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