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3月27日 Wind, School, and Rock BandGreetings from Honduras!
My first week back on the Isla de Santa Elena (Helene) has come and gone. Strong easterly winds are thrashing about the palm trees while thankfully keeping the heat and bugs at bay. During my nightly security walk-about the wind nearly blew me off the boat dock!
Today we held our second community meeting bringing us one step closer to the formation of a school board for the island's only Bilingual Christian school. Nineteen islanders attended the meeting, representing six of our island's seven unique communities. There's a lot of work ahead of us, but I'm excited that in time the islanders will gain the know-how and confidence to manage their school. Aside from the school board, I'm beginning to focus my attention on planning this year's school curricula and teacher training with the help of Mrs. Sheila Benson. Thankfully, Sheila's island experience coupled with the previous work of some very special and passionate people should make for a smooth process (namely Emily Benson!). The unique challenges of preparing a curriculum for a diverse pool of learners in a completely different cultural context is daunting. But I have the confidence that comes from my savior Jesus Christ that what's in our Father's will, shall be done!
On a side note, I had my first "Rock Band" session with our close islander friend "Ewings" (AKA You-You). Ewings was taught how to drum the real way by former Team Helene member Camas Frey, so he made quick work of picking up the Rock Band chops. In his own words and with a big smile Ewings said, "That [Rock Band] is a good click." Translated...he likes it alot.
I know, you're thinking...Rock Band in Honduras? We have been very blessed with being able to bring some of our American creature comforts down here to Helene. You should have seen my luggage, if I could have fit a Wisconsin dairy cow in my checked baggage I would have moooved it on down here. I digress.
My room is more-or-less settled into, however as of yet not "scorpion-proof". Anybody got a can of "Right Stuff" and Raid? Alas, the duty of scorpion-control will have to fall upon my gecko roomates. To be honest, I haven't seen one in my room yet (scorpions that is).
So until next time, I'll leave you with our school's Scripture verse:
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11
Be well and God bless
3月21日 Hello HeleneGreetings from Helene!
The last several months stateside have been full of many blessings. Fellowship with family and friends were abundant as I prepared to return to Honduras for a more lengthy residence. Our team gathered anew in Honduras on Saturday, March 14th. Larry, Sheila, Deirdre, new team member David, and myself spent several days in planning and acclimation on Roatan prior to our arrival on the Isla de Santa Elena . There were many highlights of this time, but one in particular was the opportunity to go snorkelling in Half Moon Bay of West End. I wish I knew more about southern Caribbean marine life as it was abundant amidst the coral reef we visited. It was amazing! On Wednesday, after an arduos taxi-ride followed by a briefer-than-usual boat ride we were greeted with many smiling faces who were genuinely appreciative of our long-awaited return to Helene.
After renewing relationships with friends and forging some anew, we delved into the many tasks of getting our facilities up and running. Islanders Ewings and Bye-Bye did a great job of holding down the fort while the team was off-island as there was little problem in quickly getting electricty and water flowing again. On Thursday we held a community meeting at the clinic in which we addressed the future of the English school and the medical clinic. The meeting, attendance, and feedback have all been extremely encouraging! An exciting development involves the island's communities selecting representatives to serve on a community school board. This school board will oversee all aspects of the Helene English Christian School with help from our team. Therefore, my teaching and teacher training responsibilities will not begin until this school board is selected and begins the important task of shaping the school's future. In all honesty, I am enjoying being able to "ease" into life back here on Helene and not jump right into a classroom full of students!
Yesterday I helped (albeit minimally) in the medical clinic as a receptionist and medical assistant (weight, blood pressure and heart rate). Today former Team Helene member Paul is arriving from the U.S. to spend a couple weeks training David in the electrical, desalination, and general maintenance systems of our facilities. I still need to devote some time to unpacking and figuring out my living arrangements.
Throughout all of these events and endeavors God has been so good in providing to our every need. From safe travels to meals and accommodations, He has held us in His hands! Thank you for everyone's prayers and financial support and especially to my family for the care and support while I "loitered" back in the states. Thanks most of all to our heavenly Father for His mercy and grace, and too my Lord and savior Jesus Christ for pouring out His love to me. 12月2日 Winter WonderlandGreetings from the frozen tundra,
I returned to Wisconsin on Saturday night after a long day of delay-filled travels. Thanks to God though, as my journey could have been much worse, as many flights were cancelled on Sunday. It has been good to see my parents and today I was able to visit with my sister Tanya and her family in Fort Atkinson. My cat, Obi, has fattened considerably during my absence, in part due to his now thicker winter coat. He really is a fat cat as compared to the mauger (skinny) cats of Helene.
Sunday night snowfalls necessitated Monday morning snow blowing... and my hands are still in the shape of the snow-mowers handlebars. My daily entertainment now includes watching my cat wrastle with my parents' dog, Barney, and grumbling about the inadequacies of the Green Bay Packers. A cold glass of real milk has tasted good, as well as two flavors of Ben and Jerry’s. A hot shower, which had eluded me for two months, was also a blessing to me and those in my company (sniff...sniff).
I'm now in the process of trying to find a new church and a job, at least until if and when I return to Helene. I ask for your prayers that God reveal His plan for me and my immediate future, and that He provide me with the wisdom and discernment to recognize His calling.
Be well and God bless 11月27日 The Long and Winding RoadGreetings from Helene,
If tomorrow had a theme song, perhaps it would be "The Long and Winding Road", or maybe "Leaving on a Jet Plane". This should be my final posting from Honduras. I will be steaming down island tomorrow morning and then boarding a plane to fly home on Saturday morning. Our list of to-do's dwindles, our personal things packed, and our farewells nearly all bid.
I wish each of you a happy Thanksgiving; may your gatherings be blessed by the Father, your company embraced in the loving arms of Jesus Christ, and your cups overflowing with the Holy Spirit. Please pray for travel mercies for myself, Brandy, Camas, Deirdre, and Emily as we take to the sea, road, and air for our long days of travel ahead. Please also remember in your prayers the many missionaries who will not be "home" for the holidays as they answer the call to God's Great Commission.
I intend to continue posting upon my return to Wisconsin, so I hope you continue to follow my adventures, whether foreign or domestic. Thank you for being a part of this journey. Some of you I will see soon enough, and others, sooner still. In parting, I'd like to share some verses that I've often reflected on during my time on Helene:
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our savior Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us." Romans 5:1-5
This passage warms my heart every time I read it. I pray that this message has found a special place in yours today.
Be well and God bless
11月26日 Three Days and a Wake-up?Greetings from Honduras,
In my military days, as you approached your end of term of service (ETS) you began a countdown until that much anticipated date. This count started when you were less than 365 days away; from that point on you were considered a "short-timer". As that day became more immenent one might further amplify this countdown by saying "three days and a wake-up". This inferred that being in the military was akin to being in a dream-like state; somewhere between being awake and being asleep. For some, this dream-like state can be best-described as a nightmare. My military experiences during the 1990's pale in comparison to the hardships our present servicemen and women endure in places such as Iraq and Afghanistan. For them, three days and a wake-up is much more a statement of hope and deliverance as they endure the limbo between high-danger and utter boredom; certainty and uncertainty; life and death.
While I look forward in sure anticipation of my return to the states in three days, it is not to be compared to "waking-up" such as a soldier. If anything, I should say "three days and a rise-up" as I face the challenge of not falling asleep once I return to an atmosphere in which I historically allowed myself to be less dependant, less connected, and ultimately more distant from God. I hope that I can "rise-up" to the challenge of facing old temptations with a new mind, Christ in my heart, and my heart in Christ. For it is written, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV).
On the eve of Thanksgiving, I ask for your prayers for our soldiers overseas who live in harm's way. If you know them by name, pray for them by name...even if it takes an hour, even if it takes more. Pray for their safety and pray for binding upon the darkness that attacks them physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Above all, have faith and pray in the name of Jesus Christ for "You may ask for anything in my name, and I will do it" (John 14:14). Throughout this holiday season, let us not forget to pray in thanksgiving, as it is written "always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Ephesians 5:20).
Be well and God bless 11月24日 Thanksgiving Part IIGreetings from Helene,
Our Thanksgiving celebration was a true blessing. The meal was awesome and the fellowship memorable; reminding me that God is faithful and free to be generous. Emily started our evening by leading a devotion in which we each started with three kernels of corn on our plates, representative of the actual struggles of pilgrims many years ago. We talked about the first "Thanksgiving" in Plymouth in 1621 and the pilgrims' very humble beginings. We then took turns dropping a kernel into a glass as we shared something we were thankful for. I used to do this same thing with pebbles years ago while working summer camps at the Ozark Natural Science Center. This new twist brought back many fond memories of my summer days in Arkansas and ONSC.
As mentioned earlier, the food was great. Turkey, stuffing, real mashed potatoes (not boxed!), yams, green jello, pumpkin pie, and apple pie made for a gut-splitting, tripda-phantastic time. My eggnog tasted something remotely like eggnog...but was good, although perhaps not as rich and creamy as the usual recipe. I also made puppy chow, or a variant thereof, using a random mishmash of ingredients that ultimately came together to be sweet and satisfying.
We concluded our dinner with a spirited game of Starwars Monopoly in which I learned the true nature of the darkside in my missionary team members. I did not win.
As you approach your own Thanksgiving, I pray that we each remember our own unique family traditions; embrace the relationships within the gathering, and ultimately praise God for being so good, so faithful, and so generous in his providing.
Be well and God bless 11月22日 Happy ThanksgivingGreetings from Honduras,
Since our team will be busy with final travel preparations on Thursday, we've decided to have our Thanksgiving meal tomorrow. Our menu will include turkey, potatoes, yams, pumpkin pie, stuffing, coconut bread, and a casserole. I made some Honduran eggnog for the meal as well (I had to substitute heavy cream with condensed milk and box milk for regular milk). Hopefully it is palatable...it is definitely more a gentle carmel in color rather than a mellow yellow. If the recipe succeeds it will be the first in my book of "Cookin' it 3rd World".
I conducted a test packing for my return flight to determine if I could make it home with just a carry-on. Although my modest camelback will be bursting at the seams and approaching the max allotment of 49 lbs, I was succesful. I've decided to leave most of my clothing and toiletries here in Honduras, regardless if I return in March. If I do return, it's less to have to bring back, and if I don't, it can be given away to those in greater need than I.
Be well and God bless
11月21日 Cave Trip 11/19/2008Greetings from Helene, On Wednesday I hiked to a couple of Helene’s caves with my islander cave guide, Willis. Getting there entailed scrambling through and over exposed coral deposits intertwined with jungle and the occasional rusty barbed-wire fence. As a seasoned caver, I was reminded that often half the adventure of caving is getting there. Our first cave was inconspicuous, with a small opening in coral that dropped into a twisted room with a “karst window” up above. We dropped down through some small openings passing by numerous roosting bats and one fast-moving tarantula. In fact, he was a little-too fast, and all too moving for my comfort in the tight confines of the cave. Although the cave was small, especially compared to the many Ozark caves I’ve explored, it was a unique experience as “cave coral” (aka cave popcorn) deposits formed atop ocean coral. There were also some clean calcite deposits of flowstone and stalactites in the cave’s “showroom”. This room also held some human bone fragments, including what I thought was a rib and a skull fragment (Willis informed me that on a previous trip to the cave the group discovered a fully intact human skull). Our second nearby cave was more like a cavern or bluff shelter, and was the same cave that islanders used as refuge from Hurricane Mitch in 1998. Our exploration of this cave was cut short as Willis grew concerned about a strange shape on a ledge that looked like a large boa (turned out it was a mottled tire but the mood for exploration was distinctly lost). The experience cost 200 Lempira (about $10 USD) and an hour and a half, but now I can say I’ve been caving in two countries! Be well and God bless Romans 10:9Greetings from Helene, This week has been like a ship upon high seas; full of ups and downs. The early week was draught with the burdens of an unsettled and restless mind. The latter days have been physically attacked by illness in the form of fever and an ailing back. Sleepless nights and sleepy days. However, I do think I am through the worst of it. Today is a significant day. It was three years ago to this day that I took my last drink. My journey of sobriety has only been possible by faith in our savior Jesus Christ, without whom, I’d still be hopelessly lost in addiction and its many dark and detrimental counterparts. What I’ve come to realize may be obvious. That in my walk, the further I was from Christ, the more God used life and circumstances to create clarity of dependency upon Him. The closer I am to Christ, the more God uses me as a witness to His mercy, grace, and love. I was the sick and lonely sheep who wandered from the fold, yet by His mercy, God never gave up on me. He sent a Sheppard that I might be saved from myself…He sent His Son, and I am found; forever thankful and indebted. What a mystery it is, that God would do this for me and you. He is so big and so beyond our understanding. He created us with a free will so that we would choose to love and glorify Him. Yet so many still wander apart from Him. So many choose to reject His love. If you wander in the darkness, feeling half asleep and incomplete, then invite Him into your heart. He’s waiting. Be well and God bless 11月17日 Rain ReturnsGreetings from Helene,
My previous entry seemed to quickly prompt a wet and windy response from "old-man winter" as chilling north winds have ushered in heavy rains after a two-week dry spell. It started with our boat ride down island to IWC this past Sunday as we steamed through scattered showers. Last night the crescendo culminated in an all-night-long, door slamming, and window rattling deluge. While precipitation is now intermittent, winds are still thrashing the palm trees about. Unofficial temperatures hover around 66 degrees...which is downright freezing by Honduran standards. Temperatures were around 60 degrees in Ridgway, Colorado this morning...to think we're separated by nearly 2,000 miles and 24 degrees of latitude, but only 6 degrees Fahrenheit. That gives new meaning to "six degrees of separation".
Be well and God bless 11月13日 Weekly UpdateGreetings from Helene, Honduras It hasn't rained in nearly two weeks, which from my limited in-country experience seems obviously atypical for a Bay Islands' rainy season. Two more of our Alternative Missions Team Helene teammates have left the island for the states. Prayers for safe travel and renewal follow in their boat's wake as they go home to take part in the birth of their first grandchild. With only five of us remaining, it seems there should be only a couple more episodes remaining of our rendition of "Survivor- Helene". In two weeks we too will be mounting up and steaming down island to catch our big planes back to "civilization". The last few days have been busy with school graduations and their ensuing celebrations. Our evenings have been monopolized by season three of "Lost" and random games of Cricket, 501, and Scorpion (a dart game of skill and courage as we hurl steel tip darts at near vertical distances of 20 feet at our housemate scorpions). Grrr...scorpions. The most recent nights have had a full moon wash the ocean in sparkling silver and Orion has now joined the night sky's medley. This weekend we travel down island to West End for IWC (International Worship Center). It's enjoyable to occasionally get off the island and fellowship with other Christians. I ask for your prayers for travel mercies as we take to the boat (it's about a 30 to 45 minute ride). We are very vulnerable to the distemper of sea and storm during these journeys. On our return from IWC two weeks ago, the last ten minutes of our journey were amidst a near zero visibility deluge that even challenged our sea-savvy boat handlers. I'm not even going to mention the high adventure of Roatan roads and motorists... I'm hoping to get some snorkeling in before we leave, although the water has been a bit choppy and cloudy of late. I'm also hoping to check out Helene's "caw-ay" (that's Helenish for cave, as the letter "v" is often pronounced with a "w" instead!). It is apparently crawling with tarantulas, (Grrr...tarantulas) so I must admit I'm a bit hesitant, but it can't be that much more dangerous than the caves I used to scramble about in the Ozarks! Hopefully I can get some photos to post. That’s all for now, be well and God bless
11月8日 Weekly UpdateAnother week has come and gone and our focus has shifted to leaving Helene and returning to the states. These are busy times with checklists and deadlines; people to see and farewells to bid. It seems like I've just arrived, and I suppose I have. In island time, I've been little more than a grain of sand upon the beach. Several of our team will not be returning to Helene and this fast-approaching certainty is likely weighing heavy. For me, I haven't formed the relationships that they have nurtured through the years so I can only imagine the heartache and emptiness they are preparing to contend with, not to mention the challenge of reacclimating to a culture and society that is very different from Helene, Honduras.
Speaking of culture, I thought I'd share some "Helene Speak" with readers. Although the islanders here speak English it is often very much like a foreign language as I struggle to pick up the dialect and unique terms. Juxtaposed to this is how spanish is often interwoven into the language as well. At times, I truly do not understand a single word that is being spoken to me! The following are a few excerpts from a document that's circulated with staff. I'd give a citation/source but it's not known.
all mash up Broken/wrecked "That boat is all mash up."
bad bahong Overwhelming hunger "I got bad bahong."
blinkies Lightning bugs
Boy nah Expression of surprise "What a load of fish! Boy nah?"
College Equivalent of American High School
Duppies Ghosts
Fin foot flippers (snorkelling/diving)
fresco soda, pop
gee some Expression of surprise/disbelief "We gotta do that? Gee some..."
good night a greeting, said when first entering the room
magga very thin "Girl you've gotten so magga."
molest to bother "Quit molesting me."
Operating Diarrhea
Shit boy common expression, not considered a bad word, like saying "Darn" or "Gosh" in the states
tacos futbol cleats
wexed Upset "I'm really wexed at him."
what's clickin' bra What's up, how are you doing?
Yaba-ding-ding Indian artifacts made of clay, jade or stone
That's just a few! Be well and God bless! Journal Excerpt from November 6, 2008Pink salmon skies fade to lavender pools over a still and deepening ocean. A bright star winks and the moon peeks through clouds heavy with weather's intent. Crickets chirp, dogs howl, and the moan of another tired day recedes. The darkness grabs us and we cling to faith. 11月5日 Exam WeekGreetings from Honduras, This week at the Helene English-Christian (HEC) School we have been administering final exams. In light of the season I thought I'd give a little more information about the HEC and the Honduran school system before this chapter closes for the winter. Honduran Schools are Spanish-speaking schools, however here on Helene and the other Bay Islands (such as Roatan) the English language is a big part of everyday language. On Helene there is also a Spanish school, funded by the Honduran government. Spanish school lasts a half day and takes place on weekday mornings from about 8 am until 12 pm. English school is Monday through Thursday, from 1 pm until 5 pm. The HEC is not funded by the Honduran government. HEC support comes from the islanders who have children enrolled in addition to generous supporters back in the states. Unlike the U.S., education is not stressed as important to the development of Honduran children and young adults. The HEC currently teaches K through sixth grades. At the conclusion and successful completion of 6th grade students graduate. For most this will culminate their formal education, however many drop out prior to graduation as the lures of work, friends, and family divert their attention from academics. On Helene it's typical that girls have their own children by age 20 and "marriages" may take place as young as 15 or 16 years of age. Obviously the aims and goals of an education of this magnitude and duration are much different than the expectations of American schools. Most of our teachers are islanders who often lack formal education themselves but have a passion for teaching and working with children. Subjects focus on the core areas of reading, writing, and mathematics, but we also delve into other subjects. My favorite topic to teach has been bible studies and scripture. All other subjects pale in comparison to the importance of "passing the examination" of our hearts as our faith relates to our savior Jesus Christ. 11月1日 Weekly UpdateGreetings from Honduras, Another week has flown by, quite literally on the wings of aggressive northern winds.Yesterday we finished the desalinator plant relocation project. That was quite a task involving immense, careful planning. The project was finished just in time as one of our key team members and resident electrician departed home for the states after 4 years of service to the Lord here on Helene. Paul is moving to Vegas where he can be a full-time grandpa and family man. Please pray for Paul as the adjustments from life here...to life there will be challenging. Last night I was able to call home using Skype and briefly visit with my sisters and parents who are gathered in Jefferson, WI for their annual sisters' weekend. It was a blessing of encouragement to chat with them, albeit briefly. I can feel your prayers of support moment by moment and each of you are dearly missed. I also want to give thanks for the financial support I've received. I know how difficult these times are as they pertain to our stumbling economy (is that an understatement?) but I truly appreciate your kind generosity to support God's great commission here on Helene. I imagine people are wondering what my long term plans are for my involvement here in Honduras. In response, I can say "me too". I am taking each day one at a time and trying to take all direction from Christ as to what I'll do next, and I've been praying in earnest to this matter. I decided before arriving that I would not make a firm decision about next year until I returned to the states so I could reflect upon my experiences and pray with family members. I am still holding to that conviction...however, I do feel that God is tugging me to stay. Uncertainties still exist, but I am fast realizing that a life with and in Christ is a life in adventure...an adventure safely grounded in His certain love. Uncertainties help us become more dependant on our Savior, and require us to let go of self-dependency and seize complete dependency on God. I do know that if and when I decide to return to Helene, it would not be until at least March, 2009. The Alternative Missions leadership have decided that the island needs to "take care of some issues" prior to the team's return. I ask for your prayers that God may reveal His plan for his island children and Team Helene. With only school exams remaining, our tasks here will soon shift to "closing shop" for the holidays. It will be a busy and stressful endeavor, especially for those dealing with the anxiety of returning home after several years of service here. Your prayers for Camas, Brandy, and Emily are needed as they contend with a new adventure apart from Helene, Honduras. Be well and God bless Dominic 10月31日 From 10/25/2008 (Email, "Weekly Update")Greetings from Honduras, My third week on Helene had many ups and downs, all blessings from the Lord. Our little students in fourth grade were increasingly zealous in their desire to disrupt as we only have four days of school remaining. Children here, like most anywhere, have an abundance of energy. However, I've never heard a child utter "I am bored" here on Helene. When it's recess I don't have to entertain them, they are most resilient to these ends. Whether it's playing futbol, clamboring through an intense mangrove swamp like a jungle gym, or darting off into the bush to try and catch birds and iguanas (barefoot mind you!) they are always on the move. This is also true of our time in the classroom. It is like a jungle, and sometimes I feel like I'm the iguana! The two interns who arrived before me, Henry and Terry, have decided to not finish their internship and have subsequently left the island. All things really seemed to indicate that this just wasn't the place and time for their ministry here on Helene. They instead are going to attend a spanish language school on the mainland until returning to the US in December. Prayers for travel mercies, protection, and Godly guidance in their lives are appreciated. This past week brought more rain and heat. I haven't even dipped a toe in the ocean for a couple weeks. Today we are walking to Northside to eat at a little "restuarant". We made our reservation and placed our order at the same time (a week ago!). Fresh caught lobster and conch don't sound so bad? Last night I had an extensive conversation with Dierdre, our nurse and all around missionary all-star. We talked about how we come here to serve, and we do, but often the real or readily tangible (and even selfish) fruits are our persistent awareness of our immenent closeness to Christ. It's hard to describe, but again I feel so bound in faith that prayer comes naturally and uninhibited, love runs like water, and hope abounds. Wow, what an amazing feeling. Praise God. Be well and God bless Dominic From 10/18/2008 (Email, "Weekly Update")Greetings from Helene! This week was in many ways a stark contrast to my first week on Helene. We had a substantial amount of rain and temperatures were much cooler (and comfortable!). The business of last week also gave way to a slower pace this week, in part due to the weather, but largely due to the absence of a short-term mission team. Also, I spent my first week in the classroom teaching the 4th grade "intervention" class (I'll speak to that more a little later!). The one constant has been the prevailing presence of Jesus Christ in everything we do! It's hard to explain, those of you who have been on mission trips can probably understand. Moment by moment, hour by hour, and day by day I've been trying to dedicate myself to glorifying God. I still fall WAY short, and fall into old patterns, but I definitely feel different, and it has been only two weeks. I hope this transformation continues! I've been continuing my reading and journaling (there is a great rooftop deck called the prayer deck where I sit at dusk and into the earl evening to reflect). The other night I got caught in a huge deluge while going to escort a team member back from the eastern tip of the island. The house we were going to was near the end of a long, narrow concrete path that was bordered by swampy waters on one side, and the ocean on the other. The tides cover it with about 4-6 inches of water. During the rain it was a bit sketchy staying on the path! The staff here enjoy watching movies and DVD's of television series. I've been watching a lot of season 3 Prison Break (like it), Monk (great), and Boston Legal (funny but very politically driven, very liberal and even anti-Christian)- as if you weren't aware of these shows! Yesterday I went down island with Paul to get fuel and other supplies. We had to contend with three foot swells which really tossed me around. I felt like I'd just lost an Ultimate Fighter match! It was a nice change of scenery and I was also able to stock up on chocolates! Our return trip was much smoother as the winds had died down significantly. My classroom experiences were very interesting. Islander communication is very emotional and volume driven. Want to make your point? Scream it! The kids are so driven to please the teacher and receive praise. It's an intervention class because for various reasons the students are in dire need of help. The boys especially are at an age in which most drop out to start work or mischeif. Their names are Dominick, Donard, Phil, Delroy, Ryan, Rayon, Quien, Saemon, Trisia, Jessie, Kiera. Please pray for them as they need their minds renewed and to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Being able to constantly turn to God during a class has been amazing. I've been enjoying teaching scripture and placing Jesus Christ as the center of all our learning. I've been sleeping well, perhaps better than I have ever slept before in my life despite the typical humid and hot conditions at night. Last night was an exception as it seemed that every dog on the island was outside my window and determined to keep me awake. It was a wierd night filled with wierd dreams that I can't explain. To put it simply, I felt attacked and did a lot of praying last night. The food has been wonderful, although I'm desperately in need of some ice cream. We have two islanders who prepare our weekday meals and I would describe our food as largely American. For example last night we had hamburgers and french fries. We have had some native cousine, including fresh caught Mahi-mahi. I started taking anti-biotics as a cough I'd had before arriving has not gone away. The mosquitos are not bad unless you start hacking your way through the bush. For that reason I haven't seen any iguanas yet (in the bush). The boys like to catch them and apparently they cook them up and eat them. At night there are blue crabs everywhere, some a little too large for comfort. Apparently I'm to also be cautious of tarantulas which walk across our yard in numbers from time to time. I haven't been in the ocean for a week or so now, perhaps I'll do that today. The island is more or less completely buffered by coral reef that minimizes the wave action and tides. I've mentioned that we have daily morning devotions but we also have a DVD bible study series we are doing about two times per week ("The Truth Project"). The interns also meet weekly to discuss team dynamics. There's church on Wednesday night and twice on Sundays (am and pm). In closing I'd like to share a prayer: Lord and heavenly Father, Lead my heart toward truth and eternal peace through our saviour Jesus Christ. Guide my hands to actions giving glory to Your great name. Temper my words with wisdom and clothe me in virtues befitting Your grace. Hold me firm against temptation and determined toward obedience. May I embrace Your discipline for it is Your love that renders me complete. Humbly I lay myself before You and by Your mercy may I serve Your will and perfect plan. Amen. Your prayers and continuing support are greatly appreciated. Be well and God bless Dominic From Oct. 10, 2008 (Email, "Helene, Honduras")Hello again, Although it's still early in this journey, it's hard to find words to describe my first week in Helene. I don't know what I was thinking when I came here to teach...because I have done nothing but learn. The short-term mission (STM) group from Freeport, RI left about an hour ago, so things are quiet. My first week was very busy and I never even set foot into the classrooms to teach! That will start on Monday. I spent quite a bit of time helping the STM construct a building extension that will house the desalinator works and engine. We finished that project on Thursday and it turned out well. I was also asked to lead devotion on Thursday morning which was well-received. It is very hot today with little breeze, but we essentially have the rest of the weekend to recharge before School on Monday. The people of Helene are incredible, living with so very little in daily struggle, yet so many are so amazingly passionate and dedicated to Jesus Christ. I have had many conversations just listening to Jerry (islander) talk about how much he loves God. We went to church on Wednesday night and afterwards I felt "intoxicated" with the spirit of the lord. The living conditions here at the mission (called the clinic by the islanders because of our nurses and services) far surpassed my expectations. We have electricity that's generator-based that charges up batteries for overnight usage. We have an abundance of fresh water that is processed from rain and ocean. We have flushing toilets and showers, although we use both very sparingly and with extreme conservation. We have a television and DVD player, and on Tuesday nights a group of boys comes over to "press" on the videogame Playstation 2 set that we have. (Pressin' is what they call playing video games because of the constant button pushing.) I have a small, simple room on the second floor. Thus far I've been spending my little free time reading and journaling, as well as sitting on our "prayer deck" which sits atop the roof of the clinic. The view from there is absolutely amazing...I have to pinch myself. I watched a wicked lightning storm approach from the south the other night, counting off the time between flash and bangs and watched the Seven Sisters (constellation also called the Pleiades) rise in the eastern skies above Guanaja and thought of my own six sisters. The sounds of roosters crowing, dogs barking, pigs squealing, children laughing, and the echo of worship and praise from the adjacent church all mix to form a chorus of sounds hard to comprehend. Yesterday I took a siesta on the second floor deck in a hammock and was awoken by a small spider monkey looking up at me and holding my finger like a little child holding an adult's hand as they cross a street. The monkey's name is Poncho, he's the former pet of someone somewhere (he's the only one of his kind on the island) and he's developed the reputation of being something of a thief. I'm not supposed to be encouraging him, but he's so darn cute I can't find myself shooing him away. My teaching plans are ever changing, even as of this afternoon. I was to begin working with the older students but an unforeseen emergency with our leadership here might thrust me into the helm of a younger class for a week or so. Unfortunately, there is no way to mail things to my location, at least any way that I'm aware of. The only way to our island is a 30-minute boat ride from Roatan. I'm hoping to go swimming or perhaps even snorkeling this weekend. The staff tell me that some of the best snorkeling in the Bay Islands is within swimming distant from our location. I also hope to go fishing with Jerry or one of the other locals. The people here are very poor, but as aforementioned, not in spirit. I appreciate your continued prayers of support. Here we live in island time, which is measured in relationships and paced by Jesus Christ. Thus far, it's been quite a place. I'm sure conflict and challenges will arrise, so I continue to ask for your prayers of love, encouragement, and protection for both me, the missionaries here on Helene, and the islanders. Be well and God bless Dominic 10月29日 Cold Wind BlowsThe wind has been howling for several days as a cold front has pressed in from the north. The north side of the island is taking a licking and the palm trees are whistling and swaying. Only one day of school left (plus exams next week). Temperature has been in the lower 70's which is unbelievably cold for here! Kids showed up to school today with long sleeve shirts and hoodies! A large scorpion visited one of our residences yesterday. Seems like the wind and rain are driving the critters into shelter, unfortunately, with us! We're heading to Roatan this weekend... so I hope the chop on the seas subsides by then. 10月27日 Helene JournalCamas found a large Tarantula in the generator building today. It must have been a good eight inches across in leg span! We had a really good day in class, behavior was much better than last week. We used John 3:16 as a means to review verbs and nouns and then discussed the verse's significance. A student who has never led closing prayer volunteered to do so today... that was quite a victory! Only three more days of school left! It's sad, but school is going to end just when I'm starting to connect with the students! |
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