Glory to God

"Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!"-Psalm 115:1

It is not always easy to give God glory. Our human nature desires credit, accomplishment, success, but the glory should not be for us, but to the Lord, our magnificent Savior. We are meeting many people in Honduras, some Hondurans and Americans and even a family from Scotland. Each person and family is unique, but they have one thing in common. They are using their skills or talents to glorify God. My uncle (a physician) treating physical pains and praying for spiritual healing, Brent Chitwood painting canvases for the children's ward, teenage girls dancing in a church in La Ceiba, the Fields family sharing coffee with volunteers, welders, mothers, IT workers, prayer warriors, teachers, children, surgeons, musicians, nurses, mechanics, pastors, and so many other people have given up the earthly measure of success and are giving the glory to God. No matter what skill, talent, or trade we may possess, we can use it to honor God if we just let go of our earthly desires.

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." -Colossians 3:17 

Brent using his artistic talent to bring joy to families in Barranco Chele

Women that cooked and showed great hospitality to us during a visit to their home

Marvin and I with my uncle who is a physician, a missionary, and a light to all who he encounters

 "And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God." -Philippians 1:9-11

Getting Settled

We have been in Honduras 7 days and have been traveling since day 1, but we are finally getting settled. We enjoyed a couple days in Las Flores last week with Marvin's family. The relationships that have developed in this village are strengthened the more time that we are able to spend there.

Avacados are in season and the harvest is plentiful!

Life in Las Flores.

It is not an easy path to take, but it is definitely worth it!

After our time in Las Flores, we enjoyed visiting Heart to Heart children's home. We participated in their last summer outing trip to the river!

Kids playing in the river...what a great day!

After a long drive Saturday, we arrived in Balfate with my Uncle Wesley and his friend Brent. I am serving in the hospital and Marvin is working with the maintenance and construction crew with Cornerstone Foundation for this month. We are getting to know our way around here and meeting lots of new people. This organization is very active in the community, and we know we will learn so much from them.

Mango tree near volunteer housing.

Walk up the hill by the hospital and this is the view!

Father and Mother

Time to leave my father and mother as I have been united with my husband and go where God is calling. My parents are not easy people to leave, even for 5 months. They are so kind, hard working, generous, and funny that Marvin and I enjoy soaking up every moment with them. We have enjoyed bowling with my father, sewing with my mom, and many dinners, vacations, and discussions together.

My father shared these words of wisdom with me years ago, "We cannot judge God's love by our circumstances, by our friends or lack of them, by our job or lack of it, by our wealth or poverty, or by our health or illness. His love stands like gravity - a part of the reality of our world and yet even beyond our physical world...Believe it, feel it, and live it, and it will be a part of you - with times of sadness and happiness, hope or despair - always there."

My parents have been willing to share their wisdom when asked and have shown constant love for others because of their love for Christ. Thank you Mama and Daddy for accepting, encouraging, and loving us in our journey with Christ. We love you and look forward to seeing you soon.

Blessings and Love,
Karen Ramos