Happy New Year!

           As we enter a new decade, many of us are thinking about what we were doing 10 years ago. In 2010, I was preparing to transfer to UTC to study nursing, getting married to my love Marvin, and dreaming of the ways that God would use us for His glory. Ten years later, we are not where we expected to be, but we believe that God is using us and growing us where we are.

We are so grateful to have two children and are thankful for the joy and health that they each have. Our son Thomas is 5 years old and started Kindergarten this year. He loves Kindergarten, and we are amazed at the way he is learning to write, read, understand math, and even relate to peers. We were challenged physically, financially, and emotionally this year as Thomas had to undergo 2 different surgeries for unrelated health problems. He is doing great now and ready to grow and learn in 2020. Our daughter Joanna recently turned 3 years old and started in a Spanish immersion class at her preschool. Her personality has blossomed this year. She loves to compliment people, give tight hugs, and be silly like her big brother and daddy. 

Marvin and I both work full time in downtown Chattanooga. He is continuing to do metal work for JDH Roofing Company and enjoys the challenges and rewards that this job brings. I am working at a non-profit pediatric clinic LifeSpring Community Health. I feel like many God given gifts are utilized there as I compassionately provide medical care and health education to children and families in the Chattanooga area. 

Manuel and Josue, who lived with us in Honduras in 2016-2017, are both 19 years old now. They have continued to succeed as independent young adults in Honduras although not without challenges. Josue transferred out of the public university and into a private university that allows him to study medicine. His dream is to become a doctor. His favorite classes this year were Research Methods and Biochemistry. Manuel has faced many frustrations in the public university where he was unable to attend weeks of classes due to political strikes and riots. He had hoped to graduate with an English degree, but the delays in education have helped him decide to leave the university. This month he will be starting an English program where he hopes to become a proficient translator and graduate this year. Both young men are moving back to San Pedro Sula after living in Tegucigalpa for 1 year to be closer to their families.   

Marvin’s sister Leidy (16 years old) moved in with their older sister Telma and her 2 children at the beginning of 2019. There is no high school in Las Flores where Leidy grew up, but she was excited about the opportunity to continue studying where her sister lives. She will graduate in December of 2020 with her high school degree. Most of this past year her rheumatoid arthritis was under control, but a recent flare up has her taking more medicines than before and trying to balance the benefits of medications with the terrible side effects. We pray that her body will be healed from this painful, chronic illness.

The year 2020 brings with it much excitement! We are looking forward to a trip to Honduras in April to spend time with family and friends that we love and miss so much. Both of my sisters are pregnant, and I have the opportunity to go to Oregon to meet my nephew about 4 weeks after the due date. We will celebrate our 10^th anniversary in December and hope to host more s’mores nights at our Hixson home. I look forward to more quality time with Marvin, Thomas and Joanna as we all continue to learn what it means to love unconditionally and be loved unconditionally. 

I hope you too would know the unconditional love of Christ in this year to come. You are valued. You are loved…no matter what. Happy New Year!

Manuel & Josue - December 2018

Just over a year ago, Manuel and Josue graduated from high school in Peña Blanca. Then, they both spent Christmas and New Year's in Las Flores, the village where they grew up, prior to starting at the university. Now, both Manuel and Josue have completed their first year of university classes in San Pedro Sula. It hasn't been easy for them, but they have overcome many challenges. They were blessed this past year to live in an apartment attached to a family's home that have 2 young adult children attending university as well. Ovidio and Maribel, the apartment owners, were so much more than landlords, they have been like family to Manuel and Josue. We are grateful for the care they have shown the boys  over the last 12 months.

Manuel, Maribel, Josue, Ovidio

Marvin, Thomas, Joanna, and I traveled to Honduras in October to visit friends, family, and spend extra time with Manuel and Josue. Of course Thomas was thrilled to be back with his "big brothers," and it seemed to us that Joanna remembered them too!

Today, Manuel and Josue are moving to the capitol Tegucigalpa, Honduras to attend the same university at a larger campus. While there, we hope that they can pursue the career paths that God leads them to. Most importantly we pray for their safety- physical, spiritual, and emotional. Tegucigalpa is a big, busy city, much further from the family and friends that they are used to being near. What a big transition for them! What a sacrifice they are making to work towards their dreams! We are proud of what the boys have accomplished this past year and are amazed as they courageously move to a new city to pursue their educational goals. Way to go boys! We love you!

University trip to Panacam

University trip to Copan Ruinas

Manuel & Josue- June 2018

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." -Jeremiah 29:11-13

Half way through their first year of college, 6 months since Marvin, kids, and I left Honduras, 5 months after they moved to San Pedro Sula (the big city), MANUEL & JOSUE are doing great!

Manuel and Josue in front of Lake Yojoa when they returned to Pena Blanca to receive their school records.

God used a variety of circumstances to lead Marvin and I to Honduras January 2016. Looking back now, we know the primary purpose of our 2 years there- to host Marvin's brother Josue and his friend/cousin Manuel as they completed high school. Thankfully, we weren't just a "host." We all became family. A family that shared good times and bad times, joy and grief, times of little and times of plenty. 

Manuel and Josue graduated from high school December 2017 and began attending a university in San Pedro Sula February 2018. It was a hard journey to get admitted to the university, but both boys were dedicated in their studies and committed to continuing their education. We are so proud of both of them and are excited that they have completed their first semester of college classes. They passed all of their classes, are connected with a church, cook for themselves, and continue to grow and mature into amazing young men of God. 

Here are some of their reflections (translated to English) about their first semester of school:

MANUEL:

Studying is a goal that everyone desires, but in order to study, you have to have a plan how to do it. My experience studying has been good and bad, but I can learn from everything. My dream has always been to study and never give up. The most important thing in my life is to have God in first place because He is the one that helps us to see life in different ways and He helps us to move forward. The university- many people told me that it would be so complicated. Now that I am experiencing it, I can see that it is difficult, but if I put forth the effort, I can reach my dreams. Now I am reaching it. It is a beautiful thing to study what one enjoys and to meet many friends that help me to continue fighting. Every person decides the path he wants to take, I have decided in a path that honors God in all aspects.

Manuel (bottom right) and some classmates on a trip to Panacam

JOSUE:

I have been experiencing changes, some spiritual, school, work and social changes. Thanks to God's help, I have been able to face situations, and I have been able to move forward in each of them. When I arrived in this new place, I started to experience a new life. I have met new people who have marked my life and have felt so grateful to God. I am growing in independence from day to day: cooking, cleaning, washing, studying, etc. Living here is really a blessing. It is incredible how God has manifest in my life and how I have been able to learn through his word more and more. I feel that God has anointed me and that I am special to him and that each day he is calling me to be a piece to grow his kingdom. I am praying for wisdom to know what it really is that God is calling me to do. Being at the university is a privilege, a blessing that God sent to me.

Josue on a class trip to Panacam

RAMOS FAMILY:

We are adjusting back to life in the states where life runs at a much faster pace. Marvin is working in metal fabrication at a commercial roofing business. I am working as a nurse at a non-profit pediatric clinic. Thomas and Joanna go to daycare and enjoy seeing their grandparents more frequently. They have a love for each other that inspires me. We are thankful for technology that allows us to keep in touch with Honduras friends and family. We have purchased a home in Hixson, TN and are so thankful to be in a place that really feels like home.

Marvin, Thomas, Joanna, and Karen on May 15th- Marvin and Thomas's birthday

"Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." -Ephesians 5:1-2


I hope this scripture reminds you of two important truths: You are loved. You are to love.

Blessings, Karen

(Thank you to all who continue to pray for our family and Manuel and Josue. Thank you also for the financial support that ensures the boys continue in their education, have living expenses and transportation paid for, and has allowed them to receive important medical/dental care as well. Praise God for all the pieces he has placed together to form the masterpiece that is Manuel and Josue's future.)

Happy New Year!

"Lord, how many are my foes!
    How many rise up against me!
 Many are saying of me,
    “God will not deliver him.”

 But you, Lord, are a shield around me,
    my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
 I call out to the Lord,
    and he answers me from his holy mountain.'

-Psalm 3:1-4

CONGRATULATIONS JOSUE AND MANUEL!

December was a month of trials for the country of Honduras. Many people began to riot, loot, block roads, and cause chaos following the announcement of the results of the elections held the end of November. With all the distress in the country and inability to travel from one place to another, Manuel and Josue's school decided to postpone their graduation to December 15th. After living together for almost 2 years, encouraging them in their studies, and observing their growth and maturity, Marvin and I were not able to be with them at their graduation since we returned to the states on the 12th. It was hard for us and for them, especially when the director asked all the graduating students to stand with their families, and we weren't there with them. But she said much more to them that graduation evening. She told them how grateful she was that we enrolled them at that school. She shared with them how their presence there helped to transform 4 of the other students lives who were heading in the wrong direction. She said that they were an inspiration to their classmates and the staff because of their work ethic and integrity.

Saying Goodbye to Josue and Manuel

Celebrating Josue and Manuel's hard work with tres leches cake and photo albums

We are so proud of Manuel and Josue and hope that as they begin university in Honduras mid-January in San Pedro Sula, they will continue to commit their plans and lives to the Lord. They are not sure what career path they will chose or what city they want to live in, but they are becoming men of God and that is the most thrilling thing for us to witness! Praise God for allowing us to pour into them over these past 2 years and for humbling us in the process. Our own weaknesses shone as we interacted with 2 teenagers each day, but through our weakness, God's grace is made known.

"From the Lord comes deliverance.
    May your blessing be on your people."

-Psalm 3:8

Happy New Year!

Saying good bye to our friend Maura when she brought us some amazing Tamales

Moving furniture to San Pedro Sula apartment

Thomas and his best friend Iker

Josue and Manuel with our awesome landlord Berta

We already miss our neighbors Carlos and Mirian

We've had a wonderful time with family and friends since returning to the states. Above are my parents with their 5 grandkids.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Ramos family

November Update

BE STRONG and TAKE HEART

November was our last full month in Honduras. From birthdays to final exams, hosting visitors to taking trips, a postponed graduation to riots throughout Honduras, yes, this has been an eventful month.

I’ve had expectations of how our last weeks in Honduras would unfold. I even created a detailed calendar to keep track of our daily events, ha! I imagined the boys dressed up for their graduation, the nice road trips our family would take together, and a peaceful environment as our time here wound down. As usual, things have not gone as planned. We were able to take some road trips to visit friends in Balfate, Puerto Cortes, and Las Flores the first half of the month, but over the last week, many roads have become impassable due to demonstrations reacting to the results of the presidential elections. The riots required Manuel and Josue’s graduation to be postponed until the 16^th. Our flight is scheduled to leave on the 12^th, so we won’t be in Honduras for their graduation. Despite the challenges and change of plans, God is providing for our needs. The boys have a place to stay up until their graduation. Marvin and boys were able to get furniture to their apartment in San Pedro Sula where they will attend university. Our family has remained safe, and we have not suffered a shortage of food or water like many other areas. God is also opening doors for us as we return to Chattanooga that help to remind us that He is calling us there. God has given us sweet time with friends here in Honduras as we say “see you later,” and we are so blessed that we will soon have time with many friends and family in the states.

This scripture has reminded me that I must put my hope in the Lord, despite failed expectations, changing plans, and political unrest in Honduras.

“Praise be to the Lord, for he showed his wonderful love to me when I was in a besieged city. In my alarm I said, ‘I am cut off from your sight!’ Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help. Love the Lord, all his saints! The Lord preserves the faithful, but the proud he pays back in full. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” -Psalm 31:22-24

October Update

Then he entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling things there; and he said, “It is written, ‘My house shall be a house of prayer’; but you have made it a den of robbers.”-Luke 19:45-46

God intended for the temple to be a house of prayer, but others had turned it into a marketplace, “a den of robbers.” This scripture spoke to me recently as I have struggled emotionally and spiritually over the last 2 years adjusting to the changes in life. Changes like moving to Honduras, taking in 2 teenage boys, lack of privacy, growing family, dependence on others, etc. The reality is that God gave us these two years. They have been a gift to our family, a gift to Josue and Manuel, and a gift to the community in which we reside. So often we take the good gifts that God gives us- finances, marriage, children, careers, education, etc.- and we turn them into complaints, selfish ambition, envy, and arguments, just like the good gift of “the house of prayer” was turned into a marketplace. 

Josue, Manuel, Joanna, and Thomas

Studying for their college entrance exam

Moving forward, I hope we can accept the good gifts from God and see his pure and loving desire for those gifts. We are so proud of Manuel and Josue as they have accepted and cherished these last 2 years, but they have also faced many challenges. They had to leave their families and village they grew up in, study hard, do chores, and assimilate to a home life quite different from the one they were raised in. Over the past month, they completed their high school classes, took their college entrance exam, and took final exams at school. In addition to the challenges of classes and exams, they have also shared some great experiences this month. They enjoyed a special celebration at their school’s banquet for juniors and seniors. We also had lots of visitors this month-friends that serve at Hospital Loma de Luz in Balfate, friends Johnny, Melody, Danny, and Willie, and my Aunt Terri and Uncle Wesley. We even had the joy of spending an amazing week with my sister Leah and went to the mountains to celebrate Joanna's first birthday with family there.

Samantha, our friends' daughter, playing with Thomas and Joanna

Joanna with Johnny and Melody when they took us out for lunch

What a wonderful visit with Aunt Terri and Uncle Wesley!

Manuel was excited to go home and see his mom and youngest brother Byron

Driving home from the mountains

Thomas loves his Aunt Leah!

Leah teaching a dance class to girls from Eternal Family Project

Happy Birthday Joanna!

The boys have less than a month left to their graduation and will then be returning to stay with their families in the mountains for the holidays before they move to San Pedro Sula to start university classes. We are so proud of their dedication to school work but even more proud of the young men they have become. With God’s help, they will continue to use the good gift of education to glorify Him. May we learn to honor God in the ways we use His generous gifts in our lives.

Josue and Manuel with their friend Gaby. The same Gaby that I met at the government orphanage 10 years ago that became a part of Eternal Family Project. Gaby was the reason that I returned to Honduras the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th...time. Praise God for his good gifts!