2015 Elevate Honduras Mission Trip Video Slideshow

I hope you enjoy this short video covering our 2015 Mission Trip to Honduras

If you can't see the video from the blog, try this you tube link   http://youtu.be/0VDrq3FlPE4

It's more than building a house.

Last night the team met for a recap of our mission trip. Before I went on the trip when people asked what we would be doing I always said "We are building a house for a family."  Each person on the team was able to share their highlights and memories of the trip.  Not one person said building the house. The trip is so much more than building a house for a family although that is a wonderful blessing to the them.  It's about relationships. Our relationship to God and others. The bonding of 2 mothers from very different backgrounds loving on each other's children. The life long friendship between teens that developed working side by side serving our God. Not allowing the language barrier to hinder a relationship between 2 men, each one seeing God in the other. The smiles and love from orphans who have been through much more than any of us can imagine, touching someone who has been through pain and grief and opening their heart to healing. 

We serve a mighty God. He wants wants us to have a personal relationship with Him. He wants us to be in relationship with others sharing His love. He allows us to be a blessing to others but in the process we are greatly blessed!

When asked next year about the trip I will say "We are building a house but it's so much more than that. We are sharing God's love with the people of Choluteca through our relationships as we serve side by side with them."

-Julie

Being home

Things that made me happy when I was in Honduras:

-The people, all of them. Everyone is so nice, kind, and anxious to serve you.

-The kids. Although the language barrier sometimes is frustrating because you cannot talk to them, you can see God in them. In their eyes, smile, all of it. 

-The church. Nothing was better to me then walking into the cement soccer field/basketball/volleyball court. Kids running everywhere and people talking. It's amazing.

-Spreading Gods love. Knowing that the team was being the hands and feet of Jesus Christ was incredible. 

-I know I mentioned this, but I really adore the kids. 

Sitting at home reflecting on the trip I became frustrated. I was angry I wasn't still there, that I was sitting here when people I met could be in need. I wonder about Wendy and Orlene and how the new house is. How Katherine and Oscar are. Did they eat today? Is Oscar still sick? I hope Katherine went back to school. 

I then realize that I shouldn't be frustrated. What I should do is spread His word and love from home. 

I want to thank everyone again for making this a reality for me. If you donated or even just supported me along this trip you made it possible for me to spread Gods love and word. Thank you all so much.

Megan 

Safe Travels and Reflection

Safe travels and reflections

On our last evening in Choluteca, Honduras, we attended service at the local church (inglesia gran commission). The service was on greed.  Pastor Giovany explained how greed is a condition of the heart, and he discussed the different signs of whether greed is in your heart. A poor man can be just as greedy as a rich man. It's more about your focus. Is sufficient not enough? Is your focus on accumulating more or preserving what you have?  Greed may be in your heart.  

He then gave us what the antidote is to a greedy heart. Generosity. When you give, you are more apt to store up heavenly treasurers. It is a fool who spends his life storing up earthly things only to die and leave it all behind with no benefit to their salvation. 

Pastor Giovany then explained a family of the church, Orlin and Wendy's family for which we just built a house. When they first met them, their daughter Katherine caught their eye, she had very low energy.  She was not active. Something looked terribly wrong.  It was clear that a medical intervention was needed. Her hemoglobin level was 1.5. Acceptable for Honduras is 11. Little Katherine was not having oxygen delivered through the blood. She was basically dying.  With the church's help, Katherine was saved and is much healthier. 

Now, a team from the USA has come down to build the family a home. The aid and assistance is completely one way. There is no way Orlin can ever return the favor.  Orlin and Wendy knows that. How humbling to be on the receiving end of grace. The antidote to greed is generosity, and the ultimate form of generosity is one where the recipient can never give anything back. Complete grace. 

The reason why generosity is the antidote to greed is because when we are generous, whether we go to the extreme of overseas missions or just blessing someone locally, we DO RECEIVE something in return. We get a glimpse, a small taste, of God's loving grace for us.  It gives us perspective, at least as much of it as we can handle, a perspective on he real value of  "things", specifically the lack of value.  "Things" are temporary, while gracious generosity is monumental.  The house was a "thing" given, but it only occupied a small tangible space on our planet.  The grace given planted a seeds in the recipients' heart and our very own. When we plant those seeds in our hearts, theirs and ours, there is less room for greed to take hold. 

This mission trip, like the last one for me, had an awesome group of people going. Every one of us was very different from the next, but we all came with the same generous heart. The cheer mom loved on so many children and displayed unconditional love in such a way that many of the kids may have never seen before. The tall often stoic looking fellow not only worked hard, but he took time to plant a few loving seeds of his own by goofing around with some of the kids or by donating most of his clothes he brought. The boisterous furry-face Italian that had a larger-than-life personality not only connected a man's loving heart with the kids that we came across, but he also made a huge heart felt impact with many of the staff.  

We can't possibly have a full heavenly concept of the impact of the work that was done here, but it doesn't take much insight to see the grateful hearts all along the way. This was a great and fulfilling mission trip.  We may be coming back tattered, tired and taxed, but we come back to the USA with a smile in our hearts an image of God's grace that we can share with those still in Honduras. They are our brothers and sisters of Christ.  For God has no grandchildren, only children. 

God Bless,

Aaron Mason

We think too small, but God is so much Bigger

We completed the house yesterday.  We were all so happy. The sense of accomplishment was great. I had the honor of being the one to say a little something and present the keys to Orlin and Wendy.  

Along with some locals, Orlin and Wendy saw 10 of us missionaries from overseas work hard daily on building their house. They saw us smile, laugh , sweat and sweat some more. They saw us take some time out to play with the kids too. 

I made sure in what I said that I explained that even though he saw 10 of us missionaries that traveled thousands of miles to come and do this that there were at least 10-30 people behind every one of us that helped get us here, so literally hundreds of people came together under Christ to bless him with this home. Add on top of that the people at our church and his church that were involved this time and during prior years leading a path to this moment, and then there are hundreds on top of that. 

Orlin then said a few words and he said something like never in his wildest dreams did he think he would get a home like this. As he spoke more he gave the glory and thanks to God. As he spoke, tears welled up in his eyes and tears flowed down our cheeks. We stood there by two very grateful people.  He didn't think it was possible and he probably couldn't conceive of the work and grace others would have provide. Orlin, like most of us, thought too small, but his faith in the Lord was strong and Hid showed up in a BIG way. 

Wendy also thought small. On Tuesday, we found out that she was saving the last of her rice and 2 eggs so she could make a celebration meal for them when the house was done. The fundraising went so well this time that we were able to do so much more including bringing them bags of groceries. Eggs, juice, beans and other staples. Enough for many feasts (to their standards).  Wendy's faith is strong and bountiful blessings followed. 

Orlin works hard.  He literally digs and gets sand down by the river for a living. He earns $2 a day doing that.  In a prior year, a previous mission team saw him carry whole tree trunks on his shoulders. I am told he looked like an NFL linebacker he was so big and strong looking. Today, he is still strong, just much thinner. We suspect that the loss of weight has been limited resources. It's hard to feed and care for your family on $2 a day.  Still, Orlin and Wendy have been very faithful and connected to the church down here. 

I am told Wendy is shamelessly loud when praise and worship music plays. When it's time to worship, that she does. 

If you helped towards the mission this year, thank you so much. Orlin and Wendy are a couple of the people you made a difference in their lives. Even if your contribution was small, God made it BIG. If you listen to the Holy Spirit and you give in service and/or money, God will bless that action beyond what you think. 

God Bless,

Aaron Mason

Our Final Day in Honduras

We started our final day in Honduras taking about the mountain top experiences we have shared together this week. Going to the movies with the orphans,  turning over the keys to Orlon and Wendy, finishing digging the latrine hole, church services with gran comision church were just a few.  In the end the team agreed that the hard work and sweat is not what brings us back each year it is the relationships and human bonds formed when working together in Christian service to others.  

Observations from a different angle

This has been an amazing trip once again. Each year I visit the experience is a little different and this year is no exception. Unfortunately my sciatica back pain decided to act up just before the trip. At times the pain is pretty intense so I haven't been able to work as much. But now I am experiencing the trip from a different angle. I am quietly observing the love in action from my team. Serena, Megan and Adam playing with the children and taking them to the river for a bath with body soap, not dish soap. Aaron and Emily working on the windows and doors that will provide security at night and allowing the breeze to enter the house during the day. Nick, John and Paula working together creating the frame that will provide strength and support to the home. Mike and Tony helping put up the concrete walls that will help protect them from the elements and provide security. Frank and Nelsy interpreting for us allowing us to interact with the family and children. God is using each of our talents and gifts for His glory.






There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. (1 Corinthians 12:4-6 NIV)

Julie

Needs vs HOPE

Yesterday was our day five in the field. We arrived in the morning as usual the family was already hard at work preparing the job site for our arrival. The girls and I had a plan already in place that eventually we would be taking the two small children down to the river to bathe. We brought colorful towels, travel size body wash shampoo and conditioner. We were anxious to brush out their  beautiful hair and see what they thought about using product for the first time.

It soon would be in that although the little girl loved being in the river the little boy was not such a big fan. His mother had a very perplexed look upon her face, as he cried. As he exited the river, he fell into my arms and warm towel. It was then that I realized he had a fever. He clung to me and his little body seemed exhausted.

I carried him back to the website and his home and was able to get him some much needed fluids, and love on him the best I knew how. He drank The first bag of water against my chest without lifting his tiny mouth once. Another team member Adam who had graciously donated his SpongeBob towel sent from his children, had brought an apple from the morning breakfast. Oscar eagerly received the bites of the apple meat as though he hadn't eaten in quite some time. 

Through interpretation we were able to conclude, each morning I arrived there was no sign of food that had been cooking or cooked. There was no evidence in the afternoon that supper was coming. Wendy, the Mom said there was a serving of rice in her cupboard and two eggs. 😔 my heart broke...💔 a sick child, a husband working day and night at the river for two dollars a day sifting sand, empty cupboards, and yet smiles never leaving their faces and a blessing of a lifetime receiving a new home. How conflicted I felt in that moment for them. The irony was immediately after finding this out it was time to load the bus to come back to the mission house for lunch. 😏 I left her with all my packages nuts, granola bars, and seeds. I hoped the little bit of nutrition I had extra in my book bag would be used to feed her family. 

I boarded the bus with an heavy heart and filled mind. Luckily I'm blessed with a leader who heard and didn't just hear my story and after lunch made the decision not to wait till the end of the week to present the family with supplies but to ACT in Jesus. He arranged for us to be able to go and get the pots and pans we would be delivering to the boys and girls houses at the orphanages as well as getting groceries and supplies for the family. 

^John aka fearless leader and I unloading supplies...(after a very interesting day trying to find a Lowes for a drill bit.) lol justttttttt kidding it only took four stops at "hardware" stores . 

Thank you Lord for my team and all of our generous sponsors. It wa because of all your hardwork and dedication that we were able to make this trip so successful! 

Serena Major ✌️💗🌻

To love and be loved...how sweet it is!

This past Tuesday our group was able to to take the children from the orphanage to the movies for the first time in their lives. It was an emotionally charged afternoon, filled with excitement and expectation. The children had no idea where they were going to go. Only to be ready by a certain time and then it was a surprise. As I loaded the bus, Gaby waves to me and grabbed my hand to sit with her. She was the same sweet little girl who taught me so many variations of jax just a day or so before. Gaby is 12, and after her parents broke up she went to live with her Dad. Unfortunately neither new step parent was kind to her and eventually she was placed with the church. We laughed and smiled on the bus. And then as we pulled into the mall she was 100% all smiles!!!! 

The movie "Inside Out", had to do with emotion and memories...it's a touching cartoon that deals with struggle, heartache, love, and family. In a few scenes my little girl Gaby, was overcome with emotion as family scenes crossed over the screen before us. It was Not only beautiful and touching but it left my heart aching for her. I know firsthand what it is like to miss my mother  and to feel very alone in the world, and I still had lots and lots of family. My heart wanted to embrace her and hold her and comfort her as she leaned forward and stared up at the screen, she wasn't ready to let me do any of it. Then slowly she sat up and eventually she just leaned into me. She still would t make eye contact, but at least she knew i was there for her.

After the movies she was so loving and affectionate. Arm around my waist, and mine around her shoulders we travel to the mall towards the exit exchanging Spanish and English terminology for the items we saw. She giggled at my attempts not to slaughter the Spanish language, and she eagerly hungered to learn English from me. We boarded the bus and suddenly she looked very tired I put my bag on my lap and she laid her head upon it. I gently stroked her for head and circled her eyes with my finger just as I remembered my Mother doing to me as a young child, and sang a song of love.

In that moment, I envisioned filling an empty space that only a mother and a child can understand. I am left believing that through the loss of my own Mother, I am able to love and nurture as I do. It's often times a hyper sensitivity that often has me feeling as though I'm wearing terminator glasses and can see and predict pain and hurt in people. 

The love of Jesus that lives inside of me craves to help heal emotional pain in others...I'm so blessed to have known loss, and to feel the pain. To know that to love is to be loved and suddenly I feel set free.

I was reminded of a lyric in the song It's all good byWarren Barfield... It's the simple thingsthat shape the mood I'm in, just to love and be loved how sweet it is. 

Serena Major ✌️💗🌻

I am overcame the last couple days with happiness. My heart is exploding with joy and love. 

Today at the work site, a little girl named Angela came to visit me. Last year she was attached to me so I was so happy that she came to visit me. She was telling me things like she would never forget me. I was thinking about her as I was playing with another little girl, and then I ended up standing up and walking over to Emily for some reason. And there Angela was. God is so good. 

Only three more days. I am so sad because it's almost over, I could stay here a whole summer.

I never want to come home.

Bring Us Nachos

"Buenos noches" means goodnight in Spanish but to me I hear "bring us nachos."  Even though this is my second time coming to Honduras, I don't think I have learned any more Spanish this time around. Still, it is amazing how well communication can still happen. 

Yesterday, the foreman and I had to communicate about how to make the doors.  At one point there was an interpreter around but I really understood just from the use of gestures and use of a tape measure.   Often, I am a man of "exact" words, often to a laughable observation of those closest to me. Those not so close to me I suspect may do the same, just not in my presence. {shrug}. At work, I am known for phrases like "prudent sweater" and "learning opportunities". Here, while confirming instructions with the foreman, I used words like parallel and perpendicular even though he had no idea what those English words meant. And contrary to popular belief, adding a "o" to the end of a word doesn't make it Spanish. I doubt parallelo and perpendicularo are real words.  It is, however, amazing how well your forearms can demonstrate the two concepts.  

Yesterday afternoon, we took the orphans next door at the mission house to their first ever movie theater experience.  We saw Disney's Inside Out, had popcorn and soda.  It was amazing to see the kids' faces. Yet, during the movie I had sad moments.  There were scenes about happy family memories, something most of these kids didn't have, or if they did, it was with a family that they lost. I wondered what thoughts were going through their heads. These kids come from extreme poverty-type backgrounds, abusive... Both physical and sexual... Backgrounds, or AIDS stricken family situations. One child was so sick just a few weeks ago that she was thought to surely die. She even had been in a coma for a few days.  Still, the kids expressed great Joy.  Cindy, a child with a past that makes tears well up in my eyes just alluding to it here laid her head on my shoulder during half the movie.  Kids long for parental love. Little Christopher sat on my lap on the bus ride back and he looked at pictures on my phone and we communicated names of people in the pictures. I don't know his past, but his eyes (although very cute) make me suspect gestational alcoholism or something similar, because they are farther apart from each other than what is typical. He seems quite smart though. 

If you ever plan to go on mission and don't know the language, even not at all, don't let it stop you or cause hesitation. God shows up wherever a servant heart goes. It is amazing how well communication can happen in action. If you know a little bit of the language, even better. But it is not necessary. 

I think today we will be going to some homes. I pray that God continues to break down that communication barrier.  We will have interpreters with us, but God be with our eyes, our tears, our hearts, and our smiles so that we may communicate well with people today.  

Maybe if we do well today, our mission leader will find a way to actually bring us nachos tonight.  I am building a craving for them with every evening I spend here. :)

God Bless.

Aaron Mason

Going to the Movies - On Mission

Today our team had an amazing opportunity to take 13 children from the orphanage to their first experience in the movie theatre.  They were not told until just before this picture was taken why we had loaded them on a bus and taken them to the mall.  Even their adopted mothers were not told so they could be just as surprised.  We watched the new Disney movie Inside Out dubbed entirely in Spanish.  We were able to understand about 80% of the story line and a little less of the humor, but the kids had a great time (and so did the adults).

The GYM

In 2005, I became sick.  For years and years I had burned the candle at both ends, and it finally caught up with me. My thyroid "crashed and burned" and I wound up losing weight. Not in a good way either. I lost 50 pounds in 90 days. I shook like I had Parkinson's and had to hold my arm still in work meetings.  Some would describe me as looking emaciated.

I found medicine that worked (to treat the symptoms) and I began to be able to gain some weight back. I took that as an opportunity to start building healthy habits into my life. If I was going to gain weight back, I was going to do it the right way. One-by-one over the years I added healthy habits. At first it was various exercises or physical activities that made me stronger. Later it was better eating habits. This last year and a half, however, I strayed from being diligent in my exercises (yoga, kayaking, mountain biking, running, and of course the gym)

This mission is a very physical one. We lift, we dig, we pound, etc. last year I spent a greater part of the first few days just carrying buckets of water for the cement from the river. This year, it was digging a large 7 foot deep hole for a latrine.  While I am energized greatly by serving others on this mission, I am definitely feeling the ill of my straying from my physical habits. 

Knowing I can be a stubborn one, God was unrelenting with the message. I have been getting constant comments and questions from the Hondurans about muscles, working out, what sports do I do, etc. To me, I've let myself go and I don't feel as strong as I once was. So I just shook it off.  God is, however, clever in how he weaves in unexpected lessons in your life. For me, the theme of this mission has been a constant one. Incorporate healthy rhythms (habits) in your life and be very diligent in keeping them if you want to reap the rewards. 

After a couple days of he comments, our job Sunday evening was to help set up the local  church for their monthly youth service. The theme for the service was GYM. Building healthy habits. We drove in a pickup around town to several homes to borrow various tattered exercise equipment and deliver them to the church.  We were setting up a makeshift gym. The kids had a great time at the service. The setup was cool and there was a funny video and skit before the message. There was also a contest at the end with a local personal trainer. 

On Monday, we were set to have our first evening free with no planned activity. Then, someone from a young leader group also staying at the mission house was going to lead an exercise class for the ladies next door in CASA Hogar Vida, the holistic community built by he church, and she self-admittedly needed help. I offered to help teach the yoga and she was very accepting, and seemingly relieved. A couple of the women missionaries in our group also helped. 

The class that came was actually two ladies and the group of kids from the orphanage. How fun to see their smiling faces. They don't normally get to come into the mission house. So it was an exciting privilege for them. They laughed and giggled. What a moment it was!  

To me it was a powerful reminder that God has you where you are for a reason.  There is purpose to your story and path. Stay diligent in what you feel called to do, because God WILL use it for His glory and His purpose. Part of that purpose is your faith. When moments come where your history and your purpose meet, it is a faith bolstering moment.  God has us in a race for souls. You're in training for it. Do what you're called to do. 

Here is a great verse that uses the metaphor of physical prowess and athleticism to describe the discipline needed in our lives to win the prize, the ultimate prize. 

"Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified. (‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭24-27‬ NLT)"

God Bless

Aaron Mason

where is Christ in your home?

Yesterday we were working at the home of the family we are serving. Last year we tore the families current home down before we started on their new home. This year there is enough room to allow the family to remain in their home until the new one is finished.
Their current home is built of discarded materials and wrapped in plastic. The front door looks like one am old farm house would have hosted. It is screen and has carved wood working as it's frame. About eye level, on the screen itself, are two hand prints made of white paint. Attached to the door on one of those hand prints is a picture of Christ.
As little as this family has the first thing they want you to see is that they serve our Lord and Savior. They are proud their home and what it represents regardless of its appearance.
It made me think about how far you have to walk into my house before you see a sign that my home is dedicated to our Lord and Savior.
How far do you have to walk into your own home before you show your dedication to your faith?
I have some decorating to do when I get home :0)

Day 2

Day 2~ After morning orientation, we viewed the property. We were able to see many updates from the years previous that we were here. Checked up on the trees that were planted, learned about how and where the bricks from the onsite brick "factory" are made and used. Each building on the property is made out of the bricks that are made onsite. Our villa for instance used 25,000 bricks, It's amazing!!! The coffee roaster was not roasting any beans this AM, but it still smelled amazing and as we learned about the process and the love and care that goes into the product, it certainly gave new appreciation for my morning brew at home. 

We then went over to the orphanages, there we met the children that we had learned about during orientation. We stayed and played games and tried to bless them the best and only way we could. We brought a few new card games, small toys, played jax, showed them our pictures, phones and taught them cart wheels and laughed...let's be honest, in reality they were really the ones blessing us. 

My heart was so moved and touched by their stories. My heart was again moved in a way that only God could. I'm more aware of previous struggles upon my heart, and in one second it all seemingly disappears. Have I ever known loss truly? Yes, just in a much different way. Have I ever been faced with rejection? No, I have been steered to Christ by Christ and he is the one who has spared me. Their smiling faces looking to interact and receive love is a true testimony to their hearts. Their hearts are not bitter and worn down. They are loved and in love with God, the comfort and the blessings This church and compound provide for the families that rely on it is miraculous. Again I am humbled by my expectations and I am encouraged to know in many ways that my belief of love and how it is shown in Christ's name heals completely. 

✌️💗🌻 Serena 

Will you give me a drink?

"Will you give me a drink?" (John 4:7)

On our first full day here in Honduras, the temperature is near the 100 degree Fahrenheit mark and I am in a constant state of thirst. It draws me to this scripture and how Jesus approached teaching a woman at Jacob's well and began to teach her to think outside the law and learn about God's grace. She was focused on water literally and the laws and customs society put in place. Jesus would have none of it and flipped this conversation around from asking her for literal water to teaching her about the Living Water that He offered. 

Man can put laws and rules in place, but it doesn't change God's order or grace. First of all in their world, Jews (Jesus) were not supposed to speak to Samaritans. She said, "How can you ask me for a drink?" (John 4:9). Also, men were not supposed to address women without their husbands present and Rabbis like Jesus had no business speaking to a woman with the questionable background like she had. 

Jesus took those customs and the very basic need of water and explained that when you take a drink of water, you are temporarily satisfied, but you are soon thirsty again.  Jesus explained that He offers the living water. Take the drink and you'll never be thirsty again. 

Whatever your background,whether as questionable as this woman's, or whatever your disadvantage or sin, there is Living water for anyone who would take a drink. Societies come and go. Situations change. Man's law and governments change. None of it changes God's Word and His Living water.  Focus on God and live where you find yourself and soon you'll be a well of His Living Water yourself. You'll be able to witness and spread the word. 

God Bless. 

Aaron Mason

The HOT Work in the summer sun begins.

 

We have already started framing the home, and before we pulled out the new hammers Nick brought the local hammer failed, broke in 2 pieces.  Not to be turned back on his mission, Tony grabbed a rock and completed the task.  We have hauled water, dug a latrine (8 foot hole in the sandy soil) in addition to working on the home.  Tonight we are going to experience the monthly youth (student) gathering and listen to Pastor Geovany's middle son, David, deliver his first message. 

Wounded

God really spoke to me today. He showed us the need that is in the world. He revealed to my heart that the wounds I have been unable to lay down from my childhood are significant to who I am. There was a BUT to his revelation! The BUT is this: PUT IT IN PERSPECTIVE. Even though my wounds are real I have to put it in perspective. This is the perspective that God revealed, He has loved me through it all but it is time to see the wounds for what they were. He showed me little hearts that really have emotional and physical wounds. They have every reason to have anger and hatred in there hearts but God has stepped in to save and protect them, his love shines through them. So who am I to hold on to failure and hurt from a childhood of hurt and unfulfilled expectations. Gods perspective is that he can't move me to the next level until I see the wounds for what they have for been for me and lay them down at the foot of his throne. Out of today came the message "Son I have given you all you need to lay it down and be healed. I NEED you to do that so I can lift you up to the next level." God is great because he uses ALL things to accomplish his will. There is nothing that the devil can do that God is not working for the good of his children even before the devil does it.

Day 1

It is the end of the first day, and I cannot thank God enough for giving me all that I have. Hearing the orphans stories and putting them to their faces was amazing. It was a feeling I won't forget. It reminds me that every frustration or hurt I have ever been through is nothing compared to what these kids have gone through and most of them aren't even 10 yet. 

I remember why I had the drive to come back after my experience last year. I fell in love all over again. With the people, the scenery, everything. I almost feel like I never even left. Everything is pure happiness here and I adore it. God is so good. 

Being able to have both my parents here is awesome. I love being able to look at my mom and see her soak it all in. 

After reading a prayer partner letter this morning I'm taking her advice and soaking everything in. Looking at the people and remembering their smiles, or staring at how beautiful the mountains are.

I am forever grateful for the opportunity to come here because it truly has changed my life and I am so thankful for the people who have made this a reality for me. 

Thank you all again ❤️

Day 1 Travel

Day 1 was abound with blessings from the Lord. All our flights were smooth and timely. The bus trip from Tugucigalpa to Choluteca was as always interesting and filled with faith that the Lord will get you there. It is very tiring meeting at church at 330ish in the morning and starting the trip that lands you at a mission house in Choluteca Honduras. For some reason it took a lot out of me this year. God is faithful and I know will fill me back up to overflowing with his love and mercy. Can't wait to see what day 2 has in store.

Dragonflies

Day #2
I love to go to the second floor of the mission house and do a little workout every morning then spend some time with God while taking in the view of his beautiful creation.
Today, at the end of my  prayer, I asked him to use me as his tool as we serve or brothers and sisters and to be with my words and actions through or this day. At that moment, a dragonfly, otherwise known in Spanish as a " libelulu, flew by me and then went strsight out in front of me until I couldn't see it anymore.
A few know that I absolutely adore dragonflies because I think He placed them on this earth to be a living cross to remind us of the gift of salvation he gave us through Jesus Christ.
God is just so very good <3

Good Morning

We arrived yesterday after two flights, and a 4 hour bus trip. It was incredible! The mountainous scenery is breathtaking. The culture of love exudes from thier smiling faces. Not one time have I felt unsafe or not at ease. Even if the bus ride was a bit exciting! :-) God clearly has his hand and grace over us. 

We came pulling into the mission house with about ten minutes of daylight left. I'm anxious to explore this property and to see the new additions to the orphanage. 

This morning I was awaken by two talking gecko lizards and the most beautiful sunrise. It's warm already, but there is a sense of excitement and anticipation in the air that makes it seem as if anything is possible. Then I'm reminded of one of my favorite versus when I get in a funk and feel the spirit of defeat, Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". And again I'm humbled at how God works in and on my mind. I'm here to serve him, but I'm clearly aware that God is the one that is serving me. 

I am blessed, I am strong only because of my faith...as everything of this world tells me that I am not capible of the kind of life I desire to live by serving the Lord. But it is because of his GRACE, LOVE, and ULTIMATE forgiveness that even I can serve in HIS name... 

Thank you Lord for the heart that you gave me. I pray that today you protect our crew, bless our crew and provide your heavenly wisdom to embark on the many tasks we will complete this week! AMEN...

PS: As I went to publish this, it didn't go through. I went upstairs to get a picture of the property and started conversation with my fellow team members. Through sharing and talking God spoke to our hearts, mine most definitely. 

THANK YOU GOD FOR OUR ABILITY TO USE Our hands and feet in your name! 

Life goes on... And so Must the Mission

Life goes on... and so must the mission

It's a team of ten this year.  It's Friday, June 26th and we are all sitting at the airport at 5am about to board our flight to Honduras via Atlanta.  We will be gone for 10 days.  I'm sure it won't seem like a long time on that last day, but as we prepared to leave this last week it seemed like a monumental task to exit our daily routines and responsibilities.

Industry changing regulation has my work very busy right now.  Also, my son just graduated and I have been helping him transition into adulthood and soon-to-be college life.  On top of that, I have other time planned off for family needs shortly after the mission. Then here was hail.  just two weeks before mission, a hail storm like I never had seen came through my neighborhood. My roof, siding, and windows were peppered so badly that they all need to be replaced.  So I have been dealing with the insurance adjuster and contractor up until the last day here. Finally, you just resign to the fact that it will all be there when you get back.

Robert Frost once said, "in three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life:  it goes on."  And that it does.... And so must the mission. You can't be in two places at once when in mission. You have to leave everything behind and trust that it will be fine when you get back. This is a necessity so that you are present in the mission. You need to be there and undistracted. God is doing great things where we are going, the least one can do is "show up."  Both literally, and figuratively. 

Last year was no different.  Back then, I was heavy into a new position at work, and my grandma passed and I needed to travel for that just before going on mission.  It was a very busy time, but it all worked out. 

Life will happen.  Mission doesn't change that. You just have to be prepared when deciding to go on mission that there will be many things in your life that threaten distraction and that those forces will intensify the closer you are to the gate at the airport. 

To my family and friends that may read this... I love you all very much. My prayers are with you, but my focus is here. I got this (by the grace of God) and you got it back home. See you all in a couple weeks!!!!

God Bless!!!

It's finally time to "Do Something"

 “I just couldn’t bear the thought of people living in poverty, Children sold into slavery. The thought disgusted me. So, I shook my fist at Heaven said, ‘God, why don’t You do something?’He said, ‘I did, I created you’”
-Do Something - Matthew West

Tomorrow at this time we will be traveling through the mountains of Honduras on our way to Choluteca. I pray that God watches over us and opens our hearts to the promptings of the Holy Spirit so that we can truly be the hands and feet of Christ. 

I cannot believe we are just two weeks from another mission trip to Honduras!! My excitement grows with each passing day. I am eager to be updated on the lives of the family we served last year and hopefully see others that live in the community that we were so blessed to get to know a year ago.
I also look forward to evangelizing. I have been noting verses that I hope will help the people we visit to better understand what Jesus' death did for us. How all he asked in return was for us to believe in him and live the Truth through faith.
Unfortunately, faith is a strange concept to them. Please pray that our efforts, at the very least, would plant a seed that illuminates His glory and clarifies His grace and mercy.

Thanks for your support - only 16 days remaining

Vega Family

We have had a awesome fund raising campaign this year.  Our team of 10 has raised over $20,000 to support our trip.  In addition, our first annual rev22two golf scramble was a huge success raising over $3000 to further enhance our work in Honduras and Moldova.  With all of your support we are going to be able to build a new home for the Vega family and also build an outhouse on their property.  We will also be donating sound equipment and a wireless security system to the church in Choluteca.  Our team is thankful for all of your love and support.

 

 

The Return of Antonio Banderas and Company

A Last year was my first ever mission trip.  10 days can be both a long time and a very short time.  We worked very hard and at the end of each day it seemed like a long time.  The bed, a shower and clean sheets were our best friends.  However, that last day, a very somber day at times, made the whole mission feel very short.  I felt called to go back to Honduras before we ever even left eyesight of the mission hours. 

A year, however, is a very long time. Many things can happen, and you never know what God has in store for you. So, I was hesitant to say (for sure) that I was going back until just a couple months ago. Elevate also does missions to Moldova, and I have always felt an underlying pull for me to go there, but it has always fallen upon a very inopportune time for me for work. An  unfortunate impossibility to take time off. 

While it may seem like an impossibility for me, I know that with God all things are possible. "

"Jesus looked at them intently and said, 'Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.' (‭Matthew‬ ‭19‬:‭26‬ NLT)"

And so my great internal debate is whether I am limiting God by going to Honduras instead of Moldova.  In my heart, I believe the answer lies in last year's mission. There were so many God moments and even some spectacular moments that I am only left to conclude that I was supposed to be there and am again this year. (Elevatehonduras2014.blogspot.com)

This year, going to Honduras is, in part, a feeling of a new calling and, also in part, a leftover feeling of unfinished work from last year's mission trip.  Within this internal debate, I think of Philippians 1:6:

"And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." (‭Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬ NLT)

So with unfinished work in mind, I am going back to Honduras, and I have faith that God will be with us.  Some of the same characters will be on the mission trip  again this year such as our fearless leaders, the Huie's and even Tony, Mr Personality.  I still think some of them believe his last name is "Bandaras" because he would yell out to the kids each day "Antonio Bandaras" when leaving and arriving at the mission house. 

God Bless. 

2nd time to be blessed

I can't wait to see either Tony :) I'm so excited to have the team that we do! So far, in number, the team is small but in faith our capabilities cannot be measured. For our God is infinite and it is him we live through!! Viva Honduras..... For his glory :0)

Can't wait to see what God as planned for us!