AMIGOS by Rommel Osmani Ramos
(Verse 1) AMIGOS YO LES QUIERO CANTAR
Friends, I want you all to sing
ESTA CANCION PARA PARTICIPAR
This song to join in
LLEVANDO ESTE MENSAJE A LOS AMIGOS
Carrying this message to friends
QUE TODOS JUNTOS LUCHEMOS POR LA PAZ
That all together, we fight for peace
(Coro.) POR QUE ESTE MUNDO ANDA DESCONTROLADO
Because this world spins out of control
NO HACEMOS NADA EN BIENESTAR COMUN
And we do nothing for the common good
PORQUE LAS DROGAS LOS TIENEN ATRAPADOS
Because many are trapped by drugs
Y ES IMPORTANTE QUE NO TE METAS TU
Its important you don't let that happen to you
(Verse 2) TANTAS OFERTAS QUE HAY SE NOS PRESENTAN
With Composer, Hurst BartleyMany temptations are presented us
A MAS DE ALGUNAS TU TIENES QUE LLEGAR
Many more will you have to come
PUES REFLEXIONA ANTES DE QUE LOS ACEPTES
But think carefully before you accept them
Y YA NO PIENSAS IGUAL QUE LOS DEMAS
And don't think like all the rest (Don't always follow the crowd?)
(Verse 3) FELICITO A TODO EL GRUPO DE JOVENES
I congratulate all the youth group
PORQUE ESTAN TODOS COMPROMETIDOS CON DIOS
Because the are all in relation with God
Y ES UN APOYO PARA TODA LA IGLESIA
And it supports the entire church
Y SON EJEMPLO PARA TODOS LOS DEMAS
And is an example for all the rest
(Coro.) POR QUE ESTE MUNDO ANDA DESCONTROLADO
Because this world spins out of control
NO HACEMOS NADA EN BIENESTAR COMUN
We know nothing of the common good
PORQUE LAS DROGAS LOS TIENEN ATRAPADOS
Because many are trapped by drugs
Y ES IMPORTANTE QUE NO TE METAS TU
It’s important you don't let that happen to you
(Verse 4) AMIGOS YO LES QUIERO INVITAR
Friends I want to invite you all
A UN RINCONCITO AQUI EN MI CORAZON
To a little corner here in my heart
ORANDO POR TODOS, TODOS LOS QUE SUFREN
Praying for all, all who suffer
Y VAN POR LA CALLE CON GRAN DESILUCION
And take to the streets with great disillusionment
Friday, December 7, 2007
Reflections
As this year comes to a close, I am reflecting on the impacts our mission team had on the community of San Jose. We have had the chance to present a review of our mission twice to our church and once to another church with future presentations during the upcoming lenten season also to another church that is going to send a team to San Jose in 2008. Bringing the word of God to our focus group - the teenagers of San Jose, was a challenging opportunity and completely rewarding experience. God's plan was far greater than our own and was clearly working in this community before we arrived. We came up with this idea of holding a religious lip sync contest and it blossomed almost majically into "Evento Musical Cristiano" - which was grande by the way. The organizer from the community posted a sign at her home store that said - [Attend without Fail] - and they did! 200-300 Daily for 5 days in horrible (to us) heat. It was amazing to meet the boys that were touched by the word of God and attending church with them. To see the community supporting each other - across the board - all the different Christian faith churches. Chatting with the leaders of the church's and hearing about the challenges they face in their lives. Exposing children with talents that no one knew they had - giving them a forum to express their beliefs openly and honestly in such a creative manner. Being invited to pray WITH people in clearly desperate situations, praying for people that asked us for needed prayers, praying for people that didn't know we were praying for them. The connection to Christ was clear in the lyrics that were submitted to us by teens - most of them tell their own stories of how the Lord helped them or how they searched for and found Him. Sharing our testimonies and encouraging everyone that attended the daily events to look to the bible for answers to the most difficult times in our lives. Leaving behind 200 bibles for their community. During the week, we were emphasizing the promises of God: God loves you, knows you, is with you, treasures you, and forgives you. It will truly be a week that none of the teenagers, their family and friends or our team will ever forget. Experiencing the love of God is everlasting.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Bill
Well, he did not drive to Honduras, but he is heading for another very hot and humid place for basic training. We're thinking of you! You should at least be able to drink the water this time.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Monday, June 25, 2007
Excerpts from my Journal
After being back a week now I'm back into the routine of working etc. and Honduras seems really distant. Like it happened a much longer time ago and not just last week. Its ironic to me because when I resolved to go on the mission originally I thought I was doing it to reach out and help the people there and maybe to teach them something but in the end it was I who learned from them and from the other members of our team and what people are capable of when put in unusual circumstances. The people of San Jose live under conditions that we would certainly consider harsh. Most live in hovels with dirt floors, no plumbing, no electricity, inadequate health care and limited opportunities for education. Yet I can tell you that God is unmistakably present there. I don't think I have ever felt as close to God as I did while I was there. The people of San Jose are aware that they don't have the advantages we do yet they don't complain and they support one another and they are very closely knit. I almost envy them their innocence - their unguarded openness and their lack of pretensions. I am not naive, I'm sure there are bad elements there as there are in all places, but I can say that whatever there is that is bad there is overwhelmingly outshined by the kindness and generosity of the majority who we came in contact with.
Following are some excerpts from my journal from day one. I will try to post excerpts from the following days as I have time.
DAY ONE - Friday 6/8/07
This was going to be a long day! Up at 2:30 to catch the flight to Houston. We arrived at the airport at 4:00AM. I can't remember if we ever had the entire team assembled in one place before but here finally was everybody together. Alisa, Dave Dellinger from Bellefield Church, Mike, Kim, the Kuriger contingent - Sandy, Ashlea and Billy, Erik, Kelly (who had received here passport only hours before and of course yours truly. Also there was Irene Frederick to help us check in. What a pleasant surprise! Before we went through security she led us in a heart felt prayer. Isn't it funny how all feeling and emotion is magnified when you know you are on the verge of something extraordinary? That's how that prayer felt to me. Thank you Irene.
I will not bother with details of the flights. Suffice it to say that it was a long ride. When we arrived in San Pedro Sula we were in another world. No one spoke english and our contact was not to be found. We hauled our 1000 pieces of luggage to the front of the airport and started looking for Medardo, our contact from Shoulder to Shoulder. We finally connected with him and started our ride up the mountain to San Jose. Here was our first contact with the Honduran people. Accompanying us were our translators whom we got to know very well. Johanna- Medardo's daughter, Gabriella (Gabby), Yudi, Carlos and Paolo. All aged 14 except for Johanna (18). Also accompanying us were 2 policemen with machine guns. It was a long, hot, bumpy ride up the mountain and our truck kept breaking down but we were all exhilarated so it didn't really matter. Finally our truck would go no more so we went to switch trucks and Kim took a little tumble. She was scraped up but in one piece so first aid was administered and we continued on our way. There was no place for 10 people to sit so Mike, Kelly and myself stood up the rest of trip up the mountain holding on to a rail attached to the cab of the pickup truck, facing forward and yelling "Ola" to countless Honduran children we passed on our trip up. I think somebody has a photo of Mike with his arms outstretched doing his Leonardo DiCaprio "I'm the King of the World!" impression. (You had to be there). It really was a surreal experience sailing up the mountain bumping and bouncing around that dirt road. Kind of like the Steel Phantom at Kennyood but without the harness. Then all of sudden there we were at Shoulder to Shoulder Clinic just like in the pictures. We had our carryon bags but all of our luggage was still in the broken truck and did not arrive for several hours. When it finally came we all set up our beds and then gathered at the picnic tables along the side of the clinic where we were soon joined by several local children. Sandy, Kelly, Ashleah and Alisa started drawing pictures with them and more kids kept coming in. I think we had at least 20 or more that showed up. Where were their parents? This turned out to be a common sight. The kids just roamed freely at any age and whoever was in the vicinity would look out for them. Some of these kids would turn up in the talent contest later in the week. We also met Don Fidel that night, the president of the health committee. I had the guitar out and he played it a little. He spoke no english so I tried to talk to him in Spanish. I think he might have actually understood some of what I said. Either that or he has mastered the polite smile while thinking "what is this crazy Gringo trying to tell me?"
I was really feeling sticky so I went to take what would turn out to be the coldest shower of my life. How can water be that cold and still be flowing? As soon as it hit me it knocked the breath out of me and I gasped hard thereby introducing some of the dreaded local water into my mouth! We had all been vehemently warned by Dave and Alisa not to let any of the untreated water in our mouths or eyes. My natural way of taking a shower makes this kind of difficult, especially when the water temperature is approaching absolute zero. However I did eventually attain some semblance of cleanliness and so I returned to the porch where we had a sleepy debrief and all turned in. We had been up for 20 grueling hours. Since there was no electricity and therefore no light, we all wore these LED headlamps that strap to your head. They look pretty goofy but work great. I climbed in under my mosquito netting and tried to go to sleep although it was still pretty warm and Carlos and Paolo were chattering in Spanish. I got some earplugs from Dave which helped alot and proceeded to get a pretty good nights sleep - until the roosters started crowing at 3:00AM.
Next Post - Day two
Following are some excerpts from my journal from day one. I will try to post excerpts from the following days as I have time.
DAY ONE - Friday 6/8/07
This was going to be a long day! Up at 2:30 to catch the flight to Houston. We arrived at the airport at 4:00AM. I can't remember if we ever had the entire team assembled in one place before but here finally was everybody together. Alisa, Dave Dellinger from Bellefield Church, Mike, Kim, the Kuriger contingent - Sandy, Ashlea and Billy, Erik, Kelly (who had received here passport only hours before and of course yours truly. Also there was Irene Frederick to help us check in. What a pleasant surprise! Before we went through security she led us in a heart felt prayer. Isn't it funny how all feeling and emotion is magnified when you know you are on the verge of something extraordinary? That's how that prayer felt to me. Thank you Irene.
I will not bother with details of the flights. Suffice it to say that it was a long ride. When we arrived in San Pedro Sula we were in another world. No one spoke english and our contact was not to be found. We hauled our 1000 pieces of luggage to the front of the airport and started looking for Medardo, our contact from Shoulder to Shoulder. We finally connected with him and started our ride up the mountain to San Jose. Here was our first contact with the Honduran people. Accompanying us were our translators whom we got to know very well. Johanna- Medardo's daughter, Gabriella (Gabby), Yudi, Carlos and Paolo. All aged 14 except for Johanna (18). Also accompanying us were 2 policemen with machine guns. It was a long, hot, bumpy ride up the mountain and our truck kept breaking down but we were all exhilarated so it didn't really matter. Finally our truck would go no more so we went to switch trucks and Kim took a little tumble. She was scraped up but in one piece so first aid was administered and we continued on our way. There was no place for 10 people to sit so Mike, Kelly and myself stood up the rest of trip up the mountain holding on to a rail attached to the cab of the pickup truck, facing forward and yelling "Ola" to countless Honduran children we passed on our trip up. I think somebody has a photo of Mike with his arms outstretched doing his Leonardo DiCaprio "I'm the King of the World!" impression. (You had to be there). It really was a surreal experience sailing up the mountain bumping and bouncing around that dirt road. Kind of like the Steel Phantom at Kennyood but without the harness. Then all of sudden there we were at Shoulder to Shoulder Clinic just like in the pictures. We had our carryon bags but all of our luggage was still in the broken truck and did not arrive for several hours. When it finally came we all set up our beds and then gathered at the picnic tables along the side of the clinic where we were soon joined by several local children. Sandy, Kelly, Ashleah and Alisa started drawing pictures with them and more kids kept coming in. I think we had at least 20 or more that showed up. Where were their parents? This turned out to be a common sight. The kids just roamed freely at any age and whoever was in the vicinity would look out for them. Some of these kids would turn up in the talent contest later in the week. We also met Don Fidel that night, the president of the health committee. I had the guitar out and he played it a little. He spoke no english so I tried to talk to him in Spanish. I think he might have actually understood some of what I said. Either that or he has mastered the polite smile while thinking "what is this crazy Gringo trying to tell me?"
I was really feeling sticky so I went to take what would turn out to be the coldest shower of my life. How can water be that cold and still be flowing? As soon as it hit me it knocked the breath out of me and I gasped hard thereby introducing some of the dreaded local water into my mouth! We had all been vehemently warned by Dave and Alisa not to let any of the untreated water in our mouths or eyes. My natural way of taking a shower makes this kind of difficult, especially when the water temperature is approaching absolute zero. However I did eventually attain some semblance of cleanliness and so I returned to the porch where we had a sleepy debrief and all turned in. We had been up for 20 grueling hours. Since there was no electricity and therefore no light, we all wore these LED headlamps that strap to your head. They look pretty goofy but work great. I climbed in under my mosquito netting and tried to go to sleep although it was still pretty warm and Carlos and Paolo were chattering in Spanish. I got some earplugs from Dave which helped alot and proceeded to get a pretty good nights sleep - until the roosters started crowing at 3:00AM.
Next Post - Day two
Post Honduran Thoughts!!!!
I was, speechless, to say the very least when I returned. I was shocked at how we live as Americans, as I think alot of us were.
When we first arrived in San Pedro Sula, I was initially fooled by the selfishness of some of the people. (I.E. the people helping us move the luggage) It didn't really help much of anything when I realized we were being escorted by 3 or 4 police with m-16's. Needless to say, I doubt anyone even THOUGHT of robbing or kidnapping us. Goodness, I was a good guy, and I was still scared to look the wrong direction. However, we arrived up the hill...haha hill...I mean mountain, I learned very quickly how amazingly sweet the people are (and how beatiful they are too!!! I got back to pittsburgh and I was like dang, we just got smacked by the ugly stick...twice!!!)
As soon as you arrived, they were at YOUR service, and thought nothing of it. We actually had to be very careful showing our appreciation. Three measly dollars to Americans is 57 of their dollars (which are called Lempiras). So, while, with laundry for example, we had to watch ourselves, to not actually give much of anything for a tip, because they would actually get OFFENDED by it, you will never find that in America. We have more, but never the less, we want more too. One thing that I personally need to work on, and honestly WANT to work on, is just being happy with what I have. My measly salary at Starbucks, is amazing amount of money to alot of them. (If I were in Honduras, I'd be making 6 figures...what now?! hahahaha)
Basically, we have alot to learn from the world. Alot of Americans think we need to run around and change the world and make life better for everyone else, but really, it ends up being the other way around. They change OUR world and make OUR world better.
And coming from a music standpoint, the vocal talent down there was decievingly high. I saw the town at first, and honestly, I did not expect too much true talent to come out of there, but if they were in America, there voices would take them very far.
So, to the amazing people of Honduras, Thank you. They can't read that, but, nonetheless.
Once again, i'm crying. haha.....
But as I said earlier, (or meant to, not sure if I did) None of this would have happened if Alisa hadnt gotten the fire started.
Alisa, God Bless her, no matter how many times she makes this trip, I dont think she humbled any less, quite the contrary actually, I think it humbles her even MORE everytime she flies down. I am impressed by her true devotion to God, and the community of San Jose. We all made connections with the community, but she truly is an honorary member of that impressive community, and you can tell anyone who has met her, just adores her. Its amazing, walking down the street with her hearing..."ALISIA, ALISIA!"
There is one girl, however, who truly loves her, Rosario. With Alisa's help, and support, in just one year, she has truly come out of a shell, and just sang her heart out at the contest. I could see Alisa crying as she performed. Good Gravy, Im sitting her crying just THINKING about it.
Alisa, Thank you for your help and support, Gram said it the best as she called you our fearless leader. Love ya lots, Alisa!
So for anyone in the church who was skeptical about the trip, or thought it wouldn't work, take it from me, this trip was hands down THE MOST amazing experiance ever, and so much more was accomplished than we could have ever imagined, and believe me, we didnt do the true life changing. We provided alot of Material items, and we helped provide spiritual help too, but when it came to true spiritual moving, they did all the grunt work, and I am going to try my hardest to go back to Honduras next year, and who knows, maybe I'll expand and go other places, but theres alot of good that I can do, but at the same time, there's alot of good that the "misfortuned" can do for me.
Gloria a Dios, and God Bless all of you.
All my love,
Bill
When we first arrived in San Pedro Sula, I was initially fooled by the selfishness of some of the people. (I.E. the people helping us move the luggage) It didn't really help much of anything when I realized we were being escorted by 3 or 4 police with m-16's. Needless to say, I doubt anyone even THOUGHT of robbing or kidnapping us. Goodness, I was a good guy, and I was still scared to look the wrong direction. However, we arrived up the hill...haha hill...I mean mountain, I learned very quickly how amazingly sweet the people are (and how beatiful they are too!!! I got back to pittsburgh and I was like dang, we just got smacked by the ugly stick...twice!!!)
As soon as you arrived, they were at YOUR service, and thought nothing of it. We actually had to be very careful showing our appreciation. Three measly dollars to Americans is 57 of their dollars (which are called Lempiras). So, while, with laundry for example, we had to watch ourselves, to not actually give much of anything for a tip, because they would actually get OFFENDED by it, you will never find that in America. We have more, but never the less, we want more too. One thing that I personally need to work on, and honestly WANT to work on, is just being happy with what I have. My measly salary at Starbucks, is amazing amount of money to alot of them. (If I were in Honduras, I'd be making 6 figures...what now?! hahahaha)
Basically, we have alot to learn from the world. Alot of Americans think we need to run around and change the world and make life better for everyone else, but really, it ends up being the other way around. They change OUR world and make OUR world better.
And coming from a music standpoint, the vocal talent down there was decievingly high. I saw the town at first, and honestly, I did not expect too much true talent to come out of there, but if they were in America, there voices would take them very far.
So, to the amazing people of Honduras, Thank you. They can't read that, but, nonetheless.
Once again, i'm crying. haha.....
But as I said earlier, (or meant to, not sure if I did) None of this would have happened if Alisa hadnt gotten the fire started.
Alisa, God Bless her, no matter how many times she makes this trip, I dont think she humbled any less, quite the contrary actually, I think it humbles her even MORE everytime she flies down. I am impressed by her true devotion to God, and the community of San Jose. We all made connections with the community, but she truly is an honorary member of that impressive community, and you can tell anyone who has met her, just adores her. Its amazing, walking down the street with her hearing..."ALISIA, ALISIA!"
There is one girl, however, who truly loves her, Rosario. With Alisa's help, and support, in just one year, she has truly come out of a shell, and just sang her heart out at the contest. I could see Alisa crying as she performed. Good Gravy, Im sitting her crying just THINKING about it.
Alisa, Thank you for your help and support, Gram said it the best as she called you our fearless leader. Love ya lots, Alisa!
So for anyone in the church who was skeptical about the trip, or thought it wouldn't work, take it from me, this trip was hands down THE MOST amazing experiance ever, and so much more was accomplished than we could have ever imagined, and believe me, we didnt do the true life changing. We provided alot of Material items, and we helped provide spiritual help too, but when it came to true spiritual moving, they did all the grunt work, and I am going to try my hardest to go back to Honduras next year, and who knows, maybe I'll expand and go other places, but theres alot of good that I can do, but at the same time, there's alot of good that the "misfortuned" can do for me.
Gloria a Dios, and God Bless all of you.
All my love,
Bill
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Day Two...back in the states...
Hola Amigos,
I'm much better today, a good night sleep did wonders for me - making coping with the kids "overall loudness" much easier. Yesterday was a very bad day, ending in tears over the fact that Ross announced after he got home that they moved my beloved elderly neighbor to Chicago - no opportunity to say goodbye. A call to my Mom for support (yes I'm 40 and I still need Mom - I'm so blessed to have her) and all is well and back to "normal".
A little girl (about age 7?) with down's syndrome made herself at home on my lap today for about a half hour while at the YMCA, she was just full of love. Reminded me of the potential of the little down's syndrome baby that came to the clinic struggling for life last week...thank you God for that reminder - to keep praying for the mother of that little 6 pound, 2 month old - half the size it should be - praying that formula came and he's gaining some weight. The mother is trying to keep him alive, it's a good thing. God bless Carmen, the nurse, who is looking after that child and his mother as well as the health committee.
There are several others for people to lift up in prayer. One woman that Sandy mentioned in her blog was asking for prayer for her two son's - one whom left is wife for another woman and another that left home with no reason. Another woman came asking for help for her sick father that needed to get to the hospital, needing food and overwhelmed by the recent death of her mother. A drunk teen that showed up at the first day of our music ministry, the son of an alcoholic and one of the 11 brothers of the down syndrome baby. The men that stole one of our mission supply bags and for the former "bad boys" of San Jose, that they continue their faith journey started just about two months ago with the idea of our music ministry/festival.
Thanks to all that prayed for our mission team, they were heard, answered and felt. - Alisa
I'm much better today, a good night sleep did wonders for me - making coping with the kids "overall loudness" much easier. Yesterday was a very bad day, ending in tears over the fact that Ross announced after he got home that they moved my beloved elderly neighbor to Chicago - no opportunity to say goodbye. A call to my Mom for support (yes I'm 40 and I still need Mom - I'm so blessed to have her) and all is well and back to "normal".
A little girl (about age 7?) with down's syndrome made herself at home on my lap today for about a half hour while at the YMCA, she was just full of love. Reminded me of the potential of the little down's syndrome baby that came to the clinic struggling for life last week...thank you God for that reminder - to keep praying for the mother of that little 6 pound, 2 month old - half the size it should be - praying that formula came and he's gaining some weight. The mother is trying to keep him alive, it's a good thing. God bless Carmen, the nurse, who is looking after that child and his mother as well as the health committee.
There are several others for people to lift up in prayer. One woman that Sandy mentioned in her blog was asking for prayer for her two son's - one whom left is wife for another woman and another that left home with no reason. Another woman came asking for help for her sick father that needed to get to the hospital, needing food and overwhelmed by the recent death of her mother. A drunk teen that showed up at the first day of our music ministry, the son of an alcoholic and one of the 11 brothers of the down syndrome baby. The men that stole one of our mission supply bags and for the former "bad boys" of San Jose, that they continue their faith journey started just about two months ago with the idea of our music ministry/festival.
Thanks to all that prayed for our mission team, they were heard, answered and felt. - Alisa
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Monday, June 18, 2007
"Re-entry" Experiences
Hola Amigos and Amigas!
Mike said it well, that we needed a good "decompressing" after our emotional long days and short nights during the mission and going to Copan was certainly a great start, got us about half way home with some of the comforts of home, and we had a lot of laughs in those last two days - mostly remembering funny things that happened during our attempts at speaking the language. The humor of our team members got us a through a bit of tension over being in such close quarters with each other (especially a brother and sister) and I really appreciated everyone hanging in there and coming up with some great "one-liners" that we'll not soon forget.
Now we get back to reality....Riding home in the plane yesterday, I was already noticing all the abundance we have in the states. Coming home after an experiences like this makes you think a lot about the differences we have in our lives versus the people of San Jose. We were about to land in Houston, so we could see the layout of the land pretty well and I was struck by the number of pools in the backyards of every house in the "cookie cutter" communities. What a shame it seemed to me that their "communities" enjoy their privacy so much that they can't share a community pool, and instead fence themselves in and built each their own private pools - eliminating the communication of neighbors and friends - so unlike the community of San Jose, where there is no privacy and they all interact with their neighbors daily and take care of each other's needs and share their lives. Makes me sad to think in my own community I barely talk to some of my own neighbors. I felt embarassed that none of us could remember the last name of one of the girls at our church - that wouldn't happen in San Jose.
Ashleah pointed out to me the big screen tvs in the airport advertising tourism in Pittsburgh - things we really don't "need" - excess. I told her she will be noticing a lot of stuff like that in the coming days and weeks. We have too much, they have too little. All of the team hopefully will be acutely aware of their surroundings and feeling very blessed to have been born in the United States. There will be all kinds of emotions we will be feeling, so continue praying for our mental state. Dealing with feelings of sadness, guilt, shame, missing our new friends we have just made and longing to go back when in reality it may be a very long time and for some of us never. Thank goodness for our happy memories and pictures and being able to communicate over the internet.
It almost seemed strange to me as I drove Paige to a check appointment for her ear surgery this morning at 9 to get in my car (after not driving for 10 days) and then go through an automatic car wash and return home and use the automatic garage door opener. we have life so easy here. simple things, like drinkable tap water and hot water to wash your hands with - awareness and appreciation - it's a good thing. It's fun to get to share stories with family on our cell phones again and we'll be exchanging photos soon and putting a slide show presentation together for the church on July 1st, so this mission is not over, the message continues and there is more work to be done. We have 9 more songs to have music composed for - it's exciting - the future...we're all thinking, "What else can we do to help now?"
My happy reunion with the kids this morning was short lived. Allison was first to come into my bedroom at 7:30 and showed up with eyes swollen shut with crust - nurse Mom and dr. Dad to the rescue...never a dull moment at our house. Then after several long loving hugs and lots of kisses, Dad was off to work and trinkets were given, next we were off to our routine of getting to a doctor appointment at 9 a.m.
The most trouble I had to today was at lunch when familiar attitudes began..."I don't want to eat that!" Then the lecture...there are starving children who would be very happy to have food on their plates followed by more complaining and whining....I'm so disgusted with their spoiled comments that I leave, I come back to find the food has been scraped into the garbage can - anger sets in - WASTE on top of complaints! Being yelled at disrespectfully after not having been for 10 days is like a slap in the face. "Welcome back Mom/Hurray! Our short order cook and maid is back!" It's like finger nails on a chalkboard to hear the kids fighting with each other. Bo yelled so loud at Paige walking out of the hospital that a woman commented that it hurt her ears! How embarassing. So much for peaceful surroundings. Makes the children of San Jose seem like angels (and I believe they are). Ugh...where did I go wrong? I love my kids, but it's been a trying day. Just part of "re-entry".
Behind all those hard feelings are great ones of how amazing God's plan was for our mission - far greater than our own. Trying to keep life in perspective. Love to all - Alisa
Mike said it well, that we needed a good "decompressing" after our emotional long days and short nights during the mission and going to Copan was certainly a great start, got us about half way home with some of the comforts of home, and we had a lot of laughs in those last two days - mostly remembering funny things that happened during our attempts at speaking the language. The humor of our team members got us a through a bit of tension over being in such close quarters with each other (especially a brother and sister) and I really appreciated everyone hanging in there and coming up with some great "one-liners" that we'll not soon forget.
Now we get back to reality....Riding home in the plane yesterday, I was already noticing all the abundance we have in the states. Coming home after an experiences like this makes you think a lot about the differences we have in our lives versus the people of San Jose. We were about to land in Houston, so we could see the layout of the land pretty well and I was struck by the number of pools in the backyards of every house in the "cookie cutter" communities. What a shame it seemed to me that their "communities" enjoy their privacy so much that they can't share a community pool, and instead fence themselves in and built each their own private pools - eliminating the communication of neighbors and friends - so unlike the community of San Jose, where there is no privacy and they all interact with their neighbors daily and take care of each other's needs and share their lives. Makes me sad to think in my own community I barely talk to some of my own neighbors. I felt embarassed that none of us could remember the last name of one of the girls at our church - that wouldn't happen in San Jose.
Ashleah pointed out to me the big screen tvs in the airport advertising tourism in Pittsburgh - things we really don't "need" - excess. I told her she will be noticing a lot of stuff like that in the coming days and weeks. We have too much, they have too little. All of the team hopefully will be acutely aware of their surroundings and feeling very blessed to have been born in the United States. There will be all kinds of emotions we will be feeling, so continue praying for our mental state. Dealing with feelings of sadness, guilt, shame, missing our new friends we have just made and longing to go back when in reality it may be a very long time and for some of us never. Thank goodness for our happy memories and pictures and being able to communicate over the internet.
It almost seemed strange to me as I drove Paige to a check appointment for her ear surgery this morning at 9 to get in my car (after not driving for 10 days) and then go through an automatic car wash and return home and use the automatic garage door opener. we have life so easy here. simple things, like drinkable tap water and hot water to wash your hands with - awareness and appreciation - it's a good thing. It's fun to get to share stories with family on our cell phones again and we'll be exchanging photos soon and putting a slide show presentation together for the church on July 1st, so this mission is not over, the message continues and there is more work to be done. We have 9 more songs to have music composed for - it's exciting - the future...we're all thinking, "What else can we do to help now?"
My happy reunion with the kids this morning was short lived. Allison was first to come into my bedroom at 7:30 and showed up with eyes swollen shut with crust - nurse Mom and dr. Dad to the rescue...never a dull moment at our house. Then after several long loving hugs and lots of kisses, Dad was off to work and trinkets were given, next we were off to our routine of getting to a doctor appointment at 9 a.m.
The most trouble I had to today was at lunch when familiar attitudes began..."I don't want to eat that!" Then the lecture...there are starving children who would be very happy to have food on their plates followed by more complaining and whining....I'm so disgusted with their spoiled comments that I leave, I come back to find the food has been scraped into the garbage can - anger sets in - WASTE on top of complaints! Being yelled at disrespectfully after not having been for 10 days is like a slap in the face. "Welcome back Mom/Hurray! Our short order cook and maid is back!" It's like finger nails on a chalkboard to hear the kids fighting with each other. Bo yelled so loud at Paige walking out of the hospital that a woman commented that it hurt her ears! How embarassing. So much for peaceful surroundings. Makes the children of San Jose seem like angels (and I believe they are). Ugh...where did I go wrong? I love my kids, but it's been a trying day. Just part of "re-entry".
Behind all those hard feelings are great ones of how amazing God's plan was for our mission - far greater than our own. Trying to keep life in perspective. Love to all - Alisa
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Morning in Copan
Buenas Dias Todos! I have picked up a few phrases in Spanish and am trying to use them as often as possible. I've definitely nailed, Hola, Si and Adios. It's 7 a.m. in Copan, I'm so used to this routine, that I can' sleep in. Traveling to Copan from San Jose was uneventful, we were dropped off at a souvenir shop and said our final goodbyes to the health committee members after a tearful goodbye to the ladies and a few kids from San Jose as well as the interpretors. I think we all bought something. Then MC Tours picked us up in an AIR CONDITIONED van! Wow, did that feel good. We have done a complete 180 and are feeling a little guilty and spoiled. I keeping thinking of all the things we did the last week and how much fun we had - the truly special times. The hotel is beautiful and the weather is cool and a little rainy. Dinner last night was delicious and all but Kim went dancing at the discoteque - it was a lot of fun - everyone got on the dance floor - including Erik - who we love to call Enrique. Looking forward to seeing the Mayan Ruins this morning and learning more about the amazing history of the people here. Love to all and I can't believe I am saying this, but see you tomorrow! - Alisa
Friday, June 15, 2007
Copan, Continued!
Hey all!
Just finished up most of my last full day in Copan! It's a beautiful little town, however, it is very crowded, and drivers apparently dont understand that if peole are in the street, you need to stop!!!
But other than that, we are all having a great time. I've started to collect crosses from down here, they stuff they make by hand is just beautiful.
We spent most of this morning in the Copan Ruins. It was pretty interesting, and very hot. Apparently the Mayans forgot to put shade into their vast domains! None the less, though, they were beautiful. They didn't have any metal tools, but the designs were amazingly detailed...i was dumb founded...After that, we all just walked around the town of Copan, had a nice Lunch, and bought stuff!!
All and all, this trip was the most amazing experiance I've ever had, and it ended up being alot more fulfilling, and sucessful than I ever could have imagined. I thank God for this oppertunity and cannot wait until I can come back. I feel like I am a part of that community, and leaving was the hardest part of the trip, and certainly the most tearful!
Its also amazing how close this team has gotten. Sure, being that it is close quaters we got irritated, but all and all, we are SOOO close, and I really dont think I could have asked for a better team.
So, now, Im just hanging out in the hotel, and relaxing until dinner.
Hurst sends his love, and Alisa, Kelly, Erik, Dave and Kim are about to go swimming...in the rain....Hay Locos!!!
Once again, thank you all for your prayers, thoughts and support, This team loves you all very much.
See you all tomorrow night....
Gloria a Dios!
Bill
Just finished up most of my last full day in Copan! It's a beautiful little town, however, it is very crowded, and drivers apparently dont understand that if peole are in the street, you need to stop!!!
But other than that, we are all having a great time. I've started to collect crosses from down here, they stuff they make by hand is just beautiful.
We spent most of this morning in the Copan Ruins. It was pretty interesting, and very hot. Apparently the Mayans forgot to put shade into their vast domains! None the less, though, they were beautiful. They didn't have any metal tools, but the designs were amazingly detailed...i was dumb founded...After that, we all just walked around the town of Copan, had a nice Lunch, and bought stuff!!
All and all, this trip was the most amazing experiance I've ever had, and it ended up being alot more fulfilling, and sucessful than I ever could have imagined. I thank God for this oppertunity and cannot wait until I can come back. I feel like I am a part of that community, and leaving was the hardest part of the trip, and certainly the most tearful!
Its also amazing how close this team has gotten. Sure, being that it is close quaters we got irritated, but all and all, we are SOOO close, and I really dont think I could have asked for a better team.
So, now, Im just hanging out in the hotel, and relaxing until dinner.
Hurst sends his love, and Alisa, Kelly, Erik, Dave and Kim are about to go swimming...in the rain....Hay Locos!!!
Once again, thank you all for your prayers, thoughts and support, This team loves you all very much.
See you all tomorrow night....
Gloria a Dios!
Bill
Copan!!!!
Hola!
This is Bill, Erik, Alisa, Dave and Kelly.
We are all sitting around here blogging on my account.
Basically, We arrived in Copan, around 5:00. And we had the coffee tour around 1:30. Being a coffee master, I loved it!!!
Copan and the rest of honduras is VERY beautiful, and we miss everyone very much.
Jason, Kelly says she loves you, and she can't wait to see you on Sunday, and she misses you a whole lot....*Muah!* (that kiss was from kelly, not me, i swear!!)
Ross, Alisa says she loves and misses you and the children.
Pam, Erik misses you and sends hugs and kisses!!!!!
This is Bill, Erik, Alisa, Dave and Kelly.
We are all sitting around here blogging on my account.
Basically, We arrived in Copan, around 5:00. And we had the coffee tour around 1:30. Being a coffee master, I loved it!!!
Copan and the rest of honduras is VERY beautiful, and we miss everyone very much.
Jason, Kelly says she loves you, and she can't wait to see you on Sunday, and she misses you a whole lot....*Muah!* (that kiss was from kelly, not me, i swear!!)
Ross, Alisa says she loves and misses you and the children.
Pam, Erik misses you and sends hugs and kisses!!!!!
Flight Information
This is Mark Benjamin posting under Kim's login
(when I checked the blog at home it was still logged in as Kim-giving me posting power)
The flight information I have is:
San Pedro Sula, Honduras to Houston
CO 763 arrives in Houston 3:47 PM on Sunday
They leave Houston at 4:25 PM arriving PIT at 8:32 PM on
CO 2021
(when I checked the blog at home it was still logged in as Kim-giving me posting power)
The flight information I have is:
San Pedro Sula, Honduras to Houston
CO 763 arrives in Houston 3:47 PM on Sunday
They leave Houston at 4:25 PM arriving PIT at 8:32 PM on
CO 2021
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Spreading God's Word Through Music
This is Ashleah and Sandy
There is a beautiful little girl that has been at our musical presentations everyday. I have just fallen in love with her. She has stolen my heart because she is cross eyed. I pray and wish that God would help me find a way to help her. Also a women named Gladys Matel has asked us to keep her sons in our prayers. One has left his wife and the other has left home. She has no idea where he is butwants us to pray for both of them to return home.
The impact we are having on the people here is becoming more apparent everyday. Because of our music ministry two boys that were once town rebels are now on the verge of becoming Christians. The children in the village love us. There is a twelve year old little girl who gave Ashleah a braclet that was a gift to her and she follows Ashleah everywhere.
Now on to the less serious!!! There are dogs everywhere including church services and all of our music events. It would not be the same without them. You know how much I "LOVE" dogs!! We are supporting the local stores by buying their pepsi and Ranchitos (another version of Doritos).
We are now preparing for our last full day in San Jose, which is tomorrow. We will leave here Friday morning. Then we are off to Copan.
Please keep all the people of San Jose in your prayers and for our safe return home.
Love to All - Thanks for checking our blog every morning Kara and Gram.
There is a beautiful little girl that has been at our musical presentations everyday. I have just fallen in love with her. She has stolen my heart because she is cross eyed. I pray and wish that God would help me find a way to help her. Also a women named Gladys Matel has asked us to keep her sons in our prayers. One has left his wife and the other has left home. She has no idea where he is butwants us to pray for both of them to return home.
The impact we are having on the people here is becoming more apparent everyday. Because of our music ministry two boys that were once town rebels are now on the verge of becoming Christians. The children in the village love us. There is a twelve year old little girl who gave Ashleah a braclet that was a gift to her and she follows Ashleah everywhere.
Now on to the less serious!!! There are dogs everywhere including church services and all of our music events. It would not be the same without them. You know how much I "LOVE" dogs!! We are supporting the local stores by buying their pepsi and Ranchitos (another version of Doritos).
We are now preparing for our last full day in San Jose, which is tomorrow. We will leave here Friday morning. Then we are off to Copan.
Please keep all the people of San Jose in your prayers and for our safe return home.
Love to All - Thanks for checking our blog every morning Kara and Gram.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Touching Lives
This is Hurst signed in under Dave. We are all doing well and having a great time. We really have not had any significant difficulties although as I sit here I can hear that the boys have discovered a giant spider in the boys dorm. They want me to come chase it out but since I am posting I delegated the job to Dave.
What an incredible experience this has been so far. We have all been moved by the sensitivity and passion of these people. The music ministry has clearly made an impact on the community and its obvious that this program has been a big deal here. The youth of the town have spent a lot of time practicing their pieces and they are all hugely talented. It has been so much fun that our interpreters want to form a group and participate on thursday.
This morning 3 women who have been cooking for us and watching pur practices and prayers asked if they could sing two hymns to us. One of them, Alejandrina, said she had been thinking last night about us and found the two hymns, one a salute to missionairies and one about the importance of families and relationships. they sang them to us and they were just wonderful. They sang unhesitatingly, clearly with passion and confidence. We can all learn something from these people because although they are not rich in a material sense they show a spiritual and familial contentment that transcends the physical and sets an example for all of us. They care deeply about each other.
So much for the philisophical. We are having fun and adjusting to the heat and lack of creature comforts quite well. There has been no real complaining. The kids have been great and our interpreters a blessing. Thats all for now. See you all back in Sewickley.
Hurst
What an incredible experience this has been so far. We have all been moved by the sensitivity and passion of these people. The music ministry has clearly made an impact on the community and its obvious that this program has been a big deal here. The youth of the town have spent a lot of time practicing their pieces and they are all hugely talented. It has been so much fun that our interpreters want to form a group and participate on thursday.
This morning 3 women who have been cooking for us and watching pur practices and prayers asked if they could sing two hymns to us. One of them, Alejandrina, said she had been thinking last night about us and found the two hymns, one a salute to missionairies and one about the importance of families and relationships. they sang them to us and they were just wonderful. They sang unhesitatingly, clearly with passion and confidence. We can all learn something from these people because although they are not rich in a material sense they show a spiritual and familial contentment that transcends the physical and sets an example for all of us. They care deeply about each other.
So much for the philisophical. We are having fun and adjusting to the heat and lack of creature comforts quite well. There has been no real complaining. The kids have been great and our interpreters a blessing. Thats all for now. See you all back in Sewickley.
Hurst
Monday, June 11, 2007
Greetings from Honduras
This is under Kelly's blog, but Mike is sending it.
First we apologize for not sending more frequent blogs. We planned to send two a day, but because of limited computer availability and our busy schedule ( and I mean this), we just haven't been able to. We have a couple evening church services and have to shut down the computer by 8:00 PM because of the noice the generator makes. But we will blog when we can.
Today we had our second music ministry event. It was great, better than yesterday for a lot of reasons. Mostly because we actually know what we're doing and also because we feel more comfortable with our surroundings and the people. Because of advanced notice by Gladys, a local church activist, each day this week we have a two hour show at the local community center. Five groups and five individuals from the five local churches, lip sync to music. We are to judge them and we hand out prizes. We also do our own music with Billy on keyboards and Hurst and Kelly on guitar. Our interpreters also join in. We also read scripture and give a little testimony. Yesteray was OK, but today we seemed to be a big hit.
Our group, despite it's eclectic makeup really functions wonderfully as a group. I think the big surprise for us is that our interpreters, five kids aged about 13 to 17, have become a close integral part of our group. They are great kids, a lot of fun, help us enormously and make us all laugh. They have really taken to Billy, Eric and Ashleah.
We are all working hard, very hard on our Spanish song lyrics, but having fun doing it.
We are all well; no injuries; and no illnesses, particulary internally which we were all worried about. We all miss you but none of us have any regrets about coming to do what we are doing.
We have found out from Gladys that our presence and our music has actually had a positive influence on the youth of the community, which makes our mission successful.
We are all thinking of you.
Mike Swaney
First we apologize for not sending more frequent blogs. We planned to send two a day, but because of limited computer availability and our busy schedule ( and I mean this), we just haven't been able to. We have a couple evening church services and have to shut down the computer by 8:00 PM because of the noice the generator makes. But we will blog when we can.
Today we had our second music ministry event. It was great, better than yesterday for a lot of reasons. Mostly because we actually know what we're doing and also because we feel more comfortable with our surroundings and the people. Because of advanced notice by Gladys, a local church activist, each day this week we have a two hour show at the local community center. Five groups and five individuals from the five local churches, lip sync to music. We are to judge them and we hand out prizes. We also do our own music with Billy on keyboards and Hurst and Kelly on guitar. Our interpreters also join in. We also read scripture and give a little testimony. Yesteray was OK, but today we seemed to be a big hit.
Our group, despite it's eclectic makeup really functions wonderfully as a group. I think the big surprise for us is that our interpreters, five kids aged about 13 to 17, have become a close integral part of our group. They are great kids, a lot of fun, help us enormously and make us all laugh. They have really taken to Billy, Eric and Ashleah.
We are all working hard, very hard on our Spanish song lyrics, but having fun doing it.
We are all well; no injuries; and no illnesses, particulary internally which we were all worried about. We all miss you but none of us have any regrets about coming to do what we are doing.
We have found out from Gladys that our presence and our music has actually had a positive influence on the youth of the community, which makes our mission successful.
We are all thinking of you.
Mike Swaney
Sunday, June 10, 2007
First Day of Music Ministry
Hey everyone!! This is Erik. After a two hour church service last night, I was skeptical about going to another this morning, but it was a lot shorter. The real news is our first day of Music ministry was today. I think it went extremely well; the different groups and soloists were amazing. It was so hard judging the groups on their performance. I'm looking forward to the next few days of seeing the different performances. Today the whole town seemed as though they were packed into one room. The heat was almost unbearable.--------Erik
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Hondurus....holy crow!
Hey All!
It's partly through day two, It's about 12:30 here, and I just woke up from a nap after our lunch, and I have been recording notes all day to do for this blog.
So, everyone hears about roosters on the farm and all that jazz, but you dont really know how annoying they are until you wake up to them at 3:30.....3:35, etc, etc....Get the picture?!
6:20 Rolled around with Erik trying to get me to go jogging. The night before I totally had every intention on doing it, but, 6:20 rolled around, and...yeah, that didnt happen....
So, I finally get out of bed because breakfast was at 7:00, and I wanted to be clean...
So, I got into the shower...Man alive, if that doesnt wake you up...you're HOPELESS....The water is freezing.....it would have been warmer to have bathed in the sink!!!!
So, I went through the cold shower extravaganza, and jump out, hoping to get dried off...I look out and see an older lady just standing tehre sweeping.."Bueno!" she calls out! then from me you hear..."GOOD LORD!" as I fumble back into the shower. Apparently, privacy is nothing here haha. Although, I do hear talk of Mike ENJOYING the cold showers?
Now, breakfast, Pancakes, and pineapples, Ok, Scott Family, and Jason, Listen to this...kelly LOVED the pineapple down here. News to you guys too?
Not much happened throughout the rest of the day until now, Erik and I have been walking into town a couple of times.
This is something Alisa wrote up about the lip sync contest we were hoping to produce:
"Great news about the "Lip Sync" contest - the community loves the idea - they prepared stuff for every day for us and have 5 teams of ten people each - one from each church doing two songs each - they are the main attraction and we are the intermission act - We are thrilled - some of the kids don't even attend church - we are praising God!"
Thanks Alisa, for writing that up!
Thank you all for your support, and prayer. I miss everyone and cannot wait to see all of you next week!!
Billy
It's partly through day two, It's about 12:30 here, and I just woke up from a nap after our lunch, and I have been recording notes all day to do for this blog.
So, everyone hears about roosters on the farm and all that jazz, but you dont really know how annoying they are until you wake up to them at 3:30.....3:35, etc, etc....Get the picture?!
6:20 Rolled around with Erik trying to get me to go jogging. The night before I totally had every intention on doing it, but, 6:20 rolled around, and...yeah, that didnt happen....
So, I finally get out of bed because breakfast was at 7:00, and I wanted to be clean...
So, I got into the shower...Man alive, if that doesnt wake you up...you're HOPELESS....The water is freezing.....it would have been warmer to have bathed in the sink!!!!
So, I went through the cold shower extravaganza, and jump out, hoping to get dried off...I look out and see an older lady just standing tehre sweeping.."Bueno!" she calls out! then from me you hear..."GOOD LORD!" as I fumble back into the shower. Apparently, privacy is nothing here haha. Although, I do hear talk of Mike ENJOYING the cold showers?
Now, breakfast, Pancakes, and pineapples, Ok, Scott Family, and Jason, Listen to this...kelly LOVED the pineapple down here. News to you guys too?
Not much happened throughout the rest of the day until now, Erik and I have been walking into town a couple of times.
This is something Alisa wrote up about the lip sync contest we were hoping to produce:
"Great news about the "Lip Sync" contest - the community loves the idea - they prepared stuff for every day for us and have 5 teams of ten people each - one from each church doing two songs each - they are the main attraction and we are the intermission act - We are thrilled - some of the kids don't even attend church - we are praising God!"
Thanks Alisa, for writing that up!
Thank you all for your support, and prayer. I miss everyone and cannot wait to see all of you next week!!
Billy
Friday, June 8, 2007
Clarification
Hello Everyone! We're all enjoying the sights and sounds of San Jose. Excited to share our experiences. Just a quick comment, Kim did not exactly spill from the truck, it was stopped and we were unloading everybody and she lost her footing on the road after she got off the truck - but all is well. Love to all. - Alisa
We've Arrived...safe and sound!
Thank you for your prayers for our safe trip. All went well, the flights were great and customs wasn't bad either! It's been a long day though... we're all pretty tired from getting up so early and traveling.
Once in Honduras, we were greeted to hot weather with our interpretors and our trucks waiting for us! We all hopped into the back of a pick up truck, with our luggage in another! This is where our trip truly began!!
The trip up the mountain was beautiful...hot, but beautiful. Our truck however, had some clutch problems.... we had to switch trucks with our luggage truck, and it just arrived during dinner....and by the way, dinner was awesome! Already we feel so welcomed by San Jose. Everybody was waving as we pulled up. The women of the village were cooking when we got here, and we've already met, and have been playing with the kids, learning their names and getting to use our 'rough' Spanish!!!
Kim had a bit of a spill from the truck, but is doing just fine. We cleaned her up and she is back on her feet. Not to worry Mark, she's in good hands, scraped knee and elbow, that's all! She got up off the mountain laughing!
Keep praying for our mission team. We are ready willing and able to get in touch with the San Jose residents!
Monday Ashleah, Sandy and I (so far) are going to school!!! We asked the girls if we could go with them and they agreed!
Take care in los estados unidos!!! We love you all!! It's going to be a great week!!!
J- Have fun at Kenny Chesney!! Miss you already and love you bunches!
Love,
Kelly
Once in Honduras, we were greeted to hot weather with our interpretors and our trucks waiting for us! We all hopped into the back of a pick up truck, with our luggage in another! This is where our trip truly began!!
The trip up the mountain was beautiful...hot, but beautiful. Our truck however, had some clutch problems.... we had to switch trucks with our luggage truck, and it just arrived during dinner....and by the way, dinner was awesome! Already we feel so welcomed by San Jose. Everybody was waving as we pulled up. The women of the village were cooking when we got here, and we've already met, and have been playing with the kids, learning their names and getting to use our 'rough' Spanish!!!
Kim had a bit of a spill from the truck, but is doing just fine. We cleaned her up and she is back on her feet. Not to worry Mark, she's in good hands, scraped knee and elbow, that's all! She got up off the mountain laughing!
Keep praying for our mission team. We are ready willing and able to get in touch with the San Jose residents!
Monday Ashleah, Sandy and I (so far) are going to school!!! We asked the girls if we could go with them and they agreed!
Take care in los estados unidos!!! We love you all!! It's going to be a great week!!!
J- Have fun at Kenny Chesney!! Miss you already and love you bunches!
Love,
Kelly
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
keep those prayers coming!
No passport yet... Hopefully tomorrow. There is still hope!
Yes, I am the problem child who still doesn't have her passport...
But, beyond that, I am so excited to be missioning with this group from SUMC, and Bellefield!! I feel so blessed to be able to go, and that I have such great support from my family and friends. I'll take lots of pictures to share when we get back.
This has been an amazing 5 1/2 months, between deciding to go, raising money, spending time at fundraisers, learning so much about my team, and myself, and now I just can't wait to get there!!
San Jose or Bust!!!!
Yes, I am the problem child who still doesn't have her passport...
But, beyond that, I am so excited to be missioning with this group from SUMC, and Bellefield!! I feel so blessed to be able to go, and that I have such great support from my family and friends. I'll take lots of pictures to share when we get back.
This has been an amazing 5 1/2 months, between deciding to go, raising money, spending time at fundraisers, learning so much about my team, and myself, and now I just can't wait to get there!!
San Jose or Bust!!!!
So, Im volunterring at the library, and Im a little bit bored......
So, I just wanted to take this oppertunity to thank everyone involved with this trip. Whether you are going, or if you are helping here on the "home front."
Every little bit helps and I feel alot closer to the church again.
So, Thank you all again, and I love you all very dearly. Except Kelly. She's mean. haha joking, Love ya kels!
So, I just wanted to take this oppertunity to thank everyone involved with this trip. Whether you are going, or if you are helping here on the "home front."
Every little bit helps and I feel alot closer to the church again.
So, Thank you all again, and I love you all very dearly. Except Kelly. She's mean. haha joking, Love ya kels!
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Holy Crow! I'm goin to Honduras
So, wow, I'm going to Honduras
In the US, we gripe about everything, Gas Prices, prices of food, Gas prices again, what we look like...more gas prices....(seeing a trend with the gas)
When you think about it, yeah, gas prices DO suck, but at least we have cars to cruise around in, and we have jobs, and amazing chances to make GREAT things of ourselves, and we can travel, and we can eat, and drink (non-alcoholic drinks!) as much as we want. However, we are about to be thrown into a culture where, it isn't like that at all. We can get into our cars, or jump on the bus and go downtown, out of our area as much as we want, They however cannot. Everyone who goes to town, gets in a truck crazy early and gets back around dinner time. Please, don't think I'm bashing the people from Honduras, quite the contrary, we have gotten so used to our pampered lives, that, a lot of us, (me included) cannot function without our computers, or our cell phones, or our cars. But they do. Im not positive, but I don't think it really bothers them all that much at all. They don't think about it. Granted, I will most likely never completly change my ways, but I am SO excited to finally get a shot at making so much better of a person out of myself.
Wow, I dont really know where that was going, so, yeah, I'm gonna peace out for now and get ready for shift two...gahh!
See ya!
In the US, we gripe about everything, Gas Prices, prices of food, Gas prices again, what we look like...more gas prices....(seeing a trend with the gas)
When you think about it, yeah, gas prices DO suck, but at least we have cars to cruise around in, and we have jobs, and amazing chances to make GREAT things of ourselves, and we can travel, and we can eat, and drink (non-alcoholic drinks!) as much as we want. However, we are about to be thrown into a culture where, it isn't like that at all. We can get into our cars, or jump on the bus and go downtown, out of our area as much as we want, They however cannot. Everyone who goes to town, gets in a truck crazy early and gets back around dinner time. Please, don't think I'm bashing the people from Honduras, quite the contrary, we have gotten so used to our pampered lives, that, a lot of us, (me included) cannot function without our computers, or our cell phones, or our cars. But they do. Im not positive, but I don't think it really bothers them all that much at all. They don't think about it. Granted, I will most likely never completly change my ways, but I am SO excited to finally get a shot at making so much better of a person out of myself.
Wow, I dont really know where that was going, so, yeah, I'm gonna peace out for now and get ready for shift two...gahh!
See ya!
Packing
Last night we packed up our supplies in 10 bags and trunks of 50 lbs each. We're taking a whole bunch of spanish bibles and children's books. Also toothbrushes, combs, first aid kits, fingernail clippers, tweezers (can you imagine trying to get a splinter out with a machete? -- they do that!) , sunglasses, bandanas...and more! So many little things we take for granted are hard to come by there. Thanks to everyone who donated and helped us purchases these things.
Friday, June 1, 2007
Honduras Mission Team Member Thoughts
Hello!! My name is "Funky" Sandy Kuriger, a member of the SUMC Honduras Mission Team.
I just wanted to let everyone know how excited I am, along with our team, about going to Honduras. When we first started planning this mission, six months seemed like a life time but it was actually like a "blink" of the eye. Our team has worked very hard preparing for this mission. We did alot of fundraising and I would like to thank all our family, Church Family and friends for all their generous support. We have a "fabulous" music ministry prepared for the young adults and hope to touch their hearts.
We are going to be faced with alot of "unknowns" in another culture but we are sure God will be with us and use us as a tool for him. We have a "fearless" leader in Alisa Lenhart, who has gone above and beyond to get this mission off the ground. Thank you Alisa!!! What more could you ask for??
This has been a dream of mine, it seems forever, to be a part of a Mission Team. Now, that dream has come true!!!! I hope and pray that I can live up to God's expectations of me on this mission.
Please keep the SUMC Mission Team in you prayers.
I just wanted to let everyone know how excited I am, along with our team, about going to Honduras. When we first started planning this mission, six months seemed like a life time but it was actually like a "blink" of the eye. Our team has worked very hard preparing for this mission. We did alot of fundraising and I would like to thank all our family, Church Family and friends for all their generous support. We have a "fabulous" music ministry prepared for the young adults and hope to touch their hearts.
We are going to be faced with alot of "unknowns" in another culture but we are sure God will be with us and use us as a tool for him. We have a "fearless" leader in Alisa Lenhart, who has gone above and beyond to get this mission off the ground. Thank you Alisa!!! What more could you ask for??
This has been a dream of mine, it seems forever, to be a part of a Mission Team. Now, that dream has come true!!!! I hope and pray that I can live up to God's expectations of me on this mission.
Please keep the SUMC Mission Team in you prayers.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Welcome to our Blog
Thank you for visiting our Blog spot. We have been preparing our mission for 6 months now and have been very busy with planning and fundraising. I'm so excited that we will be in San Jose one week from tomorrow. Just a little background, doctors have been visiting this village every six months for 9 years, beginning the year that Hurricane Mitch nearly wiped San Jose off the map. A Presbyterian Church group from Oakland has been visiting once a year for the past 4 years. This is the first time a group from our church - The Sewickley United Methodist Church has ever visited this village.
Our focus group in this small village of 1500 is on the young adults ages 16-24. We have prepared a music ministry with daily themed music and scripture to share. Our overall program consists of presenting God's promises: God Loves You, God Knows You, God is With You, God Treasures You and God Forgives You. During our God Treasures You themed day, we are taking on the challenge of teen issues like those of teens here in the United States - I like to call it "Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll". Basically educating them about the dangers of self destructive behaviors from a Godly perspective.
Our team consists of one organist, two guitarists and a total of 10 singers willing to share a part of their lives in an effort to bring the youth of the village to Christ. We've made a tremendous effort to learn close to 30 songs in Spanish and are fulfilling God's commandment to "spread His word to all the nations". In some cases we may help renew their faith and give them support and strength to carry on in their impoverished village. We are like the third leg of three legged stool. The doctors from UPMC that come every six months take care of their bodies and minds (see www.shouldertoshoulderpgh.org for more information) and we are here to give the support needed by the holy spirit to be complete.
We will also be doing some construction work and learning a lot about a completely different culture. San Jose a place without clean water, plumbing or electricity, but filled with beautiful people who are kind enough to welcome us into their world.
Visit our blog for daily updates from our team members, two people each day will sign on to give an update. Please pray for our safety, guidance and strength to get through what will be an exhausting week.
Our focus group in this small village of 1500 is on the young adults ages 16-24. We have prepared a music ministry with daily themed music and scripture to share. Our overall program consists of presenting God's promises: God Loves You, God Knows You, God is With You, God Treasures You and God Forgives You. During our God Treasures You themed day, we are taking on the challenge of teen issues like those of teens here in the United States - I like to call it "Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll". Basically educating them about the dangers of self destructive behaviors from a Godly perspective.
Our team consists of one organist, two guitarists and a total of 10 singers willing to share a part of their lives in an effort to bring the youth of the village to Christ. We've made a tremendous effort to learn close to 30 songs in Spanish and are fulfilling God's commandment to "spread His word to all the nations". In some cases we may help renew their faith and give them support and strength to carry on in their impoverished village. We are like the third leg of three legged stool. The doctors from UPMC that come every six months take care of their bodies and minds (see www.shouldertoshoulderpgh.org for more information) and we are here to give the support needed by the holy spirit to be complete.
We will also be doing some construction work and learning a lot about a completely different culture. San Jose a place without clean water, plumbing or electricity, but filled with beautiful people who are kind enough to welcome us into their world.
Visit our blog for daily updates from our team members, two people each day will sign on to give an update. Please pray for our safety, guidance and strength to get through what will be an exhausting week.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
