains.

Roger invited us to prayer service at the church tonight. Everyone stood for a good thirty minutes or so holding hands at the front of the sanctuary while different people prayed. We couldn’t understand what was being said but it was still very moving. Afterwards we invited Heather and her son over to the apartment so we could give him his new shoes. They were a perfect fit. I watched as she held them in her hands turning them over and over in her hands looking at them as if they were gold. It was like they had never received anything brand new before. I then gave her $200 which is about a month’s minimum wage in Honduras. She was pretty overwhelmed. She told us she’d been praying for enough funds for an apartment for her and her son because they had been staying with either friends or a host family. I’m not sure which. But I had prayed about it and since they continued to stay on my mind and I knew there was a need there I went with that feeling. The way I see it God wouldn’t have placed her in my path if He didn’t want some of the money to go to her, and I know in my heart she will put it to good use. To be honest I was just as overwhelmed as she was. It is truly amazing to see God working this way. To know that He provided the money, through the many people who donated toward the trip, to one of his children who had requested it long before we arrived in Honduras. So I want to thank everyone who faithfully allowed me to be the one to meet this need. It is an experience I never will forget.

The food we have been trying is awesome. Our cook usually mixes in some American food with Honduran dishes. I’ll worry about my diet once I get back to the states. I am glad however that I stuck with my workouts these past few months because I may not have made it this far if I hadn’t. I haven’t even been sore. But of course the week isn’t over with yet and we still have a lot of work to get done. I’m confident the Lord will get me through the week though. And it might just be my imagination but the water didn’t seem quite as cold tonight either. These nightly showers have been the quickest I’ve ever taken. You don’t linger any longer than necessary that’s for sure.

Thursday, January 22nd: This morning I mostly cut wire to use tomorrow. We will be laying and tying rebar all day tomorrow getting ready for the cement on the second floor. This afternoon I stayed and colored with the kids while the other women went shopping for the kids and the guys were finishing off the outside forms. We should finish up tomorrow if not Saturday morning. We’re hoping to take a fun day Saturday afternoon and head up to San Pedro Sula early. There are a few places Julio has picked out for us to visit. We’ve come up with another work project for tomorrow too: a bunny casa for the family’s new pet rabbit.

I gave Julio the money to exchange for Honduran currency for the caretaker and his family. I’m giving them $300 to help out with the medical expenses and to help tie them over while he is recuperating from his back injury. We’ve learned we will have quite a bit of money left over from what had already been budgeted and have decided to purchase enough clothes and shoes so that each child will have two pairs of shoes and two outfits. We’re also giving some money to help out a local ministry that is being done by a couple in the UB church. Each day they feed homeless children that come in off the street. And any money that is left after that will go toward hiring labor to pour the cement next week. I think we’ve been able to do more here than on any of our other trips. It is turning out to be a great success – we couldn’t have done it without everyone’s help though. So thank you!!! And thank you Lord for using us in such a wonderful way. I know we will be taking home memories that will last years – not to mention the lessons we’ve learned in the process. God is great! He does meet your every need!

I’ve really enjoyed playing with the children here. In Jamaica there weren’t any children who came to the work site and in El Salvador there were just a handful of boys, but here we have both girls and boys and they have been just a joy to be around. Despite their hardships they are so happy. They have such a beautiful culture, much like Salvadorians.

Friday, January 23rd: I watched the boys cut up an armadillo this morning for either lunch or dinner I’m not sure which. It was pretty gross but very interesting. They proudly posed with their prized catch for me and I was able to get some good pics. These little guys are 8-11 yrs old and can chop down a tree with a machete and can carry lumber three times their weight.

For about three hours this morning we all worked on the roof tying rebar. Not a fun job! I prefer shoveling sand and toting it in wheel barrels by far. The new superintendent and the couple I mentioned that had the ministry that feed homeless children joined us for lunch today and we had a pizza party for all the workers and the caretaker’s family. They’d never had pizza before but they all loved it. One little guy almost ate a whole one by himself. Then this afternoon Julio flagged down the ice cream truck and we treated everyone to ice cream cones. That was a big hit as well. It’s funny we had planned to have an ice cream sundae party for the children but hadn’t figured out how we were going to do it. God worked it out for us though.

The people with the conference brought the blue prints of the long term project today. As I mentioned before it will be two or three years before it is complete and we all want to return to help as soon as we can. Maybe even in a year. Part of the project will include steel frames, which is what Jim and his sons do for a living so maybe that is what the Lord has in store for us. It would be nice to stick to one project and see it completed. We also learned today that there is no middle class in Honduras. You are either very poor or very rich. Also a lot of the land on the outer islands like Rotan are being bought up by movie stars for millions of dollars. This is sad because Honduras is the third poorest country in the western hemisphere.

After we finished the roof and built the bunny casa we handed out the gifts to all the caretaker’s children. I wish I could describe the scene adequately enough but I don’t think I can. It was like Christmas for them, and I doubt very seriously they’ve had many of those where they received gifts. They were all so overwhelmed they weren’t sure what to do. Once they received their package they ran into the house. It wasn’t until Tammy helped the littlest girl open her package that the others came back out with theirs and started opening them. I’m still getting tears in my eyes now, hours later, remembering their reactions. I took a short video but I’m afraid it didn’t do the scene justice. You had to be there to see their little eyes sparkle and the smiles that lit up their faces to know the full joy that these simple gifts brought. And almost everything fit which is really amazing because Tammy and Meagan had to use a tape measure to get their sizes. Once the excitement had died down I had Julio translate for me with the husband and wife when I gave them the money the church sent with me. It came out to about two months worth of wages Julio said. I told them that it wasn’t I that was providing the money but the Lord. And asked them to use it toward his medical expenses or any other needs the family had. The mother had tears in her eyes as the father counted the large wad of bills. His eyes got as big as quarters. When he started raising his hands toward the heavens I didn’t need a translator to tell me what he was saying. To all of you that read this, that have helped in the fund raising of this trip I hope that through my words you are able to gain some sense of the joy you have brought to these people. It was through your hands that God answered their prayers. And the mother and father want you all to know how much they appreciate your faithfulness in allowing the Holy Spirit work through you. In their words “GOD BLESS YOU ALL!”

As we were leaving the worksite all the children came up and hugged us. I could almost feel my heart breaking with each hug. And both the women had tears in their eyes as they said goodbye to us. Most of us did as well. This has been a wonderful trip – the best yet!!! I had a feeling before we came that God was going to do great things and He did.

During Bible Study tonight Larry used the example of the crowds swarming around Jesus as a picture of what took place on the beach at Sambo Creek the other day. The van we arrived in has the UB emblem of the cross and two brothers embracing. When the children saw this they knew something good was going to happen even if it was only a piece of candy they received. I thought it was a neat illustration. It was definitely a humbling experience. I’ve really enjoyed our nightly Bible Studies, we’ve had some good discussions and it helps to share one another’s feelings about their experiences on the trip.

Saturday, January 24th: Julio came to pick us up for the first leg of our journey home. Both superintendents, the one leaving and the new one, came to see us off, presented us with gifts, and prayed with us. Which is always a good thing because during some of our travels there have been some very near misses of head on collisions—I don’t think there is any traffic laws in Central America, if there is people pay little attention to them.

Since we didn’t spend all the money we had budgeted for the trip we left some with the church for future work on the project. They are pouring cement on the portion we finished on Monday. We also helped money for a pastor and his wife who have a ministry that feeds street kids. They’re a real nice couple. She was born in Honduras and moved to the states when she was 23 and lived in Chicago for several years until the Lord led her to return to her home country to help her people. The orphan meal program is just one of many projects she and her husband have going.

We arrived in San Pedro Sula and checked into the Metrotel Express long enough to store our bags in our rooms and get something to drink and then we were off to the market for last chance souvenirs. The Market Place was like the one Walter and Ester took us to in El Salvador with lots of neat items to choose from. We then returned to the motel. Some of us hung out in the pool while others chose the hammocks. I chose the hammock because I forgot to pack my bathing suit. For dinner we ate at the restaurant next door. Everyone but Ryan got either chicken or beef fajitas. They were delicious. I’m paying for it tonight. Not because of the food but because of the pop with ice. None of us thought about it and we had pop with ice at lunch and dinner so several of us have stomach cramps tonight. REMEMBER DON’T DRINK THE WATER!!!

Tonight at Bible study many of us shared our thoughts about the trip and we had some good discussions. I told my teammates the best part for me was seeing God’s hands at work before we even got here – raising funds that we didn’t know we’d need. When the money kept coming in, and I knew I didn’t need any more, it was hard to accept it. I didn’t think we’d need it, we had plenty. It was hard to act on the faith that God had plans for it that I didn’t know about. That was the most important lesson I learned—acting on that faith and trusting that God was working ahead of us. We also discussed coming back next year again. If it’s meant to be God will make it happen!

Tonight I had my first hot shower in eight days and man was it nice. It was awful dirty though. I was going to take a bath so I could soak but once I saw how dark the water was I went with a shower and just used more soap and tried not to think about it. It was hot water that was all I cared about at that point, and I had blankets and a TV. Awww life is good!

Sunday, January 25th: Once again I go home with mixed emotions like I did in El Salvador. They are such beautiful countries/cultures with people who are very passionate for the Lord and who’ve had a major impact on my life. A part of me doesn’t want to leave while another part of me can’t wait to get home. The days went by way too fast but I’m ready to go home. I miss my family and friends, and I miss my Zoe!

Our past mission trips left me with a feeling of fulfillment (maybe not so much in Jamaica because I was unable to help out after I got hurt), but this trip was even more special. Thanks to the Lord for raising the money ahead of time so we were able to help two families personally who really needed the help and had been praying for God to meet certain needs that we were able to fill. To see God working first hand, to see Him bringing things together in this way is such an awesome experience. It is what I always look forward to on these trips and why I feel so very blessed to be able to take part in them. I want to thank everyone with the United Brethren Church and United Methodist Church for your support and prayers. It was through your generosity and faithfulness that this trip was such a great success. As I’ve said before it takes many hands to bring about a trip like this and yours are the most important. SO THANK YOU!

Until next time,
Pat

2007 Jamaica Mission Trip Journal

Friday, January 19th
After spending the night at Tammy & Steve's in Sabetha, we all met at the church for a delicious brunch of sandwich fixins and fresh fruit provided by some wonderful women at the church. With our tummies full and our bags packed we headed to the airport around 11:30 for our 3:30 flight.
There was a spectacular sunset in flight to Ft Lauderdale, FL. Even got to see a couple of rainbows along the way. I love the window seat. We arrived shortly after 7pm and caught a shuttle to our hotel, which just happened to be on the beach thanks to our brilliant team leader (Tammy) who made all the right connections. After checking into our rooms, (the girls got a beach view), we ate at Nate’s Shack not far from the hotel, then took a walk along the boardwalk and down to the beach. If you’ve never stood barefoot in the ocean, it feels really weird as the water recedes the sand disappears underneath your feet. It was awesome!

Saturday, January 20th
Rising at 4:00am for our early flight out to Jamaica we got to see some of the cruise ships heading out to sea. We flew out of Ft Lauderdale around 7:30 and arrived in Kingston shortly after 9:00. It was already in the eighties. I’m not complaining. I’d lot rather sweat than freeze.
We had to wait almost two hours for our ride to show, had a beautiful view of the mountains while we waited though, and I bought my first diet coke, which cost me $85.00 ($1.50US). When our ride showed we got to meet several members of the Michigan team as they were departing. They warned us that our dorm had mice and ants. We came prepared though having been warned ahead of time.
We are staying at the York Town church dormitory. Both York Town and May Pen are in the Clarendon Parish, which has a population of approx 216,000. May Pen, the capitol, has a population of approx 50,000. The dormitory is very nice. It’s above the Fellowship Hall, and has four bedrooms with bunk beds and a large common area with three more sets of bunk beds, plus a pretty good size kitchen and three bathrooms. Eleven people and three bathrooms…this should be interesting! The eleventh person is Pastor Kendrick Harrison, the pastor of the May Pen church, where we will be working. The Pastor is young, mid or late twenties, and very shy it seems.
After a supper of Sloppy Joes and Mac & Cheese, some of the local boys entertained us with their hockey skills. It really got interesting when Brad and Ryan joined in. They sure gave Brad and Ryan a run for their money.
As we were preparing to turn in for the night we learned we have no hot water and very little water pressure. As I said before it should be an interesting week. We are all taking it in stride though. When Tammy returned from her shower I asked how the water pressure was and she laughed and said that would be the least of my worries. In the end it wasn’t too bad. Sort of like camping really, and as someone quickly pointed out, at least we have a roof over our heads and water some of the time.

Sunday, January 21st
Sunday School began at 9am followed by a two-hour worship service. It was a very moving service. Everyone was very friendly and appreciative of us being here. Pastor Harrison announced this morning that there have been over 100 murders since Jan 1st. I hope he meant the whole country and not just the May Pen area. We were told ahead of time that Kingston, the largest city in Jamaica has a very high murder rate, and is probably one of the most dangerous areas outside of a war zone. Glad we aren’t staying there.
Pastor Harrison, usually very quiet and laid back really surprised us this morning once he was behind the pulpit. Let’s just say you can bet there was no one sleeping during the service. Reminded me of some of the revival services my mom dragged me to as a kid. He was really quite awesome. There were about eight who went forward this morning, most of which were already members, but had gone forward for deliverance from something in their lives. The pastor spoke a lot about unity in Christ. Some of the scripture referenced was Acts 12:6-25 and Daniel 3:19-28.
We spent the rest of the day lounging on the balcony, enjoying the breeze and watching the crazy drivers dodge the pot holes on the highway, (It’s sort of like watching a Lemans race), and playing Phase 10. We are fortunate that there are a lot of trees around the place and very few pesky bugs. Allowing us to leave the doors and window slats open. The downfall to this is the neighbors Reggae music and the semi’s going by at all hours filled with sugar cane. Luckily I brought my Walkman.

Monday, January 22nd
We had a nice rain this morning so we got a late start. Once the guys got started they really went to town though. When we first learned of this trip we thought we would be the last team coming in on a project and would be finishing it up, but as it turns out we are the third or fourth on a long-term project. The structure will be two stories with the sanctuary on one level and several classrooms on the other. The present church will then become a youth center, something that is desperately needed considering the crime rate. Our goal is to complete at least three sections.
Some of the locals came around and visited with us today. People aren’t as friendly as they were in El Salvador, but they are nice. We get the impression from those outside the church that we’re not really welcomed here. When we go to the grocery or hardware store we always go in a group. It’s safer and more interesting this way.
One couple that came by today, the Grants, are a fascinating couple. She is a white British woman and he is Jamaican. She told me she is so thrilled to have our teams coming in because she doesn’t get to see white people that often. They met in England and have been married for forty years.
Speaking of England, they drive on the opposite side of the rode here, which takes some getting used to. Patricia, our driver, is an RN, and would be right at home behind the wheel of a cab in New York City. We’ve lost track of how many times she’s almost taken out a bike rider or pedestrian and we’ve only been here three days. Also, Josh learned that you never get out of a parked vehicle while getting gas. She almost drove off without him. He had to run and jump in the van. It was so funny. Gas, by the way is $47.80 a liter, which figures out to about $4 or $5 a gal US dollars…we think.
We learned today that Goat is their main dish and they use a lot of curry. Curry Goat and Curry Chicken are among the most popular dishes. The Pastor who lives here at the dorm has been joining us when we eat. I don’t think he cares too much for American food though.
We were told there are 26 UB churches in the Jamaican Conference. That seems like a lot considering Jamaica is roughly about the size of Kansas. Anyway, the church in May Pen was first built in 1989 with its opening and dedication taking place Sunday, Oct 8th, 1989. The Rev. Winston Smith was pastor at the time. He is now Bishop of the Jamaican Conference. The UB church has been in Jamaica since 1945.
As I’m about to turn in for the night the neighborhood rooster has started his nightly ritual. He usually starts in crowing around eleven or twelve (he’s a very confused rooster). He mixes in well with the Reggae music and the semi’s hitting the potholes. As soon as he starts in we all start snickering. Sleeping dormitory style isn’t as bad as I thought. We have some pretty good laughs.

Tuesday, January 23rd
We got quite a bit of work done today. Most of our material has arrived and we all have been kept pretty busy. From shoveling sand to building ladders, a little bit of everything.
We’ve got three young kids, ages 15 to 17 that have been helping us. They look a lot younger than what they are. I’m not sure if they are members or not, but have seen Pastor Harrison visiting with them on and off. He seems to have a very good rapport with the kids around here.
I’m afraid I provided the excitement today when I ended up in the emergency room. I’m not exactly sure what happened cause I don’t remember anything. My last memory was helping Steve and Josh nail up a board, part of the platform for the second story, and the next thing I know I’m on the ground in Jim’s arms and everyone is freaking out. As it turns out the board they were nailing up broke and came down striking me on the left side of my head knocking me into the wall.
Luckily our driver is an RN and she had just arrived at the site as the accident happened. Tammy and Larry went to the hospital with me, and helped ease my anxiety with their humor. It’s a little scary going to a hospital in a foreign country. They took good care of me though. I was in and out in less than two hours; my injuries consisting of a slight concussion, a couple of stitches and a sprained back. The prayers back home really made a difference today, as the Lord protected me from being seriously injured.
Returning home and hearing the recap of our adventure I learned Tammy almost had a heart attack when they told her the bill was $1300.00. She was tempted to leave me until she realized they meant Jamaican currency. As it turned out the total cost for the emergency room, x-rays of my back & head, and the stitches was $22.00. Unbelievable!
Braving a look in the mirror, one side of my forehead has a large goose egg and stitches, the other side a smaller goose egg. I also have a scraped and swollen left cheek and one black eye for sure. I look like a boxer that’s had the tar beat out of um. I’m very thankful it isn’t worse though. God was definitely looking out for me today.

Wednesday, January 24th
They continued working on the platform today on the three sections we’ll be pouring. I was the official photographer of the group since I couldn’t really do anything. Worked well most of the morning, then after lunch I started getting real dizzy and nauseated. I spent the afternoon in the church sleeping off and on.
Several of the congregation dropped by the site today, having heard about the accident, to see how I was doing. Sister Grant and her husband graciously went and had my prescriptions filled for me. That only cost $7.00.
Spent most of the evening in bed, still very nauseated. I think now I probably should have stayed home today. I did come out long enough to hear Ryan practicing on the guitar. He’s doing a couple of songs on Sunday I think. Josh gave me a hard time about my black eye. Said he’d never seen one as black as mine. Jim joined in and said it was the wildcat blood in me (He’s a KU fan). He told me if I’d had on a KU hat instead of my K-State one that beam would have bounced off my head. He’s nicknamed me Rocky.
We’ve heard rumors that we may have company Friday as a team from Ohio may be joining us. There are 17 of them. Hope they bring beds.

Thursday, January 25th
The dizziness and nausea isn’t letting up so I stayed home today. Pastor Harrison stayed with me. Slept off and on most of the morning. Then ventured out into the kitchen for some crackers and applesauce so I could take a pain pill.
The Bishop came by this afternoon and he and Pastor Harrison prayed with me. He said he was sorry for what happened and he hoped it didn’t deter me from coming on another trip. I assured him it wouldn’t. His visit meant a lot; he’s a very nice man. They both are.
For supper Josh and Ryan went with the pastor for chicken. From the sounds of the taxi ride they had a very interesting trip. The taxi’s have routes they must stick to or they are given tickets so you’re pretty much at their mercy sometimes. They ended up being dropped off in what Ryan referred to as, ‘the hood’, and had to hail another taxi going back to York Town. The cost is reasonable though, $120 both ways which is around $2US. It’s basically like a bus only a lot smaller. A car that is supposed to fit 5 had 7 people crammed into it, which explains why our chicken and broasted potatoes were smashed.
Pastor Harrison brought in a pudding cake that one of the women at the church baked for us. It wasn’t too bad. It resembled a fruitcake but tasted much better.
I’ve felt much better this evening and am thinking of going to the worksite tomorrow. By the sounds of it we should finish up tomorrow, or I should say, ‘they’. I haven’t really been much help this trip.
I missed out on Brad’s revenge on Ryan today (I got the recap after supper). Night before last Ryan and Josh placed beanie babies all around Brad and put a pink hat on him, then took pictures. So today Brad squirted cheese whiz underneath Ryan’s nose while he was napping at the job site. Having youth along on the trip makes it more interesting; they’re both great kids.
We are making plans to go to the beach either Saturday or Monday for our Fun Day. Ocho Rios has been recommended. It’s a popular resort area with a nearby waterfall. Fine by me. I hope I can find some sunglasses by then, as mine were broken during the accident.
Despite all that has happened I’m so glad I came on this trip. This team is a great bunch of people. They’re like family, and I couldn’t have been in better hands.

Friday, January 26th
Felt well enough to go to worksite today. Still dizzy, but nausea is gone. They poured all three forms today and thankfully everything held (some of the material has been pretty shoddy). Several women from the church fixed lunch for us. We had Curry Chicken, Yams, and some other kind of vegetable that I’m not sure of. The chicken was pretty spicy, but it was all pretty good.
Instead of mixing the cement by hand like we did in El Salvador, we had a backhoe that mixed it on the ground then lifted it to the second story where workers were waiting to spread it. It’s a good thing cause there was a lot of cement to mix. It was hard watching and not being able to help. It did allow me time with the children and some of the ladies of the church. It’s interesting sharing each other’s cultures. There is quite a bit of difference between the women I’ve met here and the ones I met in El Salvador. I sensed a greater need in El Salvador than I do here. No, I take that back. There is a great need here too, only it’s a different kind of need. I think it’s more of a spiritual need. I sense a lot of evil here. One look at a newspaper here confirms that need.
I made my first trip to the grocery store today with Larry and Patricia’s husband. It was interesting trying to figure out the prices of things. What was even more interesting was the looks we got. White people in an all black super market will undoubtedly draw some looks but when one is a white woman with a swollen black and blue face people really look. I’m so thankful I never have to see these people again. I really felt sorry for Larry.
As we were preparing supper this evening the team from Ohio showed up. For the first few hours it was pretty hectic. There are now a total of 28 people living here with three bathrooms and still no hot water. They seem to be a fun group though, and range in ages of fifteen to one woman in her seventies. And they brought air mattresses.
Later in the evening, as many of the Ohio team was turning in, we were playing Phase 10 and the Pastor and a couple of the guys joined us. This is Pastor Dunsen’s sixth trip to Jamaica. They will be working in the Mandeville area not far from May Pen. They finished the church on their last trip and are now breaking ground for a vocational school/boys home. When he found out we hadn’t tried the Jerk Chicken yet he and five others from both teams went on a Jerk Chicken run. About an hour later they returned not with Jerk Chicken (they couldn’t find anything opened that served it) but Beef Patties. They look like an oversized apple pie from McDonalds only it’s filled with beef, or at least I think it was beef. They were delicious.
Most of the Ohio team is spread out on air mattresses in the common area, at least twelve of them anyway. Evie, the elderly woman is bunking with us girls, and the younger girls of the Ohio team took the spare bedroom.
I’m really glad Pastor Dunsen and his team showed up. He was very encouraging tonight, which I for one needed. He reminded us of Romans 8:28 about how all things work out to God’s glory. He said there are many times we just have to take our hats off, lean back and nap awhile. Meaning we just place the circumstance in Jesus’ hands and go on from there.
I think the Lord is in the midst of some great works in this area judging from the way our trip came together and then listening to similar testimonies from the Ohio team. For instance, their air mattresses: Pastor Dunsen said when they heard there was a team already staying at the dorm they weren’t sure what they were going to do and later that night he and his wife were out shopping and found the air mattresses on sale. This area definitely needs the Lord. There is a sense of lawlessness in the area. Just the other night five people were gunned downed and the head of one was left on the steps of the police station.

Saturday, January 27th
We had morning devotions with the Ohio team. It was very uplifting, just what we needed. They are just beginning their job today and invited some of us to join them. Tammy, Cheri and Ryan took them up on their offer.
We are officially hillbillies now as Barb and I did our laundry in the bathtub and hung it out to dry on the balcony. Yee Haw!
I’m not sure if I mentioned it or not but the traffic is similar to El Salvador. Riding in the front seat of a vehicle is a whole new experience. Reminds me of riding the bumper cars at the fair. The roads are in horrible condition, full of huge potholes, so its nothing to have a car dart into your lane to avoid hitting one. I found myself bracing for an accident on more than one occasion.
Tammy came back from their trip with corn rolls today. Said it took almost three hours. While they worked the rest of us goofed off, except for doing the laundry. We played cards, went for a walk in the neighborhood, and enjoyed the beautiful weather.
The Ohio team fixed super for us tonight. We had Mac & Cheese, mixed veggies and fresh fruit salad. The fruit salad was the best I’d ever tasted, with pineapple, Jamaican apples, bananas and mangos. I think I could live on Mac & Cheese and fruit salad.
Afterwards we had devotions. One of the ladies from the Ohio team gave a very moving testimony about her inability to have a child and God’s blessing in the adoption of their two-year old little girl.
I’m so glad we were able to meet the other teams working here in Jamaica. It has been very rewarding hearing the stories of how God has been working in their lives.

Sunday, January 28th
We all helped out in Sunday School this morning, matching the colors with bible verses. Afterwards we made snow for them, which was a big hit. Larry did a great job on his sermon. We didn’t even know he could preach. You would have never known it was his first sermon.
After the Worship service Sister Reid presented us with souvenir plaques, and offered up praise to the Lord for keeping watch over me.
After the service we handed out the bags of toys and candy to the kids and took pictures. This is the part we always look forward too, seeing the beautiful smiles on the faces of the children. I was also able to visit with Sister Grant some more; she is such a neat woman. I’d love to spend a day with her; she has led such an interesting life. We exchanged addresses so hopefully we’ll be able to keep in touch.
Returned to the dormitory and had Beef and Chicken Patties. I like the beef much better.
We took out about two in the afternoon with the Ohio team and headed to Halse Hall for the dedication of a new church. The history behind the construction of this church is very interesting. It took almost twelve years to complete. It is located in an area that has been dubbed, ‘The Gates of Hell’, and from what I saw of it; it is very deserving of its name. It looked similar to the village we worked at in El Salvador as far as living conditions, but the crime rate is alarming. But most of the children we saw seemed content, which in itself is heartbreaking.
It was neat taking part in the service tonight. I know it meant a great deal to the Ohio team to see it completed. It was an awesome ceremony, but lasted almost five hours. Pastor Dunsen teased us, saying when we get home we better not ever gripe if the pastor preaches past an hour. It is a beautiful church, and they had a wonderful choir.
After the service we were led outside where were set up and we were fed Curry Goat, Curry Chicken, Rice & Beans, Coleslaw, and a Macaroni dish. I ate the goat, but wasn’t too impresses with it. You have to be careful when you’re eating the Curry Chicken as they chop up the chicken and cook it bones and all. It was good though; I liked it much better than the Goat.
Much of the neighborhood turned out for the food feast I think, and I couldn’t help but wonder if this wasn’t the best meal they’d had in a long time. The Lord is working powerfully in this area. Beginning tomorrow morning the Ohio team is breaking ground on a new vocational school and boy’s home next door to the church.

Monday, January 29th
Before we left on our Fun Day we took group pictures next door at the York Town Church. Then we headed to Ocho Rios while the Ohio Town headed to work.
Heading up through the mountains the scenery was awesome. Tammy wasn’t able to enjoy it as much as the rest of us as she got car sick a few times along the way. Driving through Fern Gully was like driving through a jungle, the trees were huge, and very beautiful. We were told it used to be a riverbed. Midway we pulled off the highway at a roll of little shacks with grills. As soon as we bailed out of the mini van we were bombarded by the various owners asking us to try their meats. This is where we got our first taste of Jerk Chicken. It was delicious. So was the festival bread.
Outside of Ocho Rios we stopped off at Dunn’s River Falls. It was absolutely gorgeous. The Caribbean is as beautiful as I imagined it would be. I’d never seen white sandy beaches before, and the water was so clear and surprising warm. It was the warmest water we’d been in since we got to Jamaica (cold showers all week, when we did have water that is).
Heading into Ocho Rios we seen one of the Princess Cruise ships docked. Man they are huge. Spending a couple of hours in the Craft Market Place, I loaded up on souvenirs. They didn’t have too many small items, but I was able to get some necklaces and Jamaica beanie babies for my church family. I also got John a hat like he was wanting. I bought myself an African outfit. I hope I can remember how to do the wrap pants.
For Supper we dined at a little restaurant in Ocho Rios. I had chicken soaked in some sweet red sauce, beans & rice, cole slaw and fresh cucumbers & tomatoes. It was all very good. When we were done eating me and the boys slipped across the street to a little convenient store. These people were perhaps the most friendliest we’d met. They eagerly wanted to know where we were from and asked if we were enjoying our stay. We visited until the others started to load up.
We arrived back at York Town around nine and spent the rest of the evening packing and saying our goodbyes to the Ohio team. I pray they have an awesome week. The boy’s home and vocational school they’ve broken ground on is in the middle of one of the poorest areas in the parish.

Tuesday, January 30th
Pastor Dunsen and a couple of the other members of the Ohio team got up with us at 4:30 this morning to see us off. He led us in prayer before we took off to the airport. Pastor Harrison rode with us. Cheri came up with a pair of sunglasses for me, as mine was broken when I got conked in the head. The nickname Rocky is sticking with me. Seems everyone in the conference has heard about the goings on of the Kansas team. I have a feeling it will be a while before I live this one down.
Once again, Jim and I were picked out of the line to be searched before boarding, and after I went through customs one of the guards came up to me and asked what happened to me (the sunglasses didn’t quite cover the black eye and bruised cheek). Everyone got a good laugh out of it. The flight from Jamaica to Ft Lauderdale was beautiful. The Caribbean Sea is a much lighter blue than the Atlantic or gulf area. We flew twenty some miles into Cuba’s air space, but we were so high up you couldn’t see anything.
I’m glad to be heading home. It’s been a long eleven days. But I am going to miss my teammates. They are a great bunch of people. We’ve had some inspiring talks on this trip. Not just with one another but with our friends from Ohio as well. On this trip I was reminded that each of us is important in that God uses us in many different ways, and brings about some good in all circumstances.
One thing that Jamaicans and El Salvadorians have in common is their passion for the Lord. At least four days or nights a week there was something going on at the church. And when I mentioned to Pastor Harrison during one of our talks that most worship services in the U.S. were only an hour long he was shocked. In the end though I don’t think it matters so much how long the service is, it’s how you feel when you walk out of the service that matters. Was your presence there out of habit or did you truly worship the Lord in spirit. I think we are all guilty (at least I know I am) in that sometimes church is just a habit. It’s only when I miss a service or two that I’m reminded of how important the freedom to worship is to me.
The highlight of our journey home was our flight from Ft Lauderdale to Kansas City. Herm Edwards, the couch of the KC Chiefs was on our flight. Jim recognized him and once we were in the air went back and visited with him. When Jim returned to his seat with his autographed hat he announced that Edwards had inquired about his t-shirt (we usually wear matching t-shirts so we can keep track of one another) so Jim told him about our trip and Edwards offered to send him a team autographed football to auction off to raise funds toward our next trip. He also posed for a team photo with us when we landed.
How awesome is that! A perfect ending to a near perfect trip!
I feel very blessed that the Lord allowed me the privilege to go on this trip. In the months leading up to it, we all had our doubts as to whether or not we’d be able to raise the funds for the building materials plus our expenses. But just as He has in the past, God provided all our needs and then some (each of the three churches returned with four hundred dollars). Personally, I was truly humbled by the overwhelming support (both financially and through prayers) from my UB Church family and United Methodist Church family. I could not have gone had it not been for their generosity. THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR FAITHFULNESS!And I’m looking forward to our next trip together. Guatemala they’re talking.

Latest news about El Salvador

I received some sad news this week from my friends in El Salvador. The village where I went on my mission trip was devastated by mudslides in October that were brought on by torrential rains from hurricanes Rita and Stan. Pastor Walter and his wife Esther lost thier home and is now living with several other families in the extention of the church we built while we were there. On a much sadder note, Pastor Julio was killed. He leaves behind a wife and three little girls.

Since Spring El Salvador has dealt with several natural diasters: a volcanic eruption, hurricans, torrential rains, and even an earthquake. Please keep them in your prayers.

The Salvadorians are such an amazing people. Their passion and commentment to the Lord was both humbling and inspiring.

This is our group photo with the village children, Pastor Walter, and his wife Ester. 

Julio, Danilo, Bayron, Willian & Fernando. Each after noon after school this little guys would show up at the worksite and lend a hand. They were the happiest children I've ever met, yet their homes consisted of four tin walls a dirt floor and tin roof. 

Visiting with our new friends, Ester and Julio near Lagode Ilopango Lake
 

In this pic we are about 3/4 of the way done. 

This is Tammy and myself. Us women mixed the cement while the men laid bricks. 

This is Julio, William and Bayron, some of the friends I made on my mission trip to El Salvador. 

Mission Trip Journal Jan 21st – Jan 30th 2005

We were somewhat discouraged when upon our arrival we learned our translator had backed out on us and when we visited the worksite and learned before we could even get started we’d have to remove a partial wall in three feet of dirt. But glory to the Lord, not only did we get our wall plus a partial wall built, we finished ahead of schedule.

Apancino Apulo, the village where we worked is located approximately 15 miles from the capitol city of San Salvador, and a 45-minute drive through the mountains. It’s somewhat nestled in a valley and only blocks from Lagode Ilopango Lake, one of the largest lakes in El Salvador, with some of the most beautiful scenery I’d ever seen.

In a part of the world where people have very little if any of the modern convinces I was moved by their humility and outward love toward us. Beginning at the airport we were greeted with hugs and their hospitality continued throughout the week & a half we were there.

The village consisted mostly of shanty shacks. Four tin walls and a tin roof. We were told that as many as three generations live in these shacks. Their water is trucked in each day. As the truck enters the village it honks its horn and those needing water waves them down.

Laundry is done in the lake, which was about 3 blocks from where we were working. Each morning you would see women or young girls carrying large tubs of clothes on top of their head. Once at the lake they would wash their clothes on a washing rock (a large flat rock) with a bar of soap. They would then walk back up to their shacks and hang the clothes out to dry.

Those fortunate enough to find jobs in the city would travel by bus or hitchhike into the city where several factories were located including Nike and Puma. We were told that mostly women worked in these factories. The hours being from 6am to 6pm 7 days a week for a meager pay of only $100 for 15 working days which averages out to $1.80 an hour.

Throughout the city and along the main road vendors were set up selling everything from candy and soda to fried foods cooked on portable propane stoves.

Due to the appearance of armed guards at our hotel, all convenient stores and restaurants we felt relatively safe during our stay. The armed checkpoints set up periodically outside the city was a little threatening though. These guys, armed with military typed rifles, were very intimidating, especially when you didn’t understand what they were saying to the driver. Luckily we only had to endure this once during our stay.

We tried many different foods, mostly fried, that we had no idea what they were and the children brought us different fruits grown right there in the village such as bananas, mangos, limes, coconuts and avocado’s. Out of all the different foods we tried coconut milk was the only thing none of us cared for.

Spending time with the children in the village was probably the highlight of our trip. There were five boys in particular we bonded with because they would come to the sight every day after school to help us. Fernando, Julio, William, Danilo and Bayron ranged in ages of 5 to 11 years old. William and Danilo are brothers who were orphaned last year when their mother was murdered by their stepfather. They now live with their grandmother and the other boys are their cousins. Seldom did you see them apart. They really enjoyed Larry’s animal impersonations, and by the end of the week Larry had them all crowing like roosters.

The whole community seemed very close knit, like one big family and they seemed to take great pride in what little they did have. In the evenings I almost felt guilty going back to the comforts of the hotel where we had running water and flushable toilets, not to mention a comfortable bed to sleep in. It was truly humbling to realize how much I’d taken these luxuries for granted back in America. It was even more humbling to see a child’s face light up like a Christmas tree when they were given a simple candy cane or small McDonalds toy.

What impressed me the most about these wonderful people was their passion and commitment to the Lord. In the village where we were they had church services every night except Thursday and members walked a mile or more to attend. We had the opportunity to take part in two of their services and it was an truly awesome experience. Aside from the United Brethren emblem painted on the outside of the tin-roofed cement building you would never know you were in a church until everyone was gathered for praise and worship then you knew the presence of God was all around you. There was no musical instruments, just 40-50 people singing their hearts out for the Lord. Both times I was moved to tears by their passion. It was absolutely beautiful.

Most everyone we met was open and friendly and very appreciative of our being there. Friday night they held a special service in our honor. A translator was brought in to interrupt and 2 women who sung and played guitar performed for us. Each of us was presented a souvenir plague and asked to give a brief speech. As Pastor Walter gave a wonderful speech about us being their friends someone placed an American flag in the window. He said they pray for America because they know she has many enemies, but that they are her friends. He said they are grateful to America because of the missionaries who brought them the gospel. They then served us a delicious diner of Papusa’s. We didn’t know what was in them, but they were very good.

Saturday we were treated to a fun day of sight seeing with Pastor Walter, his wife, Esther and several members of the congregation. They took us up to Puerta De Diablo, which means Devil of Door. It is the highest point in the region and overlooks the capitol city of San Salvador and one of many volcanos in the country. We also spent a couple of hours at the Market Place in San Salvador. It is like a gigantic flea market with all kinds of goodies. I think even the men enjoyed it, though they wouldn’t admit it.

As we departed El Salvador Sunday morning, I left with mixed emotions. Though I longed to return home to family and friends I knew I would never be the same. A part of me would be left behind and I would always long to return to a place that had forever touched my heart.

Mission Trip to El Salvador

The second week in August I learned that a sister church of ours was planning to go to El Salvador in January for a two week short-term mission. I got the letter when I was home on my lunch hour and immediately became excited. This I knew would be a wonderful opportunity to see if the mission field was really where the Lord was leading me. But according to the letter I needed to have my passport information to them by the 31st of August, which at the time was only two weeks away. Seeing that might produce a problem I phoned the post office and learned it was indeed impossible to get a passport that quickly. I also knew the pastor that I worked for was planning to be gone the month of January. Realizing the unlikelihood of my going to El Salvador I gave up on the idea and set it aside.

The following Wednesday, my pastor where I go to church stopped by my work and visited with me. During the course of the visit she brought up the subject of El Salvador and said she wished there was some way I could have made the trip because it would have been a wonderful learning experience for me. After she left I continued to think about it, it was really lying heavy on my heart. So I spoke to the pastor that I work for and told him though I couldn’t go on this trip, I would like to go the next time they went. He suggested I not give up on this trip in January and to contact the coordinator of the trip and see if there was any possible way I can go. So I emailed the guy and told him my situation, that I could not get my passport by the 31st but that I was interested in joining them the following year.

Thursday came and I received no word. But that night I was reading a book by Joyce Meyer about how the Lord speaks to us and she said that sometimes God speaks and we don’t hear or that He speaks and we don’t understand, so He speaks through other people. I immediately thought of Pastor Ann and Pastor Gale. In my prayers to the Lord that night I told him my desire to go to El Salvador and asked if it was his will, to make it happen.

Friday morning when I got to work I sat down at the computer to check my email and I hesitated, I was actually scared to look, it was as if I knew I was going to get my answer. Sure enough there is was an email from the guy assuring me that it wasn’t too late, and an invitation to join the group. I immediately started crying. It was the most awesome experience I’ve had in my walk with God.

It wasn’t long till doubts began to set in though: How was I was going to come up with $1050 the amount needed to go on this trip. I didn’t even have the money to purchase my passport, which was $100.

Then Sunday morning I get to church and someone walks up to me and hands me an envelope, saying the Lord had spoken to them, and asked me to take the envelope and not tell anyone where it came from or how much it was. I stuck the envelope in my Bible and didn’t look inside until I got home. Inside was more than enough to cover the cost of my passport, once again I cried. It gets even better though.

It’d been bothering me that I’ve got all these boxes of Bibles and the funds haven’t been coming in as I had hoped. The first part of the week I came across this website about an organization in Texas called ‘Daystar Adopt A Village’ that has a mission outreach in the Waterloo District of Freetown. They were seeking Bibles to take with them on their short-term mission trips that they take once a year. I emailed them and told them I had some Bibles I would like to send with them. They emailed me back very excited to hear from me and said they would love to take them. They are also going to send me the information about their short-term missions to Sierra Leone. Since this is where I feel the Lord wants me to go eventually I would like to take part in anything they have available.

Last Thursday (Sept 2) the Lord came through again when a woman from my church presented me with a check for $200 to ship some of the Bibles. So yesterday what was left of our boxes of Bibles was shipped to Texas for a total of $186. Isn’t that awesome!

This past Sunday was also pretty special. After service a gentleman in our congregation asked me to accompany him to the front of the church where he presented me with a guilt he had made to be auctioned off during our church garage sale to raise money for my mission trip to El Salvador.

In the midst of all that is happening in my family it is both comforting and humbling to know that God is right there with me, demanding my trust and faith that He will provide. Thank you Jesus for being my Lord and Savior!!!!

Sept 25th We held our church garage sale today and raised $595 towards the mission trip to El Salvador bringing total donations to $1095 PRAISE THE LORD!!! As Rose Marie stated Sunday, why did I ever doubt it.