AFE

AFE is the school at the dump and means Amor, Fe, and Esperanza (Love, Faith and Hope).  They are educating kids whose parents work in the dump.  Frequently, this is a big sacrifice for the parents.  They have to let go of two hands sort the garbage and ultimately help with the family's income.  These parents also know that for their child to have a better life they have to be educated.  Sometimes, it is a hard decision for the parents.  To give up a little income that helps feed the family or give the child a better chance. 

We are seeing great things happen at AFE.  Five young girls, ranging in ages from 12-17, are being taught to make jewelry out of magazines.  This is different from the other jewelry.  Marc was quite sure I would like the jewelry and wanted me to see it.  He was right.  I liked it. 

The girls were so excited I came to see it.  They also wanted to show me how they made it.

I knew I was going to order some of this jewelry.  The girls knew it, too.  I began to think and the girls began to say how much do you want?  I told them I was thinking.  Then I told my order.  All six of the girls began to jump up and down and scream.  You know  how teenage girls are.

They said they would begin work that day on the order.  When asked what they would do with the money they make from the necklaces, every one of them said they would help their families buy the food necessary to live.  And then, if there was any left, the might buy some clothes.  We asked, " new clothes?"  And they said, "no".

I am so thankful for the people teaching these young girls a way out of the dump.  You can expect to hear and see more about these necklaces in the coming weeks.

On the front row with me is Lele age 16 and Heidi age 17

On the back is Delsi age 16, Mariela age 15, Karen age 16 and Kedy age 12

Terri

Another Death

Yesterday morning at 5:20, Marc's phone rang.  That is not an unusual event any more.  A family that lives behind the dump had lost a child.  Marc went immediately to help them. 

This family was extremely poor and had nothing to eat but corn tortillas.  An eighteen month old little boy named Christian died of malnutrition.  That should be preventable, but for millions in this world, it is not. 

I wish that no child ever had to starve to death again.

Terri

Friends

Some more pillowcase dresses recently arrived.  The girls love these.  This morning Daniela and Cindy planned to dress alike.  They sometimes do this.

They were doing everything together this morning and being best friends.  By lunch time, they were snapping at each other, which is so typical of girls this age no matter where they live.

Aren't they cute?

Terri

Evangelism

We put Jesus in the center of everything we do. And tell His good news often.  But when Wesley, Perry, and Vickie hit the ground in July, the devil is scared.  Each year we have many baptisms while they are here.  Bible studies and Vacation Bible Schools are happening this year, but the results are different.

Monday, the whole group went to Nacaome, which might be one of the hottest places on earth, and pretty remote, too.  Vickie and Perry were sharing and setting up Bible studies.  There is an existing church there.  The people said we are so glad to see you.  We thought the whole world forgot about us. 

Today, the evangelism teams were working in the mountains above Ojojona.  They met the preacher.  He said he was tired.  We was working a circuit of four churches, trying to share the good news and minister to all four.  He was very thankful for the encouragement from other Christians.

As important as it is to lead lost souls to know the forgiving grace of Jesus, I think we all forget that sometimes existing Christians need to encourage each other. 

Thanks to Wesley, Perry and Vickie for being encouragers to existing and future Honduran Christians and to everyone they meet.

Terri

Bench Builders

We have had several groups come to Casa and work.  Saturday, one group built a bench with some extra lumber.  They set it by the soccer field.  On Monday, the boys decided it was a great bench and they wanted another one.  Dennis patiently helped them build another.  Before cutting, each board was measured carefully.  Karen and I were surprised at how quickly the bench came together.

There was no school Monday and it was a nice sunny day.  Sometimes, when those two conditions exist, the kids are allowed to eat outside.  They love eating outside.  Fernando and Brayan, especially, were wanting to eat outside to try out their new bench as a table.  Soup was for lunch.  We don't let the children eat outside when we have soup because it is far too messy.

Wisely, Karen knew how important it was to Fernando and Brayan to eat on their new bench.  Soup or no soup, those two were allowed to eat outside Monday.  The two of them had a great time out there as they proudly ate from the bench they built.

A Troubling Question

I become more and more convinced we, as Americans, do not know how blessed we are.  Anyone that has ever had a premature baby knows how frightening it is when the baby has to have oxygen and feeding tubes and be put in incubator.  But, in the United States of America have you ever been asked, "do you have the money to do whatever it takes?"  Sick babies are treated and money is worried about later.

Thursday Matt and Nicole were asked if they had the money to do whatever it takes to get Emma well?  To say the least, this was very unnerving because it was an indication of how critical things were.  Fortunately, Matt and Nicole were able to say we can get the money to do whatever it takes to save our baby.  Hospitals require deposits and, if you stay very long payments along the way.  Payments in cold, hard cash.

I have stated before the statistics in this country.  Of over seven million people, way over half live in poverty or in extreme poverty.  By U.S. standards, Matt and Nicole's hospital bill was not high.  Especially for six nights in the hospital for Mommy and Baby, an obstetrician, pediatrician, cardiologist, anesthesiologist, oxygen, incubator, feeding tube, iv's, etc, etc.  Very few Hondurans could have afforded the care Emma received.  What does one do?  Many parents are forced to say, "no, we don't have the money," and then watch as their baby gasps for each breath until there is no breath for which to gasp.  This breaks my heart.  I saw little Emma's labored breathing after she was already getting better.  How many people have to watch their babies dies because they can't afford it?  I don't know the answer to that.  I am sure many, many people in Honduras and other parts of the world have to watch their babies die because they can't afford treatment.

Our ministry is able to help some, but, in the whole of things, not many.  We have also paid for funerals for babies that were not helped.

If I could have a wish be granted, it would be that no child has to die because the parent can't afford treatment.

Terri

Welcome Home, Emma Kate

If Emma Kate had a good night last night, we knew they would be coming home today.  And there was a lot of prayers for a good night.  Those prayers were answered. 

But getting out of the hospital in Honduras is such an ordeal.  It is a process, much like everything else.  Nicole was dismissed around noon.  The baby's doctor did not get there until after 2:00.  It was 4:00 when Nicole called and said they were finally in the car.  It was just about 5:30 when Matt pulled through the gate.

Big Sister Haley and Grammy were waiting.

The kids were just starting to go in the house for showers.  They all wanted to see Emma.  We told them they could come see her tomorrow.  They were so understanding.

I put Purell on Haley's hands and let her hold Emma first.

While Matt was overseeing that, I was Purelling my hands.  I could not wait to get my hands on that little girl.

She is so little.  And so sweet.  And so beautiful.

She arrived with a full pharmacy.  She will be on lots of medicine for a few days.

Thank you for the many, many prayers.

Terri
p.s  If you are friends with Nicole on facebook, she has posted some great pictures.