Rodney's Blog (Oct & Dec)
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Posted December 30, 2008 at 8:30am (day 216)
Our two weeks home for Christmas flew by so quickly. It sure was cold in southern Indiana for most of our stay. When we stepped off the plane in San Pedro Sula a couple of days ago it was sunny and in the mid 80's. What a constrast. Yesterday was spent getting caught up and cleaning things up. It is always a chore to get things back in shape after being gone. It is also amazing how quickly some of the Spanish begins to fade when you do not use it everyday. We have spent a lot of time preparing and getting on the field, and we are ready to do what God has sent us here to do. Knowing that God has sent us here helps saying the goodbyes to family easier. I said easier not easy. God is amazing and God is at work here. At times, I wish that I could look into 2009 and know what was going to happen, but most of the time I am glad that I do not know. I know I want to be a part of what God is doing. I know that God has a plan, and more than all, I know and want to know even more that regardless of what comes at us this year, God will see us though. More later, the door bell is ringing and I have to go. Rodney
Posted December 11, 2008 8:15pm (day 197)
A couple of nights ago I went down to worship with the children. Teresa was not feeling well, so I went alone. I confess that I still do not understand all the songs and even the words of the sermon. I get more than I used too, but I still have a long way to go. As I sat in the back, a couple of the boys came to sit with me. They were all kinds of help to me in finding the scriptural references (yes, I took my Spanish Bible). That night the tio preaching spoke about how no one was righteous before God (out of Romans). He did preach quite a while and as he spoke the boy sitting next to me about 11 years old (I am with holding his name to protect the guilty) began to ... how should I put this ... he began to do things that he should not do. Causing quite a distraction for those near him, so I did what parents do when their children act up in church. At first it was rather subtle, but that did not work. Finally with sterness in my whisper and a stern look, I told him (in Spanish), "Enough. You need to listen!" He was not happy with me but he did stop his distraction making. I do not know if he listened, but I know he stopped acting up. I wondered how he would act towards me after the service, but as soon as the last "amen" was spoken, he smiled at me and gave me a big hug. I know you will find this hard to believe, but we missionaries are not here because of the pay (at least the dollars), but at times, we do get paid a lot. Loving the children means that we deal with them when they are good and when they are not. I think that we started a relationship the other night. I pray that I can continue to show him and the others the love that God has for us all.
BTW - Teresa and I return stateside for two weeks. We leave tomorrow. I doubt I blog while we are away. Enjoy your Christmas! Make a memory with your family. Gather around the manger. Be amazed at what God did. Have a Merry Christmas. Rodney & Teresa Walls
Posted December 9, 2008 5:20pm (day 195)
Yesterday amid the normal (if it can be said that any day here is normal) activities of Monday, David Willis came knocking. He had a sprayer and cans of bug spray in his hands. Army ants were marching to and all over the porch of our home. These creatures can darken the road. You just cannot imagine this site (a big black moving line of ants). Sometimes they do get inside and what a mess. Together we sprayed gallons of ant killer on the ants and around the house to form a barrier. We spent over an hour trying to keep them out, which we did. Gracious a Dios! And, thank you David!
Today, we made our way to SPS and back without any problems. When we got back, I began to hang curtain rods in the dining hall. The dining hall was in a mess from years of use (I mean a lot of use!), so with a little donated money, the house parents painted the inside before we moved the new tables inside. A week or so ago, a couple of the house moms came and asked Teresa if they could make curtains for the dining hall. It was a little expense, but I think worth it. We bought all the curtain rods that we could find in SPS (we still need several more). As you can see, the curtains look nice. The dining hall looks nice (fresh paint, new tables and now new curtains).
I wish that we could remodel a life that easy. We have children with deep scares, and we want to introduce them to Christ who can cover over all the dirt and scares with a fresh coat of grace and love, who can bring to their lives direction and purpose. We are armed with love and determination. We know that Christ can change the outside and the inside. Rodney
Posted December 6, 2008 5pm (day 192)
The presents are for the most part bought and wrapped. We still need to come up with a couple more, but we are having trouble finding what we want. Wal-mart would sure be nice about now. Teresa and Tania have spent hours doing both. Buying for 80 is quite an ordeal. This year Teresa went around to all the casas and let the children make a list, instead of buying the same things for all. Nice, but it sure added to the adventure. I know the children will be thrilled. We sure have a tall stack of presents. I am not sure how many feet of wrapping paper they went through. We had to get done early this year because Teresa and I return to the States on the 12th for two weeks, so Teresa wanted it all done before we left. I imagine Tania and David appreciates it.
From my end today, I was not the most popular for a couple of our boys who got themselves into some trouble. For the next couple of days, there will be some extra work going on around FH by these two. Love does that! We want to raise good young men and women here, and sometimes you have to teach difficult lessons. Between supervising the work, I did a couple of little projects to the residence that I had not had time to do before now. All in all a nice quiet day! I think I like that for a change. Rodney
Posted December 4, 2008 6:15pm (day 190)
The days roll by quickly for the most part. I find it hard to believe that we are into December already. Today was a fun day. We got to spend several hours with Yessy. She needed to go to the eye doctor again for a check up. Just like in the States, you never know how long you will be at the doctors office. We arrived, filled out the necessary documentatin, paid (first) and then waited. Yessy looked around with a bit of wonder and hesitation. When they called her name, she grabbed Teresa's hand and then mine. In we walked, three wide. We received good news from the doctor in El Progreso. He said that her eyes appeared to be fine for now. Teresa needed to make a quick stop for a present from the wood factory in town, so Yessy and I headed to the ice-cream freezer where she picked out a chocolate ice-cream bar. It was gone about the time that Teresa finished shopping. On the way back, Yessy was asleep before we got out of town. She has seen a lot of things in her short life. Now because of Faith Home, she sees and feels love everyday. It is kind of neat to be a part of that. Rodney
Posted Dec 2, 2008 6:25pm (day 188)
Just a couple of days ago, it was moving day. New tables were sent down for the dining hall. It had rained for a couple of weeks straight, so I asked the house parents to wait for the new tables. Finally some dry days, so with their help David and I loaded up the new tables and headed to the dining hall. They were thrilled! For those of you who have been here, you know how "used" the old blue tables were. As we unloaded the new cafeteria style tables, it was not long until the dining hall was full.
 The dining hall now has new paint and new tables, and as soon as I can afford to buy some curtain rods, the tia's have made new curtains. Mina came up to the house today to show Teresa the final product. The house parents are always so appreciative of the things they get. Soon Christmas will be here. I wonder if we will all be appreciative for what get (for what we already have, for what God has already given to us). Rodney
Posted November 27, 2008 6:15pm (day 183)
As I wrote yesterday, the power was off a couple of times before coming on in the late afternoon. Just after getting in bed around 10:30pm, the power went back off. You always hope that it will come on quickly, but no. This time power was off all night. At 6:20am, I went down to the dining hall to ask Pastor Miguel to call the power company. They told him they would try to be out today sometime. The power being off is one thing but it affects many things. Without power, we have about 18 hours before the water tank runs dry. Without power, they house parents can not grind the corn to make flour to make tortillas. You get the picture.
Fortunately, ENEE (the power company) arrived around 10am. After inspecting several transformers, we believe that a bird got to close to a live wire and all we saw was some feathers. The power company made a quick repair and replaced a fuse link and praise God the power was back on at Faith Home.
We still had time to have our thanksgiving meal (most of the ovens here are electric). We moved the time back a little. At 2pm, everyone started showing up. We gave thanks for our callings, our families (that we miss), the FH family, the friendship we share, the plentiful food we had (when many today will go hungry) and God's wonderful grace. Thanks for your players especially today! It was a good day and a bit of a sad day for us.
Brad, Julia, Teresa, Cindy, Tania & David (Rodney took the photo)
Posted November 26, 2008 6:25pm (day 182)
Teresa continues to treat Greyvi twice a day, but thanks to God things are improving. All the children are special (no doubt), but as Teresa spends time with them caring for them, you can see relationships being formed. I think Greyvi really enjoys the time and attention (and I am pretty sure that Teresa enjoys giving it).
Teresa is becoming more and more popular as the children and house parents realize that she is the one dispensing supplies. Today, the older boys from the transition house came for supplies and they knew just who to ask for. She was more than a regular hit today because she gave them some extra soccer shirts that came in a recent container. They thought that was great.
Things were a bit slower for me today. It was cloudy all day and it rained again. I could not do a lot of office work because the power was off twice. I made several calls as we have to find a new night guard for FH. Jose, the night guard for the last 10 or so years, passed away two days ago. We all went to his funeral yesterday afternoon. Customs are different, but several things were the same. The pain of loss is the same, but thankfully so is the promise of resurrection that provides assurance when we have to face death.
Tomorrow all the missionaries are coming here for dinner. Teresa is making a turkey. That will be nice as we reflect from here about life, ministry, grace and BLESSINGS. Happy Thanksgiving for Teresa and me!
Posted November 22, 2008; 2:45pm (day 178)
Saturday morning began early and on the go. I had to meet with Hector our attorney and he arrived shortly after 7am. While he was here, Domingo (a local contractor who does work at FH) arrived to finish a project for me. Termites had completely eaten away the door frame that leads upstairs to the residence. While all this was going on, the majority of the missionaries left for San Pedro to watch a soccer tournament that some of our boys was playing in at another child care facility. Teresa returned and said that it was a nice place, and that she made a good contract with the director of that facility. So far, our boys won one game and lost one game (say that three times fast). Sorry no pictures, Teresa forgot to take the camera.
For me, I stayed behind. I had a couple of difficult situations and discussions to have with one of our kids and a house parent. Most went well, and they understood my broken Spanish. When I got back to the office, Saul had brought a young man to talk to me who teaches at a bilingual school (he is also the vice principle). He was very bright and articulate (unfortunately he was not looking for a job). This young man offered to help us with our school program this year not because he wanted anything from us. He just loves the Lord and loves children. Refreshing, isn't it? After that. I finished some office work (it is still raining here) and realized that lunch time had come and gone. Honestly, I like the busy pace most of the time.
Quick update on Greyvi. She is responding to the treatments and we praise God for that!
Rodney
Posted November 19, 2008; 3:30pm (day 175)
Day 4 of clouds and rain with a freezing high of only 70 degrees! The children and house parents are freezing! I must admit as I took the trash to the pit on the gator, it did feel a bit cool. As you noticed on the home page, we are going to try something for a while. We want to highlight a child and just let you know a little bit about them.
Periodically you just have to marvel at the details that God works out in our lives. What are the chances that a dermatologist in Evansville, Indiana would be friends with a dermatologist in San Pedro Sula and that Teresa would work for the one in Evansville for years before God moved her (us) to FH. Go figure! Look around today and let God show you just how in control God really is. Rodney
Posted November 15, 2008; 655pm (day 171)
As you can tell from the home page, a new coat of paint can make a world of difference. Here is one more picture.
A before they started painting picture. The dining hall gets a lot of use. Over time the once bright and shining blue turned dingy. Dirt collects. Scrapes happen. Life happened to the dining hall here at FH. Life tends to leave a mark on all of us. Sometimes I wish that I could just get a fresh coat of paint to cover over all the dingy in me. Some of the marks are just a part of living, but some of the marks are because of (dare I say it. I would rather not say it, but you are already thinking it, so here goes) ...some of the marks are because of sin. I am glad that I can get a make over. I am glad that when I turn to Christ and seek forgiveness that he is always there and always ready to forgive and to clean up my life again. Tomorrow is Sunday, so why not. Why not, open up and let Christ give all of us a fresh shining coat.
Rodney
Posted November 12, 2008 6:45pm (day 168)
In a few days here, many challenges have presented themselves. Some of them I knew existed; some just jumped up and said, "Hello." I find myself praying a lot during the days here. That is something that I hope continues no matter where I am. Yesterday was full, and when 6:30 rolled around I was just getting ready to sit for a bit when my cell phone rang. It was Hector our attorney. He called because he had a trailer full of corn that he was bringing to FH. The house parents take it off the cob, sundry it and then grind it into meal to use making tortillas. He said that he would be here in an hour, so out the door I went to round up a couple of Tio's to help unload the trailer. As I walked past the children's dining hall, I heard something. When I stopped and looked, I saw one of the house mom's on her knees with her face on the floor praying. I am not sure what she was praying out. My Spanish is not that good yet. I did find out later that she was going to be the speaker at worship that night. I believe she was praying for grace to speak and for grace to touch all those young ears. I stopped and said a quick prayer for her and down the dark path I walked to solicit help. Face on the floor on our knees praying with intensity was a powerful message to me. Today, God through some other servants came through with several answers to my prayers and my concerns. In my devotions this week, I read this line from a Jesuit priest named, Luis Espinal, who was martyred for his faith in 1980. Father Espinal wrote, "We march behind you (meaning Jesus), on the road to the future." I have thought much about that line. We follow Jesus on the road to the future. I have no idea what that road will bring or lead, but I pray that accept the faith that Christ offers so that I will keep on following him. I think I will have to pray like Gloria was praying in the dining hall last night. Prayers, Rodney
Posted November 10, 2008 8:40pm (day 166)
Today was full. We had our graduation service for the school this morning. Three graduated. Two graduated from 6th grade a major step and one from Kindergarten to First grade. Before that was completely over the truck bringing our container that was shipped weeks ago arrived. We have been trying to get it to FH for weeks. We all headed for the unloading spot (missionaries and house parents alike). It took about 2 hours to unload. Just as I finished that, Julia Phillips (superintendant at our school) called and said she needed to talk. As it turns out, a couple of our teachers decided they would not return to teach here next year. Now, we are looking for teachers. We just now returned from our weekly meeting with the house parents. They are so nice. They even said my Spanish was good (that was a bit of a stretch, but I appreciate all the encouragement). I am tired so I will not get a picture of graduation posted tonight, but I should have one by tomorrow (so check back). Don't be afraid to ask a question. I will do my best to answer.
Rodney
Posted November 8, 2008 7pm (day 164)
We are back at Faith Home. We arrived here yesterday evening a little after 9pm. On the way back to FH from the airport, Tania had a list of things that I needed to decide right away. We took care of most of them in the van on the way, the rest I dealt with this morning. When we got inside, we immediately began to do some quick cleaning. We have these little creatures down here called "geckos," and geckos are continually leaving little presents behind. Anyway, these little gifts needed cleanup before we could shower and get into bed. A couple of hours later, things were such that we could get some sleep. Today, many of the children came by. Some to give us a hug and others who needed to ask something or needed something. In between all of that, we made a run into town for some supplies. We spent nearly 2000 (Limperia that is). I have probably bored you enough. I will do better next time!
Rodney
Posted November 4, 2008 4pm (day 160)
How can I say this? The clock is ticking and we are ready. Are bags are not yet packed but will be in a couple of days. We do have our flight info and we have arranged transportation to Guatemala City and the airport. The last days of class have been intense. Both of us trying to get and absorb as much Spanish as posible. We have both passed our last test and moved into Grade level D (before you ask, the levels go to G). Frankly, I am just mentally wore out. It seems like I push another word or rule in to my brain, and by default something gets pushed out. Come Friday, we return to FH late. We arrive around 8:30pm in SPS (and by the way, Friday is also our aniversary). I know that there is a ton of things that need done at FH when we get there but we are ready to get busy.
By the way, Sean Warren was recently named to follow Jack Eberhardt as director of International Missions. It will be a process of a year and a half where Jack slowly relinquishes more and more control to Sean Warren. Many prayers will be needed during this transition so add this to to your prayer list. Rodney
Posted October 25, 2008 5:25pm (day 150)
After walking around Antigua for 5 hours today, we are worn out and somewhat mentally refreshed. We are pushing hard in our studies. I am not sure that we could do more than a couple of more weeks of class at 6 hours a day, but then we do not have too.
When we set out this morning, we wanted to find the church of Saint Francisco on the other side of town (and it was indeed on the other side of town). The church was first constructed in the 1500's and is still open today though about 2/3's was in ruins. The sanctuary was magnificant with paintings, icons, statues and a gold great altar. The church has ministered to Antigua for 100's of years as a church and convent. Outside, the church we found an interesting picture of the cross, which brought together many of the images that we often read about at Easter. Check it out.
As you know, financially things are just plain difficult at FH and the recent storm damage to the fence is a major exprense that we cannot afford. Pass the word about the fense and pray and we believe that in a few weeks we can get that fence fixed. Rodney
Posted October 22, 2008 7:20pm (day 147)
A little over two weeks and counting before we return to Faith Home and none to soon for us. Yes, the accomodations are good. Yes, the family we stay with is nice and helpful. Yes, our teachers at school are patient with us and encouraging as we learn a new language, but we are ready to be back to a place that we hope to make home for a while (back to a place that we will look at as home-our place-our rooms-our stuff).
We knew about things like culture shock. We have read quite a bit about it. We have talked to friends who have gone thought it, but it still comes. It seems to hit each person a little differently. I have had a couple of bouts and this past week, it has hit Teresa hard. We can know what it is, but still it is a challenge to deal with. Gracias A Dios (thanks to God), Teresa is feeling better today, but we both know that it will come calling again. Pray for us. We have some steep challenges to deal with at Faith Home (financially things are more than tight and there are some issues to deal with at the school besides some things with the children), and culture shock does not help. Your prayers and God are the key. Thanks for all, Rodney
Posted October 17, 2008 6:10pm (day 142)
I tried to update the blog on Monday. In fact, I had it done and was just getting ready to hit the save button when the power went off and my blog entry went bye bye as well. The power was off for a couple of hours and when it came back on, the internet did not. No internet for 3 days, so this time I have a good reason for not updating.
Teresa and I are so happy that it is Friday. In fact, we took a field trip this afternoon with Teresa's teacher. Over looking Antigua is a huge cross set on the mountain side. It is an impressive sight from the streets of Antigua looking up and it is a powerful sight from the cross looking down. It is a bit of a walk up many steps but worth all the soreness that will come tomorrow.
 
As we walked up all those steps, I thought about how many people over the last couple of hundred years had made the same pilgrimage that I was making. 1000's of people had made the journey before me and 1000's will after me. The cross is huge (made of stone). The view from the cross is powerful. I could write how that for many the walk to the cross is a struggle (like walking up all those steps of stone). Possibly, I could say that once you have been to the cross you view of things is never the same. Maybe I should reflect more on the idea of how many have gone before and many will follow, but for tonight, I just keep thinking about the struggle of getting to the cross. Not my struggle. Not Teresa's struggle, but the struggle that Christ had as he lugged that cross up a hill that over looked another city. The view he had from the cross was something that only he could see, but praise God, Christ touches our lives and we see things differently. There are so many people that need to get to the cross and I pray that Christ will use me to show someone the way! I pray that Christ will also use you.
Rodney
Posted October 13, 2008 at 6:20pm (day 138)
Another mile stone today as Teresa passed her examination and moved on to the next level of Spanish and then I did in the afternoon. Before Teresa can tell you, I might as well. Yes, she did better on the test than I did. We have four more weeks so we are hoping to get through this level and start on the 4th in that time frame.
Posted October 11, 2008 at 5:07pm (day 136)
Yeah, I know. I could make a lot of excuses. I thought I would do better. I wanted to do better. I should have done better. Those comments could be used in a variety of circumstances. Why do we often think that we will do better than we actually do? Why do we often make excuses for things that we know we should have done but didn't do it? Be honest, haven't you said what I have just said to someone(s) or to God? This past week in my devotional readings I reread a thought from Carlo Carretto. Carretto said that God gives us the boat and the oars and then says, "It's up to you to row." God gives us everything that we need to be faithful, but it is always up to us to decide whether to row or not. God gives us the strength and the opportunities to show our faithfulness but it is up to us to choose to row. Why don't I choose to row more often? I thought I would do better. I wanted to do better. I should have done better. I pray that tomorrow that I will do better.
Today the weather was beautfiul in Antigua. I have been wanting to write that for weeks!!!! We needed a pretty day to get out and walk around. Six hours of class per day is a lot and we have covered a lot of ground. I had intended to write something in the blog all week long, and I thought I would do better. I wanted to do better. I should have done better, but...
Here are some pictures taken today of the ruins of the Antigua Cathedral ruins. It was built in 1545 and must have been a massive structure! In 1773, it was destroyed by an earthquake that devasted this area. Today, there is still a church on the site that is very pretty, but the current structure is not even close to the size of the Cathedral in the 1545 to 1773. Amazing what they were able to accomplish then. They had to sacrifice much for such a structure. Maybe we should sacrifice a little more and really let God build something great through us and in our lives. Rodney
Posted on October 4, 2008 at 5:30pm (day 129)
You are not going to believe this one. Yes, it did rain a little today, but not much and we did not get soaked! Praise the Lord! We spent much of the day just walking around Antigue. The first picture below is from the outside mercado (flee market). It was crowded as you can see, but interesting to walk around. We have been there before, but it has been awhile. The second photo is the front of an old church that is now a ruins. Antique has many of these. Some you can walk through (for a price) and some you cannot. A few days ago went went through an exciting church that is hundreds of years old. It was beautiful on the inside, but there were people praying, so I did not take any pictures.
We are not half way through our time here. We have learned much, but in another sense, we know how little we know about Spanish. We can go to restuarants and order without pointing (a major hurdle indeed). Tomorrow we will go to a church that is bilingual. I look so forward to Sundays. Worship is my lifeline that keeps me going. Some how all the frustration and all the struggles at least for that hour and forty five minutes just seem to fade into the background. Cherish worship no matter where you are! Rodney
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