Shortly after Marc and I married, we moved to Lubbock, Texas and Marc finished college at Texas Tech. After completing his degree, Marc had a job in Amarillo for three years. He received a promotion and we moved back to Lubbock. I was happy about that. I had liked living in Lubbock. And I liked it the second time as well. We lived there for eight years. Longer than we have lived any where else.
Lubbock was a great place to raise our family. Two of our kids were born there. We liked our church and our home. We had good neighbors and great friends. The schools were good. I would have been content to live the rest of our lives in Lubbock. But that was not to be.
Thursday afternoon we went to Lubbock to visit some relatives. We went to see Carolyn and Rich. Carolyn is Marc's cousin, whom I quickly claimed as my own cousin after meeting her the first time. We also saw Marc's Aunt Hattie and as a bonus got to see Mel and Donna, too.
I visited way into the night. I think I am getting too old for that. But, I haven't been to Searcy yet so I probably will do it another time or two.
So many things in Lubbock are different. And so many the same. What pleasant memories flooded over me as we drove past parks and the library. Lubbock still has a Taco Villa and a Der Weinerschnitzel. You don't see those restaurants very often. We liked both of them. The sign on Der Weinerschnitzel said "5 for $5.00" Dating myself just a bit, Marc and I could remember when we could get 5 for $1.00.
Now there are freeways all over and around Lubbock. As we entered town on I-27 and drove across town, I could see the big bell tower at the Broadway Church of Christ. Many good friends and many good memories.
We had a wonderful time in with Carolyn and Rich, just not enough of it. But the stroll down memory lane was pleasant for me as well.
Terri
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Pay Day
Everyone likes pay day. I always liked pay day. I usually had something in mind on which to spend my hard-earned money. Usually something I did not really need. I never ever had to wait until I got paid to buy food for my children.
I love watching the Hondurans that work for us on pay day. I am a receipt nazi. Marc is not. There is so much activity and so many receipts while groups are in Honduras. Marc just can't keep up with all the receipts. This summer he hired someone just to help him keep with the receipts. He hired an eighteen year old from our church named Kelin (Kaylene). She was good help and was thankful for the job. After one week, Marc paid her. She was jumping up and down and was so excited. She had never had money of her own.
The ladies that work at Casa are equally fun to watch. It is a law that we have to pay our employees a month's pay once in June and again in December. Everyone knows they are going to get it and are expecting it. Yet, when those dates roll around, and I actually give it to them, there is excitement and gratitude. Every one thanks me and is grateful for this extra pay. There is excitement from everyone, Dilma and Nadia are usually the most excited. Dilma gives a little clap.
Sometimes on those big payroll months, I worry just a little about it being covered. It always is because God is so good all the time. When I hear the gratefulness from each of our employees and see a little clap or their faces full of excitement, I quickly forget all my concerns.
Terri
I love watching the Hondurans that work for us on pay day. I am a receipt nazi. Marc is not. There is so much activity and so many receipts while groups are in Honduras. Marc just can't keep up with all the receipts. This summer he hired someone just to help him keep with the receipts. He hired an eighteen year old from our church named Kelin (Kaylene). She was good help and was thankful for the job. After one week, Marc paid her. She was jumping up and down and was so excited. She had never had money of her own.
The ladies that work at Casa are equally fun to watch. It is a law that we have to pay our employees a month's pay once in June and again in December. Everyone knows they are going to get it and are expecting it. Yet, when those dates roll around, and I actually give it to them, there is excitement and gratitude. Every one thanks me and is grateful for this extra pay. There is excitement from everyone, Dilma and Nadia are usually the most excited. Dilma gives a little clap.
Sometimes on those big payroll months, I worry just a little about it being covered. It always is because God is so good all the time. When I hear the gratefulness from each of our employees and see a little clap or their faces full of excitement, I quickly forget all my concerns.
Terri
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Excitement Abounds
Today, Marc played golf with his dad. I ate lunch with my sister-in-law and we relived our trip to Italy several years ago. It was a good day. A very good day.
This evening I was sitting at the computer trying to plow through some of the paperwork on which I am so behind. Marc said, "do you want to go to Wal-Mart with me?" Never wanting to pass up an opportunity for Wal-Mart, I jumped up so fast, no one knew what was happening. And Marc said, " and Sonic, too."
Man, oh man, it doesn't get much better than that. Wal-Mart and Sonic in the same evening. We went to Wal-Mart and Marc got a new toothbrush. I got a new atlas. Aren't we exciting? Then on to Sonic. We sat there sipping on our drinks and then came back to Marc's parent's house.
That is what vacation is for; trips to Wal-Mart and Sonic.
Terri
This evening I was sitting at the computer trying to plow through some of the paperwork on which I am so behind. Marc said, "do you want to go to Wal-Mart with me?" Never wanting to pass up an opportunity for Wal-Mart, I jumped up so fast, no one knew what was happening. And Marc said, " and Sonic, too."
Man, oh man, it doesn't get much better than that. Wal-Mart and Sonic in the same evening. We went to Wal-Mart and Marc got a new toothbrush. I got a new atlas. Aren't we exciting? Then on to Sonic. We sat there sipping on our drinks and then came back to Marc's parent's house.
That is what vacation is for; trips to Wal-Mart and Sonic.
Terri
Friday, August 6, 2010
Adventures In Traveling.
I never get much sleep the night before a travel day. Wednesday night was no exception. I tried to get as many things done as possible. It was way after midnight before I called it a day. I slept fast because I was up before 4:00. My only thought was I will sleep when I get on the plane.
We checked in at the Delta counter only to find out our plane was delayed two hours. We had a four hour layover in Atlanta, so everything should still be ok. When I have choices, I would rather be waiting in Atlanta not Tegucigalpa. I feel a little more confident I will make that connecting flight.
We got to Atlanta and had to be pulled aside in customs because Marc was carrying some of Lanetta's beef jerky. Funny thing. She made it in the States and brought it to Honduras. She left it with Marc, but when we tried to bring it back in the country, that was not a good thing. Marc was going to show them which bag it was in and they screamed, "don't touch that bag." It was his bag after all.
Once we got through customs and to our new gate, we discovered the flight to Oklahoma City was delayed an hour. We grabbed a bagel and considered that supper. Soon the flight to OKC was delayed another hour. Our original plans were to land in Oklahoma City around 11:00. We were thinking 1:00 before we even land. Marc began to wonder if the rent car counter would still be open. Before we could find out, our flight was canceled. Delta graciously rebooked us to Oklahoma City this morning and sent us off to sleep in the Sheraton and gave us $24.00 worth of meal tickets. Trust me, the Sheraton was a lot nicer accomodations that we would have found for ourselves in Oklahoma City. I slept very well. Very well.
We did not even have a crack of dawn flight this morning. And we had been rebooked in first class. Not bad for using frequent flier miles.
When we got to Oklahoma City, our rent car was gone, so they upgraded us. We had a very pleasant drive to Amarillo. No traffic. No mountains.
We got to Amarillo and ate at the Cracker Barrel. A wonderful way to start our visit in Texas. And then to continue that welcome, I got to see a beautiful west Texas sunset, the place where God created sunsets.
We are here. Loving on family, with a lot more of that to follow. I am sure I will rest well again tonight.
Terri
We checked in at the Delta counter only to find out our plane was delayed two hours. We had a four hour layover in Atlanta, so everything should still be ok. When I have choices, I would rather be waiting in Atlanta not Tegucigalpa. I feel a little more confident I will make that connecting flight.
We got to Atlanta and had to be pulled aside in customs because Marc was carrying some of Lanetta's beef jerky. Funny thing. She made it in the States and brought it to Honduras. She left it with Marc, but when we tried to bring it back in the country, that was not a good thing. Marc was going to show them which bag it was in and they screamed, "don't touch that bag." It was his bag after all.
Once we got through customs and to our new gate, we discovered the flight to Oklahoma City was delayed an hour. We grabbed a bagel and considered that supper. Soon the flight to OKC was delayed another hour. Our original plans were to land in Oklahoma City around 11:00. We were thinking 1:00 before we even land. Marc began to wonder if the rent car counter would still be open. Before we could find out, our flight was canceled. Delta graciously rebooked us to Oklahoma City this morning and sent us off to sleep in the Sheraton and gave us $24.00 worth of meal tickets. Trust me, the Sheraton was a lot nicer accomodations that we would have found for ourselves in Oklahoma City. I slept very well. Very well.
We did not even have a crack of dawn flight this morning. And we had been rebooked in first class. Not bad for using frequent flier miles.
When we got to Oklahoma City, our rent car was gone, so they upgraded us. We had a very pleasant drive to Amarillo. No traffic. No mountains.
We got to Amarillo and ate at the Cracker Barrel. A wonderful way to start our visit in Texas. And then to continue that welcome, I got to see a beautiful west Texas sunset, the place where God created sunsets.
We are here. Loving on family, with a lot more of that to follow. I am sure I will rest well again tonight.
Terri
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
The End Of Summer
Another summer in Honduras is history. The last few people left Monday. I tear up when everyone leaves, usually worse when the last people leave. I was smiling when the last ones left Monday. It was our Borger folks and we will see them next week. Made saying good-bye much easier.
What an awesome summer it has been. Awesome in more ways than one. We made no trips to San Pedro Sula and no groups had to leave early because of political crises. The airport was open every single day. We know. We were there.
In the way of work, it was also an awesome summer. Forty five wooden houses built and three block ones. There were feedings at dump every Monday and every Wednesday and some Fridays. Even when the pots were not taken to Anita, hungry people were fed. Weren't they Nicole. Hundreds of food bags were delivered in several villages. Vacation Bible Schools. Clinics. Clothing distributions. Children were loved on and played with. A new soccer field was built. And clothes lines. Visits to the hospital. Two different times late night blanket runs were made to the hospital. Parents have to sleep in the floor and the hallways and wherever they can find space. Our groups went in with blankets and placed them on sleeping bodies. Most didn't even wake. Wouldn't you love to see their faces when they woke up and found a blanket. I hope they slept a bit warmer. A couple of days some of folks worked on the new classroom at Manos Felices. Manos Felices is near and dear to my heart. I was glad we could help. I am sure I haven't covered everything. Wonderful devos. Wonderful singing. Wonderful fellowship. When it was all said and done, there were twenty five new Christians. Praise God.
The weeks the groups are here are exhausting, but exhilarating at the same time. And the weeks fly by so quickly we don't know what has hit us. It is so cool to see people fall in love with a child or a family, or some specific ministry. To watch them work harder than some may be accustomed. To watch people from different places come together, work together and leave as friends. We always have new friends as each group leaves.
I did not know which way was up yesterday. I worked all day plowing through the paperwork. And did not even make a dent in it. Marc was already talking about next year. I wanted to wait a day or so. But it is hard to contain his excitement.
We leave tomorrow. I always think if I had one more day, I would have more done and be more ready to leave. I just take a lot of work with me. We will spend most of our time in Texas. An awesome summer comes to an awesome end as we spend precious time with family. I don't think I am quite ready to do 5000 miles in five weeks as we usually do.
Give me a few days and I will be wanting to think about next year, too.
Terri
What an awesome summer it has been. Awesome in more ways than one. We made no trips to San Pedro Sula and no groups had to leave early because of political crises. The airport was open every single day. We know. We were there.
In the way of work, it was also an awesome summer. Forty five wooden houses built and three block ones. There were feedings at dump every Monday and every Wednesday and some Fridays. Even when the pots were not taken to Anita, hungry people were fed. Weren't they Nicole. Hundreds of food bags were delivered in several villages. Vacation Bible Schools. Clinics. Clothing distributions. Children were loved on and played with. A new soccer field was built. And clothes lines. Visits to the hospital. Two different times late night blanket runs were made to the hospital. Parents have to sleep in the floor and the hallways and wherever they can find space. Our groups went in with blankets and placed them on sleeping bodies. Most didn't even wake. Wouldn't you love to see their faces when they woke up and found a blanket. I hope they slept a bit warmer. A couple of days some of folks worked on the new classroom at Manos Felices. Manos Felices is near and dear to my heart. I was glad we could help. I am sure I haven't covered everything. Wonderful devos. Wonderful singing. Wonderful fellowship. When it was all said and done, there were twenty five new Christians. Praise God.
The weeks the groups are here are exhausting, but exhilarating at the same time. And the weeks fly by so quickly we don't know what has hit us. It is so cool to see people fall in love with a child or a family, or some specific ministry. To watch them work harder than some may be accustomed. To watch people from different places come together, work together and leave as friends. We always have new friends as each group leaves.
I did not know which way was up yesterday. I worked all day plowing through the paperwork. And did not even make a dent in it. Marc was already talking about next year. I wanted to wait a day or so. But it is hard to contain his excitement.
We leave tomorrow. I always think if I had one more day, I would have more done and be more ready to leave. I just take a lot of work with me. We will spend most of our time in Texas. An awesome summer comes to an awesome end as we spend precious time with family. I don't think I am quite ready to do 5000 miles in five weeks as we usually do.
Give me a few days and I will be wanting to think about next year, too.
Terri
Monday, August 2, 2010
Rain, Rain
Honduras has two season, a rainy season and a dry season. The rainy season usually lasts from May through November with a good break in July. This year the rain started in April and we saw no break in July. We have had two tropical storms dumping inches and inches of rain on us. In June there was about 35 inches and I haven't kept track in July. But a lot. A whole lot. I have live places, like Lubbock, Texas and Los Angeles where there is not 35 inches in one year, much less one month.
The never ceasing rain and the overcast skies that come with it, make me long for the heat in the states. Heat means sunshine. I bet this girl does not complain about the sunshine when she gets to the States this week.
The heavy rains of September and October are yet to come.
Electricity is expensive in Honduras. In the dry season, we hang our clothes to dry. This year the electricity bill has been so high, we have not used the clothes dryers, even though it rains everyday. Karen hung ropes in the house and the clothes are hung there everyday. It works very well. Most of the time, everything is dry by morning. Unfortunately, clothes don't dry as fast in my house. Sometimes, I use a line or two in the afternoon to get our things dry. It is hard not to laugh when I think about only three years ago never imagining hanging my clothes inside Casa de Esperanza.
God is so good. I have clothes to wear and a house in which to hang them to dry.
Terri
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Butterflies
Denis has planted flowers and has this place looking great. There are flowers in many places around Casa de Esperanza. Two of the places with the most flowers are all along the sidewalk between our house and Casa and by the store. With all the blloming flowers, we have seen many butterflies hovering over the flowers. The butterflies are in all sizes and colors. I love watching the butterflies.
Terri
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