What do Beds and Iguana's have in common?

The answer to the question asked in this post's title can be found in the blog post from Nick and Denise.  Not much to add tonight to what they have already written. So I'll just include a few pictures to add some color and texture to their commentary. We are all very excited about the opportunities to give beds to families that have children sleeping on dirt floors. It may seam like a small insignificant gift in light of the poverty that is all around us. But for the family and child we help, if will make a remarkable impact.

Sick Day/Healing/Learning

Woke up at 4:30 to meet Montezuma.  He got his revenge.  But, I got mine by taking Cipro and Imodium.  Was only at 60% half of the day, but am feeling almost normal tonight.
Today we did accomplish a lot of work on the beds.  All of the wood is cut, most is stained and one bed is together!  It was good to see the finished product.  We'll deliver the beds later in the week.

As I was sanding with a power sander today, it seemed to me there was a sermon in this job.  I was sanding the rough edges off the wood that won't be seen.  God does that to us-He takes off the rough edges so we can be useful.  The wood that is to be seen and used must be sanded with a much finer paper.  This process takes much longer...for the wood and for us.  But to be used in His Kingdom, it is a necessary process.   Contemplating that tonight.

After we finished working for the day we went out to share our faith in the neighborhood around the Center.  We went with our interpreter, Marcella.  She really paved the way, explaining the Gospel to many people.  We were able to meet people, share our faith and hopefully plant seeds that will later be watered and grow.  The people here are very open to us coming to their homes.  They invite you in, offer you the chair or the bed to sit on and are very friendly.  Most of the homes are not much bigger than my living room (which isn't huge).  One woman has a daughter who is HIV positive and needs a blood transfusion.  Apparently it will cost $60 for 2 pints of blood.  We are going to look into helping her.  Turns out she is a member of the church and one of her grandchildren is sponsored by someone at Cedar Creek (Church).
Another woman needs food for her children-one is malnourished and in the hospital.  It was difficult to understand her whole situation, but we may be able to go back and offer some small assistance to her.  Everyone that we spoke to was given a Spanish Bible, and we were able to pray with/for most of them.
The whole experience was very humbling, almost surreal to be IN one of the places you see on TV (or at least somewhere very similar to the 'starving children' ads that we Americans have often learned to ignore).  They really are starving.  I've met them.

Lastly, I have to comment on the Cedar Creek gang that is down here staying at the same hotel and working on a different project.  They are a great group of kids and leaders, and were bold today sharing their faith.
On the light side, one of the girls bought 2 iguanas last night with plans to cook them up for dinner.  The cooks were willing, but not everyone was happy about that.  The iguanas spent the night on the bus, and by morning they had gotten the rope off of their mouths.  So, dinner was set free out of the back of the bus and I will spend another day not knowing if iguana tastes just like chicken.

Day 5

Today was a lot of hard work. We finally got a bed assembled. Sanding is still not done but should be tomorrow and we should start assembling the rest of the beds that are stained and sealed. We got to go out into the community of Limon and visit with some families. I guess here is what struck me as I was sitting in the homes of strangers. They are just like us except for the fact they invited us into there homes to speak with them. In the U.S. people are put out when someone comes to the door, really for any reason, let alone to share the gospel. Their struggles are just like ours. There wants and dreams are just like ours. They turn a blind eye to Jesus just like many in our culture. Here is maybe the difference I see, Jesus is not on every channel of TV or every radio station. In the U.S. there is really no excuse for not knowing Jesus but here they may not have really heard of or know who he really is. It is Gods servants that bring that message here. So I guess that is one reason Jesus has not returned cause there are still souls to be won, here and at home. Thank you Lord for allowing me to come here and have the eyes of my heart opened.

Today was a work day from Sunrise to Sunset (well not quite sunrise). I told our team before breakfast that today would be all about team work. A long day in hot and humid conditions working together to accomplish a goal. They did not let me down. Everyong worked hard all day and regardless of the task they jumped in an delivered. It was an awesome day of work. We completed cutting all of the boards to size and have 80% of the sanding complete. We have also started staining and sealing some of the boards, but tomorrow we will need to get most of the painting complete, so on Thursday we can start assembly. As Nick mentioned in his blog, Levi took a small group from Elevate and Cedar Creek teams out into some of the poorest of the poor in Honduras. These are the people we are trying to reach with our bed project. The homes they live in are without electricity and are basically built out of sticks, plastic tarps, and other items that as Americans we would throw in the garbage. This family of 5 had come to the attention of GCLA when their youngest was hospitalized for 30 days with Malnutrition. The child is now slowly recovering and the church is helping where they can. The family received a bed from one of the prior teams this year.

A Hard Day's Work

Today was a long day of hard work for the team. I asked them to come together today as a team, work hard in very hot and humid conditions, and stay focused on the goal. They did an awesome job, and completed cutting all of the lumber to size and shape, sanded about 75% of the boards, and started staining some of the pieces. We start again tomorrow, and are on track to complete 12 beds in time to deliver them this week. During the day we also took some time out to play with the children at the Limon day care and nutrition center. A brother and sister were captured on the see saw here.

Just before dinner Levi took several of us from Elevate and Cedar Creek out to see one of the families that were given a bed by the last team. GCLA became aware of this family thru the nutrition center contacts at the hospital. The youngest child was recently hospitalized with malnutrition and the church is doing what it can to help the family recover. The conditions these poorest of the poor live in is hard to believe in the 21st century. It definitely puts our lives of luxury in perspective. They live with no electricity, and a home made of logs and sticks, and pieces of tarp and plastic that would be thrown the garbage by American's. It is heartbreaking to see the conditions of this next generation.

Day 4

Well today was a work hard all day sort of day. We worked on cutting, sanding and staining the bed pieces. Hard work for hard works sake gets you no where. I think that is what God spoke to me. I mean in anything we do if we are not doing it for him and his kingdom then it is really for nothing. What he gives he also can take away. Our Families, our jobs, our hobbies, and our past times are all from God. The work you put into any and all should be to glorify the one that gave them and allows them. I got an opportunity to visit, for the lack of a better word, a lean too. It was a home to a man and wife with 3 little babies. It was made from sticks and tarps.About the size of a small shed.  They cooked with wood, what little they had to cook. My heart wells up with compassion and sadness. As I learned earlier in the trip, thank you Lord for the opportunity to practice your LOVE.

A Day of Giving in Honduras

During our many tour stops today we had 2 very special opportunities to bring donations to support the local teams. During our tour of the nutrition center at Limon, we were able to donate new Kitchen Aid pots, pans, lids, and every imaginable utinsil. This generous gift was made possible thru my brother, Michael, that is an executive at Whirlpool. By the time we left Limon, the cheese cutter and garlic press were already being put to use. This new kitchen area has just been completed and supports meal preparation for the 80 children in the nutrition center and day care center.

In the afternoon we spent time purchasing hand made craft items made by the women of Casa Hogar Vida. The items available include jewlery, handbags and aprons. We were able to bring jewlery beads and stones found during a garage sale walk around our neighborhood, and material from Julies quilting projects. The ladies of the craft store told us that they had just run out of their last bit of material and did not know when they would be able to get more. . . . . Just a coincidence???

Touring

Today we toured, as Nick mentioned.  It was an eye-opener to see the places that we have heard about at Elevate.  Got to see the neighborhood where our church sponsored a house a few years ago.  We've also heard about the orphanage they have there.  They have 2 houses, each will hold 8 children.  Currently they are caring for 6 orphans.   They hope to have over 50 orphans eventually.  Cost is prohibitive at this point, but as I spoke to Frank (one of the church leaders) about it, he explained that they watch for where God is working and use the opportunities as they arise.  I am sure that God will lead more children there.  Frank did say that there is a 93 year old Grandmother  who is taking care of six children....unfortunately, they may need help sometime soon.

At Casa Hogar Vida, a village designed to assist the poorest of the poor and people affected and infected by HIV, they are striving to be self-sufficient.  They have a brick factory, a tortilla factory, women make and sell jewelry and purses and they grow corn.  They plan to continue improving the farming efforts. They also replant trees to keep renewing their resources. Many trees are cut for firewood for cooking to save the expense of gas, but few replant.  The man in charge (Oscar) of many of the operations of 'Casa' has great vision for the self-sufficiency of the community.
There are 39 homes there (some in progress) and they have 400 applications for families that would like to move in.  They are charged a nominal fee for the homes, very affordable, but enough to give the people a sense of pride and ownership.  After they pay for 10 years, the home becomes theirs. The total cost being much less than they would have paid otherwise.
It's really difficult to sum up everything we are seeing here.  But, what I am learning, is that the church here is truly the hands and feet of God.  We have come to serve, but are learning so much about how to serve when we return.  I was not sure how to process the expense of a mission trip...it is very costly.  But, I am beginning to see that the price will be multiplied when we return...if we learn and grow as we should.

Day 3

Day 3 was a great day. We went and toured Limon and Casa Hogar vida. Those children are really where the heart of God is found. What God clearly and loudly spoke to me today was that our dependence should only be on him. He is where all good things come. Dependence on man will only bring destruction. That does not mean we do not lend a hand in Gods plan. It just means we have to ALLOW for people to maintain their  dignity and self worth. Complete handouts bring neither of those. Praise him!















1

Orientation and the Work Begins

Our team was exposed to a brief introduction to the work and challenges of the Iglesia Gran Comision Church in Choluteca. The leadership of the Church asked themselves very early in their development, if they should become involved in social programs. Half of the leadership team said yes, while the other wanted to focus on internal programming and serving the congregation. This is a challenging questions that in my experience most churches are faced with, even if they don't recognize the choice. Why is the church involved in social programs, is it to help those in need, lift up the less fortunate? Yes, it is all of these thing, but for the church in Choluteca it is much more. It was their opportunity and obligation to experience the love of God, by sharing his love thru their engagement, interaction, and love of those in need. WE are his hands and feet, and have been sent to engage the world. Serving others by humbling ourselves challenges and changes our hearts. Social programs are not the answer to solving the worlds problems, it is the practice field for followers of Jesus Christ to find and experience the love of God. For the church in Choluteca, founded in the poorest region, in the poorest country in Latin America, the opportunities to partner with God are everywhere.

Beds

So, we began building beds today-actually just cutting the posts.  Given my carpentry skills and John's willingness to take risks, I cut the wood.  Let's just say that they are all within 1/16, or maybe 1/8 of an inch.  I've purchased worse.
Cody played a little soccer with some of the kids.  These kids know how to play!  And of course, there's not a lot of soccer at Ida.  Let's just say that Cody is learning and having a great time with it. 
One of the best parts of the day was talking to a Mom who has a tiny disabled girl.  She carries her everywhere, always has a smile, and is following God in the midst of many adverse circumstances.  Who is helping who here?  I held little Esther for quite a while.  She is  beautiful, and has a wonderful mother. 
Can't wait for tomorrow.

Day 2

Well day 2 was better then day 1. The biggest thing that I took away is something one of the pastors from the church said. He said social projects are the churches opportunity to practice Gods love. I was blown away by that. I love helping and filling the need but in reality it fills the need in me. God uses these situations to pour back into his children. The people do get something out of it. They get to see Gods love poured out on them but ONLY because he fills us first. We got to start cutting and sanding the wood for the beds. That was great and I enjoy that work. We got to go to a store that is kind of like a SMALL Walmart. Looking forward to day 3. I am really amazed at the beauty of this country!

Baptism at Limon Honduras

Wow!

Not much to add to the travel experience-the other posts sum it up!
The people here are incredibly friendly.  I am so interested in what the church is doing and how they work to help the community.  They are trying to show God's love in many different ways-nutrition, school supplies, transportation, housing, food, all while nurturing the spiritual needs of the people.  This morning we were able to witness 16 baptisms.  Most were young people.  And most were baptized by the people who had an influence on them spiritually, which I think is really cool as opposed to the pastor baptizing everyone.

In a few minutes we leave to go begin building beds.  We have been told that many people/children sleep on the dirt floor.  It rains often, so at night they try to find a dry spot.  I can't even imagine.  The best part I think will be getting to deliver the beds to families, and we actually get to seek people out that need them.

So I have never blogged or wrote anything for that matter. Unless you count what I had to do in college. We had an amazing flight. God was really with us. Then we had an adventure. We had to fit 14 people in a van with all our luggage. Well it did not fit. So, we got a tarp, clamps, and some rope and tied all the luggage to the roof of the van. It is only by the grace of God we have that luggage. That 3 and half hour drive was SCARY to say the least. Dips and turns and sudden stops it was white knuckle to the extreme. I was in the back of the van praying. Well with Gods grace we made it to Choluteca and as we turned down the road to the church one bag started to fall out but alert Cody saw and we stopped and put it back in place. On that car ride God showed me his beauty and majesty even in the face of the worst poverty I have witnessed personally. Thank you Lord.

Travel Day

We made it to Choluteca, but what a wild ride it was.  . . . . .  . But I’m getting ahead of myself.    Leaving from the Flint airport was wonderful.  The staff was friendly, the airport is small so walking to the gate was a snap, and security was. . . . .   well was security.  We arrived in Tegucigalpa with another applause filled landing.  If you have never experienced a landing in Tegucigalpa, Google it.  After clearing immigration and customs there were hugs and greetings as we were met by Frank, Emily, Levi, Edwin, and some new friends.  As we loaded up to our traditional trip to lunch at Pollo Comparo, we discovered that we had to find a way to fit 14 passengers, 8 50 lbs suitcases, 6 carry on bags, and 8 backpacks in a 15 passenger van.  Levi, being the problem solver that he is, made 2 trips to the restaurant and disappeared to gather up 1 large blue tarp, 6 C-Clamps and 100 feet of rope and we lashed the luggage to the top of the van.  The drive to Choluteca was a spiritual white knuckle ride (I’m sure there were a lot of prayers in the back of the van, but from the front seat, it was white knuckle. The heavy rains had created pot hole infested roads as bad as any Michigan Road I have ever seen.  Combining the roads with the normal Honduras driving through the mountains, and making the last hour of the trip after sunset, we were all glad to finally arrive at Iglesia Gran Comision.  We arrived at the church in time to see the last 2 songs of the Saturday evening service.  Edgar performed one of the News Boys hits, and Luis Fernando closed the worship service.  We are all glad to finally be in Choluteca, and are looking forward to our first full day in country.  

Departing from Monroe

What a great looking group.  I could be a little bias.  Our team would like to thank Seth Huff for spending his Friday evening driving us to Flint.  We had a wonderful time having dinner together, played a little Euchre, and watched the Tigers play Colorado. I'm sure the rest of our evenings together will be very different. 

One night in Flint

Met at church today at 4:30...several people were there to pray with us and send us off.
We arrived safely in Flint thanks to Seth's superb driving skills.   Our lives were in his hands, and he maneuvered with great expertise through the Friday 'up North' traffic.
Dinner at Fuddruckers-our last American meal.
Took a walk after dinner and decided that wandering around Flint may not be the best of ideas.  So, adjourned to the room for a game of Euchre.  Julie and I crushed John and Cody...just for the record.
We are looking forward to our early flight-we leave the hotel at 4:30am-head to Atlanta for a short layover and then on to Tegucigalpa, Honduras.  Apparently a difficult airport to land in...wish no one told me that.

After we land we have a 3.5hr bus ride to Chiloteca.  Once there we will attend the Iglisia Gran Comision church.  I'm told that by then I'll be slightly tired.  Long day, but can't wait to get started.
BTW-my friend gave me a red backpack, so Hello Kitty and Justin Bieber will never see Honduras.

Preparations

Ok, so blogging is a big stretch for someone who rarely even looks at Facebook.  But, I want to share this experience with others...the people and businesses who so generously gave of their finances,  those who are committed to pray for us and anyone else who may be curious.

Took a big trip to the Walmart to gather much needed items....wipes, hand sanitizer, candy to share, journal to write in, tissues (apparently you take your own TP), travel size EVERYTHING (which is more expensive per ounce and makes me crazy), bandaids, hydrocortisone cream, Immodium (eek), Tums (yuck), Ibuprofen and more.  Apparently there is not a Walgreens on every corner.  How do they survive?

Also bought a few USA TShirts to give away, and a soccer ball so Cody can get 'schooled' by the local kids.  He figures they will run circles around him, but he is a sport and is willing to try to play.  He is getting pretty excited about the trip. I guess it is time.  We leave for the airport in 16 hours.  Maybe we should start packing... I'm hoping Tori will let me take her Hello Kitty backpack if I promise her a new one for school next year.  It's either that or Justin Bieber.

On the serious side, we are looking forward to God using us to build beds and share His love and Word with people who may not know Him.  If you are inclined, please pray that no moment will be wasted, that we will build relationships, make an impact and come away better able to follow Christ in the world we live in 99% of the time.  We expect God to use this week to help us grow just as much as we expect to help others.
Denise and Cody

Almost ready!

All packed and ready to go!  Hard to believe that in less than 48 hours we will be on an airplane bound for Honduras!  SO excited to travel with this Team of amazing people and see how God works through each of us!