Things are wrapping up around here for Christmas, figuratively and literally. There are presents all around the 15 ft. tree in the sanctuary. Each child has a minimum of 2 presents to open and of those, most have more than one gift inside each box. I have never seen so many gifts in my life! It’s overwhelming to see, really.
This week’s festivities go as follows:
Monday, Dec. 21 – Finish up last minute practices for the Christmas program.
Tuesday, Dec 22 – The volunteers will travel to a hospital in Tegucigalpa to give out gifts to sick children.
Wednesday, Dec. 23 – The volunteers along with some of the older children will deliver food and gifts to people and children in Guaimaca, the town right outside of the orphanage. We will also run through the Christmas program in the church one last time. And Derek will be killing and preparing 8 pigs to be sold to town or to be used here.
Thursday, Dec. 24 – The entire orphanage will enjoy a Chrsitmas lunch together. The children will then go to the restroom before entering the church (this is said to take up to 1 ½ hrs to get everyone through the restroom and ready). When everyone is ready, we will pass out all of the gifts (which takes approximately 2 hrs) and then on the count of 3, the children will all open their gifts together. Afterwards, the volunteers will stay to clean up, the children go back to their houses to enjoy their new gifts and the staff members go home to enjoy Christmas dinner with their families. All of the volunteers will be gathering together for dinner, some Christmas goodies (such as sugar cookies, brownies, egg nog, cocoa, and coffee), and we will also play “Santa Swap” or as some refer to it, “White Elephant”.
Friday, Dec. 25 – The Christmas program will begin at 9:00 am followed by church service. The volunteers will then gather again to enjoy some Christmas movies and finish off those goodies from the previous day.
Saturday, Dec. 26 – The staff and volunteers will have a big Christmas dinner together. This will conclude all of the Holiday activities.
We didn’t really know what to expect of the holidays when we first arrived, but we are very much looking forward to all of the activities that are planned. I believe it is safe to say that Derek and I are much busier this Christmas than we ever have been before! Part of the reason I am glad for the activities is it will make it a little easier to be away from home and loved ones. I have been feeling a bit nostalgic lately, so I will be glad to have my mind and time occupied. That seems somewhat selfish to admit, but it is the truth.
I thought I would be excited to watch so many children open their gifts, and a part of me is, but as I look at the mounds of gifts, I can’t help but feel that even these kids get a bit materialistic at times. I want so badly for them to feel loved, but I also want them to think upon why we even celebrate…why we put so much into this one day. And that the main reason we give is to somehow try to honor what has been given to us… FREEDOM THROUGH CHRIST. Somehow it is all the more real to me this year. Perhaps it is from being away from the only world I have ever known and reflecting on what exactly I will miss and why. Maybe it’s because God is showing me more of Him, and so this year all I really do care about is celebrating His gift of perfection… His provision for us to know Him and be in a growing relationship with Him that was once hindered by sin’s death grip and the day that Christ was born, His promise tangibly began to unravel. It’s amazing the things the Lord reveals when you are removed from your “home”. Or maybe I am just not distracted and am actually allowing myself to pay attention to some of the things He has been showing me all along.
I did not intend for this message to be so long, my apologies for taking up your time, but then again, I guess I needed to expose my heart.
May your Christmas be a reminder of God’s love and desire for you, and of His gift to you that was not too much and not too little, but the absolute best and perfect amount that He could ever give… Himself.
Merry Christmas from Honduras,
All Our Love,
Derek and Nancy
Monday, December 21, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
A Little Broken Down... but optimistic
Well, we gave in and bought the internet. It runs really slow but it's better than 30 minute time slots every other week (when we're lucky). I hope to upload pictures soon. Truth be told, I have pleanty of time to do so right now since I am very sick. (But don't worry mom, I'm feeling better).
I had to go to the hospital yesterday. That was quite an experience. For those of you who have a sensitive stomach, my apologies. Perhaps you should not read further... We'll just say food was exiting from both ends and when that happens for too long, you get kinda dehydrated. So once I had vomitted blue foam 15 minutes after having one ice cube yesterday morning, I figured something wasn't right and we should get it checked out. Derek drove me to the hospital in town, along with our nurse here at Emmanuel since everyone knows her there. The staff was all very kind (I even got some compliments on my spanish, which made me feel good).
They hooked me up to an IV to pump some fluids into me since I couldn't keep anything down, or in for that matter. I also got a shot in the backside that STILL burns. And they gave me a shot into my IV that felt like it was eating and burning my skin from the inside. Supposedly that was for the diarrhea. But my arm even turned red on the outside. The nurse kept asking me if it hurt, and I kept saying yes. He said that was normal... so I don't know why he kept asking. Overall we were there about 2 1/2 to 3 hours. it was a slow day for them, seeing that the one hospital room (with 4 beds) was only occupied by myself. I was pretty thrilled considering that the bed next to me had stirr-ups and I personally did not want to have front row seats to some mother-to-be inviting her child into the world. I'm sure Derek was glad as well because on the door to the room it said that each patient was allowed one family member to sit in with them. How would you like for other patients and their families to be able to wtiness your child being born!? However, had that been the case, I'm sure he would have waited outside for me.
So guess how much it cost for the visitation, IV, shots, and 2 perscriptions of pills, powder to put in my water, and a liquid medication? About $20 total. Can you believe that?! $1 of those dollars was to see the doctor, the rest was for medication and treatment.
I am feeling much better, and able to keep food down (praise God). I plan on staying in our house, in bed over the rest of the week and weekend. I figure if I don't rest fully, I'll only get sick again. I think I caught it on Tuesday...
This Tuesday Derek and I (along with all the other volunteers and 2 staff members) rode on a bus to Tela and back in the same day. We left at 3AM and returned around 9:30PM with 32 new kids from various parts of Honduras. We had to pick them up since the center they came from does not have transportation. the oldest child is 17, the second oldest is 12 and most of the rest are 10 and below. We have 6 new toddlers. One of which cannot stand or speak. The back of his head is flat since he has laid down his entire 2 1/2 years of life.
The hardest part of the day was not all the vomit, poop, and pee that we encountered on our 8 1/2 hour ride home with our new children, but rather picking them up. There were many mothers saying goodbye. I couldn't help but cry along with them. Which I'm sure didn't help all the crying children. I probably made them even more scared. All of them that came have at least one sibling with them and one is a set of 7 siblings. it was hard to watch the young ones cling to their older siblings and cry for their mothers, however, I am glad that they have each other. We tried to occupy their minds by describing Orphanage Emmanuel, coloring, etc. Needless to say, that was the longest 8 1/2 hours of my life. Then I woke up Wednesday, sick.
I'm just glad Derek is still healthy (so far). The new kids seem to be adjusting quickly. I am constantly amazed at how resilient these children are.
I had to go to the hospital yesterday. That was quite an experience. For those of you who have a sensitive stomach, my apologies. Perhaps you should not read further... We'll just say food was exiting from both ends and when that happens for too long, you get kinda dehydrated. So once I had vomitted blue foam 15 minutes after having one ice cube yesterday morning, I figured something wasn't right and we should get it checked out. Derek drove me to the hospital in town, along with our nurse here at Emmanuel since everyone knows her there. The staff was all very kind (I even got some compliments on my spanish, which made me feel good).
They hooked me up to an IV to pump some fluids into me since I couldn't keep anything down, or in for that matter. I also got a shot in the backside that STILL burns. And they gave me a shot into my IV that felt like it was eating and burning my skin from the inside. Supposedly that was for the diarrhea. But my arm even turned red on the outside. The nurse kept asking me if it hurt, and I kept saying yes. He said that was normal... so I don't know why he kept asking. Overall we were there about 2 1/2 to 3 hours. it was a slow day for them, seeing that the one hospital room (with 4 beds) was only occupied by myself. I was pretty thrilled considering that the bed next to me had stirr-ups and I personally did not want to have front row seats to some mother-to-be inviting her child into the world. I'm sure Derek was glad as well because on the door to the room it said that each patient was allowed one family member to sit in with them. How would you like for other patients and their families to be able to wtiness your child being born!? However, had that been the case, I'm sure he would have waited outside for me.
So guess how much it cost for the visitation, IV, shots, and 2 perscriptions of pills, powder to put in my water, and a liquid medication? About $20 total. Can you believe that?! $1 of those dollars was to see the doctor, the rest was for medication and treatment.
I am feeling much better, and able to keep food down (praise God). I plan on staying in our house, in bed over the rest of the week and weekend. I figure if I don't rest fully, I'll only get sick again. I think I caught it on Tuesday...
This Tuesday Derek and I (along with all the other volunteers and 2 staff members) rode on a bus to Tela and back in the same day. We left at 3AM and returned around 9:30PM with 32 new kids from various parts of Honduras. We had to pick them up since the center they came from does not have transportation. the oldest child is 17, the second oldest is 12 and most of the rest are 10 and below. We have 6 new toddlers. One of which cannot stand or speak. The back of his head is flat since he has laid down his entire 2 1/2 years of life.
The hardest part of the day was not all the vomit, poop, and pee that we encountered on our 8 1/2 hour ride home with our new children, but rather picking them up. There were many mothers saying goodbye. I couldn't help but cry along with them. Which I'm sure didn't help all the crying children. I probably made them even more scared. All of them that came have at least one sibling with them and one is a set of 7 siblings. it was hard to watch the young ones cling to their older siblings and cry for their mothers, however, I am glad that they have each other. We tried to occupy their minds by describing Orphanage Emmanuel, coloring, etc. Needless to say, that was the longest 8 1/2 hours of my life. Then I woke up Wednesday, sick.
I'm just glad Derek is still healthy (so far). The new kids seem to be adjusting quickly. I am constantly amazed at how resilient these children are.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Rested
We have traveled hours and hours on buses, cram packed, sitting or standing in aisles. We have said "no thank you" to a ton of solicitors on the streets of Nicaragua, taken over 400 pictures, seen lava come out of a volcano in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, walked between 7-8 miles to visit a waterfall and collected sea shells along the Tamarindo beach.
We are rested and ready to return to Orphanage Emmanuel, renewed and eager to pour our love out onto the children.
To say we feel blessed is an understatement. We had no choice but to leave Honduras in order to renew our visas, but what an amazing opportunity to see more of God's creation and experience more of the cultures of Central America. I have felt like a foreigner at times and completely at home at other times.
Tomorrow afternoon we will head to Liberia, Costa Rica stay the night there and then be on buses non-stop until we reach "home" Friday evening. Emmanuel does feel quite a bit like home now. I look forward to stepping into our apartment and putting things up where they belong. I even look forward to hearing my name yelled 20+ times as I walk the short distance from our apartment to the school on Saturday morning. It's funny the things you miss. The things that become a part of your routine and what become a part of you.
I can already see how the Lord has changed my heart and I know He has much more work to do is me (us) the remainder of our time.
I am ready. Alive. Refreshed.
We are rested and ready to return to Orphanage Emmanuel, renewed and eager to pour our love out onto the children.
To say we feel blessed is an understatement. We had no choice but to leave Honduras in order to renew our visas, but what an amazing opportunity to see more of God's creation and experience more of the cultures of Central America. I have felt like a foreigner at times and completely at home at other times.
Tomorrow afternoon we will head to Liberia, Costa Rica stay the night there and then be on buses non-stop until we reach "home" Friday evening. Emmanuel does feel quite a bit like home now. I look forward to stepping into our apartment and putting things up where they belong. I even look forward to hearing my name yelled 20+ times as I walk the short distance from our apartment to the school on Saturday morning. It's funny the things you miss. The things that become a part of your routine and what become a part of you.
I can already see how the Lord has changed my heart and I know He has much more work to do is me (us) the remainder of our time.
I am ready. Alive. Refreshed.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Nicaragua, Costa Rica
Well, the time has come...
We leave for our trip tomorrow! We will catch the 6 o'clock (AM) bus and head to Nicaragua! We will stay in Granada (an old, beautiful colonial town) a few days and then travel around Nicaragua then cross the border to hit up some volcanoes and hot springs in La Fortuna, Costa Rica and finally end up on the beaches of Tamarindo.
Today we are packing, saying goodbye to a couple who will leave for Denmark while we are gone (sadly...we will miss you Daniel and Anette), and making sure we have all of our duties covered in time for our trip. Please be praying for our safety... We are so excited!
And all of this is just in time to celebrate my 24th birthday and more importantly, Derek's acceptance to PT school! By the way, thank you for all of the congratulations we've received from all of you in regards to our recent "wonderful news"!
We will try to update from our trip at an internet cafe if possible!
Until then, BLESSINGS!
We leave for our trip tomorrow! We will catch the 6 o'clock (AM) bus and head to Nicaragua! We will stay in Granada (an old, beautiful colonial town) a few days and then travel around Nicaragua then cross the border to hit up some volcanoes and hot springs in La Fortuna, Costa Rica and finally end up on the beaches of Tamarindo.
Today we are packing, saying goodbye to a couple who will leave for Denmark while we are gone (sadly...we will miss you Daniel and Anette), and making sure we have all of our duties covered in time for our trip. Please be praying for our safety... We are so excited!
And all of this is just in time to celebrate my 24th birthday and more importantly, Derek's acceptance to PT school! By the way, thank you for all of the congratulations we've received from all of you in regards to our recent "wonderful news"!
We will try to update from our trip at an internet cafe if possible!
Until then, BLESSINGS!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
WONDERFUL NEWS!
Just a quick message to let you all know that Derek got into Physical Therapy school at the OU Health Science Center in Oklahoma City.
He will start in June. We just found out today!
We are so excited and I am so proud of him! :)
Thank you for your continued support for us. Please send him a quick message of Congrats if you have time!
Con Gozo (With Joy),
-Nancy (and Derek)
He will start in June. We just found out today!
We are so excited and I am so proud of him! :)
Thank you for your continued support for us. Please send him a quick message of Congrats if you have time!
Con Gozo (With Joy),
-Nancy (and Derek)
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Ay Ay Ay!
Mel is back. I'm sure some of you have seen it on CNN.
He returned to Teguc on Monday and all of Honduras was on lock-down. No one could leave their homes until 10AM Wed. But lucky for us, we could still roam around the Orphanage and carry on as normal. There is a curfew in place now- people are only allowed to be out from 10Am - 6PM. Loiterers have been and will be arrested.
So, needless to say, Derek and I didn't make it back to get our passports. They are still at immigration. We could have gone last week but thought we'd play it safe due to Independence Day (Sept 15). We thought it might be hectic... but like all things, we figure this is not a coincidence but another way for us to TRUST and have pacencia y fe tambien (patience and faith as well).
A group is coming a week from Saturday so we will try to ride into town with the Emmanuel Bus to pick them up. Then we can go to immigration from there and grab a chicken bus home.
We have decided the dates (tentatively, of course) for our trip to renew our visas. On Oct. 12 we will head off to Nicaragua! We will take the chicken bus but we will be stopping in Granada for a few days (to celebrate my 24th) then head to Liberia Costa Rica for a couple days, and lastly, we will hit up Tamarindo! This is if all goes as planned. We will be able to see a volcano or two and tour some National Parks. So excited!! We will return to Emmanuel around Oct. 23, renewed and ready for more work!
Please be praying for this country and all the goings on (politically, spiritually). Pray for our safety. And please be praying for our upcoming travels.
Other than that, business is as usual. Other than what happened about an hour ago, that is... He'd be embarrassed to know I'm telling you but when has that stopped me before? Derek walked into a pole and has a HUGE lump on his head above his left eye (he looks a bit like Quasimodo from the Hunchback of Notre Dame). He is stubborn and won't rest, but I'm sure he's in some pain. So be thinking of him. Or if you insist, you can laugh at him and then pray for him ;) And yes, I took a picture of it.
Thank you all for your continued thoughts!
Amor y Paz.
He returned to Teguc on Monday and all of Honduras was on lock-down. No one could leave their homes until 10AM Wed. But lucky for us, we could still roam around the Orphanage and carry on as normal. There is a curfew in place now- people are only allowed to be out from 10Am - 6PM. Loiterers have been and will be arrested.
So, needless to say, Derek and I didn't make it back to get our passports. They are still at immigration. We could have gone last week but thought we'd play it safe due to Independence Day (Sept 15). We thought it might be hectic... but like all things, we figure this is not a coincidence but another way for us to TRUST and have pacencia y fe tambien (patience and faith as well).
A group is coming a week from Saturday so we will try to ride into town with the Emmanuel Bus to pick them up. Then we can go to immigration from there and grab a chicken bus home.
We have decided the dates (tentatively, of course) for our trip to renew our visas. On Oct. 12 we will head off to Nicaragua! We will take the chicken bus but we will be stopping in Granada for a few days (to celebrate my 24th) then head to Liberia Costa Rica for a couple days, and lastly, we will hit up Tamarindo! This is if all goes as planned. We will be able to see a volcano or two and tour some National Parks. So excited!! We will return to Emmanuel around Oct. 23, renewed and ready for more work!
Please be praying for this country and all the goings on (politically, spiritually). Pray for our safety. And please be praying for our upcoming travels.
Other than that, business is as usual. Other than what happened about an hour ago, that is... He'd be embarrassed to know I'm telling you but when has that stopped me before? Derek walked into a pole and has a HUGE lump on his head above his left eye (he looks a bit like Quasimodo from the Hunchback of Notre Dame). He is stubborn and won't rest, but I'm sure he's in some pain. So be thinking of him. Or if you insist, you can laugh at him and then pray for him ;) And yes, I took a picture of it.
Thank you all for your continued thoughts!
Amor y Paz.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Estamos Ocupados
We are Busy!
Yesterday we went to Tegucigalpa to buy 30 more days on our visas (you are only allowed to stay 90 when you first enter the country). I cannot believe we have already been here almost 3 months! We took the "chicken bus" at 7:00 a.m. from Guaimaca and arrived in Teguc around 9:45. That was quite an experience. The "chicken bus" is an old school bus (yellow with green seats and all) that rides all over Honduras. It was packed so full that there were people standing, crammed in the aisles. Since we arrived early, we had a seat. People literally stood for hours. And if you remember from your childhood, there are no air-conditioners on the old yellow school buses.
We made it to the Immigration offices safely, bought our 30 days, stopped by the Multi-Plaza (mall) to eat and buy some groceries that we can't get in Guaimaca, then headed back home on the chicken bus, once again. Our bus left around 1:30 and arrived in Guaimaca about 4:15, just as full if not more so, than the first time. On our way back, however, we couldn't see as well from where we were sitting and missed our stop. Someone told us there would be one more stop for Guaimaca... they lied! We figured out about a 1/2 a mile away and yelled for the bus driver to stop. I'm sure everyone on the bus got a big laugh out of us (silly foreigners who don't know where they live). We had to walk that 1/2 mile on the highway back to town... The highways here are not like the highways back home. The highways here make Oklahoma Roads look like a luxury street! (If you can imagine that). The highway is more like a somewhat paved road with livestock all over the place...
But we finally made it back, exhausted.
We will have to return to Teguc next week to pick up our passports (you have to leave them there to approve your request for extra time). Once our 30 days ends we will have to leave the country for 3 days to renew our visas and start over on another 90 days stretch. But, you can't just go to a bordering country, Oh no. It must be 1 country away! So we will be leaving in October to go to Costa Rica!!! Derek wants to leave a little early so that we can arrive in Costa Rica by my birthday. Hopefully that will work out.
My art class has been going great! We had Honduran ladies from Guaimaca teach us how to make baskets out of thread and pine needles last week. They are beautiful! My fingers hurt and I think I had more splinters in one hand than imaginable, but I love this new hobby! Soon we will go on a "field trip" to the mountains to collect more pine needles.
Derek is staying busy at the dairy barn and helping with the pig barn as well. A couple days ago he helped kill, clean, and cut up a pig. I think they ended up with 100 pounds of meat, if you can imagine that! The man who was in charge of the dairy barn will be returning Sept. 21 from his furlough and Derek will be reassigned somewhere else. I think he's pretty ready to learn something new.
That's about all. I will try to upload some pictures of our baskets if allowed.
Blessings from Hondo!
P.S. Derek caught the "rat" the day after I posted about it. He said it was a mouse because it was too small to be a rat. Whatever it was, I'm glad the rodent is gone!!
Yesterday we went to Tegucigalpa to buy 30 more days on our visas (you are only allowed to stay 90 when you first enter the country). I cannot believe we have already been here almost 3 months! We took the "chicken bus" at 7:00 a.m. from Guaimaca and arrived in Teguc around 9:45. That was quite an experience. The "chicken bus" is an old school bus (yellow with green seats and all) that rides all over Honduras. It was packed so full that there were people standing, crammed in the aisles. Since we arrived early, we had a seat. People literally stood for hours. And if you remember from your childhood, there are no air-conditioners on the old yellow school buses.
We made it to the Immigration offices safely, bought our 30 days, stopped by the Multi-Plaza (mall) to eat and buy some groceries that we can't get in Guaimaca, then headed back home on the chicken bus, once again. Our bus left around 1:30 and arrived in Guaimaca about 4:15, just as full if not more so, than the first time. On our way back, however, we couldn't see as well from where we were sitting and missed our stop. Someone told us there would be one more stop for Guaimaca... they lied! We figured out about a 1/2 a mile away and yelled for the bus driver to stop. I'm sure everyone on the bus got a big laugh out of us (silly foreigners who don't know where they live). We had to walk that 1/2 mile on the highway back to town... The highways here are not like the highways back home. The highways here make Oklahoma Roads look like a luxury street! (If you can imagine that). The highway is more like a somewhat paved road with livestock all over the place...
But we finally made it back, exhausted.
We will have to return to Teguc next week to pick up our passports (you have to leave them there to approve your request for extra time). Once our 30 days ends we will have to leave the country for 3 days to renew our visas and start over on another 90 days stretch. But, you can't just go to a bordering country, Oh no. It must be 1 country away! So we will be leaving in October to go to Costa Rica!!! Derek wants to leave a little early so that we can arrive in Costa Rica by my birthday. Hopefully that will work out.
My art class has been going great! We had Honduran ladies from Guaimaca teach us how to make baskets out of thread and pine needles last week. They are beautiful! My fingers hurt and I think I had more splinters in one hand than imaginable, but I love this new hobby! Soon we will go on a "field trip" to the mountains to collect more pine needles.
Derek is staying busy at the dairy barn and helping with the pig barn as well. A couple days ago he helped kill, clean, and cut up a pig. I think they ended up with 100 pounds of meat, if you can imagine that! The man who was in charge of the dairy barn will be returning Sept. 21 from his furlough and Derek will be reassigned somewhere else. I think he's pretty ready to learn something new.
That's about all. I will try to upload some pictures of our baskets if allowed.
Blessings from Hondo!
P.S. Derek caught the "rat" the day after I posted about it. He said it was a mouse because it was too small to be a rat. Whatever it was, I'm glad the rodent is gone!!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Emmanuel Website
(This is our little part on the Emmanuel Website under the Volunteers Section)
Nancy and Derek, both 24, decided to leave their lives as youth minister and exterminator in pest control behind to spend their second year of marriage volunteering at Emmanuel. Before coming to Honduras Nancy acquired a degree in sociology and religion in 2007 and worked as a youth minister (leaves Derek for the pest control) until coming here in June of 2009. Derek finished his general science degree in 2008 and spent one year gaining experience that helps him keeping cockroaches from entering the couple's little refuge in their staff apartment.
The Lehmans are an artistic couple using their gifts playing drums (Derek) and singing (Nancy) in the church worship band. While Derek gives drum classes to an older boy Nancy is the coordinator of the school's art program hoping to increase its size from currently 20 to up to 200 kids! During the rest of their time Nancy and Derek can be seen wrestling kids or cows respectively. Nancy helps handing out medicine to the kids and works at the toddler's house. Derek spends his time working at the dairy barn and helps out in the clinic. After returning to their home in Oklahoma both plan to go back to college, Derek wanting to gain a PHD in physical therapy and Nancy studying to become a high-school teacher.
Friday, August 28, 2009
GROSS RAT!
Hello Friends,
Nothing really new going on,... oh- other than the ENORMOUS RAT I SAW IN OUR KITCHEN TODAY! Gross!
I went home in between classes to rest for a minute (I've had a cold) and there it was, running across our kitchen floor. And like any sane woman, I screamed, grabbed my keys and ran out the door! I went to tell Derek so he can find it and kill it. Time for him to put that year of Pest Control to use!
Anyway, thought I'd say hello since I am in the office (avoiding my home until I know the thing is dead or gone)!
Hope all is well with you all.
Love from Honduras!
Nothing really new going on,... oh- other than the ENORMOUS RAT I SAW IN OUR KITCHEN TODAY! Gross!
I went home in between classes to rest for a minute (I've had a cold) and there it was, running across our kitchen floor. And like any sane woman, I screamed, grabbed my keys and ran out the door! I went to tell Derek so he can find it and kill it. Time for him to put that year of Pest Control to use!
Anyway, thought I'd say hello since I am in the office (avoiding my home until I know the thing is dead or gone)!
Hope all is well with you all.
Love from Honduras!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Two Months Down...
Can you believe it?! Two months have already passed! And we are just as busy as ever!
It's been forever since we've blogged b/c we lost our internet connection... but it's back, up, and running!
Derek is still running the dairy barn and the medical clinic. He is also giving drum lessons (successfully) to one of the kids and their are about 25 more who are interested! It's exciting for him to teach them so that once we leave they will have others who can help lead worship.
I have started a new art program here at Emmanuel. I am the teacher and project coordinator so most of my time is spent preparing for class. The goal is to teach 20 high school students 3 crafts: how to make baskets, make jewelry, and paint. They are being trained to teach others as well so hopefully by the end of February we will have around 200 students who can do one of the three crafts.
Right now I am running a leadership workshop for the 20. They are separated into 2 groups and meet 4 times a week to discuss subjects such as respect, faith, leadership, organization, and planning for their future classes. After discussion/journaling I have an art project for them to work on to express what we've discussed. We have already met 2 weeks and have 2 more left. I am keeping track or each student's progress and will do so for the other 150 or so when those classes begin. Once we finish with this workshop, they will start learning the crafts.
I am in charge of coming up with all assignments for the leadership workshop- so I spend the majority of my time doing so and translating my own lectures from English to Spanish...
The long-term goal is to give these kids something to work towards, a hobby, and more life skills that they can gain from. Many of the girls here play in the yards when they are not in school (while the boys are working) so there is a huge need to provide more activities for them. This will hopefully fulfill that need and also give them more self-esteem.
The art that they complete will go on sale in the orphanage store in order to fund more supplies, etc. Teams who can in can buy the items (and you know I will be bringing some home). I am so excited about this! But please pray for us as we continue to work towards teaching so many! Also be praying for guidance for me as I plan and oversee this project.
Once we reach the end of February, we will evaluate our results and make changes as needed in order to continue "crafting".
I am still helping in the toddler house and giving out medicine in the mornings and afternoons for all the girls in the orphanage. And Derek and I are still on the worship team...
Other than that, things are pretty much the same. We will more than likely be able to get online at least once a week now, so that is exciting! We were having to walk to town to use the internet cafe' but now we have a designated computer in the office for volunteers to use. Right now it's not so bad b/c there are only 3 of us volunteers (Derek and I and one other girl). But soon there will be about 10 more here. But they will definitely be a blessing since the 3 of us are being stretched pretty thin.
Thank you for your continued prayers! We love and miss you all, dearly!
*No hay nadie como Tu, Solo Cristo.
Moriste por mi en la cruz.
Vivire para alabar*
It's been forever since we've blogged b/c we lost our internet connection... but it's back, up, and running!
Derek is still running the dairy barn and the medical clinic. He is also giving drum lessons (successfully) to one of the kids and their are about 25 more who are interested! It's exciting for him to teach them so that once we leave they will have others who can help lead worship.
I have started a new art program here at Emmanuel. I am the teacher and project coordinator so most of my time is spent preparing for class. The goal is to teach 20 high school students 3 crafts: how to make baskets, make jewelry, and paint. They are being trained to teach others as well so hopefully by the end of February we will have around 200 students who can do one of the three crafts.
Right now I am running a leadership workshop for the 20. They are separated into 2 groups and meet 4 times a week to discuss subjects such as respect, faith, leadership, organization, and planning for their future classes. After discussion/journaling I have an art project for them to work on to express what we've discussed. We have already met 2 weeks and have 2 more left. I am keeping track or each student's progress and will do so for the other 150 or so when those classes begin. Once we finish with this workshop, they will start learning the crafts.
I am in charge of coming up with all assignments for the leadership workshop- so I spend the majority of my time doing so and translating my own lectures from English to Spanish...
The long-term goal is to give these kids something to work towards, a hobby, and more life skills that they can gain from. Many of the girls here play in the yards when they are not in school (while the boys are working) so there is a huge need to provide more activities for them. This will hopefully fulfill that need and also give them more self-esteem.
The art that they complete will go on sale in the orphanage store in order to fund more supplies, etc. Teams who can in can buy the items (and you know I will be bringing some home). I am so excited about this! But please pray for us as we continue to work towards teaching so many! Also be praying for guidance for me as I plan and oversee this project.
Once we reach the end of February, we will evaluate our results and make changes as needed in order to continue "crafting".
I am still helping in the toddler house and giving out medicine in the mornings and afternoons for all the girls in the orphanage. And Derek and I are still on the worship team...
Other than that, things are pretty much the same. We will more than likely be able to get online at least once a week now, so that is exciting! We were having to walk to town to use the internet cafe' but now we have a designated computer in the office for volunteers to use. Right now it's not so bad b/c there are only 3 of us volunteers (Derek and I and one other girl). But soon there will be about 10 more here. But they will definitely be a blessing since the 3 of us are being stretched pretty thin.
Thank you for your continued prayers! We love and miss you all, dearly!
*No hay nadie como Tu, Solo Cristo.
Moriste por mi en la cruz.
Vivire para alabar*
Monday, July 13, 2009
Finally Feeling At Home
Things have been pretty busy around here! First we'll start with a little country situation update:
We don't really know what is going on. Last we heard the Honduran Government will not allow the "President" (Mel Zelaya), to land at any of the airports. He has tried but they took over both airports, shut them down, and had all their military men standing in the landing strip/runway. So needless to say, he couldn't land.
We know that many countries are backing Zelaya but the more I hear about it, the more it seems like the Honduran Government did what they could. Yes, they did something illegal/unethical when they escorted/forced Zelaya out of the country (especially since he was literally in his pajamas), but I believe they felt they had no other option if they wanted to save their country from becoming a dictatorship. Now, my opinion is based on little knowledge and much heresay. And I understand that some countries (probably including ours) cannot back a coup... but I can't help but think of Valkyrie (probably b/c that's the last movie we rented before we left the states).
Anyway, things in town have calmed down. We went grocery shopping last week and stocked up quite a bit. Also, volunteers have been able to fly in and out with no problems. As far as the orphanage goes, Derek and I are starting to become quite acclimated.
Our normal schedule is as follows-
For Derek: (Mon-Fri) Wake up at 5:30. Be at Circle Time (morning worship) by 6:15. Eat breakfast at 7:00. Run the Medical Clinic from 7:30-8:15 (regular morning meds). 8:30 work on the day's task until lunch. 12:00 lunch. 12:30 work more. 3:30-4:15 Run the Medical Clinic for round 2 of meds. 4:30 finish any unfinished work and then come home.
For Nancy: Wake up about 6:30 (girls start later than men b/c we don't do manual labor). 7:00-7:45 dispense medicines to all girls and toddlers who need it during Circle Time. 8:30-11:50 Teach English (Mon-Wed only). 8:30-11:50 work on art for kids/clean/do dishes with the girls in the kitchen/translate sponsor letters from English to Spanish or kids responses from Spanish to English (Thurs and Fri). 11:50-3:30 Help at the Toddler house (I eat lunch with them). 3:30 grab my dinner to go as I do the second round of dispensing medicines until 4:00.
Other randoms we have:
Monday evenings- volunteer meeting
Tues evenings - worship prac and dance prac (Nancy only)
Wed evenings - church
Saturday - work a half day (or full) and worship prac in the evening
Sunday - church and another scheduled activity like soccer, etc.
Derek's days are much more varied than mine in terms of what he could be doing. So far he has measured and cut glass, killed and processed chickens, cut grass, measured and made screen for almost all the windows in the orphanage, worked on the septic system, built a work station and shelves, taken apart scraps of wood to use for their parts, and tomorrow he is going to lean how to run the "lecheria"/dairy barn. It hasn't even been a full month yet!
That's about it for now!
More next week!
All our love.
P.S. Some of you have asked if there is anything that we need. Well, in all honesty, we don't NEED anything, but there are a few luxuries we miss or could use. So if you'd like to send us some snail mail (which, who doesn't love snail mail!?), here are some ideas:
---pictures, cards, letters (we miss you all)
---scented candles (they are expensive here and our bathroom has a funny smell that I cannot get rid no matter how much I clean)
---extra virgin olive oil (can't find it here)
---crunchy peanut butter (a true rarity and delicacy)
---matches (the ones they sell here are tiny and 5 break before one works... not to mention we have a gas stove and us them almost daily)
---work gloves for Derek
---art supplies for Nancy (construction paper, markers, acrylics, canvas, anything really)
---duct tape/scotch tape (so we can put things on our brick walls)
---aluminum foil
---night light (trying to NOT step on a tarantula on my way to the bathroom at night and our bathroom light works about 1/2 the time)
---cake pan (we bake a lot here)
---cake mix/brownie mix (we bake because there are so many birthdays to keep up with)
---ant traps (they are EVERYWHERE and find the smallest of crumbs)
---a mosquito net (for our bed)
---guitar strings and picks (somehow we managed to not bring spare strings and we only have one pick... D prefers medium in both strings and picks)
REAL LUXURIES THAT AGAIN WE DON'T NEED BUT WOULD ENJOY:
---dvds. (when the work day ends around 4:15, you have spare time in the evenings. most nights we cook and if we don't have another scheduled activity, we'll pop a dvd into our laptop. we brought about 10 movies (mostly disney for the kids) so we have already watched almost everything we brought.)
---books (another way we like to spend our downtime)
PLEASE DO NOT FEEL OBLIGATED AT ALL TO SEND ANYTHING. SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE ASKED SO WE THOUGHT THIS WOULD BE THE EASIEST WAY TO LET EVERYONE KNOW. YOU HAVE ALL DONE SO MUCH MORE THAN WE COULD HAVE EVER ASKED FOR.
If you do send something you will want to address it to:
Derek and Nancy Lehman at Orphanage Emmanuel
c/o Dr. Don Reynolds
4611 Hixson Pike
Hixson, TN 37343
We receive mail at Emmanuel about every 6 weeks. :) And it is quite an anticipated event!
We don't really know what is going on. Last we heard the Honduran Government will not allow the "President" (Mel Zelaya), to land at any of the airports. He has tried but they took over both airports, shut them down, and had all their military men standing in the landing strip/runway. So needless to say, he couldn't land.
We know that many countries are backing Zelaya but the more I hear about it, the more it seems like the Honduran Government did what they could. Yes, they did something illegal/unethical when they escorted/forced Zelaya out of the country (especially since he was literally in his pajamas), but I believe they felt they had no other option if they wanted to save their country from becoming a dictatorship. Now, my opinion is based on little knowledge and much heresay. And I understand that some countries (probably including ours) cannot back a coup... but I can't help but think of Valkyrie (probably b/c that's the last movie we rented before we left the states).
Anyway, things in town have calmed down. We went grocery shopping last week and stocked up quite a bit. Also, volunteers have been able to fly in and out with no problems. As far as the orphanage goes, Derek and I are starting to become quite acclimated.
Our normal schedule is as follows-
For Derek: (Mon-Fri) Wake up at 5:30. Be at Circle Time (morning worship) by 6:15. Eat breakfast at 7:00. Run the Medical Clinic from 7:30-8:15 (regular morning meds). 8:30 work on the day's task until lunch. 12:00 lunch. 12:30 work more. 3:30-4:15 Run the Medical Clinic for round 2 of meds. 4:30 finish any unfinished work and then come home.
For Nancy: Wake up about 6:30 (girls start later than men b/c we don't do manual labor). 7:00-7:45 dispense medicines to all girls and toddlers who need it during Circle Time. 8:30-11:50 Teach English (Mon-Wed only). 8:30-11:50 work on art for kids/clean/do dishes with the girls in the kitchen/translate sponsor letters from English to Spanish or kids responses from Spanish to English (Thurs and Fri). 11:50-3:30 Help at the Toddler house (I eat lunch with them). 3:30 grab my dinner to go as I do the second round of dispensing medicines until 4:00.
Other randoms we have:
Monday evenings- volunteer meeting
Tues evenings - worship prac and dance prac (Nancy only)
Wed evenings - church
Saturday - work a half day (or full) and worship prac in the evening
Sunday - church and another scheduled activity like soccer, etc.
Derek's days are much more varied than mine in terms of what he could be doing. So far he has measured and cut glass, killed and processed chickens, cut grass, measured and made screen for almost all the windows in the orphanage, worked on the septic system, built a work station and shelves, taken apart scraps of wood to use for their parts, and tomorrow he is going to lean how to run the "lecheria"/dairy barn. It hasn't even been a full month yet!
That's about it for now!
More next week!
All our love.
P.S. Some of you have asked if there is anything that we need. Well, in all honesty, we don't NEED anything, but there are a few luxuries we miss or could use. So if you'd like to send us some snail mail (which, who doesn't love snail mail!?), here are some ideas:
---pictures, cards, letters (we miss you all)
---scented candles (they are expensive here and our bathroom has a funny smell that I cannot get rid no matter how much I clean)
---extra virgin olive oil (can't find it here)
---crunchy peanut butter (a true rarity and delicacy)
---matches (the ones they sell here are tiny and 5 break before one works... not to mention we have a gas stove and us them almost daily)
---work gloves for Derek
---art supplies for Nancy (construction paper, markers, acrylics, canvas, anything really)
---duct tape/scotch tape (so we can put things on our brick walls)
---aluminum foil
---night light (trying to NOT step on a tarantula on my way to the bathroom at night and our bathroom light works about 1/2 the time)
---cake pan (we bake a lot here)
---cake mix/brownie mix (we bake because there are so many birthdays to keep up with)
---ant traps (they are EVERYWHERE and find the smallest of crumbs)
---a mosquito net (for our bed)
---guitar strings and picks (somehow we managed to not bring spare strings and we only have one pick... D prefers medium in both strings and picks)
REAL LUXURIES THAT AGAIN WE DON'T NEED BUT WOULD ENJOY:
---dvds. (when the work day ends around 4:15, you have spare time in the evenings. most nights we cook and if we don't have another scheduled activity, we'll pop a dvd into our laptop. we brought about 10 movies (mostly disney for the kids) so we have already watched almost everything we brought.)
---books (another way we like to spend our downtime)
PLEASE DO NOT FEEL OBLIGATED AT ALL TO SEND ANYTHING. SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE ASKED SO WE THOUGHT THIS WOULD BE THE EASIEST WAY TO LET EVERYONE KNOW. YOU HAVE ALL DONE SO MUCH MORE THAN WE COULD HAVE EVER ASKED FOR.
If you do send something you will want to address it to:
Derek and Nancy Lehman at Orphanage Emmanuel
c/o Dr. Don Reynolds
4611 Hixson Pike
Hixson, TN 37343
We receive mail at Emmanuel about every 6 weeks. :) And it is quite an anticipated event!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Week One
Disclaimer: The Previous Post "We Made It" is actually from June 24, 2009 but we had some trouble with the internet so I could only save it at the time. That is why this post has the same date...
We have had our first week and already we are living by a Faith that we are not familiar with. Don't get me wrong, it's been AMAZING, but neither of us has had to trust in the LORD quite like this before.
Let me explain. Last Sunday (June 28) we were getting ready for church when all of a sudden our power went out. I thought it was because I had plugged to many things into one socket (a hair dryer and hair straightener). I asked Derek if he would check the breaker but we don't have a key for the laundry room (yet), so he couldn't. So I went to church with bad hair (which means it looked like every other day here, so far).
We got to church early so we could practice with the worship band (I am in the choir and Derek is playing drums for the first time in about 6 years) when we were quickly informed that all of Emmanuel's electricity was out. In fact, so was the entire country's. This is when we realized that the country of Honduras is 'working out' some political issues (apparently). All we knew at that time was that there had been a military coup and the Honduran President (Mel Zelaya) was no longer in the country, but had been "taken away" by this coup.
Since that morning we have heard a number of things. The military removed the President on that day because he was trying to change the constitution so that he could serve more terms . His term is up this November (technically with elections). When they removed him, the leader of the Congress was appointed interim President until the elections. The Honduran President (Zelaya) is now in Costa Rica, intending to return Saturday. The reason he is waiting until this day is because some Central American government coalition told the current military coup/Honduran government that they had until Saturday to decide if they would reappoint Zelaya. If they choose not to, then they will be kicked out of the coalition. There has been some talk that the Honduran military is planning to arrest Zelaya when he gets here.
People have also been talking about those who back Zelaya: Chavez in Venezuela (who allegedly has troops in El Salvador and Nicaragua right now waiting to charge at any minute), Puerto Rico, the UN, and Obama --- pretty much no one is supporting the current government because they don't want to support a coup... and i'm sure there are other reasons tossed about here and there.
As for our safety in Honduras right now, the U.S. Embassy said for Americans to stay put. We (Derek and I) are laying low. And just to be on the safe side, we are staying inside the orphanage. There has also been talk about the military roaming the streets, drafting any man (foreigners included) who is "loitering" and between the ages of 13-30. For this reason, Derek will NOT leave the orphanage at all. And I told him if we feel like the military can get in here, he's hiding under the bed!
In all the chaos and uncertainty, we feel like now- more than ever- is our time to cling to what we know to be true: God's sovereignty. This is why I say we are experiencing a much deeper type of faith than ever before. But it's good for us. We've prayed many hours and both feel a peace about staying. We also know that this timing cannot be merely a coincidence.
Other than that, all is 'business as usual'. I have been assigned to the toddler house and already want to bring some of them back with us. I am there everyday Monday-Friday from lunch until after dinner. In the mornings, after breakfast I help with the dishes in the 'small girls' kitchen. The girls and boys are grouped by sizes here instead of ages: small girls/boys, medium girls/boys, big girls/boys. This is to help eliminate bullying. This also allows the older ones in their groups to step up into some leadership roles. The boys and girls also live on opposite sides of the orphanage and have very little contact with each other (they even sit separate at church with us volunteers in rows between them).
Next week I am supposed to start tutoring 3 girls in English in the mornings. This will not interfere with the duties I already have.
Derek has been super busy! He has been assigned to manual labor which results in cutting grass pretty much every day with a weed-eater (I kid you not)! This is because the land here is so rocky and hilly. He is already getting so dark from being outside all the time. But today he didn't have to chop grass, instead he helped kill and process 425+ chickens! And yes, according to Derek, the chicken does keep moving after it's head is chopped off so you have to hold the body down until it stops. Other than that he is helping in the health clinic before and after he does manual labor.
Between our assignments, soccer and worship team, we stay pretty busy around here! But we also have a lot of down time come 6pm... if we can bare to stay awake much past 8pm. Speaking of, it is WAY past our bedtime!
We have had our first week and already we are living by a Faith that we are not familiar with. Don't get me wrong, it's been AMAZING, but neither of us has had to trust in the LORD quite like this before.
Let me explain. Last Sunday (June 28) we were getting ready for church when all of a sudden our power went out. I thought it was because I had plugged to many things into one socket (a hair dryer and hair straightener). I asked Derek if he would check the breaker but we don't have a key for the laundry room (yet), so he couldn't. So I went to church with bad hair (which means it looked like every other day here, so far).
We got to church early so we could practice with the worship band (I am in the choir and Derek is playing drums for the first time in about 6 years) when we were quickly informed that all of Emmanuel's electricity was out. In fact, so was the entire country's. This is when we realized that the country of Honduras is 'working out' some political issues (apparently). All we knew at that time was that there had been a military coup and the Honduran President (Mel Zelaya) was no longer in the country, but had been "taken away" by this coup.
Since that morning we have heard a number of things. The military removed the President on that day because he was trying to change the constitution so that he could serve more terms . His term is up this November (technically with elections). When they removed him, the leader of the Congress was appointed interim President until the elections. The Honduran President (Zelaya) is now in Costa Rica, intending to return Saturday. The reason he is waiting until this day is because some Central American government coalition told the current military coup/Honduran government that they had until Saturday to decide if they would reappoint Zelaya. If they choose not to, then they will be kicked out of the coalition. There has been some talk that the Honduran military is planning to arrest Zelaya when he gets here.
People have also been talking about those who back Zelaya: Chavez in Venezuela (who allegedly has troops in El Salvador and Nicaragua right now waiting to charge at any minute), Puerto Rico, the UN, and Obama --- pretty much no one is supporting the current government because they don't want to support a coup... and i'm sure there are other reasons tossed about here and there.
As for our safety in Honduras right now, the U.S. Embassy said for Americans to stay put. We (Derek and I) are laying low. And just to be on the safe side, we are staying inside the orphanage. There has also been talk about the military roaming the streets, drafting any man (foreigners included) who is "loitering" and between the ages of 13-30. For this reason, Derek will NOT leave the orphanage at all. And I told him if we feel like the military can get in here, he's hiding under the bed!
In all the chaos and uncertainty, we feel like now- more than ever- is our time to cling to what we know to be true: God's sovereignty. This is why I say we are experiencing a much deeper type of faith than ever before. But it's good for us. We've prayed many hours and both feel a peace about staying. We also know that this timing cannot be merely a coincidence.
Other than that, all is 'business as usual'. I have been assigned to the toddler house and already want to bring some of them back with us. I am there everyday Monday-Friday from lunch until after dinner. In the mornings, after breakfast I help with the dishes in the 'small girls' kitchen. The girls and boys are grouped by sizes here instead of ages: small girls/boys, medium girls/boys, big girls/boys. This is to help eliminate bullying. This also allows the older ones in their groups to step up into some leadership roles. The boys and girls also live on opposite sides of the orphanage and have very little contact with each other (they even sit separate at church with us volunteers in rows between them).
Next week I am supposed to start tutoring 3 girls in English in the mornings. This will not interfere with the duties I already have.
Derek has been super busy! He has been assigned to manual labor which results in cutting grass pretty much every day with a weed-eater (I kid you not)! This is because the land here is so rocky and hilly. He is already getting so dark from being outside all the time. But today he didn't have to chop grass, instead he helped kill and process 425+ chickens! And yes, according to Derek, the chicken does keep moving after it's head is chopped off so you have to hold the body down until it stops. Other than that he is helping in the health clinic before and after he does manual labor.
Between our assignments, soccer and worship team, we stay pretty busy around here! But we also have a lot of down time come 6pm... if we can bare to stay awake much past 8pm. Speaking of, it is WAY past our bedtime!
We Made It!
Well, family and friends, we made it! We arrived safe and sound with all of our luggage on Monday afternoon. We took a bus from Tegucigalpa to the Orphanage (2 hr ride). IT IS BEAUTIFUL HERE! We live in the middle of the mountains. Everywhere you look, there are more and more mountains! It is breathtaking!
Our first day here was interesting. They literally dropped us off at our apartment and said "See you tomorrow." We wanted to go straight to work but they said we needed a few days to get to know the place and adjust. So we walked into our new home, dropped our bags, and stared at each other. We began to unpack. Our apartment is huge! We have 2 bedrooms, one bathromm, a kitchen, and a living room. i'd say it's about 1100 square feet (almost twice the amount of space we had in quaint little place back home). One room we are using for storage but it will come in handy when our family members come to visit! (Get ready for bunk beds, guys). Our bed is made up of two bunk beds put together. Derek has hit his head about 5 times already. Haha. After we settled in, we wondered around and had dinner with the group we rode in with. We were exhausted and went to bed by 7:00. Everyone is asleep around here by 8:30 at the latest.
The second day (yesterday) we met with Katja (the volunteer coordinator) to get our assignments. After visiting for an hour she told us to enjoy a break and she'd let us know by Thursday where she is going to place us (that is tomorrow and we are so anxious to find out). She said I might be helping at the toddler house some days, with the special needs kids other days, and possibly be able to teach a little English in the school. She also wants me to implement a dance class once I'm more comfortable (Sisters, I immediately thought of you two and how much you'd love that as well). Derek might be placed on the farm, doing manual labor, or in the science lab (where kids get help one-on-one). She also wants him to start teaching some of the younger boys baseball once he gets settled. We can't wait!
Since then we have wandered about "Emmanuel" and become more familiar with the kids and our surroundings. We were able to go into town yesterday (literally right outside the orphanage gates) and get some staple food items. It is dfinitely a different world outside those gates than in here. It is beautiful in here and out there it is quite dirty and poor. Still, everyone has been extremely helpful and courteous.
One thing we've had to adjust to is the eating schedule. Since we wake up so early, (the sun is up by 5:00 am and goes down by 6:30 pm) they eat breakfast at 7:15, lunch at 12:00 noon, and dinner at 3:30m... yes, 3:30- that is not a typo! So needless to say, we have had to eat once again around 5 when everyone is winding down for the day because our bodies have had dinner around that time for over 20 years! We've eaten most meals with the children (leche con arroz or cereal for breakfast, soup for lunch, and beans and rice for dinner so far). We might come back looking like sticks! Haha. (Allyson and Robin, don't tell that to Mami or she will worry).
Our internet connection is a bit sketchy so we do not know when we will be able to update, but I will try to once a week. If you don't hear from us, it's probably b/c we couldn't get a connection. I tried to update on our blog (all of this info) but it wouldn't let me... picky thing!
Anyway, please be praying for where God wants us to be placed. Pray for our feet (they are swollen and not used to this heat!), pray for our patience as we try to learn this language, and pray for our overall health as our bodies adjust (one blessing is we CAN drink their water! It is purified at the orphanage but not anywhere else).
We love you all, miss you all, and think of you often!
Our first day here was interesting. They literally dropped us off at our apartment and said "See you tomorrow." We wanted to go straight to work but they said we needed a few days to get to know the place and adjust. So we walked into our new home, dropped our bags, and stared at each other. We began to unpack. Our apartment is huge! We have 2 bedrooms, one bathromm, a kitchen, and a living room. i'd say it's about 1100 square feet (almost twice the amount of space we had in quaint little place back home). One room we are using for storage but it will come in handy when our family members come to visit! (Get ready for bunk beds, guys). Our bed is made up of two bunk beds put together. Derek has hit his head about 5 times already. Haha. After we settled in, we wondered around and had dinner with the group we rode in with. We were exhausted and went to bed by 7:00. Everyone is asleep around here by 8:30 at the latest.
The second day (yesterday) we met with Katja (the volunteer coordinator) to get our assignments. After visiting for an hour she told us to enjoy a break and she'd let us know by Thursday where she is going to place us (that is tomorrow and we are so anxious to find out). She said I might be helping at the toddler house some days, with the special needs kids other days, and possibly be able to teach a little English in the school. She also wants me to implement a dance class once I'm more comfortable (Sisters, I immediately thought of you two and how much you'd love that as well). Derek might be placed on the farm, doing manual labor, or in the science lab (where kids get help one-on-one). She also wants him to start teaching some of the younger boys baseball once he gets settled. We can't wait!
Since then we have wandered about "Emmanuel" and become more familiar with the kids and our surroundings. We were able to go into town yesterday (literally right outside the orphanage gates) and get some staple food items. It is dfinitely a different world outside those gates than in here. It is beautiful in here and out there it is quite dirty and poor. Still, everyone has been extremely helpful and courteous.
One thing we've had to adjust to is the eating schedule. Since we wake up so early, (the sun is up by 5:00 am and goes down by 6:30 pm) they eat breakfast at 7:15, lunch at 12:00 noon, and dinner at 3:30m... yes, 3:30- that is not a typo! So needless to say, we have had to eat once again around 5 when everyone is winding down for the day because our bodies have had dinner around that time for over 20 years! We've eaten most meals with the children (leche con arroz or cereal for breakfast, soup for lunch, and beans and rice for dinner so far). We might come back looking like sticks! Haha. (Allyson and Robin, don't tell that to Mami or she will worry).
Our internet connection is a bit sketchy so we do not know when we will be able to update, but I will try to once a week. If you don't hear from us, it's probably b/c we couldn't get a connection. I tried to update on our blog (all of this info) but it wouldn't let me... picky thing!
Anyway, please be praying for where God wants us to be placed. Pray for our feet (they are swollen and not used to this heat!), pray for our patience as we try to learn this language, and pray for our overall health as our bodies adjust (one blessing is we CAN drink their water! It is purified at the orphanage but not anywhere else).
We love you all, miss you all, and think of you often!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Here We Go!
OH MY GOODNESS!
Two days away! Just getting the last minute details ready and away we go!
The last week has been very busy. Sunday we moved all of our belongings into storage while packing for our trip. Monday we cleaned the entire apartment, and Tuesday we checked out and came to Ardmore to spend some time with family.
We've been to the doctor to get all our meds for the trip (malaria, etc), had our teeth cleaned, and had one last Wal-Mart trip to stock up on other necessities.
Sunday we will take off around lunchtime for the airport, and by 5:30pm we should be on our way to Atlanta. We will stay the night there, then meet up with another group that is traveling to the Orphange for a short-term mission. We will land in Tegucigalpa, Honduras in the early afternoon of Monday. We will travel by bus to Orphanage Emmanuel and then... I have no idea what is next. AH!
Please be praying for our safety as we travel... This is the last time we will update from the U.S. for quite some time! That part hasn't quite sunken in yet.
Two days away! Just getting the last minute details ready and away we go!
The last week has been very busy. Sunday we moved all of our belongings into storage while packing for our trip. Monday we cleaned the entire apartment, and Tuesday we checked out and came to Ardmore to spend some time with family.
We've been to the doctor to get all our meds for the trip (malaria, etc), had our teeth cleaned, and had one last Wal-Mart trip to stock up on other necessities.
Sunday we will take off around lunchtime for the airport, and by 5:30pm we should be on our way to Atlanta. We will stay the night there, then meet up with another group that is traveling to the Orphange for a short-term mission. We will land in Tegucigalpa, Honduras in the early afternoon of Monday. We will travel by bus to Orphanage Emmanuel and then... I have no idea what is next. AH!
Please be praying for our safety as we travel... This is the last time we will update from the U.S. for quite some time! That part hasn't quite sunken in yet.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Getting Ready to Move
We have less than two months until we move! Starting next week I will go to part-time at work and will be able to start organizing things for our time in Honduras.
I cannot believe it is so close! Derek and I made a "to-do" list... it is quite long. There are so many small things that we have to arrange: health insurance, who keeps our 2 cars and insuring them while we are gone, storing all of our belongings, etc.
I also need to dive a little more into Rosetta Stone. I am so worried that I will not learn the language well enough. I know I am able... I am not worried about Derek, which is funny since I am the one with the Latina background!
The picture I have added is the wallpaper on our laptop. It is of the church at Orphanage Emmanuel (I got it online). It reminds me to pray for the orphanage and for our time there each day. I cannot imagine how it will look in real life! I still cannot believe we are really going to be gone for so long. I am overjoyed and a bit scared... not going to lie. But we feel so strongly that this is what the Lord has for us! Praise be to God for His goodness!
We look forward to meeting all of the staff, volunteers, and children that call Orphanage Emmanuel, home. We anticipate finding our home there as well.
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