Openings...

Hello!

It has been awhile but there really have been no new developments in this adventure. I've been busy with school and classes and writing a bagillion papers and book reports! I'm currently figuring out all the things I need to do in order to graduate May 9th. I think I'm figuring it out.

My future isn't to far away from me really stepping out into the "Real World". I'm NOT ready! Ha! I have been in prayer concerning different areas of interest that could possibly play a role in my future. At this point I am about three classes away from being done. I'm considering taking spanish classes at the community college in Temple (10-15 min. away) in the Spring.

I have heard from Robin off and on since the last time we Skyped. Tenisha is doing well. She has been staying home from school and is being taught by Robin. This is difficult for Robin, just one more task added to her plate-- be in prayer for her. But it has proven to be a very good thing for Tenisha. She is learning rapidly-- so much more than the school-- but that's not a big surprise.

That brings me to an opening. I would absolutely LOVE to go back to Honduras in the May/June range and stay for an extended period-- at least until Decemeber. Being Tenisha's teacher. Although, this proved to be a difficult task for me in July, I think having a strict school routine-- learning all subjects (math, reading, science, language) would be benefical for her education. I have been in contact with Robin concerning this matter and waiting on a montly budget to figure out how much money would need to be raised.

Please, Join me in prayer for clarity in the next few months concerning what I should do and where I should go. Pray for givers that would help join along side me in the process of raising funds.

Thank You All! For your faithfulness and prayers!

Its in my Heart (and Blood)

I FINALLY got to talk to Robin today and see my sweet Teni (via webcam) and Amanda too. Oh, It was so wonderful to be able to talk to all of them. Things are going well over there... I miss it so much more now... but am so thankful for technology that allows free international calls and web cam (THANK YOU SKYPE)! Tenisha hasn't changed much although I'm sure it doesn't do her growth justice. She is still struggling with her school work. She's just not learning at the school-- which having been there for a month "helping" out I can understand how that statement is true.

I'm graduating in approximately 8 months! I'm majoring in Christians Ministries with a concentration in Missions. What does this mean? Basic answer: I want to be a missionary (specifically for the Deaf). Complex answer: Going through an organization (IMB, Signs of Love, etc) to a foreign country and getting paid little to nothing but still having 40,000 in school loans to pay off.

My heart is still in Honduras. That is where I am feeling called to go as soon as I graduate. I would love to take every opportunity I have to go back now and am praying about December, but as far as going back permantely (a year?) in May seems impossible. But I see the need in La Ceiba and Honduras in general... I see where I could fit in.

Signs of Love is a self supported missions organization. Meaning I would be responsible for finding supporters (monthly, yearly, etc.) to partner along side me to help me meet a goal amount (not yet known) that would initially be my salary. Knowing how to live on a budget and tight one in Honduras already, the main support would be needed to pay of loans.

Please join me in prayer as I seek direction in the next 8 months to know where I need to be. Pray that if Honduras isn't the place right now that I would find a job that will pay well enough for me to pay off loans and get back on the mission field as soon as possible. Pray that doors will be open for the debt that I have.

I thank you all for continuing to take interest in my life and my (God's) mission. May the Father bless each of you!

Expectations...

Well, I've been home two weeks and I'm moving back to school already and I start in a week. I don't feel like I've been home for two weeks. Infact, I'm just not so sure exactly how I feel. I know... I STILL don't know.

I know that I wish my debt would be paid off when I graduate so that I could move back to Honduras right after graduation. I'm not joking. People aren't understanding that but that's ok and I know my mom and dad would support it. They have been the number two people who have heard so much information over the last two weeks that I'm sure they feel like I've just spit it all out. But oh how I have needed it.

I came back thinking I knew how different people would react and receive all of the information. So far all of my expectations have been completely WRONG! Its a little difficult but I'm just remembering that God is still the creator of all of the mountains including the ones that involve people and going back to school. Going back to people my age... people getting ready to graduate college... people that haven't been mothers to a deaf 12 year old... that haven't lived in another country alone... that haven't gone through what I've been through... it's so difficult.

All I can do is prepare for my senior year and all of the mountains that are going to come with it. All I can do is look to the creator and know that he is still in control and still made those mountians, not just the Honduras ones but the America ones too.

Your prayers are still needed and appreciated. I will still try to report from time to time.

Sharing

I have just been sharing with a couple of groups this past week. It seems crazy that I have been already been home for a week. It does not seem like it but things have been so good. I shared at my Grandma's church on Sunday. I can honestly say that they are my sending church. They were so sweet, welcoming, and loving to me. It was a great first place to share. It was also my first church service in English in 10 weeks. Crazy. They did have missionaries to Mexico home and he closed the service with a prayer-- in SPANISH! Oh it felt so good.

I went to the store that afternoon, first time since being back. First thing I saw was a Mango! AHH! Then I turned the corner to see a papaya (not as big as ours), pineapple, coconut, and more mangos... it was great! I smiled and remembered Honduras then moved on. I've cooked pastillitos and plantain not bad.

I have shared at my mom's missions possible church group tonight. I love those ladies and their constant support. It was such a relaxing environment and to hear them all laughing at the silly stories was very help for me to be able to process feelings and emotions.

It has been so great to have places to share at... I'm still in the process of figuring out all of my feelings and changes that have taken place in my life this past summer. I have gone through all of my pictures and have put them in an album, picture frame, and scrap book. But having done all that I still haven't actually processed everything yet.

My world doesn't still feel as turned upside down. It just feels like things have been so busy since being home that Honduras is gone. But I know its not, its in my heart and its changed my life I just haven't had time to figure it all out or I just haven't felt like it or am avoiding it but you know whatever. ha!

Just keep praying for all ot the adjustments and what not. I promise I will call you soon if I haven't called you. Please know that I haven't forgotten you.

Upside Down!

Hey!

I am home safely. Drove 2.5 hours to the airport in San Pedro Sula yesterday morning with Robin. I was the second to last person to check in for my flight. So time at the airport was limited with Robin and Tenisha-- but I KNOW that was from the Lord and a great plan because it didn't give us time to say how much we loved each other and were going to miss each other and all of the other mushy stuff. I arrived in Houston at 4:15.

I ate a hot and spicy from McDonalds as my VERY FIRST thing. Then me, mom, and dad all ate at Texas Roadhouse-- so that was really yummy! Yes, there were tears from all of us at the airport. I was exhausted yesterday so I don't think any of the emotional junk or realization had taken place-- I'm sure it still hasn't but yea, we're getting there.

I am SO glad to be home but I just feel like the world I was in has been ripped from my life and everything has been turned upside down. Please be in prayer for me as I readjust. My calendar is still on May so I kind of feel like it's still only may here. Its SUCH a weird feeling. Just be in prayer please.

I have unpacked, reorganizedish, gone through mail and newspapers, now I'm about to go get my hair cut, walmart, dentist. AH! So much to do. Please know that I love you all so much and want to call you all and hear you. But if you don't hear from me I have not forgotten you and will call you soon. Thanks for your faithfulness.

You can look for posts on here from time to time. I'm sure that I am going to use this as a way to express all of the mixed up emotions... it might not be an everyday thing but there will continue to be postings.

LOVE YA'LL!

THANK YOU JESUS!

Your prayers were answered today and I can´t say how extremely happy I am. Robin´s flight was delayed for two hours but she is currently on her flight from San Pedro Sula and should be arriving at the house in the next 30 or 45 mintues. We are ALL SO excited!! We were going to meet her at the airport but have decided that due to a strike within the transportation system that would not be the best idea. So we are going to hide from her.

The house is decorated with a welcome home banner... a feliz cumpleanos tenisha sign... paper chain... stuff in the door way... and balloons... it´s very festive... We are going out to eat tonight and then eating birthday cake later... OO it is going to be SUCH a fun evening! I´m not sure if I will sleep... ha!

But I did want to post early because I know the moment that red head steps through that door our evening is going to be FULL! AHH!!! It´s so exciting!! I am excited to be coming home... Thanks for your continued prayers... They are appreciated... pray for my safe travel tomorrow. I have already printed out my boarding pass so I will for sure be on that plane! HA!

LOVE YOU ALL!! SEE YOU TOMORROW!!!

Gift from God

I spent the morning packing which was nice. I got mostly all of it done and just have to throw the last mintue things in there. It was nice and exciting to be packing to come home. I think like coming here I don´t think it has quite hit me that I will be home in well a day. But I am excited. God has continued to fill these days with blessings. I knew today was going to be full of God´s greatness because Tenisha and I were going to eat our traditional baleada´s at the mall and get a juice drink and then walk over to the Thomas house and spend the afternoon there playing Uno Attack. I just didn´t know HOW great of a gift he would give me.

We did walk to the mall and saw Kerry at work. That was great because they weren´t at church this week so I was kind of bummed hoping I would at least get to see him again. He is so special to me as well as Ruth, Errol, and my baby Kenneth. They are my favorite family. So I was excited to see him and give him one last hug. We went and ate an amazing Baleada and I got the canteloupe juice drink and drank part of David´s watermelon. We were on our way down the escalator when my present arrived....

Walking out of the Grocery store was Kerry holding Kenneth, Ruth, and Errol!! Oh My heart lept with joy! I left Martha in my dust-- sorry about that M, but I know you understand. I gave Ruth the biggest hug and got the biggest one back. I loved on my sweet Errol and my baby Kenneth-- he´s teething so he wasn´t feeling well. We stood there and chatted for a while. Then, we all hugged. Oh it was amazing. It wasn´t a sad goodbye. It was a I love you guys so much and Iím going to miss you and will see you later. I know sweet Kenneth is going to be SO big when I get back. But oh Thank you God for such a precious gift. The days are ending so well here.

We spent the afternoon at the Thomas house. We played Uno Attack a lot and they let me and Teni win... thanks ya´ll! We even enjoyed Martha´s amazingly COLD and very Dark -- thank you tin foil-- bedroom. We had tickle wars, pillow fights, the kids played in the rain, we baked more cookies, and they gave Tenisha Uno Attack for her birthday. The look on her face was priceless and I´m a goof and didn´t have the camera but I WILL take a picture of her with it. Martha brought us home and we said our see you laters.

Martha-- You have been such a sweet blessing in my life during this adventure. I am so thankful to God for crossing our paths here and allowing us to share Honduras. You´ll make it and I´m praying for you. Know that I´m only a blog away or you can always find me on FB! I LOVE YOU! Mucho!

We got home and ate ramen real fast. I braided Tenisha´s hair-- she requested, and you can´t say no to the child! There are 25 of those suckers in her hair. But they are PRECIOUS! Before praying with her I gave her one last thing. I bought us matching bracelets-- for the mother and the daughter-- I told her that she had made me a mother in July and I was so thankful for all of the time we had together. For her wonderful obeidence and the I loved her and would miss her but never forget her. I told her I would be back soon. It was a special time.

Now, I have a few things to do before going to bed to prepare for tomorrow. But Thank you all so much for your continued prayers for this past week-- the ¨last¨week. I have one major request tonight. For Robin´s safety in flying and for EVERYTHING to go smoothly. I know there is a storm in the gulf near Houston.. but please pray that it will only be minor in that area and that Robin will arrive her safely as planned and I will arrive home safely as planned.

You are all wonderful. I´m not sure I will blog tomorrow because it will be so full of excitment if not I will blog when I´m back in the US of A! Love You Guys!