Up to date

If you hadn't noticed, this past month we basically fell off the radar. We haven't been able to keep up with the blog, Facebook or even calling family. But there is a good reason for it. Sometimes it is really hard to believe all the things that are going on in the ministry and how fast they are happening. God is good…

We wanted to keep everyone up to date on all that is going on and how exciting it is for us as a family to be able to learn and be part of all that is happening.

Let's start at the beginning of August, one of our house parents (Belkis) who has lived in the this rural community her whole life, started to miss cooking the way she used to before working at GH2K. So she took the two oldest boys (Eugenio and Jared) and her daughter Pamela and they hand made a MUD stove/oven! Now, I don’t have to tell you all the attention Belkis gets from the wandering individuals when she starts baking bread.

Eugenio and Pamela waiting for the bread

Also at the beginning of the month, the new kids finally arrived. We had been waiting for months for their clearance, and with much anticipation all of the GH2K staff, volunteers and children received them with a party. It's always a party here, especially when we get to meet such special little kids who are now a part of our family. It was awesome to see the new six kids integrate right in with the other children. There are six of them. One set of 4 siblings and one set of two siblings. They lived together in their previous foster home, and now they will live together in their new permanent home with their new parents, Rina and Jesus. We love seeing them interact, especially Jorgito, a thirteen month old baby. He loves his new mommy and he is specially attached to his new daddy. We love getting to know them and seeing their personalities come out.

               

 

               

 

               

 

Sometime mid August,  Urraco's local pastor (Nahum) came to us with an idea of gathering local churches and have an unifying service. Because the space and resources of our Friday night youth services, we decided to host it.  So we invited 6 or so churches of the neighboring villages, and we were so amazed with the turn out. With different styles of worship and preaching from each church’s representative, we could feel God’s presence heavy in Urraco, Honduras. What a great experience to have all the churches together.

Now the following weekend, one set of houseparents (Will and Sinndya) wanted to take some time off and go visit their family in the city they are originally from. We volunteered to be house parents for them for the 4 days they went on vacation. Often I feel we take for granted all the work that goes into these kids lives from our houseparents, but moving in with them and going through the fun times and of course the discipline times really makes us appreciate all they do here in these kids lives. It was so fun to be able to live full time with a set of five rambunctious kids. Kelly finally had a taste of what it is to have siblings.

Sunday, fun day!

Lillian absolutely loves washing dishes 

Making bubbles with dish soap

Finally, on September 2nd, we started a new educational program in the community. Previously we had spent a lot of our time in the local elementary school teaching English and computer classes. As many other families from other neighboring villages were showing some interest, and to utilize our resources more efficiently; we decided to combine library time with English, computer, music, bible, and tutoring classes right here on our property with the facilities and volunteers we have. We basically started an after school program to improve education in our communities. 
For over two weeks, we prepared for the transition. We set up classrooms in our campus, planned schedules, and had "open houses" during library time. We personally invited kids from other villages, and set up meetings with parents and teachers to introduce the new program. The feedback we received from parents was great, and the registration turnout was unexpected. We signed up over 60 kids for the program from three different villages, all elementary school age. 
We are so proud of the kids who are attending this program, because it is a sacrifice for many. Some have to walk 45 minutes (sometimes in the rain and mud) to get here. Some have to work to help their parents make ends meet. And for some, the fact of attending school after school just doesn't add up. But we are so proud of the parents and children who are willing to invest in education; and with God's help we can be witnesses and change these kids expectation for a better life.

San Luis.A village 45 min walk  away

On our way to  San Luis

On the first  day of classes,  Monica addressing the students

1st  and 2nd graders receiving reading tutorig

Students taking their placemement tests

Computer class