Saturday morning and afternoon events

When I arrived here last Friday I was a bit overwhelmed. On my flight from Atlanta to San Pedro Sula there were at least 50 Americans who were doing missions all over Honduras so I could hear a lot of English on the plane. Customs was a breeze and Maria greeted me with a welcome sign. I jumped in the truck with Maria and brothers Teka and Rolando (none of the three spoke ANY English) for the 3 hour ride to La Paz. (I ended up sleeping most of the way ) When I arrived at the Foundation the kids welcomed me showed me to my room and I had something to eat in the restaurant. I was able to spend the whole next day with the kids and helping Doris. I would say that this was my favorite time while I was here but I can't pick a favorite. Too many come to mind.

Today I slept in for an extra hour to 7 and let me tell you, that extra hour goes a long way. We had "Saturday school" and talked about the good samaritan. After the lesson the older kids went outside the foundation to pick up trash while the little ones did crafts. We had at least 175 people here today. A presentation from Teka and his dance school was a highlight for the crowd. Of course they had the Americanos on the dance floor.

Later in the afternoon we planned a big surprise for the kids. As they all held hands and rounded the corner of the building they were pelted with water balloons from the roof. I am not sure that they have been that surprised by anything in a long time. The screaming was hysterical. Hopefully Ann has some good video.

After a Chinese dinner...... yes I said Chinese........ we had a fiesta and danced and played with OUR children because as Tio Steve explained we are all from the same family, God's family, and always will be no matter where we are our love for them will never go away.

Trust me when I say. I will cry when I leave.

.....Kristi

Saturday Prayers

Saturday, April 10th

Saturday is always a special day at the Foundation. Every week neighborhood children enjoy a community program sponsored by the Children of Love Foundation, which is similar to the Bible School we provided this week. Our story today is about the Good Samaritan and the children will help to clean up the neighborhood as a demonstration of how we can show love for our neighbors. After lunch, we will head to the city park to sing songs about Jesus, and tell about what Jesus is doing at the Children of Love Foundation.. Please pray that the people of La Paz will see the Children of Love Foundation as a place that cares for them with the love of Jesus.

Busy Bee's

Today was a busy day! Early this morning the group was separated into several groups to do some labor around the grounds. One group worked on fixing the bleachers, another group worked in the garden and another worked in the kitchen to prepare the American dinner for tonight. After working from seven to nine we ate a delicious breakfast that consisted of pancakes and orange drink. Later in the day some of us ventured to the Market in Comayagua. Upon returning home we were shuffled out again to watch some of the kids in a soccer and basketball game. Our American dinner tonight consisted of cheese pizza, soda, apple pie & ice cream! The kids loved it! We are all looking forward to another great day tomorrow!

Adios!

Today's Pictures

take et eeezy

I woke up this morning and Brmmmmm. We walked the kids to their school and it was majestic. I was tired so i took a Siesta on the road. Later we bought a lot of lumber to repair the green bleachers. We made some crowns with the ninos and said some prayers. We also ate dinner in the restaurant. I washed my clothes, i mean i had them washed. mucho take it easy.

Thursday Prayer

Thursday, April 8th

Today we share about Noah. Pray that the children understand that it is only God who has the power to save and that He provides all that is necessary to live. We will be helping the children to understand that just as Noah was saved by faith, we are too. That by trusting the Word of God and salvation through Jesus, we can accomplish the tasks God sets before us as a witness to His amazing love.

Wednesday's Events.

Hola mis amigos! Today was definitely a day to remember on our trip. It was full of children, love, a few surprises... we started out early in the morning with a breakfast of french toast (YUMMM), and then a few of us walked the younger ninos to school. Later in the morning, we began our second day of VBS, focusing on Jonah and Whale. All went well, with fun songs, crafts, and games as always. ;)

During the second VBS of the day, Tio Jeremy definitely brought down the house... literally. Jeremy was fixing all the cracks on the roof of the chapel when suddenly it broke from underneath him, right in time for crafts! Luckily he caught himself and was able to pull himself back up. Thank God he wasn't harmed nor anyone of us in the chapel. I'm sure the video will be up on youtube soon enough.... (joke)

Abuelita and Mama Doris's adult womens group is going very well, having even more women than yesterday. Mama Doris was very pleased that there are so many wanting to know and learn about Jesus, and that they want to continue coming.

Looking forward to another fun filled day with the children and teaching them about Jesus! :)

Tia Gail & Tia Ann.

Today's Pictures

Wednesday Prayers

Wednesday, April 7th

The Bible stories today tell the story of Jonah and the Big Fish. Please pray that the message of God's grace and love for all people reaches the children and their families. We will encourage today that the children go home and share this message with their families so also pray that they have the confidence and courage to tell others all that they have heard.

The weather is beautiful this morning. We had a nice group for Jonah and the big fish this morning. A couple in our group are struggling with feeling good so please pray for them. We are trying to record some clips so if you don't catch the live viewing you can watch the recording.

Hola! This morning we woke up with our hugs and kisses from the children. We then walked the kids to school and prepared for VBS. Today was our first VBS and it went awesome. In the morning we had about 30 children. We sang many songs, learned about the big catch of fish, made our own fish, and played lots of games. We talked with the kids on how they can tell others about God and be "fishers of men." To go with the theme, we gave the kids whale crackers that they loved. We then had a little down time before the afternoon VBS. This afternoon, we had about 30 children again. We had a blast! What amazing children! While we had VBS, Abuelita (Audrey) led a Bible study with the mothers who brought their children to the foundation. They really enjoyed having this time to learn more about God. It was such a great opportunity for them to sit together and have their own Bible class.

Tonight it rained, so the kids had to play inside. In the kitchen, we brought in blocks of wood and the kids built with them. We saw who could build the tallest building and built our own houses. We also helped the kids with their homework and read many books. What a great opportunity to sit and talk with the kids! They love the Spanglish!

I have been to Honduras several times and I am still amazed every time by the unconditional love of these children! They open their hearts to us and put their complete trust in us. Words cannot describe what an amazing place this is! It has been so much fun to walk through La Paz and see children that we know on the streets saying Hola Tia or Hola Tio. They too are such a blessing to us! Their excitement in coming to VBS and learning about God is so contagious. It is so neat to see all of these kids grow in their faith through the years! This place is a truly Amazing place!

Buenos Nachos! Hasta Bananas!

Today's Pictures

Tuesday A.M.

28 for morning VBS! There is recorded video at http://ustream.tv/channel/children-of-love-foundation if you missed it!

Buenos Noches

Buenos noches hoy es lunes noches -- Greetings to our brothers and sisters in America from your brothers and sister in Honduras. This morning we were up at 6 am for pancakes and coffee and juice for breakfast and then walked the children from the Foundation to school -- these were the children in the lower grades. The upper grade children did there chores around the Foundation like washing their clothes, sweeping out the rooms, working in the garden. 1/2 of the team went to a plantation owned by Doris and friend Woody to cut down bananas. She also grows coffee plants there. My team came home to fix bags to give to new mothers in the hospital. We had a small snack of fresh fruit - papaya & mangoes when we returned from this 3 hour walk to town.

After a tasty lunch of salsa and tortillas, the older children headed off to school. I couldn't believe I saw Anthony playing soccer in bare feet on a concrete play ground! The team had the opportunity to watch laborious of preparing the coffee bean from the plantation to get ready for sale in the foundation store. I could go on for many pages talking about how hungry these kids are for learning about Jesus their Savior. We have felt your prayers being answered while here so keep them coming & we'll see you all shortly.

Your sister in Christ, Audrey

Monday, April 5th Pictures

Monday morning

It is another warm Sunny day in La Paz. We were up at about 5:30 a.m. to eat some breakfast (pancakes) with the kids. The youngest (K-3) leave at about 6:30 to be at school by 7 a.m. They return home just after noon. The older (4-8) kids leave at noon for a 12:30 start.

Jeremy, Anthony, Ann, Pru & Zeyas drove up to the coffee and banana plantation and cut us a fresh load of bananas. The rest of us walked to the elementary school to donate some supplies and then over the the hospital to give a welcome gift to some newborns and their mothers.

We have some projects and VBS prep this afternoon. Lunch is cheese tortillas with some delicious salsa.

Easter Miracles

It's a wonder.  A marvel.  An extraordinary event.  Today was one of those days.  To hear again the story of how amazing the God of this universe is.  To hear that He cares for us enough to send His Son into this world to become one of us and live the life we live.  To know that Jesus suffered and died and rose again for one purpose:  to have us in heaven with Himself.

This miracle then transforms into the miracles of our every day lives.  The chance to share this love with someone else.  The chance to speak "He is Risen" (Christus a resucitado!) and hear the voice of others who know and understand.  The chance to enjoy all that God gives us in this world even in the midst of trouble.

And it really isn't chance.  It is the Holy Spirit working in us that brings about all these things.  So whether we are in La Paz Honduras or Oviedo Florida, we are sharing this great news with those around us.  So whether we are young or old, we know that ours is a simple, childlike faith.  It is so simple.  For God so loved the world, He sent His one and only son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

We pray that you see this in our mission trip today.  Sharing the Good News while walking in the streets.  Easter egg hunts.  Sitting in the new pool.  Coloring with the children.

What a miracle!  Living life in faith.  Nothing could be better.

Jesus calms the sea!!!

Good Afternoon!

After spending some time in worship this morning, the children went on an Easter egg hunt. They had such a great time! The candy was eaten within minutes and then it all began...... Mama Doris brought down an inflatable pool! Everyone was lurking around, wanting to get in and finally, a group plotted on Teca and threw him in! All the children changed and spent time in the water, including...... Jesus! Actually, Tio Steve just looked like Jesus sitting in the water with the children as they all gathered around him. He was definitely the calm to that storm! haha

We look forward to what the rest of the day will bring. Take a look at the pictures! :)

He is Risen!

This morning we woke up at 4AM to walk through the streets. We sang songs about Jesus's resurrection and shot off fireworks. It was interesting to see the police officer's faces when we shot fireworks off right in front of their station and sang. We also handed out eggs to the people of the town that were filled with cross necklaces. Everyone looked like they enjoyed our singing, and some even sang along. When we got back we stuffed Easter eggs, made breakfast, and sang songs with the kids. We just finished breakfast and now we're looking forward to the church services and the Easter egg hunts. :)

Saturday Evening

We're here! Thank the Lord. We are all safe and sound (and maybe a little sore from sitting so long today!) Nobody sick. Nobody lost. All our luggage arrived.

The flight from Atlanta was delayed for luggage, then a bunch of planes trying to take off but we got in the air about an hour late. There was a little turbulence on the flight but otherwise okay. The end result was that we didn't leave the SAP airport until about 1 p.m.

The drive turned out to be interesting too. Because of the HolyDay, there was a lot of traffic. Some of the nice motorcycle police decided that to keep things safe they would escort traffic for about 20 miles (too bad it was at about 20 mph). Then a traffic jam in Cumoyagua had us take the 'shortcut' to La Paz and..... So, the 3 hour drive ended up being a little over 4 and 1/2 hours. (So after sitting in airports for 3 hours, planes for 6 hours and 4 hours on a bus, well.....)

The extra time did let us buy a 14 slices of watermelon ($3) and then pineapple ($1) and a final stop for some cookies and water.

Just got the Internet working after a couple issues. (10:21 p.m. EST)

We were greeted when we arrived with a special banner for Abuleta (Grandma Audrey) and then the other children carrying both the Honduran and American flags. We had lots of hugs from the kids and then unloaded the bus.

We had a great supper tonight of chicken empanadas in the restaurant. After supper, we were entertained with a medley of spanish and english songs including Amazing Grace and How Great Thou Art.

We then did get some things unpacked and ready for the Easter Egg hunt in the morning. There is rain in the area so we probably won't make the 3 a.m. walk through town.

Well, my brain (and my bottom) need to go to bed. We are all looking forward to celebrating Easter here tomorrow! May the Lord bless your celebration and worship!

Today's Pictures

In Atlanta

We are all safe and sound in Atlanta. We have about an hour and 45 minutes before we leave for San Pedro Sula. We will post again about 5 p.m. Eastern time when we arrive at the foundation.

Saturday Prayer Request

Saturday, April 3rd

Today we are traveling to La Paz, Honduras.  We left the church parking lot at 4:30 this morning, and should be arriving at the Children of Love Foundation at about 8:00 P.M. We will be tired, but also excited about what is ahead. Please pray for our save travel as we embark and that the Lord would work through us to be examples of His love. Also, please pray that the Lord would prepare the hearts of the people we encounter in Honduras, to receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Saturday Morning

It's 5:30 a.m and we are all sitting comfortably waiting for our flight to Atlanta.  Everything thing is on time and we only lost 6 lbs of Peanut Butter and a couple pounds of jelly in a bag check/carry on switch.  Pray for smooth flights!