Rodney's Blog (To leave a comment or ask a question scroll to the bottom of the page)

Posted October 2, 2008 (day 127) 6:08pm

Yes, we are still among the living, and I know that I have not updated things for a while.  There is absolutely a good reason for that (well at least, I think it is a good reason).  Now that I think about it, I have a couple of reasons.  Since we have gone to six hours of language training per day, our days have become much fuller.  Sometimes my brain is numb from trying to memorize 100's of Spanish verbs EVERY NIGHT.  It is not so bad for me, but Teresa is getting older and she needs help (please do not tell her that I wrote that).  The other reason is that things in Antigue have not changed much the last week.  It is still raining everyday.  It is hard to get used to wet socks and pants.  Today, it rained as we walked back to school after our lunch break.  All afternoon we studied in wet cloths, and yes we have an umbrella and rain gear.  Okay, this is depressing me so I know that you have to be getting bored.

I will try to do better in my next post.  I still have verbs to memorize so I had better get going.  Is there anything that you would like me to address?  Let me know!  Trying to stay dry in Guatemala, Rodney

Posted September 26, 2008 (day 121) 8:40pm

While I am waiting for some hot water, I will type a few lines.  The rain continues in Guatemala, but even all the rain today could not rain on our parade.  Yes, we got wet, but we got wet knowing that we passed the first level.  Teresa and I both passed our exams today, so we have moved to level B.  We still can't speak much Spanish, but we know more than we did.

We did not get to go to the convent so no pictures.  Yesterday, we did get to go in between the rain showers to a local macadamia nut farm (about 30 minutes from the school).  To get there we went to the bus station and got on a chicken bus (quite an experience).  They can get more people on a bus than we do in the States.  It was not bad on the way to the farm, but on the way back things were crowded to say the least.  The ride to the place was nice and the scenery was absolutely breathtaking.  I would love to show you a few pictures.

Once we arrived, a man gave us a tour of the place, and of course, there was what they called a gift shop.  Not much in there but nuts, go figure.  Teresa bought some chocolate covered macadamia nuts, and believe it or not they are about gone!  Go figure (I know that is the second time I have used that expression).  I would post a few pictures of our trip, but guess who forgot the camera.   

Hoping for some hot water soon, Rodney

Posted September 22, 2008 (day 117) 5:20pm

Evening all,  Things are going as expected in language training.  The bottom line is: learning another language is a lot of hard work.  New words, new pronunciations and new sentence structures tend to make the brain grind.  Next week, Teresa and I intend to go to class for 6 hours a day instead of 4.  That will get us done a few weeks earlier, but the main reason is afternoon boredom.  We will get a break from noon til 2pm and then we return from 2pm until 4pm.  By the time we complete our homework, the day will be nearly over.  If all goes well, we will both finish the first level this week and have our examination on Monday.  If we pass, here comes the next level.

Oh, I almost forgot.  It is still raining nearly every day.  If  the weather cooperates, we are taking an afternoon class trip to a nearby convent and museum tomorrow afternoon.  If we go, I'll post some pics tomorrow.  Working hard in Guatemala, Rodney

Posted September 19, 2008 (day 114) 9:15pm

Let me sum up the last few days in just a word...lluvia.  Okay, I am going to need two words to really describe the way things have been in Antigua...Mucha lluvia.  Our Spanish teachers tell us that October will be much drier.  I sure hope they are right.  Day after day of rain has my spirit dampened!  With all the rain, we spend hours in our room (a 12 by 13 room) that just keeps getting smaller.  Today, we decided we had to get out even though it was raining, so we put on the rain gear and grabbed the umbrella and away we went.  An hour and a half later, we returned (yes, we were soaked from the knees down, but at least we got out for a while).

Today, we were supposed to have a school outing in the afternoon.  It was a walking trip, so with all the rain we did not go.  Antigua has a cross set high on the mountain over looking Antigua and that was where we were supposed to go.  From the city streets looking up on the cross, it is an impressive sight.  We are going to make it to the cross one of these days, but this is the second time that rain has postponed the walk.  I can't wait to get to the cross and look out over the city.  What a view it will be from there!  As I typed that, I realized that everday we should be eager to get to the cross.  The view from the cross is always amazing (okay, that was not orignal to me but I think that John Newton would be okay with me saying that).  At the cross, we see like never before.  At the cross, we see grace; we see love; we see mercy; we see forgiveness; we see...I'm still ready to walk to the cross over looking Antigua, but rain kept me from making that walk today.  I'm so glad that rain cannot keep me from THE CROSS.

I know.  I came close to starting to preach, but it's been a while.  I hope your Saturday is filled with sunshine and a great view of Calvary!  Rodney

Posted September 15, 2008 (day 110) 5:05pm

First, thank you to the many who have responded to the news of Teresa's grandmother's death.  After a long walk yesterday afternoon, Teresa told me that she was not going to return for the funeral.  She had a special relationship with her grandmother as many do.  I know that Tuesday and Wednesday will not be easy days for her. 

Today, we are catching up on homework and memorization work.  We took a short walk earlier this morning, but there were people everywhere and many streets were blocked as bands marched the streets.  Teresa wanted to get to the market, but there was no way this morning.  Here are a couple of pictures that reflect the sites of Antigua. The first is the Cathedral at Central Park.  The second is a foundtain at the Santa Domingo Convent, and the last is a picture of the mountains/volcanos surrounding Antigua.  Hope you enjoy, Rodney

Posted September 13, 2008 (day 108) 5:47pm

I think that I can proclaim that WE are both now over our stomach issues that began last Saturday.  Yes, that was me shouting "Hallelujah!"  The past week was not one of our best though it will be one that we remember for a LONG time. 

Monday is Independence Day in Guatemala.  The festivities begin on Sunday evening at 6pm at Antigua's central park.  According to all from Sunday evening to Monday evening, there will be all kinds of people and all kinds of things going on!  The people we stay with in Guatemala said that they stay in for most of it because there are so many people on the streets.  That at least has me wondering a little bit how much to try and take in.  We shall see.

Hope everyone is doing fine! Alive and much better today, Rodney

Posted September 11, 2008 (day 106) 7pm

We are doing some better.  We both have some stomach issues but better.  Teresa is much better but still weak.  We are going to school and today we took an afternoon walk and went to local museum and ruins.  It was very interesting, but by the time we made it back we were both exhausted.  Teresa has been lying down since.

On top of this, Teresa's grandmother is not doing well at all.   She will need to check in daily for a while.

Alive and so so in Guatemala, Rodney

Posted September 9, 2008 (day 104) at 6:30pm

Sorry that I haven't written for a couple of days now, but things have not gone well for Teresa.  We both had a bout with something Saturday night, but by Sunday noon I was feeling fine.  Teresa on the other hand was not (is not).  Apparently, she found a parasite Guatemalan style that has her digestive track working overtime (if you know what I mean).  After not being able to eat for two days, she did eat some oatmeal this afternoon.  We shall see.   On Sunday, I thought I was going to have to carry her back to our place (okay, I probably do that!) but she sure was weak.  She has missed two days of classes and if not better by tomorrow, I will have to find a doctor.  Prayers accepted. I do think she is feeling better because in an email to a friend this afternoon, she wrote, "I hope this soon passes."  That has not been a problema. 

Language study is in part about memorizing, and we both spend hours each day doing that.  My teacher (Mr. Carlos) keeps telling me that I have to learn to think Espanol not English.  That sounds easy enough but it sure gives me a run for my money.

I'll keep you posted on Teresa, until then...Rodney

Posted September 5, 2008 (day 98) at 5:45pm

Another lesson learned.  There are many things to learn in Antigua.  Yesterday, we got an out of class lesson.  After lunch and working on homework for a couple of hours, we decided it was time for a walk down to the supermarket (okay, not by our standards, but bear with me) for a couple of items.  It just so happens that there is a McDonald's near the market, and we had walked quite a ways so we decided that a McFlurry was in order.  We ate our ice-cream and just talked a bit.  Then, what was that?  It sounded like thunder.  It was sunny when we left.  Sure a few clouds around the volcano but sunny!  When we got to the street (and I need to post a picture of the streets here-cobble stones and very narrow), you could tell that it was going to rain.  We were on the other side of town, so we started for the house, but before we got a few blocks the sprinkles started to fall and then...well then we realized just how much we wish we had our umbrella and rain jackets!!!  They say it rains a lot here (and it is raining again today).  They say always take an umbrella and our advice to you when you visit this ancient city is ALWAYS TAKE AN UMBRELLA unless you want to get cold and wet!   It rained to today but we were ready.  Rodney

Posted on September 3, 2008 (day 96) at 5pm

Life attending CSA in Guatemala is interesting.  Our day starts at 6am.  Breakfast is served around 7 or 7:15am.  They serve eggs everyday with other choices such as pancakes or cereal.  No later than 7:40am, we are out the door.  To walk to CSA takes about 20 minutes.  Our classes start at 8am with a 30 minute break at 10am (which I am usually ready for!  I head for the coffee pot and try to get as much caffeine in me as I can).  At noon, class ends and we walk back to our host family's home.  Dinner is served at 12:30 or so and it is the biggest of all the meals served.  After lunch, it is time for homework.  When our brains cannot take anymore, we are out the door for a walkabout around Antigua.  Today we walked over 6 miles for the day.  We found a church which is bilingual, so we can worship there this Sunday. Today, we stopped about half way through the walk at a place called Café Contessa (great desserts) for a snack and coca light.  We also did some studying in the court yard.  We need a snack because the evening meal is not served until 7:30 to 8:30pm.  It is a nice time where Lesbia and Estardo do their best to talk to us and encourage us.  After our meal, I take a quick shower and bed time comes shortly thereafter.

We have completed day 3 of classes and at times it feels like I know less than I did before I started, but my teacher, Carlos, says that is normal.  We shall see!  Blessings to all and thanks for the prayers-keep them up!  Rodney

Posted on September 1, 2008 (day 94) at 4:35pm

We made it to Antigua, Guatemala about 3:30pm yesterday.  It was raining and they say that it rains a lot here.  Teresa is now finishing her homework as I type.  I think she is ahead of me already, but we just started!  The first day went flying by.  We have class one on one at Christian Spanish Academy from 8am until noon.  Four hours seemed enough as our teachers covered mucho material.

We are staying with a family in Antigua that has been opening their home to those studying at CSA for 16 years.  They have had over 3 thousand students stay with them.  This couple has three girls. They are very nice and have been so gracious.  Our room is small but nice.  They feed us three meals a day except on Sundays.  On Sundays, we are on our own, but there are many places to eat here.

Antigua is a city rich in history.  It has cobble stone streets and many great artifacts to view.  Within site is an active volcano.  Antigua is in a mountainous area and the climate is very mild, especially in comparison to Honduras.  I will get some pictures posted of the city as we make this journey.  If I want to keep up with Teresa, I have to stop typing and start studying. 

Rodney

PS Dont' hesitate to ask me any questions.  Just use the comments box below.

Posted on August 30, 2008 at 8:55pm (day 93)

We are Guatemala bound.  We leave for Antigua at 11am in the morning for three months of language school at CSA (they have a nice website).  CSA will have a representative waiting for us when we arrive in Guatemala City to drive us to Antigua about 30 to 40 minutes from the airport.  We will stay with a host family who will ONLY speak Spanish to us.  We attend classes Monday through Friday from 8am till noon.  All lessons are one on one, so we will have our own teachers.  The afternoons are for studying.  Our means of transportation in Antigua is by foot, so hopefully we can get some good exercise.

Today was one of those days.  We needed to pack (and yes I still need to finish), plus meeting with the Smith's and trying to do as much as we can to help them while away.  In the afternoon, we had a two hour meeting with our attorney.  As soon as that was over, Teresa had two sick children to tend too.  We still needed to take 3 boys to Progreso for shoes.  By the time we pulled out of the gate, we had 6 boys in the van and it was 5:30pm.  It gets dark here at 6:30pm, so we would be traveling after dark on the way home.  We have taken a total of 29 of our children to get shoes in the last three days and we have purchased nearly 50 pairs of shoes.  The children have been so thankful and they have been very well behaved.  Thanks to all of you who made it possible to buy their shoes by giving donations.

Yes, I still need to finish packing, but first I need to get a shower and finish this blog entry.  Type at you from Guatemala!  Rodney

Posted on August 28, 2008; 7:38am (day 91) (see 8:48pm update below)

Yesterday, Teresa, Eduarda and I took seven of our boys(Jonathon, Giancarlo, Eder, Fernando, Henry, Eleazar, Edwin and Kenneth)  to El Progreso to get the shoes that they needed.  We have another group of seven to take today.  These are the ones that we did not have the right shoes sizes for earlier, but thanks to the donations that many of you gave us, we now have money to get those shoes.

You never know how seven boys are going to behave.  We decided for two groups.  Taking all 14 boys seemed like a bit too much to tackle.  We also thought that taking one of the house parents with us was a good idea.   Eduarda is Pastor Miguel's wife.  She is a very sweet and helpful woman.  But, I have to say that the boys were great.  They waited patiently for their turn and afterwards they sat patiently while the others got their turn.  I had told them that I would get them ice-cream if they were good and I gladly bought them all ice-cream!

The ride home was a bit interesting because we got stopped at a police road block just a couple of miles from FH outside El Provenir.  You just never know how these will go and how long they will take.  Most the time, they let the mission vehicles go quickly, but not yesterday.  After about 15/20 minutes, another crew of policia showed up and the one in charge quickly told us that we could go (thank you Lord) and as I drove away, one of them knew me and yelled, "ola, Rodney."  I was so thankful when we were told we could go.

Just another day in Honduras, Rodney

8:48pm update Today, we took 13 children to Progeso for shoes.  I will try to post their picture tomorrow.  The last two days we have purchased a total of 37 pairs of shoes at a total cost of $969 (approx. $26/pair).  The manager at Payless gave us 15% off our total bill, which helped tremendously.  I think we only have a couple of others who now need shoes.  Thanks again everyone for what you did in helping us get them shoes!  Rodney

Posted on August 25, 2008 7:35pm

Things have a way of getting your attention sometimes.  Yesterday, I was thinking about ALL I would try to get done before Sunday arrives and we leave for Guatemala.  Some of the things are not going to be necessarily easy, but must be done.  I meet with the teachers at the school tomorrow to discuss with them changes that will have to be made next school year.  I need to meet with our attorney on several important matters, and I also knew that today (Monday) would be full from start to finish (staff meeting in the morning, run to SPS to exchange dollars for lempira so that we can take the 14 children who need shoes to the store).  Yet, yesterday was Sunday.  Time to worship and praise God and for those precious moments at church I did not think about all the things, but shortly after the amen, my mind was racing again.

We got back from church and Teresa and I needed to deliver Jesus' glasses to him again.  They were waiting for me to repair when we got in the other day.  After finding Jesus at Casa 8, Teresa saw most of the younger girls playing their version of baseball at Casa 2, so who can pass up a good game (we didn't).  Before long I was playing ball and laughing and having a blast and all those thoughts of stuff were nowhere to be found!  I enjoyed those few minutes of laughter and fun and a couple of the girls wanted to know if we were staying longer.  We had to say no, but we quickly added that when we came back we could speak to them in Spanish.  When it came time to leave, we had to give three different gator ride trips around the cocina.  Then we had a restful evening, and today came.  Yes, there is still much to do on my got to get it done before Sunday list, but all during the day my mind kept returning the ball game that I got to be a part of yesterday and that made things today better.

Wish you were here-don't you!  Rodney

Posted on August 23, 2008 8:25pm

Evening everyone, I hope you are enjoying your electricity and A/C!  We sure are, but I am getting ahead of myself.  Teresa spent part of the morning getting the house cleaned up and in shape.  Then we went to SPS with the Willis' and Smith's to watch Jorge play soccer at one of the bigger stadiums in town. We were hoping that he would play but unfortunately he did not.  Jorge was asked to dress out so that was an honor for him.  The score ended in a 2 / 2 tie.  Okay, I have to admit that soccer is not my favorite sport but going to the game to watch one of your kids-that I have done many times before, and it was a nice day.  Afterwards, Teresa and I bought Jorge and his brother who had gone with us dinner at Church's Chicken (that was where Jorge wanted to eat).

(Jorge is the 2nd from the left end)

When we got back to FH, I noticed something that I did not like. Something was not right.  As Teresa and I walked up the drive, I could not hear our A/C unit running and that meant one of two things and neither good (one the A/C had stopped working or two the power was off).  I like electricity and I like AC.  The electric was off and so we spent the rest of the afternoon outside in the cool breezes (no we did not need a jacket but thanks for wondering). 

About 5:30 with darkness coming in an hour, Sid and I went looking for a man who might be able to help us get the power up.  While away, the electric company showed up.  Great!  When we got back, one of the electric workers was walking down the road in front of FH and wanted a ride.  What we found was that his truck was stuck in a deep ditch.  He was inspecting the lines and ... well I'm not sure how he got in the ditch, but he did.  Sid went for the tractor.  I stayed behind to help the two electric company workers swat mosquitos.  We could not talk but we sure did a lot of swatting!  When Sid made it back, we pulled him out (okay, we pulled the truck out but he was in the truck).  He repaired two fuse links and at about 7:45pm wha-la the power was back on and there was great rejoicing at FH.

As I said, enjoy your electricity and AC.  I sure am right now.

Rodney

August 16, 2008 9:30am (Day 86)

Good morning all,

I know that I said I would TRY to update my blog every week, but...you already know that I have not.  We have put a lot of miles on our bodies since arriving in the states.  We have gone from OC to Springfield, Mo.  Then back to OC, and two days later we left for Flint, Michigan.  After that, we came back to OC and the following weekend, we went to Clarkton, Mo in the morning and then to Glen Carbon, Il in the evening.  We got back to OC late Sunday everning and Monday afternoon we went to see our daughter in Spencer, In and then the next day off to Florida for a few days of R&R.  We got back late yesterday.  This Sunday we are back home with our church in OC, and we are looking forward to that! 

We have had a great time in all the churches we visited.  Everyone was so nice and generous! 

We leave for Honduras this coming Friday at 6am, and believe it or not, we have all kinds of things to get done before then. 

I will do better about writing now.  I have added a comments option for you.  You can use this to post comments or to ask questions about FH or Honduras and then I will do my best to respond.  If it gets used, it stays.  If not, it will disappear.  In the coming days, I will archive my previous blog, but for now I will leave both.

Rodney