Manuel and Josué

Manuel Antonio and Delmer Josué have moved in with us. Josué is one of Marvin’s younger brothers and Manuel is related to them as well. These 2 boys have grown up in Las Flores, a village in Honduras near the Guatemala border. Electricity was just brought to the village a few years ago. Both of their fathers work hard harvesting coffee, cardamom, beans, and corn. The work of their mothers never ends. They are constantly taking care of children, making tortillas, cleaning, doing laundry, feeding chickens, cooking, etc.  Manuel is one of 6 children, his oldest brother is 19 years and his youngest is 9 months. Josué is one of 11 although 2 have passed away. The oldest is 32 years and the youngest is 7 years. Now, we are a 5 member household. Our son Thomas is 20 months and the boys are both 15 years old. 

Most children that grow up in Las Flores study up until 6^th grade. Some continue on to 9^th, but that is where their studies typically end. Manuel and Josué love to learn and want to continue their studies to complete high school and possibly attend a university as well. We saw their love for studies a few years ago when we gave Josué an illustrated Children’s Bible. He immediately invited his friend Manuel to read the Bible stories with him. The next time we made it up to the village, they told us they had already finished reading it once and were starting it for a second time. We have also heard Josué tell his younger sister not to study for a grade but to study in order to learn. 

We are excited to see them continue in their studies but more importantly hope to see them grow in their love of Christ and their knowledge of truth. In Las Flores, Manuel is nicknamed Chito and Josué has always gone by Delmer. Since they are starting a new chapter in their lives, they have also asked us to call them by different names. In the Bible, name changes often come with incredible promises and significant changes.  We are so impressed with the maturity that both boys exemplify and are overjoyed to be a part of these significant changes.

“For I know the plans for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans for hope and a future.” –Jeremiah 29:11

 

Home Sweet Home

On Wednesday morning, we read Psalm 20:

May the Lord answer you when you are in distress;     
    may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
 May he send you help from the sanctuary
    and grant you support from Zion.
 May he remember all your sacrifices
    and accept your burnt offerings.
 May he give you the desire of your heart
    and make all your plans succeed.
 May we shout for joy over your victory
    and lift up our banners in the name of our God.

May the Lord grant all your requests.

 Now this I know:
    The Lord gives victory to his anointed.
He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary
    with the victorious power of his right hand.
 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
    but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
 They are brought to their knees and fall,
    but we rise up and stand firm.
 Lord, give victory to the king!
    Answer us when we call!

By noon Wednesday, we moved into our new home! It is a beautiful “casita” (little house) located in Los Naranjos, a small community just 10 minutes away from Peña Blanca. The casita is on a property that belongs to a ministry in Honduras. Honduran missionaries Denis and Yolanda also live on the property with their 3 kids + 1 on the way (2 of the 3 are from a feeding program they run). So 2 of our prayers have been answered- a place to live AND friends!

Not only are we getting to live in a beautiful home on an incredible property shared with wonderful people, but at this point, we are also not paying any rent, just electricity! The home is furnished too and includes appliances- microwave, stove, oven, fridge, and a washer. If that is not amazing enough, there is also a hot water heater. We have already stayed in this lovely home for a couple nights, but we still can’t believe it is real! We are so blessed and wish to thank the generous owners and our friends and families for all your prayers! Keep it up; they are heard! 

Life at the D&D before the Lord opened the door to our home. We made it work and the D&D was great, but we are so thankful to be in a home!

The first thing we see when we walk into the door. What a great mural and what a great reminder of who is taking care of us.

Beautifiul yard!

Beautiful home!

There are many more miraculous details that have helped bring us into this home, but it is just too much to include in a simple blog post. Just know that God is at work, confirming his plans for us here and deepening our faith in Him.

Blessings and Love,

Karen Ramos

Count it as JOY

One of the last texts I received before leaving the states was from my sister Megan. She shared some scripture with me.

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of faith produces steadfastness.” - James 1:2-3

The last few days was filled with JOY. Some joy that came naturally from beautiful situations that we were thankful to be in, but some of that joy came from trials, challenges, frustrations, disappointments, HARD TIMES.

In the end the truly joyful times outweigh the trials, and we are grateful!

The challenges:

• The place we were planning to stay fell through
• Saying goodbye to people (especially my parents who have served us greatly over the last 2 years, THANKS!)
• Waiting on the first plane for 1 hour before taking off
• 1 of our bags didn’t make it
• Exhausted after only 5 hours of sleep
• Thomas is only eating crackers and occasionally some applesauce (Hope this changes soon!)
• A pickup truck almost hit us while trying to pass us while we were turning left. SO SCARY! They went into a ditch but never hit our car. Nobody even had a scratch! Willing to call it “our fault.” Trying to be more Christ like and not make enemies

Special time with Grann and Grandpa before heading to Honduras

Hanging out with friends that are missed dearly

Enjoying a visit with longtime friends

Appreciate you 2 more than you know! Miss you all and the church already

The joys:

• Visiting with many friends and family before our departure
• Financial blessings poured out- THANK YOU!
• We found a place to stay temporarily, and they are giving us a much better deal than usual
• Smooth transition in Atlanta to second plane
• Thomas was great on the flights
• 8 out of 9 bags did make it. The other was delivered today!
• Privilege of seeing some friends at the San Pedro Sula Airport
• We have a vehicle! WOW! Still can hardly believe that!
• Safe arrival in Peña Blanca
• GREAT visit with the girls’ home Eternal Family Project. Three year old Lizbee took care of Thomas- bringing him toys and keeping a hand on him whenever he was walking (She was afraid he would trip!) Thomas loved the attention from Gaby and the other girls.
• Thomas is happy (most of the time).
• Met people working with the Ministry Heart to Honduras. Great new connection and they prayed with us!
• Thomas slept through the night and has been napping great too!
• Marvin was able to register for the Dr. Stephen Youngberg Mechanic School, Classes start the first of February!!! PRAISE GOD!
• We are uninjured and safe after the close call with a truck
• Our circumstances have helped to focus our eyes on the Lord, His goodness, His generosity, and His promises!

Thomas resting in the airport

Visiting Eternal Family Project

Thomas making himself at home with the girls

As we move forward we are tempted to ask God, “Will you be faithful tomorrow?” Thankfully as doubts fill our minds, so does our friend Grayson’s sermon that we heard at Scenic City Church on our last Sunday in the states. He shared Psalm 77 with us. As the psalmist cries out to God with his doubts, he is reminded of the things God has done in the past.

 "I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds." - Psalm 77:11-12

 Whether a challenge or a triumph, we count it ALL as JOY! And will God be faithful tomorrow? YES, because He was today, yesterday, and the many days that led to now.

Please join us in prayer as we ask God for the following:

• A place to rent
• For Thomas to eat a variety of foods
• Our family to rest and travel well
• To find a church family
• Close friends
• Financial provision
• Safety
• WISDOM, PEACE, and UNITY

Blessings and Love,

Karen Ramos