August Update

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”            Romans 5:1-5

Best bananas ever!

We returned to Honduras from a brief visit to the states on August 1^st. We hoped for a smooth transition back to Honduras and as stated above HOPE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT. Manuel and Josue are finishing up their third quarter exams now and have continued to amaze us with their integrity and commitment to studies. While everyone else in their grade worked together to steal a copy of an exam last week, Manuel and Josué refused to participate. We are saddened by the cheating, dishonesty, and corruption so prevalent in Honduras and heartbroken to see that it is happening even in their small high school. We are, on the other hand, very thankful that these two young men are different. Despite the many struggles they face, they work very hard to honor God. We are also thankful to be a part of a church where we can all hear the word of God and discuss and reflect on the teachings throughout the week. In the evenings, we also share a time together to check in, pray, and study the Bible. We have finished James, John, and Philippians since the boys moved in with us and are currently reading through the book of Acts. We have all been encouraged while reading about the apostles’ boldness in sharing the gospel, caring for others, and speaking truth. How amazing that Manuel and Josué are also willing to stand up for truth despite the pressure that surrounds them.

Josue studying hard and smiling big

Manuel and Thomas on the back porch studying

Marvin has been traveling a lot this month. Some with the boys and some on his own. We are just 10 weeks away from my due date so we are taking advantage of the more manageable lifestyle now, while also looking forward to welcoming a baby girl into our family soon. Marvin traveled about 6 hours away to Balfate to weld at Hospital Loma de Luz while I stayed home with the boys. He enjoyed the work and fellowship there. We both appreciate each other more after what felt like such a long time apart. Marvin also got to take Manuel and Josue to Las Flores so they could share a weekend with their families. They enjoyed stopping in Puerto Cortes to visit friends from Heart to Heart on the way there and back.

One of the many welding projects Marvin completed at Hospital Loma de Luz

Looking forward to meeting welcoming Baby Joanna into our family this fall

 It has been a privilege to teach 2 health classes this month in the series I began in July with the moms of children that participate in the Home of Blessing Ministry. We work with the children each Saturday while serving a meal and teaching Bible lessons, but getting to know the moms is extra special. This month we discussed dental care, water purification, nutrition, and skin care. Some of the mothers enjoyed winning prizes that will help them care for their families. They (almost) all enjoy playing games and answering questions that reflect their new knowledge after participating in the classes. My hope is that they will be encouraged in the incredibly difficult task of raising children and meeting their families’ needs with the very little that they have.

Some of the moms that won prizes at the Home of Blessing health class

There were many other exciting things this month- finishing 1 Timothy with the youth Bible study, beginning to teach Gaby, Ruby, Sarai, and Paola (girls from Eternal Family Project) sewing lessons, our neighbor Yolanda, who started Home of Blessing with her husband Dennys, gave birth to a healthy, ADORABLE, baby boy, we celebrated our neighbors’ son Oliver’s birthday, went out with the boys for ice cream, got our internet working again after 3 weeks of little to no connection, Thomas switched from diapers to underwear with very few accidents, Marvin is going with our pastor Jeremiah to a mountain village to encourage a home church each week, friends from Heart to Heart staying on the property, going on walks with the boys, and so much more!

Despite the suffering you are facing in your own life or the joys that you are celebrating, I encourage you to continue to hope and persevere. HOPE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT!

The boys enjoy our Saturday morning walks

Marvin getting to hold Matias Santiago for the first time

Happy Birthday Oliver! So glad we got to celebrate together

Heart to Heart boys enjoying a retreat on the property