Visiting the homes...

May the mountains yield prosperity for all; and may the hills be fruitful. Help him to defend the poor. to rescue the children of the needy, and to crush their oppressors.
Psalm 72: 3,4

He will rescue the poor when they cry out to him, he will help the oppressed, who have no one to defend them. He feels pity for the weak and the needy and he will rescue them. He will redeem them from oppression and violence, for their lives are precious to him.
Psalm 72:12, 13.


She's a single mom to five children, living in a tiny home that is much smaller than our shed back in Canada. It has two rooms, divided by a sheet to separate the living quarters from the sleeping. In Canada everyone would have their own bed to sleep on, but not here. One double bed for 5 people.  She has a tiny stove for which to cook and small fridge with a microwave on top of it. She makes the most of the little she has, so her tiny house is a home for her family.

She struggles, You can see it on her face; her eyes, hear it in her voice. Her sole means of survival is making and selling tortillas. With that money she must buy food and water,  pay for the rent of not only the home but the property as well. It's hard to imagine selling tortillas would ever bring in near enough to cover her expenses.
"Life is hard" she told us. "It's about surviving"
In this photo the team is giving her a bag of groceries.

The second home we visited, like the last home, was also near the schools. We met a young mom of three.
Her home appeared to be in better condition. It was very clean. Outside she had a rag on which to wipe our feet on before entering the home. The floors looked spotless to me.
 Her husband, who is not the father of the children, is one of the venders on the street selling phone chargers or cell phone covers at the traffic lights. We have probably even driven past him and not known it. He does this to provide for his family. It is their only source of income as she is a stay at home mom, caring for her little ones. I have seen countless venders like him at the traffic lights trying to sell their items. Hardly anyone buys from them; at least not that I have seen.  I have never before thought about how discouraging it must be to always be told "no gracias" or to be ignored. I know it cannot bring in much income; especially by the time transportation is paid for to and from the streets to the mountains where they live.
Through her tears she explained some of her struggles. "Life is hard" she said like the first mom we visited.
 Her first husband, had been murdered, and she lost a baby to asthma. Not only that but the baby that one of the team members from Lively held in her arms, also had asthma. She was concerned about him, worried that she would lose him too.
She told us how she had found favour with the landlord and was given two rooms to rent instead of just one. What a blessing that was to her family.
Before we left her home, we prayed with her, and one of the ladies on the team asked her if she knew Jesus.
She nodded and said "yes" and that He was her provider.
This is the team in the second home.

As we left each of those homes I wanted to weep. I felt so broken for these families.
I held back my tears but I couldn't help feeling so very humbled......and thankful.
Thankful for all that our family has been blessed with. We have our beautiful home, food on the table, family, friends, a vehicle to get around in...the list goes on and on.
I thought of all the times I needlessly worried over stuff since moving here. Things like not having as much money for groceries one week, last minute notice that the kids need something more for school and wondering where we will find money for it when it wasn't budgeted or other last minute expenses.  Needless worry when God always provides, there is always enough and most times MORE than enough. It's NOTHING compared to what these families face day in and day out, what reality is for them each day.
 If I were in their shoes, would I truly be able to say like this one mom "God is my provider?" Would any of us? I would hope the answer would be a resounding "yes!" But it's something to think about....what if? Would we truly be content? The families living in these conditions who know the Lord must truly know what it is like to totally rely on the Lord and say "He is all I need" 
Matthew 6:25, 26
That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life...whether you have enough food and drink or enough clothes to wear.  Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly father feeds them. Aren't you far more valuable than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

Christmas letters

I can't get her out of my mind. The  beautiful young girl in sixth grade writing her  Christmas letter to a potential sponsor..."just in case" she is sponsored before the school year ends in November. My heart breaks just thinking about her.  What thoughts run through her mind as she writes her letter...does she feel hopeless, like her letter is in vain?  It's already October and time is running out for her to ever be sponsored.  There will be no more school for her after sixth grade.  Does she wonder "what is the point?" Does it build a false hope in her having her write a letter that may never reach a sponsor?
 I wonder how long she has been on the list to be sponsored or how she feels when she sees her other classmates writing their letters; classmates that already have sponsors. How long has she been dreaming of the day she would be sponsored?  I've shed tears for this girl. I guess you could say she has a special place in my heart.  Even though I know there are others just like her.  I know her name and she has a beautiful smile. She is a lovely girl who has a bit of a crush on my son Ben. I know this  because she always asks where he is when see her and I've seen her light up around him. And for her my heart hurts.

Yesterday Dale and I went to one of the schools to help the sponsored children with their Christmas letters.   I know....it's a little early for Christmas but it is a long process and the letters need to arrive in time.  They need to be written and then translated. The children wrote out their  letters in rough draft first. The letters were then approved by the teacher or Victor for spelling mistakes and what not. Then the children came to Dale and myself for the "official"  Christmas paper to write their letter on.  It was an exciting moment to be a part of.  They would stand in line waiting for Dale and myself to find their name at the top of their paper.  You could feel their enthusiasm as they wrote their annual letters to their sponsors. Amazingly it was not too chaotic in the classroom...or too loud. Or maybe I just didn't notice.  Yesterday about 45 letters were handed back in.  Most of them had meticulous hand writing. They later drew pictures to be added to their letters and most of them handed their drawings in today. There are some beautiful pieces of art being mailed out this year!

I was not at the school today as I was at a ladies bible study that I have been attending weekly. However  Dale told me that there are only twenty five more children to write their letters. That will happen later this week....and I can't wait to be a part of it.

 

This past week....

This past week we headed up to Moises Starkman school to celebrate "Day of the Child".  Day of the child is a day that is set aside to celebrate children; just like we have Father's day or Mother's day in Canada....here they also have a day to honour children.  In Honduras this day is even bigger than Christmas!

We first headed to Kinder ( Kindergarten). Dale and Melissa who is one of our interpreters let the children in a popular song from when most of us were children.."allelue, allelue allelue alleluia, praise ye the Lord!"

watch the video clip here....
HERE

Then Dale told a short from the bible. The story where the disciples sent the children away because they thought they were bothering their Master. But Jesus stopped his disciples and he took the time to bless the children. Jesus loved them, and Dale told them how much Jesus loved them too.

 

We celebrated at the school with cake, dressed up in clown costumes and just had a lot of fun with the kids. At any in kind of celebration in Honduras, there are always piñatas. This day was no exception.
The children all had special lunches instead of the normal beans and rice. They also did not have to wear their uniforms.

 

For the past two weeks we have a young lady name Emily from Orillia join our team. She was a huge asset. She heads home today and we are going to miss her terribly.  Emily came to offer her secretarial skills to Judy with the mounds of paper work that was piling up. However she didn't spend all her time in the office. She  also came with us to the schools as well. I think as she is going to be leaving part of her heart here in Honduras and hopefully someday she will be back.

 

 

The team did head back up to another school later on in the week, but I was unable to go as I was sick in bed the entire day. I was really disappointed but I do know there will be many other opportunities to go up to the schools and be with these precious children.

 Monday to Friday for the past three weeks we have been taking Spanish lesson for two hours every afternoon. There were a few days where I didn't feel like it.  My brain needed a rest. Our teacher has been teaching us verbs and the many different verb endings. So much to take in a remember. And rolling the rrrrrr's..I still haven't mastered that yet. I need to so I am not saying bad words accidentally.... which has happened! No wonder the girls at Espresso Americano were laughing at me.  Every day she gives us homework assignments too.  That being said though, it is getting easier.

 Late Friday afternoon we headed to a busy street corner here in the city where they often sell puppies; especially on the weekends.  It's known as "Puppy McDonalds"  I am not sure if the locals call it that, but it is what any expat or missionary living here refers to it as.  We had been told to go there if you want a dog. The prices; we were told were much less than what you would pay at a pet store or from a breeder. We wanted to get there before the traffic got too busy and the guys started packing things up and heading home.
  I am such a dog person. After Maddie passed I so missed having a dog in the family.  It has been over a year now since she died and I was more than ready to start looking again. In fact if we had not been moving to Honduras we would have had a dog before now.
Anyway, at one point during our stop there, I had four wee pups in my arms.  How to decide! They were all adorable.
The pup we ended up choosing is very tiny, weighing only three pounds. We are not sure of his breed or how big he will eventually grow to be. There were pups that were half his size....they could have fit in the palm of my hand.
We were headed home afterwards trying to come up with names for the little guy when we drove past

 Ruby Tuesdays. Dale said that we should call him Reuben for Ruby Tuesdays...and the name stuck!

Meet Reuben!

Culture Shock

The beginning of this week was rough for me. Culture shock perhaps? I think so. Actually I know so. I honestly didn't expect it to hit me so hard, so soon.  Even though I have learned about all the stages one goes through and the timing of each stage is different for everyone.
 I was a mess, an emotional wreck.  This country, Honduras; the country my family is called to, the country I am called to was not the easy adjustment I thought it would be.  Many things are so very different.  And I felt so lonely.  Everything was annoying me. Things as small as the ants in my kitchen, and looking everywhere for eggs in the grocery store only to find them on a shelf in the bakery department. Then there was the seemingly insurmountable things we are dealing with as a family right now. 

Many of you know that my husband Dale has been a victim of identify theft and that is still ongoing. The list of cards that are being taken out in his name continues to grow.  It's very concerning but there is little  we can do about it except to sign affidavits that he did not make the purchases charged. Fraud.

There are also a few other issues that we are dealing with.
 Only one word can describe this week and that is this. Stress.
 Although I will say this....our kids are doing fantastic!

I hesitate to say this as it is going to sound terrible and may even shock some of you;  but if on Monday Dale had said "let's go back to Canada" I probably would have said "Alright "  Deep down in my heart that is not how I really felt. I know and believe with everything in me that God has called us here and this is home now.  So to go back to Canada I know I wouldn't have that sense of belonging there. Not when we are meant to be here.  At the same time,. here in Honduras with all the pressing issues that we are dealing with, and trying to learn a new language in a country where everything is new, it's hard to feel like you fit in. That you belong.

In this moment it seems we are being bombarded on all sides. We cry out, God help us! Where else can we turn but Him and trust that He will work it all out. And He will. We know that without a doubt. There is a reason for it all I am sure, perhaps to side track us and disrupt what God wants to do in us and through us. To make us want to pack up and go "home" To discourage us. We know these challenging times are not going to last forever.

On Wednesday I read another missionary's (Sandra McIntosh) status on Facebook and it really drove truth home to my heart. Brought a calming peace in the midst of the storm.
The timing of her post couldn't have been more perfect, or more timely.
Here is her quote below...

"When the going gets tough in full time ministry it helps to go back to the moment you were certain the Holy Spirit whispered "Go, Serve and Love" Remember how you felt, remember how you were overwhelmed at the need, remember the passion you felt to respond, remember how gripped you were in your heart and you couldn't shake it, remember when you thought the cost was worth it, remember when you made the commitment, remember when you knew that this was His call on your life." Remember?"

Then this afternoon  we were waiting in the bank and for some reason I had tucked my journal from  back in April of last year into my purse.  I pulled it out and began to read it. That was when we were here with a team from Bethel church in Stratford.. By day three of our trip I knew this was where we were suppose to be. That someday we would be here. I knew it then. I know it now. And yes, I remember.

School Begins!

August 26th, 2013

Last night you could feel the excitement in the air at our house. The kids were so excited to start school in the morning. I don't know if there has ever been a time where they have been happy to be starting a new year.   Well, perhaps a little happy but not like this. Not over the top, over the moon, pumped about going.
Even the night before  last night Elisa was trying on all three of her uniforms and prancing around the house in them. As much as she says she hates the formal uniform ( a jumper) she seemed ecstatic to be modeling it as she spun and twirled around in it. Even the dreaded white knee socks ( which we found out are not mandatory) didn't look that bad.

Today all three of them were awake shortly after 5:30 in the morning. There was no fighting. A first in this home. Such a welcomed change and a breath of fresh air. None of the usual before school stress and everyone got along.

After breakfast and our morning devotions with the kids, we headed out to the gate and waited for the bus to honk it's horn to alert us of its arrival. They were excited to board the bus and Dale and I were excited to see them go. Peace and quiet at last!

After the kids were on the bus, Dale and I headed out to the Villa Olimpica track for our walk/run. I was happy to get there earlier in the day when it was actually a little cooler out and not so warm.  It is very motivating to be walking or running with about a hundred other people. There are also many people along the sides of the track working out with their trainers.

A while after this Dale and I went out to the grocery store. I had decided the night before to keep my tradition of making a first day of school cake. I needed a can of frosting though since I didn't have all the ingredients at home to make it from scratch...nor did I have the time.  While we were in the grocery store I saw something I wasn't even looking for. I couldn't believe my eyes. Was I seeing things?  Could that really be half and half?
Ever since we moved to Honduras I have missed cream in my coffee so much. 
Not only was it in the grocery store I most often shop in...it was on sale! It wasn't more than what I would pay in Canada. It made my day, and the best cup of coffee I have had in a while. I was so thankful to God that I found it. I would never have thought a carton of cream could be such a blessing.

This afternoon after lunch Dale and I also had our first Spanish class. We hired a lady named Blanca to come to our home and teach us. Wow. She told us by the end of the week we are going to hate her. and she just may be right. I am joking of course as hate is a strong word....but I understand what she means. It was soooo much to take in.  Overwhelming.  It was only two hours and already our brains feel like they are on overload.

We finished up with our Spanish class and Dale's phone rang. Apparently the our children missed the bus to come home so Dale had to go get them.
When they came home from school, all three of them were so happy and excited. All of them had fantastic days, and said that they love their new school. They all made friends. I was the most surprised with Elisa. I know my girl well, and she surprised me when she didn't come home from school heart broken and in tears and none of the usual drama. She was calm.

At dinner time I always talk to the kids and ask them "What is the best thing that happened to you today?"
Tonight, this was their response...
Elisa..."I like the teacher. She was happy and joyful and fun loving" She proceeded to imitate her. It was hilarious.
Ben.." I liked all the friends that I made and they are all girls" He later thanked God for all his "girlfriends"
Jacob " I made a lot of friends. The teachers are awesome"

Anyway, as I prepare to turn in for the night, my heart is full. I am so thankful to the Lord that we followed His leading and came to Honduras. I am thankful that we chose the school that we did, and that my children are happy here. Happy to be a part of everything that is new to them. New country, new culture, new home and new school.  It's almost overwhelming when I think of all the changes they have faced in a short amount of time. So far there have not been tears.  Though in time they may come. There have been no regrets and all three of them have said to me different times "I LOVE Honduras"

There have been times that they have shown wisdom beyond their years. Take Ben for instance.
Just the other day I was stressing about a situation about our home in Canada that we are renting out and Ben over heard me. He said "Don't worry mom, God's gonna take care of it. He didn't bring us all the way to Honduras just for us to turn around and go home" Ouch. So true. The faith of a child. Because the truth is...He is faithful! We can put all of our trust in Him and his faithfulness. We can depend on Him to be there for us each step of the journey.

1. Thessalonians 5:24

The Message

^23-24 May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit, soul, and body—and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. The One who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he’ll do it!

Lamentations 3:22-24
^22-24 God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out,
    his merciful love couldn’t have dried up.
They’re created new every morning.
    How great your faithfulness!
I’m sticking with God (I say it over and over).
    He’s all I’ve got left.

August 27, Day 2 Photo

 

 

It's been one month.... part 3

 Psalms 72:8
He shall have dominion also from sea to sea,
And from the River to the ends of the earth.

Is a scripture verse that is a part of Canada's constitution.
It's also the verse that we used as our theme when we went into the one of the schools of Hope last week. We had two days of "Canada day" Celebrations, even though Canada day was more than a month past.

We talked to them about letting God have dominion over things in their lives, their neighbourhood, their family.

  On the first day we divided each of the six grades into teams and had relays planned for them. Honestly remembering this school in the past I expected total chaos, but it ended up going fairly smooth all things considered. The kids  loved it, even the older children.  Kids in grade 6 in Canada would not enjoy these games. At least I don't think so.  They would have thought them to be too young or childish, but for these kids I think it was a rare treat; something different from the usual. These kids don't have all the distractions that kids in Canada have. No computers, or internet, no electronics. It's like how it was when I was a kid, when the simple things in life were enough to make me happy.

Some of the games we had were puzzles, pin the tail on the beaver,  mini hockey competitions, water relay,  plastic  Easter egg relay, get dressed in scarves, mitts, boots (crocs) relay faster than the person on the other team.

The game I was in charge with was the pinning the tail on the beaver. I also had two other pinning things going on at the same time. Pinning the maple leaf on the flag, and pinning the antlers on the moose. Some of the older boys got a little silly with the tail on the beaver and were pinning it somewhere else. I guess even in Honduras boys will be boys!

A couple days later we were back up in the mountain at the same school.  This time we had presents to hand out to the school director and teacher of the month.

We had beautiful piñatas made by Victors' wife.  One was a Canada flag and the other was a Honduran flag. Victor lives in the neighbourhood of the schools and is one of our translators. He is also pastor. He is a gentle, fun, loving little guy. Such a heart for his community and for the Lord. He is like Jesus to these kids. You can see him in the blue in the photo below.

We also served the hotdogs for lunch and had Price Smart make two cakes decorated like the Canada flag. A nice change from the beans and rice that some kids may tire of day after day.
The other thing we did was dedicate the school's feeding program. The director of the school and Judy cut the ribbon and the new kitchen was opened.

It was another great day at the school. I day I am sure the kids will remember for a while.

It's been one month.....part 2

One of the things we have been doing since arriving in Honduras is heading up to our kids school for various appointments. All along we thought they were starting August 8th; when in reality it is this coming Monday, August 26.
We have already purchased their uniforms with the exception of white socks for Elisa. Ben and Elisa are not looking forward to wearing the uniforms. Elisa was downright grumpy about it after we brought them home last week. She thinks they are ugly and I tend to agree with her, but I totally get the whole wearing a uniform thing. Stay tuned for photos.

Any of the handouts we have been given at these meetings with important information are all in Spanish. That's a little frustrating since at the moment we know very little Spanish. So, in reality we are signing forms that we have no clue what we are signing. Well, we  have a general idea I suppose as most of the information is covered at the meetings. Thankfully they did have an interpreter there for us.  Hopefully none of the guidelines are broken by our kids as there are consequences. . I know the boys have to have their hair kept nice and trim and around the ears; and no low riding for my oldest, no make up for Elisa. The are different uniforms for different days of the week as well, and you can't show up in the wrong uniform.

This week alone we have to be at the school four different times. Three of the meeting times are at 5pm. I asked Judy about the time because to me it seemed odd to have a meeting begin at 5pm when that is dinner time...at least for my family.  On more than one occasion I have noticed this. The other time was when we attended CEAD church they had announced an evening of praise and worship this coming Sunday from 5-7.  Again, I thought to myself  "why in the world have a meeting start at 5pm?"
Apparently in Honduras most people eat their evening meal later on; 7 or even 8pm. It makes total sense now why the meetings begin at 5.

One day this past week Dale and I stopped in at a language school to look into language training. It is so imperative that we get started on this immediately. It is probably the biggest struggle right now is being in the dark about everything; not understanding what people are trying to communicate with you. There are many times when I get the gist of it, but basically no comprende.
It was like that when we attended the Spanish speaking church service at CEAD. It was all in Spanish so we didn`t have a clue what was being said. The worship was amazing, and we were familiar with the songs as they were Hillsongs United, but again didn`t know the words so sang them in English.
Once we have the language down pat it will make things so much better. Not just for understanding what people are saying to us, but for getting to know them, getting to know their heart, what their needs are and being able to minister to them effectively.

There are times when I feel so emotional. Please don`t misunderstand me. I am happy and excited to finally be here, but there are times when I feel lonely and sad. Grumpy even.  I miss my family and my friends back in Canada a lot. We are trying to fit into a culture that we really don`t belong in. Some things may look like Canada on the outside but in reality it isn`t Canada and it`s so different. One has to be more cautious here. Always on the alert to your surroundings.  For someone like me who is used to being on the go all the time, I find this very difficult. I can`t just walk to the mall or coffee shop if I need to get out of the house. There have been times where I feel cooped up. I know it`s all an adjustment and God is helping me get through it and giving me the strength each day. I am learning that it`s ok to just rest...rest in Him and draw closer to Him because without the Lord I would never be able to get through each day.

I am learning patience....slowly! Things here take longer than they do in Canada. Even when purchasing office chairs from Office Depot is an outing that is not as simple as just buying a couple chairs. Nope. They open each box and take each part of the chair out piece by piece and slowly very slowly...in slow motion, take it out and look at from each angle inspecting it piece by piece. It`s funny now but in the moment when you are in a hurry and wanting to get on to the next thing it`s not so funny. Everything within me is saying hurry up!!. Why is this taking so long!  Opening a bank account took two hours! So it`s a learning process as we adjust to life here in Honduras. Life in the slow lane except for when you are in traffic when no one has any patience and cars are honking at you to move when you have no where to go. It takes getting used to.

I was reading in my devotions the other day and the words kind of jumped out at me..
Romans 5.3-5 ( The  Message)
There`s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we are hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we`re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary- we can`t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit.


sign at the kids school.

So that being said....please continue to keep our family in your prayers as we adjust to a new culture and new country.  It`s an adjustment for us all. We appreciate your prayers so much.

It's been one month .....part 1.

It's hard to believe that just more than one month ago we boarded a plane for Honduras. In a lot of ways it seems like we have been here a lot longer. So much has happened in a relatively short period of time. I was going to write all that I wanted to write in one post but I have a feeling it will be too long so I will do it in a couple parts.

For the first couple weeks we lived in the team house while we looked for housing; a process that was almost draining.  We looked at nine homes in all.  Eight houses and one apartment. All of them I liked; except for the run down place with a bat flying out of one of the bedrooms. But even it had a lot going for it if it were fixed up.
  So many things to consider in looking for a home in a foreign country where everything is so different from everything we are familiar with, everything we know to be "normal".  I guess nine may not be that many to some, but by the end of it we were just done; ready to make a decision.

 I had been praying long before we even moved that we would be settled in a home before the kids started school on August 26th. One thing about God is he knows our hearts desire;  and when it came to timing of the house, He delivered right on time!
We ended up after much prayer deciding on a lovely home where we offered less than the asking price for rent. The real estate agent who had shown us the home told us that she would never go for that....but the land lady did! What a blessing and surprise that was. God never ceases to amaze me in how He blesses us. He is so good!
One of the things we had wanted was a view and this house definitely has views...some of the best in Honduras I  think. One cannot sit outside on the terrace, look at the view and not feel blessed by God; not feel His peace. We see his beautiful creation just outside our door or in looking out our windows.

The house itself is not in the best of areas. However, we are safe as we do have a gate and walls surrounding the property that are topped with razor wire and an electric fence.  It isn't safe for me to walk outside  of that gate, and those who know me, know how difficult that is, as I am such an outdoor kind of girl.   But, we do go to a place where I feel safe to walk and Dale can run. I also do walk in my area of three houses....up and down the hill and around the court yard and the top and bottom. Crazy I know; but it works for me.

We have been in our home for two weeks already. Slowly we are picking up furniture ( some of it hand crafted in Honduras and stained with nothing more than shoe polish) It is starting to look and feel like a home. We love it aside from the ants we can't get rid of . In all honesty they drive me crazy. I have almost been in tears over them...waking up and finding my counter and floor covered in hundreds of tiny ants. However I have been told that it is a part of tropical living and there really isn't a lot we can do about it. So I put up with them and try not to stress about it.  We are also getting used to no hot water....it's tepid but definitely not hot. I guess that is one of the "perks" of living in a third world country.

 

One really "cool" thing that I have mentioned before is that missionaries that I met on facebook a year ago, right after our dog died...previously lived in this home a few years ago!
 Back then it was very different and the owners have done a lot of renovating to this place...but it's the same home; just different. I can't get over the fact that in a city of 1.7 million people and how many houses that people I know lived here before us.  I have seen some of the before photos too and what a change!

We also bought our vehicle! It's a yellow Nisson and is the same colour as our house!  The great thing about it is that it is an automatic. I don't plan on driving anytime soon though; but perhaps some day I will tire of being a passenger and want to drive myself to the grocery store, mall or where ever.

The driving here is way different than in Canada. There just seem to be no rules to the road. People make their own lanes, they don't signal if they are turning and cars will pass you on the left and the right. If you are going to drive here you need to pay attention. I have been freaked out many times and have screamed several times while my hands are flapping. Not sure what all the hand flapping will accomplish but it's a reactionary thing. That being said, Dale is getting really good at finding his way around the city and at driving Honduras style!

Food prep and cake decorating in Honduras

 This post is going to be a little different than what I usually write but
 I thought I would share it anyway for anyone who might find it interesting to know the way things are done here at least if you are a foreigner when it comes to preparation of produce.

Before you cook your veggies and fruit here in Honduras, you need to be sure to clean them properly to ensure that you do not get sick.
 What I have been doing after purchasing my groceries is washing them all at once so that they are done for a few days. I have to admit I do not enjoy this process as it is very time consuming especially if you have purchased a large amount of produce. It also uses a ton of bottled water. The other day I used an entire 5 gallon bottle.
Below is the way I have been trained by Judy  in the cleaning of fruits and veggies.

Cleaning fruits and vegetables

Vegetables and fruits with hard skins

The first thing you have to do is examine your fruits and vegetables for cracks. If you find any, do not use this procedure; use the procedure for leafy vegetables below

Vegetables and fruits with hard skins such as peppers, tomatoes. Zucchini, carrots. Lemons. Oranges, apples etc….. can all be washed in HOT soapy tap water

Do NOT soak them in soapy water.

Wash them quickly and rinse thoroughly in hot tap water.

Place them in a bowl big enough to allow PURIFIED water to cover them.

Let them soak in a solution of 5 drops of microdine to 1 gallon of water for 20 mins.

If the tops or sides of the vegetables or fruits are not under water, rotate them after the 20 mins and soak for another 20 minutes

Rinse well in Purified water (after the 20 minute solution soak)

Place in to a clean bowl with some paper towel in the bottom to drain the remaining water.

You can remove the paper towel after completely drained

Eat and Enjoy!

 

Leafy vegetables

The first thing you have to do is examine your fruits and vegetables for debris or bugs. If you find any, either throw it out or if it’s not a lot you have an option to use it after cleaning.

YOU WOULD DO THIS SAME PROCEDURE back in Canada but here you just have to be a little more careful.

 

Vegetables and fruits that are leafy or porous such as lettuce, basil, cilantro, parsley, strawberries... can NOT be washed in HOT soapy tap water.

They must be cleaned individually (one leaf at a time, one strawberry at a time) in PURIFIED WATER.

Rinse and clean until you know it looks good such as no more debris or brown colored water.

Wash them quickly and rinse thoroughly in PURIFIED water.

Place them in a bowl big enough to allow PURIFIED water to cover them.

Let them soak in a solution of 5 drops of microdine to 1 gallon of water for 20 mins.

If the tops or sides of the vegetables or fruits are not under water, rotate them after the 20 mins and soak for another 20 minutes

Rinse well in Purified water (after the 20 minute solution soak)

Place in to a clean bowl with some paper towel in the bottom to drain the remaining water.

You can remove the paper towel after completely drained

CAUTION!!!! Do not over soak things like strawberries/ blackberries as they will become very SOOGY.Soak time for these I usually reduce to 15 mins and always make sure they are under water.

A small plate helps keep them down under.

Eat and Enjoy!

 

Onions/ garlic/ Potatoes

Anything that has peeling skins on that you are going to cook or fry can be washed in hot soapy water if you wish. (Onions/ garlic)

“Or”

Vegies with skins that peel can be carefully peeled and cut without washing. (Onions / garlic)

It’s your choice

I always wash my potatoes in tap water only as I am going to cook them.

Cook all vegetables in purified water

When you are in doubt do the wash. J

Food preparation/ July 2013/ J. Lundrigan

Now for Cake Decorating

 

Since we have moved here I have made two cakes. The first one I noticed nothing unusual as it was a mix and the icing was canned. By the way it was a flavour I had never seen in Canada....Key lime cake mix and key lime frosting. The frosting was AMAZING! I could have eaten it right out of the can.

 Jake had his 15th birthday the other day and as usual I wanted to make him whatever cake he wanted. It's been the tradition since the kids came to live with us over ten years ago.
  I baked the cake and adjusted the temperature accordingly because we are living in a higher altitude. I made my fail proof buttercream icing. Normally I have to add a little extra liquid or more vanilla to this recipe to whatever consistency I need at the time. However once the icing was made; I noticed it was not the same consistency at all. I ended up having to add more icing sugar and more flour because it was not thick enough.
Icing sugar here in Honduras is not the same texture as it is in Canada or the States. It is almost granulated and the finished result although  delicious, was quite gritty...not smooth the way one would think buttercream should be. Welcome to Honduras!
Next time I need to remember to add a lot less liquid and try and tweak the recipe to perfection. I will be sure to have fun trying anyway!

Honduras is a land of extremes...

There are moments during the day that I forget that I am not in Canada anymore. Times when I am walking through  mega stores like Diunsa, Price Mart, Lady Lee and the beautiful mall near by where things seem very North American. They have many of the brand name stores that we have in Canada and the States and while walking through these stores one would not think this is Honduras; except for the fact that armed guards stand outside each door.
There are also restaurants that we are familiar with; such as Applebees, Ruby Tuesdays, Baskin Robins and even Wendy`s.

There are other times like when I am walking in this gated community that I feel more or less safe but I wouldn't dare step outside the gate on my own because to do so wouldn't be wise. Dale and I have walked to these places together along the busy highway and that's ok to do in this area, but we always need to be on alert.  Traffic is another indication you are not in Canada anymore! Four lanes of traffic could actually become 7 with cars passing on both the left and right and cars or motor bikes zipping between each lane. Dale and I crossed these lanes on the highway the other day and it was an experience! Cars will not stop for you so you need to run and run fast!

 Then there are the peddlers walking between the lanes of vehicles at the traffic lights, selling meringue cookies, back scratchers, cell phone covers and chargers, candy floss and fruit.
It breaks my heart to see even elderly women and little kids walking between the cars at these lights trying to peddle their goods to whoever will buy them,  knowing full well that they cannot come home until they make their quota for the day. Some days; because of the fact they need to earn their keep, they will not make it home. It is beyond sad and I am sure it breaks the heart of God to see the injustice of it all.  It seems so hopeless. The elderly and children were not made for this.  To picture my own mother on the streets having to earn her keep after years of raising my brother and I would be so unfair. Yet, this is reality here in Honduras. These are real people.  People with emotions and needs. People with  real dreams. They are someone's mom, grandma,  sister, or child.  Oh, that I never become immune to it, that it never becomes the norm to see, that it always breaks something in me.

On the drive up to the mountains where the schools of hope are, is also like entering another land. It is a very bumpy, rough and winding terrain.  A grave yard  "The potter's field" lines most of the right hand side on the way up; a place where the poorest of the poor are laid to rest. It's overgrown with grass and make shift crosses mark the resting place of the dead.

Pulperias are  all over the place.  Every few homes you will find one along the side of the dusty path they call a road. They are little boarded up shacks where you can buy pop or chips and perhaps some eggs through a caged window.
If  you  are not able to find what you are looking for at one store, you can just go to another one a few doors down.
 Some moms sell tortillas from their home in order to make a little extra money for their family.  They have little handmade wooden signs above the door of their home "Tortillas para la venta"


 Even the animals are starving here. Dogs roam the paths aimlessly. Dogs are everywhere actually. Many of them you can see every bone in their body.  Cats too. I have never seen such skinny cats as I have seen here.

 There are children outside who should be in school, but because there is a quota on already full classes, there is not room for them all.

 It's an entirely  different world from the city below. You really do go from one extreme to another.

And yet I reminded of this that whether we are rich or poor or somewhere in between, God's love is real and doesn't depend on our financial status. He just loves us as we are. No matter who we are; young or old. Whether we are a little old lady peddling stuff on the side of the road, selling tortillas from our shack, a child washing windows at the traffic lights or living in a mansion in the city. He doesn't love one person more than another and He wants to give us a future and a hope.
Like our theme verse  says..
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

 

House Hunting

It's a warm 27 degrees as I write this morning. I just returned from a walk around the neighbourhood, and although it is hot, there is always a gentle breeze blowing. One thing I love about Honduras is the weather.

We have only been here a week today and yet it seems as though we have been here much longer.
All this week we have been house hunting. We have looked at nine homes. The first place was rather scary. It was in a secure area, but for whatever reason it didn't feel all that safe. I think it could be the house that made me feel that way. Dark, dingy, and dirty. Mouse dirt all over the floor, the bat that flew out of one of the rooms side swiping Dale in the head, and the dead bird on the balcony were just of the few things it had going against it.

I never thought I would want to live in an apartment. However when we saw the second place we were sold. We were ready to sign a contract and move in. It was in a safe area, had enough space for our family ( though not for guests) and had an amazing view. It was almost at the top of our budget though; not a lot of wiggle room budget wise. Plus the boys would have had to share a room. That would not be good. Jake could have had the maids quarters but it was not even attached to the apartment. It was down a flight of stairs and just outside the gate in the parking garage. I wasn't comfortable with that as a mom and would not have been able to sleep at night wondering if he was ok. Maybe in Canada he would be fine but this is Honduras.

We were cautioned  to take our time, not to rush or take the first thing we see.  We were told to look around and see what we could rent for what our budget would allow. "Don't be in a hurry"
I knew that in my head, but also was anxious to get settled into our own place; to start setting up house for my family. It has always been my prayer from the beginning of this journey that we find something so the kids can get settled in the home before they start school August 26th, rather than have to change their bus route, change the address again for the school after they have begun attending.

We saw a few homes that were far out our reach; couple hundred over budget that I am not sure why we were shown them; except that maybe we could potentially get it for less, or just over budget.  Thing was we didn't want to go over our budget no matter how nice the house was. One thing we wanted was a view, but generally in most of the homes we looked at you look out a window and you are looking at a wall not scenery.

Fast forward seven houses and we have settled on a beautiful home in a gated area. The rent is a hundred and fifty LESS than the apartment we had first wanted and far more space. If company were to visit from Canada we will have the space to accommodate them.  Like all homes here in Honduras it has a maids quarters.  This one; a small building of its own is just outside the side door not far from the laundry area. There is a room enough for a bed and desk and has its own three piece bath. This will be Jake's "man cave" He is looking forward to having his own space.  Also since there are only three houses in this area, and the house is on a hill, there is room for Ben to skateboard there without the fear of being hit by a car or being kidnapped. The street is not rough or cobble stone like everywhere else. For Ben that has been a priority. He would look around a potential  house and say "but where can I skateboard?" I so wanted that for him. For all my kids really, that they could be kids, not locked up in prison so to speak.

I will be honest; at first I didn't think this was the house for us. Don't misunderstand me. I really loved it. It is very cheery, nice and bright, spacious. A dream home with an incredible view of the mountains and of the city.  It has a bath tub in the en suite. Bathtubs are rare in Honduras, and something I didn't even think to put on my wish list because I didn't think we'd ever have one in Honduras.  God knows our hearts desires though even if we don't voice them out loud. He gives us good gifts...even bath tubs!
The house is surrounded by barbed wire topped walls with a thirty foot drop below so no outsider can get in. The reason I didn't want it is this:  Its location.  I would not be able to walk outside the gate. Dale wouldn't be able to run; the two very things that keep us fit.  If I wanted to walk I would have to walk in circles up and down the street of only three houses and back again; over and over.  That would drive me nuts and for sure the neighbours too. Those who know me know I love to walk and outside that gate just wouldn't be possible. I knew Dale loved the house and was sure it was the one. I kind of had my heart set on another one we had seen that was smaller and in a gated area. At least there I would be free to walk. However the location was far from where we will be working and the traffic horrendous. Not only that but it was the top of our budget.

That night I hardly slept; spending most of the night praying about it. As the hours ticked by I felt my heart begin to change and it was clear to me that yes this was the house God had for us.  I felt it clear as as day. I could totally picture my family there, watching tv, myself cooking at the stove and looking out the window at that incredible view and all of us going about our daily activities.  A solution came to my mind or perhaps God whispered it to me. We have an allowance for furniture so we could buy a treadmill that I could walk on and Dale could run.  The rent  was well under budget so that freed up a little cash for something extra like that.  We could situate it right by the window with the view.  I could hardly wait for Dale to wake up so I could tell him.
Not only that but there is an Olympic size track that we visited one afternoon and saw at least a hundred people walking/running on it. So, once in awhile we could walk or run there. Walking wasn't going to be an impossibility after all.

Just this afternoon we decided to make an offer without appliances for a ridiculously low amount for the house...two hundred less than our budgeted amount just to see if they would take it. The realtor said "no way will they go for that " but she said she would ask. This is where we see God's hand at work because the offer was accepted! We can totally see God's hand at work in the renting of this house. It is such a blessing and far better than I ever imagined in my wildest dreams. We just put a deposit on it today and are hoping to move in by next weekend. The timing of it is perfect because we should be moved in just in time for Jake's 15th birthday. Also in time for them to start their new school while settled in their new home. We are looking forward to this next step of our Journey IN Honduras.

 

 

Our home is in Honduras.

The night before we flew out, our parents and my brother came to the apartment for an early birthday party for Jake and Elisa.  My parents bought pizza and my mom's yummy "three step salad; a salad with candied almonds and mandarin oranges and a tangy dressing. My in laws brought ice cream cake...yum!!
It was our final goodbye with them. One last hug, until who knows when. I didn't want to let go when I gave them a hug goodbye at the door. After they left the tears flowed. Elisa and I were a mess.

Sleep evaded me all that night. So many emotions and thoughts swirling around in my mind. I had a lot of what ifs... what if we have too much luggage? Thirteen bags, do they even allow that? What if the bags are too heavy? What if they confiscate some of our food items and don't allow us to bring them in? What if the kids don't do well on their exams? What if, what if?  I was also afraid if I fell asleep I would sleep through the alarm and not get up in time. The alarm was set for 2:45 and needless to say I didn't sleep at all.

It was early afternoon yesterday when we arrived at the airport in Tegucigalpa.  Four of us with our thirteen hockey bags, four carry ons and two lap top bags.  Jake is arriving later on because he is doing ministry at Braeside camp with the Rubber Chicken Company.  One funny thing at customs was Ben's question " hey...why are there only four passports?" He has his blond moments and that was one of them..:-)
 We managed with all our luggage without getting too stressed. We were able to load them up high on two small luggage carts. Dale and Ben steered them and couldn't even see over the top.
The only mishap was a large container of baking powder I brought. Somehow the lid came off and though I had secured in a tied bag, the contents went everywhere! What a mess.

Not long after we arrived at the team house we had a lunch of salad and sandwiches. Then Randy took us to the bank to see if we would be able to set up a bank account. The bank was so impressive. (Except for their logo. It looks like angry birds.)  Apparently that is the running joke in Honduras. That's according to the lady behind the desk who heard our conversation and understood English. Armed guards everywhere at the bank. Very modern and high tech. We entered at a "private" entrance and were given a card that you swipe. Without it you can't get anywhere in the bank. Security is that high.
After what seemed like forever, we had our bank account. It took almost two hours. I've heard from more than one person that was fast! I was getting inpatient wondering why on earth it was taking so long. I realized that is pretty much the norm and I need to get used to that. God is going to be teaching me patience. I am going to need it because I am not one to like to sit and do nothing.

After this we headed to La Colonia; the grocery store. We purchased a few supplies to last us a couple days until we get to the market on Saturday. I found the prices more or less comparable to Canada with the exception of a few items. Milk was more. Cereal was more. Crackers are almost five dollars a box...so I guess that will be an occasional treat. We were told not to buy our meat there, but to buy it at Price Mart. ( Cosco)

Their are certain things to remember. Things like not flushing the toilet paper. Following up with hand sanitizer after you wash your hands. The way we wash dishes. Washing in hot soapy water and then rinsing in bleach water. The way we prepare fresh produce is quite a procedure. It's different ways depending on the fruit or veggie. I really need to write it all down so I can refer to so it's engrained in my mind and becomes like second nature. I don't want my family getting sick!

Please remember to keep my kids in your thoughts and prayers this afternoon as they do their entrance exam for school. I have no idea what it entails but I can't help but feel nervous for them.

In closing I just want to say that as we were flying into this beautiful land of Honduras yesterday I didn't feel like I was a tourist or that we were just passing through. I felt like I was coming home.

Between here and there....

It was over two weeks ago now that we moved out of our home in Stratford. For some reason it seems much longer than that.
From there we moved into a temporary home; a three bedroom apartment on the top floor of a church in Kitchener. It's quite comfortable actually with enough room for us all to have our own space and not get in each other's faces.

A day after moving in to the apartment, Dale and I ordered our new eye glass frames.  It was during a deluge of rain. I remember driving through the storm and the water going up over the top of the van. It was scary and kind of fun at the same time!  I don't know if I have ever seen rain like that before. Fairview mall had to shut down due to the amount of rain that fell. The water was knee deep in places.

 Then the next day we loaded up our camping gear and headed to Wasaga Beach. Almost every year since Dale and I married we have camped at Gateway camping. We love it there. It's about a ten minute walk to the beach and a quiet place to camp. It's within walking distance to Tim Horton's, Walmart and Bulk Barn. They even have a salt water pool that Dale and the kids enjoy. We had dinner each night at Dale's aunt Norma and uncle Jerry's home who graciously had us in for the evening meal. She is an amazing cook. We didn't want to put her out at all but  Aunt Norma insisted. She seems to enjoy cooking for more than just her and Uncle Gerry and she invited us to come in each evening for dinner. Afterwards we would head back to the campsite and have a campfire. Dale made camp pies for him and the kids. They don't appeal to me at all. I actually think they look gross. Dale and the kids all love them so it's all good. Basically it's bread with jam, marshmallows, chocolate chips and peanut butter. Put it in a pie iron over the fire and cook until done.

We headed back to the apartment Thursday afternoon. We all had physicals at the Dr's in Woodstock on the way home. Then once back at the apt. I did a couple loads of laundry and were on the road again first thing Friday morning. This time we went to our old stomping grounds...Essex.  We had arranged to meet a few friends for lunch at the Chinese restaurant there; A1.
I also stopped by the daycare center that I worked in, hoping to see a few friends that still work there.

Then in the evening we met up with our children's biological siblings and went to the mall in Windsor. They all watched a movie. None of the movies playing appealed to me so I chose to sit in the mall with my kobo and read. I kind of needed the alone time.


On Saturday we picked our good friend Maureen and did a little state side shopping. I only spent around ten bucks!

While in Essex we stayed with a lovely couple who have a beautiful home outside of town. Gaye and Gerry were amazing hosts. She too is an incredible cook and we ate well while there.  Elisa's friend Julie also joined us one night and the two girls had a blast catching fire flies. They were everywhere! I guess it's a sign you are in Essex county. They are in an abundance. It's so cool to see their little butts lighting up the sky everywhere. The girls had so much fun together. It was like no time had past since they were last together.

We attended our old church Sunday morning and it was so nice to see everyone. Of course with facebook we never really lost touch with most of them, but it was good to see them all in person one last time.
Sunday night we dropped Jacob off at Bethel camp outside of Rodney where he was to minister with the Rubber Chicken company for the week. We met up with the Powell's who treated us to ice cream on the wharf.

Everything after that is a bit of a blur. So much has happened I know I won't be able to remember it all. I think it was Monday that Dale and I had a call to pick up our glasses so we did that as well.
We went back into Stratford the same day. A lady from our church in Stratford treated me to a free hair cut from her daughter who is an amazing stylist...and a bag full of hair products.  That was such a blessing!  I was so touched! Though I am growing out my hair for Honduras, I desperately needed a trim but in all the craziness had not made time to book an appointment.

Since then Dale has been working on getting documents together for our residency. It's so much we never thought of, things we needed to have signed and notarized before we go.  Passport photos, birth certificates, marriage license, bank statement from the last 6 months and medical certificates.  I am sure there is more that I am forgetting. Actually we are getting a head start on it by starting now rather than when we are already there.  We purolated everything on Friday and hopefully it's all done correctly so we can proceed with what ever comes next. Hopefully we know before we fly out on Thursday morning.

Friday one of my oldest friends, Sandra invited us to her parents for dinner. My friend, her hubby and girls live in Owen Sound but they happened to be "home" when we were in the area. It was good to see her family and her parents. Sandra and I met in home ec, way back in grade ten and have been friends ever since. I am so glad it worked out to see her one last time before we leave.

Most of you know Dale is an amazing deal finder. Before Zellers closed their doors for good, Dale redeemed our club z points. We have been to African lion safari this week for FREE and tomorrow we head to the Toronto zoo for FREE! We also had FREE passes to play mini golf and did that yesterday after spending the morning with his bible college friends. A few of them we got together with earlier in the week for dessert one night. We had a lot of laughs!

Today we went to church at New Life. ( Formerly Howard Park)
What an awesome service that was. The worship was real. Very lively, upbeat and loud!  It was powerful. We all loved it. Elisa said to me afterwards that if we lived in Toronto she would definitely want to go to this church!
It was awesome seeing everyone as well.

So, as you can see; things have been super busy. Tomorrow like I said is the Zoo. Tuesday we are back in Woodstock for another Dr's visit. Wednesday we take the van to get safety checked and to be sold. We are getting together with our Pastor and his wife there as well. Wednesday night is an early birthday bash for Jake and Elisa who both have birthday's in August.
We will not get a lot of sleep that night! I imagine I won't get any. I will be afraid of oversleeping. We have to be up around 3am to be picked up and taken to the airport with our
belongings crammed into 12 hockey bags. We fly out around 6:25am!

Jake will be going to my inlaws  and will be going to braeside kids camp for a week of ministry with the Rubber Chicken company.  He flies out at the end of his time at camp to be with us. Please keep him in your prayers as he flies to Honduras on his own. I am a little nervous of him getting through customs in Honduras!
There are only three and a half sleeps left!