Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Dream Big

Dream Big is the name of Matt and Nicole's blog http://mandnfitz.blogspot.com Matt and Nicole have been dreaming big for a long time. Their dream was to be able to come to Honduras and work with children. Nicole has had this dream since long before she graduated from high school. She went to Harding and majored in missions. She met Matt her freshman year. And after coming on his first Torch trip, Matt soon shared the same dream. They wanted to come immediately and we convinced them to finish college, which they did. They, then, wanted to come as soon as Matt graduated and Miss Haley Grace entered the picture. Doesn't God have a wonderful sense of humor. Matt and Nicole wanted to take care of kids, so God gives them a kid.

Last month a series of events began to fall into place that could only be orchestrated by God Himself. Matt and Nicole's church, South Baton Rouge Church of Christ has decided to support them fully. And their lives have kicked into high speed. They have to take some classes at Abilene. They have so much to do. They will be leaving in August for Costa Rica where they will attend one full year of language school. Things have to be sorted and packed and disposed of and many other things. That is still fresh on my mind, two and a half years later. Fortunately, they do not have as many things as I had.

We are so excited that our daughter, son-in-law and grandaughter will be joining us to work with these children and more. They will be in Santa Ana in August or September, 2011. Please pray for them as they have many things to do and many changes to face. I am so glad that they could dream big and God has blessed those dreams.

Terri

Monday, March 29, 2010

Lessons We Have Learned

Today this post is mostly for team leaders this summer and to some degree anyone that is coming to Honduras this year.

I am stating some things that have to have happen for everyone coming to Honduras this year. These are lessons being learned the hard way by us and others. I am not making any of this up and no one is teasing about these rules. Not me, not the airlines, not immigration.

First and foremost and most simply, if you are coming to Honduras, you have to have a passport. No matter how expensive your ticket is, you will not even be allowed to check in without a passport. If you don't have a passport, start the paperwork tomorrow. It is not too late for anyone yet to get their passport.

And for most of you that already have your passports, please please check the expiration dates. If you are coming in June or July and your passport expires this year, please start the renewal process. If you are coming in November or December and your passport expires the first half of next year, please renew before you come.

Normally, this little detail is caught in the States, but sometimes slips through. Last week a young lady arrived here and her passport was to expire in less than three months and immigration was going to send her home immediately. Marc said I can get this fixed and immigration said sure you can. The people Marc knew who could help, were not answering their phones on Saturday afternoon. Marc finally talked to Michelle Salvador, our friend. By the way, Salvador translates to savior. Michelle said she could get it taken care of and she usually can. She said she would call Marc back and his phone immediately went dead. Immigration was not very patient or kind. With a sneer on his face, he said he was returning the young lady to the States. Marc started to go upstairs with her and was told he could not come. Marc said but she know no spanish and the agent replied, "so what." Marc and the rest of the group began to pray. And through the divine intervention of God, Michelle walked into the airport asking Marc why he wasn't answering his phone. Divine intervention, sound vaguely familiar Gary and Ruthann. Michelle had talked to the director of immigration and all was well. As long as Marc signed in blood promising to have her on the plane on March 27. Michelle has been our savior more than once. And the young lady was on the plane out of here on Saturday. We did not want to find out what would happen if she wasn't.

I don't think we ought to test this too often. Please check the expiration dates on your passports.

This year the airlines are requiring first, middle and last names exactly as it is on your passport, your birthdate and your gender. If the name on your ticket and passport do not exactly match, you will not leave the country. This is a little different and more strict than in years past.

In the past, if you emailed me your name as Clint and your legal name is Clinton and I purchased a ticket with Clint on it, we could change it to Clinton at no additional charge. This year, as we have already discovered, it will cost $100.00 to make that little change. American Airlines is really, really serious when they say no changes. Group leaders and team members, please check and double check your information before sending it to me. If the mistake is mine, I pay the change fee. If the mistake is not mine, then someone has to pay for it.

That little yellow piece of paper that is stapled into your passport when you enter Honduras, needs to stay there. When it doesn't, the person who no longer has that little piece of paper, has to go to immigration. This is not a huge deal, just takes a bit longer.

Another thing we are hearing and have not found out how serious people are is concering minors without parents. We have heard all minors will have to go to immigration before leaving the country. This will mean a longer check-in. I am suggesting that all group leaders be very diligent in getting those spanish consent forms this year and instead of sending them to me, please keep them with you when entering and leaving the country. Marc and I will post these forms in the next few days.

A little extra effort before you leave, will hopefully save a lot of headaches later down the road. I don't want to find out that someone else is not teasing.

Terri

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Amapala











Today our church went to Amapala. Amapala is a small island on the Pacific Ocean that is a couple hours south of here with several small beaches. Small beaches are good. Makes it easier to keep up with a bunch of kids.

We get moving pretty early at Casa de Esperanza, but on beach day, we start a lot earlier. We were to leave at 5;30, but everyone was ready to go by 5:00. Karen has worked and organized all week. The housekeeping staff cooked all day yesterday so there would be plenty of food for the children. Can you imagine what we looked like with 18 children, two coolers and several beach bags full of towels, blankets, clean clothes and beach toys. And that was just us. The rest of the people from the church looked similar, maybe not quite as much.


After riding the bus for a couple of hours, we had to take a water taxi over to Amapala. It was beautiful and fun and thanks to a breeze blowing all day, not near as hot as the beach day last year.


After we had worship and communion, the kids laughed and played and rolled in the sand and ate and had fun all day. The tide was coming in most of the time we were there. There was just no where to go after it got so high. I did not like that, but it didn't seem to bother the kids. They just kept swimming and laughing.


Getting back to the mainland was a series of mishaps that were more Honduran experiences. One of those included burying Maryuri. She was in the floor and we pile bags and wet towels on her and then sat Katy on top of those. Maryuri was not hurt, but she was scared to death.


We got home and began to shower kids. Everyone rushed through showers and got in bed. They were exhausted. And to be perfectly honest, Karen and I both agreed we were spent, absolutely spent. We both said we got little enjoyment out of the day. But we both know we did it for the kids, not ourselves.


Terri

Friday, March 26, 2010

The Block House Is Finished




The first block house was finished today. Almost. The door and the windows will be put on Monday. But the roof was put on and the concrete floor was poured. The floor needs to cure a couple of days before the windows and door are installed.

The guys were working hard and when I left about one third of the floor had been poured. The house looked great. I know Ana and her children will be happy living there.

This is the first block house, but certainly not the last.

Terri

Thursday, March 25, 2010

My Knee Hurts, I Think I Will See A Gynecologist

A couple of weeks ago, I hurt my knee. I don't know how or when, I just hurt it. I thought in a day or so, it will be better. Well, it did not get better and I was waiting until this group leaves to see a doctor.

Our dentist that is treating the kids for free has been worried about my knee. Dr. Rixa, the dentist, set me up to see someone about my knee. I had an appointment yesterday morning. I wore a dress so it would be easy to get x-rays if need be. I went to Rixa's office and she asked me several questions. When she found out I was hormones, she said bad, very bad. Then asked me if I knew hormones could cause problems with my joints, knees, shoulders, elbows, etc.

She then called a doctor to her office and introduced us and he said lets go to my office. The only thing on his door was Dr. Roger. I guessed I was seeing an orthopedic doctor. The doctor and I sat down and he began asking questions. The first one was "how many babies have you had?". I answered but wondered what that had to do with my knee. Then he asked if I had a mammogram yearly. Suffice it to say, I am a bit shocked. I really can't figure out what that has to do with my knee. Then he asked when the last mammogram was. I could proudly say last month. I was quickly figuring out that this was a gynecologist, not an orthopedic doctor. Then he asked other questions that gynecologists ask. I don't think orthopedic doctors ask those questions. Then we got around to endomitriosis, hysterectomy and hormones. Then he said the hormones might be causing the knee problem.

I never thought I would need Dr. O'Dell's number in my Honduran cell phone, but I sure was wanting to call his office and let him try to communicate to Dr. Roger about the hormones. I need them. Badly. Dr. Roger doesn't understand that everyone that has to be around me does not want me off these hormones. I am sure they (everyone that knows me) would rather my knee hurt the rest of my life than not use the hormones.

He checked the bad knee and the good knee and said this definitely was not related to hormones. He referred me to the best orthopedic doctor in town. His name is Dr. Mario Zelaya. He is a friend of ours and I plan on seeing him next week.

Funny thing. My knee has not hurt all day. I think just the thought of going off those hormones scared my knee into feeling better. Not even my knee wants to deal with me.

This was truly a welcome to Honduras experience. Next time your knee needs seen, I have a good gynecologist I can refer.

Terri

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

The First Block House
















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We are having a great time with the group from Freed-Hardeman. I think they are having a good time, too. They have built two wooden houses, distributed some food and led a couple of VBS's already. In addition to that, they have started the first block house. We have done the church buildings, some of the school buildings, the women's center out of block, but this is the first house.

The guys are doing this in true Honduran style. Sifting the sand, mixing the concrete by hand, the whole works. Since the house site is a little up from the road, they are also getting to haul block and buckets of sand and gravel up to the site. Thankfully, it is not too far up. I can say thankfully. I am not the one hauling any of it. As hard of work as this is, the times I have been up there, everyone is smiling and no one is complaining. And it is as hot as can be.

Yesterday I met the lady for whom the house is being built. Her name is Ana and she is the niece of our Anita that goes to our church and cooks the food for the dump everyweek. Ana has two children, a five year old girl and a one year old boy. Right now she is living with someone else. I told the little girl that five year old little girls are really special and that I have a five year old granddaughter in the United States. She smiled a big smile. Ana is excited this house is being built for her.

The house is 16' x 16' just like the wooden ones we build. It will take all week to finish. Should be done by noon on Friday. I know you guys that built the church building in Santa Ana in one week are thinking why so long. There is just five guys each day working on this house.

This is an awesome thing to watch.

Terri














Monday, March 22, 2010

The Electronic Age.

I love my computer. I love sending and receiving email to my friends and family. I love writing my blog. I love chatting with Nicole and Rosemary and Janet and a few others with whom I chat, sometimes into the night when I should be resting. I feel more in touch with my friends and family because of the electronic age in which we live. It is easier to be a missionary when I can communicate. I am thankful we weren't missionaries twenty years ago.

As much as I love the email, living in a foreign country, I have had to both send and receive bad news via email. I always wish there was some other way. But it is immediate and I guess that is better than waiting for weeks to hear the bad news. Unfortunately, we received bad news over the weekend.

We grieve with our dear, dear friends in Antioch, California as we learned of one of the ministers dying of a massive heart attack while running Saturday morning. Everyone there is shocked and saddened, as are we.

Please pray for the Johnson family, specifically, and the Eastside Church of Christ family as a whole as they grieve and come to grips with this sudden loss of an humble servant of God.

Terri

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Another Baptism




This morning started another great week. A group from Freed-Hardeman arrived yesterday. A group of 28 that are ready to work. The church building was completely full with the group joining us. Worship was beautiful. And it ended with another baptism.

This morning Ronny was baptized. He is the husband of our newest employee, Pamela. Dorian's foot is still in a cast and he could not get in the baptistry. In spite of that, Dorian figured out a way to baptize Ronny. It was a bit of challenge for both Dorian and Ronny.

I looked over at Pamela and tears were falling from her eyes like rain. Happy tears, of course.

Praise God.

Terri

In The Dark

We are well into the dry season. Rain is desperately needed. Wednesday rain was in the forecast. It grew dark in the middle afternoon and we thought we might receive some of that much needed rain. The electricity went out about 4:00 and stayed out for four hours. But not a drop of rain fell. I was so frustrated . I had so much work to do. I turned on one of the lanterns and read a good book instead.

Thursday night/Friday morning we lost power again somewhere around midnight. I got up and used the lantern to dress and took Rosy to school. Power was not restored here in Santa Ana until around noon. I was glad I was at the market buying fruits and vegetables.

Yesterday we lost power at 8:00 a.m. When we called the power company, we were told it was a planned outage and would be restored at 4:00. I worked on a few things, but needed light and computer to do most. Sure enough at 4:00, the lights came back on.

I was working with the kids yesterday from 3:00 until 8:00. Girls were in the shower, when the lights go out again at 6:00. The kids do not do well when the lights are out. We managed to finish showers and get through supper. It is always a challenge to entertain that last hour before bedtime without lights. Fortunately, the lights came back on at 7:00.

I was frustrated. Not that there was anything I could do about it. I was thinking wouldn't it be nice just to go to Tegucigalpa and get a hotel. I would not have done that. But it was a nice thought. I was so thankful those lights came on at 7:00.

I don't know how many of these were planned outages and how many were caused by weather or other things. I do hope we have had our share of outages for a while.

Terri

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Haircut Day




No matter how often hair is cut, it seems like someone always needs a haircut. Today was a beautiful sunshiny day. A perfect day to sit outside and get a haircut. Each one had a very specific idea what he wanted and Robin was trying to accomodate. Within reason.


Reina was just as excited as the boys. I don't know if she was giving Robin instructions or just watching.

Monday, March 15, 2010

Homework Battles

Have you ever tried to get seventeen kids to get their homework done? You ought to come try it some time.

Sometimes, everyone works well and gets it done. And sometimes, it doesn't go quite that smoothly. Most of the time.

And sometimes the homework is stupid. We know it and the kids know it and we have to sit there and prod them along to get it done.

Over the weekend, the third graders (Cindy and Jackson) had to write to 10,000 by 5's, 10's, 20's, and 50's. There is no other word for that but stupid. They got the 50's done. I would have started with the 5's so the hardest part would be done first. Jackson worked on the 10's and the 20's and told us he finished them. But when I checked it last night, neither was finished. He worked on the 5's all day yesterday. It was boring, tedious work, but he made it a lot more boring and tedious than it had to be. For everyone concerned. He and I would agree on so many lines to get done before he could take a break. We would not only count the lines, but number them and then when he finished a line would erase the bottom number. He could have done a half a page each time he did that. When he got to the 4000's, he would write 20 fours spead along ever so often, and then go back and fill in the rest of the numbers. He didn't realize that was taking much longer than to just write the number.

Cindy would be stubborn a while and then work real hard and get a lot done and then return to being stubborn. They both got to eat supper right before bedtime.

At bedtime, Jackson was to 5,000 on the fives. Cindy had her 5's 20's and 50's done and was sort of working on the 10's. When I got up there this morning to get Rosy, Cindy had taken a notion to get hers finished and was diligently working away. She probably finished. Karen had taken a notion for Jackson to work some more. He was all the way up 5,095. I know he didn't finish.

Tonight Cindy, Reina and Daniela were the obstinate ones. Tomorrow night, who knows.

Terri

Saturday, March 13, 2010

The Sun Always Rises

March 12, 2000 may have been one of the worst days of life, but Marc 13, 1976 was one of the best. That is the day, before friends and family, Marc and I pledged our forever love to each other. Even though ten years ago, we made funeral arrangements on this day, it is a good day. The loneliness and sadness of March 12 always turns into the joy of March 13.

Thursday as I brought Rosy home, I heard We've Only Just Begun by the Carpenters. That was sung at our wedding thirty four years ago. White lace and promises. A kiss for luck and we're on our way. We certainly needed some luck because we had not a clue of what we were doing.

So many roads to choose. We start out walking and learn to run. We chose many of those roads, leaving many more unchosen. And we learned to run. I don't know how much faster I can run, but Marc will always run faster and encourage and help me to do the same.

Sharing horizons that are new to us. From Texas to Memphis to San Francisco to Los Angeles to Columbus to O'Fallon to Santa Ana. Definitely new horizons.

Oh, it has not all been lovely. We have argued and done hurtful things. But we found a place where there was room to grow.

We have done ridiculous things to each, for each other and with each other. We have laughed and rejoiced and held each others hands in life's darkest moments.

Today, Marc is in Borger, Texas, where we grew up, where we were married. This afternoon he will perform the marriage ceremony for our nephew, Jay and his lovely bride-to-be, Ashlee. To Jay and Ashlee, I wish a lifetime of happiness. A kiss for luck and you will be on your way.

Terri

Friday, March 12, 2010

Remembering

I guess March 12, 2000 was probably the worst day of my entire life. At 3:30 in the morning, someone knocked on our door and told us to go to the hospital. Upon arriving, we were told our soon to be 20 year old son, Ryan had been killed in a horrible car accident. I thought, I was having a nightmare. But soon enough, I realized it was no dream. It was a real true living nightmare.

Ten years is a long time. Sometimes if seems forever and sometimes it seems like yesterday. As a mom, it still hurts like it was yesterday.

I can't help but wonder what he would be, where he would be living. Probably Columbus still. Who knows? Without a doubt, he would be a wonderful, fun, and funny uncle to Haley and Camille. Probably have a wife and some kids of his own and would be a great husband and dad.

It is hard not to remember. Remember his huge smile. Remember his compassion for those around him. Remember eating at Little Dooey on the night of March 11, not knowing at the time it was the last meal we would ever share with him. His hug and smile as he drove off to Ben Curtis's house. It is easy to remember those good times and happy times. The images of the 12th, at the hospital, and the next few days have haunted me the last few days. My tears have been many and my prayerslong, deep and desperate as I seek comfort and to not remember some things.

I sit in a coffee shop in Tegucigalpa. I have tried to work. I have cried all morning. None of my family is together this year. I am in Honduras, Marc in Texas, Nicole in Baton Rouge and Nathan in Little Rock. And I forgot my phone this morning. I need to, at least, talk to my family. I am lonely today. And so, so sad. An indescribable sadness and loneliness. I know God is near and I know my family is with me in spirit, as I am with them. But I, we, everyone who knew Ryan, will always miss him.

Ryan, we always love you and know we will be together again some day.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

New Pajamas







When Karen returned from the states, she came bringing new pajamas for everyone. Karen's friend, and our friend, Joyce Foreman makes the kids new pajamas every year. All of the kids like their new pajamas and some wear theirs every night.

Thanks Joyce. Your pajamas are a huge hit.

Terri

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

My Day Off




Usually, Tuesday is my day off my from Casa de Esperanza. Sometimes, I stay here and read or clean a closet or something. Sometimes, I go to town. Usually not. I go to town every day. Today Marc had to go to Catacamas to take care of some business. Even though, he was leaving really early, I decided to go with him.

It is about a two and a half hour drive to Catacamas. Being in the car that long when I am not driving is no problem for me. It is a pleasant drive and the landscape changes a couple of times. I saw tall pines that reminded me a bit of being in Colorado. There were beautiful flowers in bloom and some trees that sure looked like dogwoods, almost making me think I was in Mississippi watching spring appear.

The further we get from Tegucigalpa, the more quaint things become. We saw the oxen carts and the people on bicycles hauling wood and a sack of potatoes and various other things.

Marc and I visited and laughed. After Marc took care of his business, we went to another children's home. It is always nice to visit other homes and see how they do things and compare notes with each other. We ran on to a group from Harding. That was fun to visit with them.

We started home around 2:30. I was so relaxed. The window was down, the wind blowin in my face and through my hair. I might have even dozed off a few minutes. We stopped at the Menonite bakery and bought some bread and some homemade strawberry jelly. And ice cream.

It was a wonderful relaxing day. We came home and Marc made omelets toast out of some of that new bread. Then we lathered the toast with the strawberry jelly. Yum. Delicious. We are cutting the cinnamon bread for breakfast in the morning.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Malnutrition

When you live in a country where approximately 50% of the people live on one U.S. dollar or less, you see a lot of hungry people. And most of those are malnourished.

Some of the symptoms of malnourishment are:
  • anemia
  • distended/bloated stomach
  • weakness/fatigue
  • scurvy
  • dry scaly skin
  • bleeding, eroding gums
  • brittle bones
  • incapacitated immune system
  • iron deficiency
  • weight loss
  • decreased muscle mass
  • organ malfunction
  • tuberculosis
  • decaying/rotting teeth
  • trouble concentrating
  • vitamin A deficiency
  • iodind deficiency
  • loss of color in skin and/or hair
  • inability to learn

This is only a partial list. Malnutrition also causes high rates of birth defects such as Down's syndrome, hydrocephalis and cleft lips and cleft palates. We have seen many of these symptoms in many people, especially in the poorer villages in which we work.

Little children in this country that look like they have paid tons of money to get their hair frosted when the hair should be coal black is one of the saddest sights. I know that child is malnourished and probably hungry. Some of our children at Casa de Esperanza were malnourished before they came to live here. Some of the children were malnourished in those first two critical years of life and do not, and will not ever, have the ability to comprehend much beyond a second or third grade level. In Santa Katarina, where there will soon be a new feeding center, we have seen the children with the distended, bloated little bellies. I look at them and think of my sweet Camille and Haley and know I have so much for which to be thankful. My little grandgirls aren't hungry and malnourished.

We see people that sniff glue because it kills the hunger pains and is cheaper than food. They continue to do this until they are glue heads and know no other way of life. I see little children begging in the street for food. Of course, we see hundreds digging through other people's waste every week in the Tegucigalpa city dump. Any food found there certainly would not be healthy and would cause more of a malnourishment problem.

For many in Honduras and other third world countries hunger and malnourishment is a way of live.

From time to time we have opportunity to get a container of food. We always take it, whether we have the money or not. God is faithful in supplying the funds to bring that food into the country. He has never failed and never will. Marc was offered another container of rice meals. Meals fortified with a whole day's worth of vitamins. At first, Marc was hesitant because the funds for another container is not there at the moment. But remembering God's faithfulness in all things in the past, Marc stepped out in faith again and said yes, we want that food. I know that money will come, because God wants His hungry children fed.

Terri

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Praise God, Another Baptism

Today one of the Baxter students preached. He was really hard for me to understand and I had a headache from listening so hard. But a young lady named Ana decided to be baptized. Ana is the niece of Denis and Marta. She is a beautiful young lady. She was excited this morning. So was Marta. Marta cried and cried. I hugged Ana and I hugged Marta and Marta wanted to keep hugging. So we did. And then we hugged some more.

Ana has been attending the Monday night Bible study in the Cucuy houses. Her baptism today is another direct result of this Bible study. Praise God.

Terri

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Kindergarten In The Church Building

Before school ended last year, we found out about a little kindergarten that meeting in someone's home. This kindergarten was for extremely poor families to send their children. The children don't have to wear uniform and they do not need school supplies. Dorian was quite interested in this and found out more about it.

What he discovered is since it met in someone's home, things had to be set up and taken down everyday and some of the children had to bring a chair from home and inconveniences we would never consider.

Now that little kindergarten is holding class in one of Sunday School classrooms. There is some where between fifteen and twenty children attending there. Class is held from 1:30 to 4:30 Monday through Friday.

We hope to get to know the families that bring their children here and reach out to them.

I am glad Dorian pursued this.

Terri

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Air Jordans At The Dump

Today, being Wednesday, hungry people were fed at the dump. I did not go today. It was my day off and I just needed and wanted to stay home and not go anywhere today.

Of course, feeding went well. There is hardly ever a problem with feeding anymore. The mayor's wife called Marc last week and said she wanted to come today and that she had some shoes to give out at the dump. Anything new or different besides the food sometimes causes chaos. Marc told her sure, but bring lots of security.

Marc had no idea how many shoes she had. The fewer shoes mean more chaos as more people don't get them. She showed up with 300 pairs of shoes. Air Jordans. $150.00 a pair shoes.

Marc had talked to several people before she arrived and she did bring completely of security. Marc said there was hooping and hollering like you cannot imagine, when people realized what they were getting.

I would have loved to have been there. To take pictures. To see their faces and hear their excitement. It is still satisfying to know that something like Air Jordans was given out at the dump.

Terri

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

A Long Day At Teleton

This morning Reina, Doris, Maryuri, Sisi and I left at 6:00 for Teleton. We went to get Sandra and headed to town. Morning traffic is just awful. We got to Teleton at 7:45. There were seven appointments today spread between morning and afternoon. The last appointment ended at 2:30. That is a long day no matter how you look at it.

When we have that long a day, we normally pack a lunch and eat at Teleton. Last night Karen and I decided that I would take everyone out for lunch since we had an hour and a half break without appointments around lunch time. A small snack and water was still packed. Around 9:30, the girls decided to eat their snack. They were so cute. They sat on the floor and Sisi reminded them to pray. They all bowed their heads and prayed.

I did not tell them we were going out to lunch, just in case they were horrible during the morning. When we got to the car, I asked Sandra where she wanted to go and she chose pizza. So it was off to the Pizza Hut. I asked the girls if they wanted pizza and they all clapped. Reina squealed.

I ordered a combo meal that not only had pizza, but our drinks, garlic cheese bread and dessert as well. I could not believe they brought the girls large drinks. I had visions of spending the rest of the afternoon in the bathroom.

I did have to take Reina and Sisi to the bathroom. After Reina washed her hands, she got kind of close to the hand dryer and it came on. She looked at me wild-eyed and said " no toca, no toca", which means I did not touch. Then she squealed again. When Sisi came out and washed her hands, Reina ran over to the dryer and got it going again. Both of them were squealing and laughing. They had never seen anything like a dryer coming on by itself.

We got back to the table and the ice cream came. More squealing. Everyone ate everything. Sisi had a tummy ache tonight.

We went back to Teleton and finished the appointments. It was 3:30 when we got back to Casa.

Long day. But it was so fun to treat the girls today to something special.

Terri

Monday, March 1, 2010

Another Great Day In Honduras

We have church on Sunday mornings and Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings. In addition, there are a couple of Bible studies taking place in homes of members. I was talking to Karen about tomorrow when Dorian called and said there was going to be a baptism. I ran down to the house to tell Marc.

All of the houses on this campus quickly emptied as we all made our way to the church building. The kids came in their pajamas.

Through this Bible study that meets in Denis's house, this young man name Carlos decided to accept Jesus as his savior and be baptized. It was so cool. I always love to watch a baptism in Honduras. We sing and are happy when someone makes that decision.

It was a great way to end a long day.

Terri