Day 5 Update

Today our team divided to conquer. One group went to the orphanage to complete the playground and the other group went to build another home in the village of Los Pinos. We are having so much fun, but I must tell you there are some weary bodies going on. The house we built today was the first house to have a wood floor put in it, which is way neat because up until now the families have still had to sleep in the bacteria infested dirt. Hopefully this will help with the difficulties that go along with that.

We met back up at Casitas Kennnedy orphanage to have a banquet for Jesus (pizza party) where children were taking pieces of pizza sticking them in their pockets and coming back for piece after piece with great big smiles on their faces. Won't ever be able to eat pizza in quite the same way ever again. Can't tell you how many times we've said that phrase..."won't be able to do this or that in the same way ever again." This experience changes so many things forever.

After the orphanage we traveled to the school for the blind. If we had any idea what heaven might sound like when we get there some of our visions of that changed today as those sweet little blind people sang for us and the harmony raised every hair on our arms and brought tears to most every face. It was an amazing sight and sound to behold. Touched to say the least. Then we sang a couple songs for them, and their request for us was "Someday." Here we go again..."Won't ever be able to sing that song in quite the same way again." We looked into blinded eyes thinking oh baby someday those eyes will surely see.

Our last stop for the day was at the bodega which is Torch's warehouse where supplies are stored and distributed from. Right now there are various medical supplies stored there to give out to the hospitals here in Tegucigalpa. Much good is done from that place. One of the neatest things about the warehouse is the man who works there and manages the warehouse, Juan. He has polio and has no use of the lower half of his body but is one of the most joyful people I have ever seen. He never complains and he is just so grateful to have a job and be a part of something good that's happening there. Makes some of our complaints seem so incredibly petty.

We finished up our night tonight with some amazing praise and worship, and once again talked about where we saw Jesus. It's hard to sum up all the ways we've seen Jesus in just a couple minutes and we never lack for stories or experiences to share. He is here, He is visible, He is awesome!!

Will write more tomorrow. Be blessed and be a blessing!! We appreciate your prayers.

Day 3 and 4 Update

Well as you can see we’ve gotten just a bit behind on our blogs…one word for that EXHAUSTION, I apologize. When we’re winding down at 10 pm after going really hard all day I’m finding it difficult to drum up any energy or one creative brain cell to put thoughts together to do justice to our day. I will attempt however to catch you all up on the happenings here in this blog. Please do not interpret our missing a couple evenings as a lack of desire for you to get to experience this with us because we can NOT wait to get back and share our stories and pictures and experiences with you. I promise you you’ll witness some changed people.

Yesterday (Monday) we built our first two homes for two families in the village of Los Pinos. One team had their project finished by noon and were ready to roll. (They also got the sissy sight as someone commented) which was right beside the road with the lumber delivered to the proper spot and the ground level, etc. The other site…hmmm….don’t know how to explain it exactly except to say that it involved about oh 50 stairs up the side of a hill, a huge drop off on the front side of the site, and the lumber delivered all to the bottom of this hill. It was a workout FOR SURE!! Regardless of all the details two families are sleeping in homes tonight that wouldn’t be otherwise unless God had presented us with this opportunity. We had so much fun playing with the village children as we sat on the stairs and sang with them, painted fingernails and just looked for ways to show them love. What a treat…cool job description for a week to look for ways to love on people. They know This is the Day in both English and Spanish and so we sang that for at least 15 minutes probably. It was so sweet their little voices just half shouting half singing that this is the day that the Lord has made and that they will rejoice and be glad in it, when they’re walking around with no shoes, filthy dirty but with the most beautiful smiles you ever did see. Once again we’re reminded that there are some essentials in life and some of the things we put on the list are so very far from truly being essential. Joy is not measured by abundance or lack but by something determined down deep in a heart. These people are such a reminder of that. Had some sweet little boys who helped all day long pound nails with smiles all over their faces. Jody had a nail assistant and they were in heaven being able to be a part of what was going on.

Today (Tuesday) we went to Casitas Kennedy orphanage where children are brought to be taken off the street and placed somewhere that they can sort of rehabilitate until they are able to be placed in a safer environment. Some sad sad faces and cases in this institution. The inside of it reminds you of a prison in a lot of ways. It’s walled in and different age groups are separated into cottages that are locked and it just feels dark and dingy in there. Our expert carpenters and their mighty men designed a playground for the orphanage and today we all worked together to begin to build it. We have half of it completed and will return in the morning to complete the project. On top of constructing the playground today, Tim got a new cotton candy machine and so we tried that out today and let’s just say you would have thought the fair was in town. Grins from ear to ear and pink sugar smiles everywhere on their little brown faces. It was sweet. Tomorrow we’ll take with us some pizza and have a banquet for Jesus with them and hand out clothes and toothbrushes, etc It will be a wonderful day. Can’t wait to see their exuberant joy when the playground is completed. The swingset part of it we finished today and it wasn’t up for 5 minutes before the kids were on it and were loving it so much. They had a ball. We met one little girl at the orphanage today named Dilisia that drew a crowd with her sharing how God meant everything to her and that He loved her and He loved us and that she didn’t care where she was that she would tell people about how much God loves them. She lost her mother several years ago and her father is in the United States and has abandoned her and so meanwhile she’s in the orphanage telling the other teenagers around her about Jesus. What perspective for life. Difficult to justify our complaining and pettiness when you watch an orphaned girl explain that yes she doesn’t have family but God is her father and what more could she ask for? Twelve years old with a faith that blew most of us out of the water. Her life was one of the best sermons I’ve ever heard. She was something tremendously special. Then tonight we went to the mall and did internet and phone calls home and had a meal at TGI Friday’s. Well most of us did. It was nice.

Well that’s all for tonight. I leave you with this one thought…are we really blessed or are the things we presently call blessings so distracting that in simplicity we’re reminded what blessings truly are? I’m thinking at this point in my journey that my list of things I truly am blessed by are not things. They’re God and people and matters of the heart. If that’s what we’re talking about then we’re blessed, but if we’re talking about our stuff that we acquire and hang onto and struggle to keep as we lose sight of so much else, then I’m out. I’d rather do with nothing and have a faith like I’m seeing, then have everything and think I need nothing desperately enough to hunger for God from somewhere beyond deep. So we’re all praying I think that God takes this experience and shows us how it fits into life when we leave. We’d appreciate your prayers to know what you do with all you see and how you live out the changes.

We love you all!! Thank you for your prayers. To date, no sicknesses, thank you Lord. Keep praying those away and for God to continue to use us as His hands and feet and heart wherever He needs us. This is such an honor, I wish we had words to tell you all our hearts feel about that.

Hi Family,
Today is Monday and we as a team built two houses for some very beautiful Honduras people. My team had the easy site (easy meaning not completely on the side of a cliff), Chris’s team however was more difficult, right on the side, all of the lumber had to be carried up about 70 steep steps. He had a good time learning the Honduras house building skills, and are ready to start a big playground at the State Run Orphanage that has 140 kids. Sunday we were at a Christian orphanage and the kids were beautiful my boys name was Leonel, and I have a lot of pictures I’d bring you each home one or two if I could. Tommorow’s orphanage is going to be much different the state gets really no funding and there are so many kids from babies to teens. Please Please pray that we can make the most of our time with out being blubbering morons. This place is amazing you all need to come, its deffinately a wonderful experience. Dylan and Wyatt, Mommy can’t wait to bring you you’d have so much fun playing with all of these beautiful, friendly and wonderful kids I miss you so much but I know your having fun. Keep obeying and being good boys Hugs and Kisses and give Ryley a big hug and kiss for me. You are all in my prayers. I love you all. Thanks for the emails , I everyone healthy yet. Our tummys are all doing very well, with the daily warning not to drink the water. Torch is such a blessing to this country. And they are blessing us beyond measure. Talk to you tomorrow Nt. Hopefully. Te amo, Rebekah


Connie and girls,
It is Monday evening and we just got back from the worksite. We built our first house today and went over to the orphanage to see the site where we are going to build the playground tomorrow. The house we built today was up on a hill and we had to carry all of the supplies, lumber, tools and roofing sheetmetal up probably 70 some steps that were very steep. But it was a labor of love, and after the house was finished……….what a feeling of accomplishment. Meridith, I loved reading your email, it means so much to me that you are proud of me. Hannah, I cant wait to come home and see you and buggy again, I actually am missing buggy myself. Libby, when I get home you are going to come and sit on my lap and tell me about your dance and swimming lessons. I miss and love all of you so much. Connie, again I cannot tell you how much I want you to experience this with me. Thank you again for your never ending support of my wish to come and make this journey serving God. Well I cant wait to hear from you again, and I will maybe be able to call in the next couple of days, or Saturday when we go to the mall.
Love you all, cant wait to see you.
Mark ( Daddonk)
PS: Just got back from dinner, and had a big surprise in the cafeteria, everyone came in wearing some article of my clothing, including my underwear. It was hilarious, I first saw Leann and Karen Vaughan in a Hilfiger Tshirt , both of them wearing it getting their picture taken, and didn’t realize for a few minutes that it was my tshirt, then they told me to look out the window, and here comes everyone across the lawn in my clothes, Brandon had 2 pillows in a shirt to fill it out, cyrena had on my underwear and Michael had M&Ms in his lip, like skoal and a spitcup. Too funny.
See ya.

Linda and Eric,
All is going well. Davey and I were on the same team building a house. He did so well. We met the lady that was going to move in tonight. The houses are wood with sheets of corrugated steel. We stopped at the orphanage that we are going to work in tomorrow. A sight to see. Davey says hi and wants to know what game Eric got. Love you greatly and we will be talking to you again soon. Love you with all of our hearts.

Dad and Davey



Hi everyone,
Just a note to let you know I am working hard and having fun. The kids are great!! Today we built our first two houses. That was hard work. I can’t wait to tell and show you all about it. Love to all of you!!!
Love,
Dianne/Mom/friend




Pam, Drew, and Craig, Family and Friends:

All is going well. No sickness to report in the whole group. We built 2 houses today(interesting process). We will be building a playground for an orphanage in the city tomorrow. The nights are wonderful here. There have been beautiful moon and stars, and wonderful cool breezes to feel while viewing these wonderful sites(the days are quite hot though).. The children and families we are serving are going to be quite memorable. I am looking forward to seeing everyone soon to share more. I’ll write again soon. Love Ya!! Tim



Bobbie and Becca,
Today was a good day for work. As you can see from other postings, we built two houses today. It sure was good to get cleaned up at 5:00 or so…kind of reminiscent of farming. There were two work groups and our job site was close to the church we attended yesterday. We met the family who will live in the house: two parents and three children. One of my jobs was keeping the kids out of danger. They had a little boy who kept wanting to go where he shouldn’t be. His sister sort of attached herself to Leann Bates; her name was Kati. Grandma was there and helped with kid control. Later we had some kid control problems of another kind, but that is another story…nothing we couldn’t handle. I will have to tell you about it later. Good luck on the trip to Columbus.
Love, Dan/Dad




Mom
God is so good! The ways in which I see Jesus here everyday is unbelievable. Jesus is everywhere you look. Let me tell you I will have so many stories and things to share with you when I get back. Hope all is well at home and you aren’t missing me too much. Have you bought me a house yet? J I love you! Be God’s! love ya, Karen


To the Laughery friends and family,
Wow! It is hard to put into words the needs of these people. Most of all the need for someone to show them they truly love them with no strings attached. There have been many faces for all of us that will forever be etched in our minds. I am so proud of the girls. Delaney has been so giving to all the children. She sat today and let some little girls at the building sight braid her hair. Kelsey has been such a loving worker. She gave her heart to the kids at the private orphanage yesterday only to have it broken when it was time to go! Today when she was finished with the house she had been working on all day in the blazing sun she showed up at the second job sight and worked her heart out! We miss you all and are making many memories to share with you when we get home! Love ya! Jody, Mary Ann, Kelsey and Delaney.

Sarajane and Linda,
Just wanted to let you both know that my heart is missing you both. I have thought about you both many times each day. Sarajane, I have seen your face as I have looked at so many of these beautiful children. And, Linda you would be so proud of your guys! Even though we are many miles apart I know God is connecting us through His Spirit. Keep praying! Love ya, sistas! Mary Ann


Sarajane, Kylie and Maggie,
It has been such an amazing experience so far, it is hard to even describe all the emotions that run through my heart each day. We’ve built a couple of houses so far and tomorrow we get to build the playground at the orphanage. It is incredible where they put some of these houses!!! I’m feeling great so you don’t have to worry. The sickness was just from the approach of trying to land a 737 in the mountains. Hope you all are enjoying Nashville this week and have safe travels home. Please send me Mandy’s cell phone number if you get a chance so I can call you this week. Love you all, can’t wait to see you in a few more days. Much love, Tony (Dad)

Day 2 update -- Easter Sunday

Imagine a small church building in a third world country filled with half Hondurans half Americans and the most beautiful worship you've been a part of in a very long time and you've imagined how we began our day. The service was translated by Tim so that we could understand and we sang both Spanish and English songs. Chris led the English songs and did a marvelous job. That boy is gifted and is being used mightily here to lead us before the throne. It was absolutely beautiful. Somehow the God we serve gets bigger and yet more tender when you watch him cross every barrier that exists. Christ's blood, it just covers it all, America...Honduras and everywhere else. At the end of the service today three ladies decided to give their hearts to Christ and the story of one was so moving that I am compelled to share it here. On January 23 a husband/daddy was baptized into Christ at the church in Los Pinos. A month later he was killed in a shooting while on duty as a security guard. Today his wife and daughter went into the water with Christ to follow in the footsteps of a faith that they loved so much. It was precious beyond words that I am able to formulate here. There were so many children there and we got to spend some time with them after services. Precious, beautiful kids here. Goodness.

Then we left there and traveled to a small orphanage about an hour outside of Tegucigalpa called Didasko. To say that we walked away changed is a mild understatement. We were all basket cases for the most part. Imagine that :) Wives you guys would be so proud of your hubbies they came thinking they'd build houses and pound nails and they are being changed in the most tender ways by a God who has taken them so way out of comfort zones and moved into their hearts. We had a devo tonight and I don't know that there was a dry eye on a guy in the place. We all have been so moved. Today was the day we handed out the blankets with the childrens names embroidered on them. What a delight. They took them to their 4 drawer and one bunk home and were so proud to show off their "space." Whewwww!! We hid Easter eggs and gave out lots of treats and above all just sat and spent time with the children. Most people "adopted" a child or God placed one with us might be a better choice of terminology. Special special moments. Doesn't take long for your heart to be given away in this place that's for sure. When you only have two hours, you make the most of every minute. We boarded the bus wondering how in the world we could possibly leave that place. Those children are the most loving, trusting, beautiful picture of God's love. It's amazing and they have already lived such horrible lives. It's amazing what love is doing in their hearts. Jorge and Rosa Castillo run the orphanage and we had some moments today that will be forever cherished with them. They are inspiring people who make you want to sell everything you own, quit your job, and just be all for Jesus. They are just the real deal and you feel closer to God somehow by being around them and hearing their story.

We closed tonight with a devo and talked about where we'd seen Jesus today again. We were not a loss for stories to share. Almost everyone had something to say about ways that Jesus had become more visible to them today. I can assure you that I will never be able to read my Bible and the stories of Jesus with the children in the same way ever again and neither are 33 other folks. Jesus would have lived this life, He would have sat in the middle of those kids today, and He would have walked away from them tearfully with a part of His heart gone forever. It seems an honor we're almost not worthy of to be able to walk so closely in footsteps He would have imprinted while we're here. Small drops in a bucket, but drops nonetheless and ones we are so grateful to make.

Well it's getting late and we're pooped, so will close this for tonight with some personal messages for some of you. Please know that we cherish your prayers from the bottom of our hearts. Tomorrow we will be building a house for a family in Los Pinos near the church where we worshipped today. It will be a delight to watch a family with no home walk into one tomorrow after we leave and know they will be sheltered now. We love you!


Genny: I just want to tell you how wonderful it is to watch your family here with these Honduran people. Trey is GREAT with these kids and Kristen is jumping right in and lovin' all over them! And what workers! Genny, you've put good things in these kiddos, you truly have. You've planted the seeds...God is going to bring the harvest. And your hubby is spending some quality time with his son. Only thing missing is you...next year!! Love you sis-tah! Kay

Brian F: You are s-o-o-o-o-o going to love this; this is so you. Your servant heart is going to thrive here in Honduras. Can't wait to show you the pictures! Take care, Kay

Dylan and Wyatt: I can't wait for you to get a little older so you can come with us to Honduras and meet some of these children. We met some great kiddos at the Christian orphanage today. My special friends name was Luis-Daniel and he was 5 years old. I gave him a Superman toy from Burger King and he loved it! He lives with 29 other children at the orphanage and only has a few toys and clothes that fit in 4 drawers but he's a happy boy! His biggest smile today was when Uncle jeff gave him a necklace with a cross on it. I have pictures of him to show you. I'm praying for you every day. I love you so very much. Grandma Kay

Dylan, Wyatt, and Ryley: It was so good to hear your voices on the phone. Mommy, Daddy, Grandma Kay and Papa Rick love and miss you. Keep praying for us, we are praying for you. I love you ( Te amo ), Mommy and Daddy

Mom, Dad, and Mi Familia: I can feel your prayers. We are all doing well and losing alot of self here, but gaining much better blessing in return. I can't wait to tell you all stories. :) Te amo, Rebekah

Sarajane, Kylie, and Maggie: Missing you a bunch, but there has been so much going on, there is rarely much time to think about it. What an amazing journey so far. Had part of my heart ripped out today at Didasko orphanage by a little boy and girl named Alejandro and Katerin. Sure wish I could bring them home with me. Tell Maggie I gave that special little white purse to Katerin. If you remember, please email Mandy's home # to me. I may be able to call you Tuesday evening. Love you all bunches!

Sarajane: I miss you so way much and cannot wait for you to experience this with us. There have been a hundred times that I have thought oh Sarajane would love this, it is so her. Just know that when you get here it will be perfect timing. You would be so proud of your hubby God is moving and touching him deeply. Keep praying for me as I'm praying for you.

Connie McKain: Thanks for answering the phone today - hearing your voice for a few short minutes will help me get through the week. I can't wait to get home and share with you the places I've seen Jesus this week. I love you and the girls and miss you. Thank you for supporting me in this trip. Be prepared, I will be coming home a much different man than the one who kissed you goodbye.

Linda and Eric: Sure do miss you two. Worship was great today. We have met so many wonderful folks. I can't wait to tell you. Davey is great. You both would be so proud of him. We journeyed to an orphanage today. Our hearts are still there. Love you dearly. Your Brian Paul and Dad

Kathy: Katelyn and I have seen Jesus. Today was such an awesome day. In Isaiah 6 when Isaiah saw the Lord, his cry was "I am un-done." Today we saw His servants and my mind has been opened to the meaning of His words - in a small way - but I am beginning to understand. Katelyn and I will come home changed and it will be good. Jen is warning us of even more powerful days ahead. God is crushing our hearts but it isn't painful, it just gives meaning to us in an often meaningless world.

Mom and Dad: Happy Easter! Thanks for the messages. We are having a blast, this is a dream come true to get to come here with these people who have done so much for my heart. It is an absolute delight to stand back and watch them with the children and see ways they are being changed by this place that I love SOOOOOOOOOO much! I appreciate your prayers. All is well here, better than well, it's heavenly. Moments borrowed from Him for sure. Keep praying, I love you. JEN

Anita: Tell Brennen to stop growing while I'm gone. Tell him his other B in the pod will come back soon. All is well! We are safe, healthy, and having a great time. Neither of us have gotten too sunburned YET. I love you. Brian

Day 1 -- Update

Hola all...well our first official work day is completed and let me tell you there isn't a single muscle in body or heart that hasn't been well worked today. We went to a little mountain village just outside of Tegucigalpa called San Miguel where we worked to pour a concrete sidewalk uphill and gutters for a church building which was constructed last year by TORCH. The people were absolutely amazing and worked circles around us no doubt. They were so delighted to have our help and thanked us over and over for what we were doing. It was HARD work, but somehow it was utterly delightful to work that hard for Jesus. There is some sweet joy in going farther than you thought you could go for the sake of someone else. Today was like that. There were probably 80 kids who came up the mountain to be there when they saw the bus coming. A sweet lady named Ava worked with them and had them all sitting in their little seats and we were able to sing with them and do a bible story that Kay told and Dan translated and some of the teens and others helped act out. It was precious indeed. Lots of bubbles and toys dispersed and we spent time loving on children by the dozens. It was touching. There are a billion things over here to be captured by but the children by far are the quickest attachment to your heart. It is so difficult to leave them after spending a day loving on them heart exposed. Well worth the moments of difficult for the supreme moments of joy however.

Tonight we had a devo at the Jesus statue which overlooks the city of Tegucigalpa and it was wonderful. Had some sweet times of singing and then tonight we had our first "Where did you see Jesus today?" time. There were some wonderful stories and several shared places where they were touched and felt closer to Jesus. It's amazing to me how desperately God wants us to know Him and the lengths He will go to to reveal Himself to us. Bending down today to a small little girl with a dirt ridden face as I held a plastic bag filled with Coke and she chugged it down with it leaking all over her face and down her shirt, got my heart. I was reminded in that moment how Jesus must have been with people because inside the Spirit that He gave me I felt as though I related to Him so much in that moment. I was reminded what true thirst is and how desperate you are for a drink when you realize the thirst. We're all in that boat aren't we? Not physically in the same way as these precious people are, but spiritually for certain. I pray we come thirsty and drink deeply.

Will write more tomorrow for tonight we're pillowing weary bodies and hearts that although tired have been touched by the hand of God so deeply. We are being changed and are praying to help change. We appreciate you all so much. Everyone is fine and dandy. Actually they are better than that, they are serving with a passion and it's a beautiful thing to watch. Be blessed and be a blessing!!

Ok here are a few personals that those you love wanted you to see:

Connie McKain: I love and miss all of you. I am pacing and taking a rest as needed so please don't worry. See you soon. Mark

Connie McKain: We are watching out for Mark's health for you. We love you. Wish you were here -- you're in our hearts. I think Mark's here for my boys! Love ya, LeAnn

Bobbie Doak: Today we did an amazing variety of things working with the church at Maloloa. Your purchases were a real hit; we gave several toys out today. There were 50-75 children inside the church building while the construction work went on outside on a rather steep hillside. I got to do some wheelbarrow work and some language work. I also got to carry water and visit with many Christians and neighbors. We are pretty tired at the end of the day though. Love, Dan

Hi Bobbie: What an incredible day!! You would have loved seeing the Jesus statue tonight, and I would have loved worshipping beside you. Your hubby worked HARD today. Love you, my friend, Kay

Sarajane, sweet sister: I sang without you this morning at 6:00 am. We sang, "I Exalt Thee," sitting on a huge rock overlooking the mountain here at the Mission House. I love you, dear friend. Kay

Eric, Angela, Angie, Lyxi: Made it here -- temp 90 degrees -- Beautiful country. Really busy. Miss you much. Be in touch later. Happy Easter. Lots of love, Mom

Momma: both your babies made it here! Amazing place. I love you. Happy Easter! God is so amazing! Karen

My dear faithful, prayerful friends and family: God is blessing us in many amazing ways. I am so thankful to God for blessing me with faithful prayer warriors. He has heard your requests and I am carried on your prayers. I love you so very much! Please pray that we may love with all the love of Christ, all to the glory of God. God bless you richly! Phil 1:3 Donna Brothers

Dear Linda and Eric: Just a quick note to let you both know that I love you both and miss you greatly. Davey is a trooper! The country is beautiful. The people are awesome. Looking forward to seeing you both and know Linda that you are feeling better. love you dearly, Your Brian Paul and Dad

Dearest Dennis: God is here! I wish you could experience this with us. Keep praying for us. God is really working in Brandon, Michael and I think Cyrena too! Hey -- there's a Sherwin Williams here too! This is hard work - you'd be proud of our boys! Email this website to mom! loisholder@yahoo.com I love you so much! LeAnn

Dennis: Please call Casey for Cyrena to let her know everything is going great. (304)482-6955 Thanks. Cyrena

To Mom, Dad, & Kyle - I LOVE YOU! I miss you very much but I'm having fun! Be happy - I love you I love you I love you! P.S. Kyle - ate watermelon for you. Katrina

I hope everyone is doing well. We are staying in a Mission House that is much better than any camp I've ever attended. Food is great. The flight here was tough ( long day). We left Columbus with a rain and snow mix and got off the plane in Honduras with a temperature of 90 degrees. We had a tough work day today (Saturday) pouring concrete sidewalks at a church building. Everything was done by hand: mixing concrete - about 7 cubic yards, saw cutting form boards with hand saws, etc. We are staying in an area that is very beautiful. It reminds me of the Blue Ridge mountains (Lover's Leap). Tonight we are going to do a devotional at the Jesus statue in Tegucigalpa. Happy Easter to all, Love, Tim Dishman

Safe and Sound

Hey all just a quick blog tonight to let you know that we are here safe and sound and will be spending the evening packing food bags to be delivered to houses later in the week. Got some tired bodies from being up all night, but God is sustaining us completely, and we'll have an opportunity to get to sleep early tonight and will rest well no doubt. Just had an orientation meeting with Tim Hines the located missionary here (with a heart the size of the Grand Canyon for Jesus and this country) and if those few moments together were any indication of how the rest of the week will go we are in for an absolutely delightful time. Will be working VERY hard tomorrow on a construction project to help build a sidewalk and some gutters for a church, built last year, in a village called San Miguel. Volunteers were asked to get up and be ready to leave at 6:15 in the morning to go and prepare the site and we had more volunteers than spaces. That's always a good sign. Eager hearts willing to serve. Can't wait to see what God does with that. Will sign off for today to go help pack food bags. Please continue to lift us up and know that your hearts are so here with us. We love you.

Journal with Jesus

Lord I’m sitting here tonight just a little over 24 hours from returning to a country that I know you planted in the core of my heart. I’m not sure it’s that country is so much different from lots of other places in the world, I’m just sure that as much as anywhere I’ve ever been I saw your face there.

I imagined you right there in the middle of every single pizza party and childs game, I imagined you cupping their faces in your hands and looking into their eyes. I imagined you sitting beside the bed of the wounded and dying and holding a mother as she so badly wanted to make her baby well. I saw you in the hungry and I felt you in the weak. I felt your hand on my back pushing me forward, your cheek on my cheek reminding me you know what it feels like to mourn with those who mourn, I felt your heart bottle my tears, and I heard your voice speak quietly in the depths of me telling me this is what you made us to live for.

What will it be this time God that steals my heart, that captures a part of my being and helps me to recognize it as the purest truest form of worship to you when we lay down our lives for the sake of someone else. It’s not that my sacrifice really ever ends up being a sacrifice, it’s more a joyful release for something far better. God will it be the little girl who watches from a distance this time and finally because of the love You show decides to come closer? Will it be the face and eyes of a little boy who allowed my human shaky voice to sing with Him and claimed a part of me I didn’t know existed on that dirt floor in a newly painted house that day? Will it beside a bed blowing bubbles, will it be in an orphanage with children who so desperately need to feel your love? I don’t know where I’ll see you this time Lord, but this one thing I know, if I look you’re sure to be in every one of those places.

There’s a difference in the journey this time God that has so increased my joy. I know that this is still all about me going away to the high places with You, but this time I get to take so many people who’ve taught me about high places along. I am delighting in the fact that I’ll look to my left and to my right and we’ll walk this together. My heart wonders where they’ll find you in this place. Will it be building a playground for orphans who will watch with delight as someone builds something for their sheer pleasure? Will it be feeding a village of people deemed some of the poorest of poor who need to feed their children and might not have been able to had you not provided a way for us to help? Will it be in momma’s beside babies who hurt? Will it be in quiet moments of retreat with You? Will it be in a small little church with no apparent charm of it’s own which fills with your glory when Your Spirit unites us? God where will you be?

Help us to look…help us to see in every single mile in every single face in every single touch with our hands or with our hearts! With kingdom eyes and kingdom hearts we one more time lay down our filthy rags for your greatest treasures. Thank you for this awesome privilege, please don’t allow us to take one second of it for granted. May we seek and find you above ALL else!!

16 days and counting!!

Well the past few days have proved fruitful as we're preparing to lift off on this journey. Several nights of sorting and packing are in store over the next week or so as we attempt to get our supply suitcases packed. Which are bulging by the way. People have been so generous and have thought of the neatest things to donate for these sweet people. I get the biggest grin on my face as I'm going through bags thinking of how the children will light up when they see these toys...the little girls with the fingernail polish, bubble blowing contests, coloring on the stone with chalk, just a million memories waiting to be made.

Am preparing tonight for a talk I've been asked to give on Monday night to a mothers club group and it's always so difficult to know how to explain something that has become so dear to the core of your heart. Saw a dramatic sketch recently that I think so vividly portrays what this is all about. In the middle of the hustle and bustle, tired bodies, cranky hearts, and humanness that is such a part of who we are...we are so begging to be a cathedral that we have sacrificed somehow to build which we are content to never have our names put upon for recognition but that leave a lasting mark for Jesus forever. I think that's what this trip is all about...the opportunity to sacrifice, with the prayer to be invisible pointing to Him at all times at all costs, that leaves something that lasts beyond our departure.

Father, may we be Your love. In every moment in every way would you make us invisible that Your Son might be made more clearly visible. God use this time of service as an antidote to our self centeredness our pride and our foolish flaws. Help us know what serving really means in the depths of our being and help us be honored to do so in Your name. Help us to build you cathedrals in these bodies that are beautiful that require no recognition or credit and that provide a place to show off Your glory where other people will feel welcome and loved. Lord when all the rest is boiled away and we get to come and be with you at the end of this life will we leave something that lasts in Your name. In the name of the One who left a lasting mark for forever, AMEN

Almost There!!

Hey all....as my sister Beth Moore says when she gets really excited about something, GLORY!! We are officially 2 and a half weeks away from departing to a land hundreds of miles away. This is an experience which has already provided us with tremendous opportunities to grow without ever leaving the country. How like God to love us so that He'd begin to pour out the blessings early. It's been an amazing few months. Thanks first of all to God and then to so many of you we have not only raised enough funds to be able to take 34 people on this journey and to pay for travel expenses, but to build 7-8 houses, feed 400 families, build a playground, supply childrens books to the orphanage, host a "banquet for Jesus" -- (Domino's pizza at the orphanage), have an ice cream party with blind children, take clothing to pass out, and a whole host of other things too numerous to mention. God has proven Himself mighty and tremendously faithful and we give him every ounce of the glory. This is certainly not about us, but we are so honored that He would allow us the privilege of going in His name and attempting to be His hands and feet as we try in every way we know how to show others His tremendous love. It is our fervent prayer that we might be illuminated with the fruits of His Spirit that we might glow in a land that needs to see the light of hope. Thank you all and we beg your prayers as we take the next step of this journey. We'll keep you posted each day of our trip so continue to check back and see how God is working. Thanks so much for all your support in so many ways. All because of Him!!