September 19, 2009 6:10p (day 479)

We are both a little red this evening-not from envy, not from anger, but from too much sun! Today the life of being a missionary at FH took us to a place called, “La Tabla.” La Tabla is just on the other side of San Manuel. La Tabla is a mini water park. We had some funds left here to take the teenagers on an outing, and we decided today was the day to do that. Of course, we could not send them alone so amazingly every missionary eagerly volunteered to go along and help supervise. Sacrifices have to be made! You would never guess that such a pretty place existed down this dirt/selecto road, but it does. They have two big pools. One for the little ones; and one for the older ones with two water slides, which the kids loved (okay, so did most of the missionaries. Teresa needed to remember to close her mouth before hitting the water). We were able to enjoy the pools all day and have lunch provided for about $5 per person. Even though I put on sun block more than once, I still got nailed by the sun. We all had a good time. I don’t know about the kids, but I know that I am going to sleep well tonight. Here are a few pictures of La Tabla. If you click on “FH Videos” on the left, I posted a short video clip as well. Enjoy, Rodney

Do you ever wonder if you are really making any difference?  I do at times.  When we returned to FH in early August, we were quickly confronted with the issue that the teenagers did not want to go to worship.  Teresa talked with them, and out of that, we said that we would come every Tuesday night to worship with them.  The first Tuesday we rolled up in front of their houses, they were not ready and we had to ENCOURAGE them to hurry.  It has now been 7 weeks.  They have not missed a service and neither have we.  Slowly we are becoming a part of their service and not a distraction.  Normally, when missionaries or teams come to worship, it is not normal and it is a distraction to them.  I am pretty sure that they are still not thrilled to be there, but they are there, and I pray that God will speak to them.  A world awaits them sooner than they can realize!  It is a world that needs them to follow God's plan for their lives and a world that can be harsh at times.     I cannot tell them all I want to tell them in words, but I can show them that we are committed to God, to worship and to them.  Tonight we pulled up 15 minutes early like normal only tonight; the girls were dressed and ready!  They were waiting at the door for Teresa wearing smiles and proud that they were ready before Teresa got there.  It may not seem like much and I wonder, "are we making a difference?"  God help us!  God use us.  Rodney

September 9, 2009 8:15p (day 469)

I know this is now three days in a row. That might be a record! I just spent an hour down at the new chapel along with Teresa, David and Sid. We were all on our knees. Before the hour was over, three of the transition kids joined us on their knees. It has been a long time since I have spent that much time on my knees and I will probably be sore tomorrow. In checking out the new tile flooring earlier, it was discovered that some of the tiles were not laid correctly and could cause us problems in the future. To find out exactly how many would need to be reset, we had to check each tile. We had to do it tonight because the crew was coming back to finish first thing in the morning (at least that is what they think), so on our knees one by one we checked each tile. Okay, I know you were thinking something else, but honesty is the best policy. After 30 minutes, here came three of the transition kids to see what we crazy missionaries were up too in the chapel after dark with the generator running. They watched and before long here came Erika down on her knees beside me. She wanted to help, and I was ready for her to help. My knees were starting to hurt. We laughed and joked about all our knee time, but my prayer really is that the kids will spend time on their knees in the new chapel…not checking for bad tiles, but for prayer and finding God’s plan for their lives. Right now, I need to ice down my knees. The tile is hard don’t you know! Rodney

September 8, 2009 8:20p (day 468)

A three shower day! I hope I am done sweating for this day. At 7:30a, me, the tios and several of the boys that did not have school yet again, headed to the school on property to put up two flag poles. At 10:30a, the mission was accomplished and the concrete was drying. Hopefully tomorrow, we will see the Honduras flag flying. Hey, we will be back in November, and if someone would like to buy FH a 3 x 5 Christian flag for us to bring back that would be great. After that project was done, Teresa and I needed to go to town to get some birthday presents for the September birthdays (that made sense, didn’t it), so shower #1 was taken. When we got back, one of the boys who needed to spend some quality time with me (he was in trouble), so we headed out to work. I have found working with them at times allows us to talk about why they are in trouble. At 5p, it was back to the house for shower #2 because worship began at 6:30p. At 6:15, out the door we went. We have to encourage the transition kids to attend each week. It was HOT (I mean HOT. No really, it was HOT). Not a breath of air moving inside the dining hall, and on top of that we were surrounded by kids and each of us had one on our laps. About 50 minutes into the hour and a half service, Angie noticed that I was HOT. She had a piece of notebook paper folded up, so she began to fan me with that paper. Angie is as mischievous and sometimes as mean as they come, but she just longs for attention and love. She fanned me with that piece of notebook paper for 20 minutes. Her little arm had to be aching. I told her it was okay to stop, but she would touch my face and just keep fanning. It did help by the way. We are back at the house now, and I have taken shower #3. I hope to enjoy the AC until morning. I think I will give Angie an extra hug tomorrow. Rodney (cooling off)

September 7, 2009 7:55p (day 467)

Holidays are different here.  I guess because they are not holidays here.  We all celebrated Labor Day by doing the jobs we usually do on Mondays.  Today was a long one.  I started at 7a and just got back from the house parents meetings at 7p.  The meeting was a good one because Saul was there translating (that always helps).  These are important times and important meetings.  As the children get older, we face new and more complex issues and problems.  I sure am glad that God is up to these issues because on a couple of them, I am at a loss, but then all I have to do is follow!

Although today we were up and at em early as the transition kids did not have school AGAIN today (that means that we typically have about four different work crews to oversee.  David takes one; Tania and Teresa oversee one each; and so do I.), we did take a break on Saturday to get away for a little relaxation.  We went to the beach near Tela.  You pay a fee to get in and that includes a meal and access to the beach.  It was a nice time and a good meal.  I decided against getting in and chose instead to mediate on the good things of life from under the shade tree.  Hope you enjoy the pictures.  Rodney

September 3, 2009 7p (day 463)

Sometimes you know what needs to be done, and you have the ability to do it. Today, as I chopped with a machete alongside a couple of the boys, I felt a sharp burning sensation inside my glove. I knew exactly what needed to happen, and I did it quickly. Off came that glove! I am not sure what kind of bug that was except to say, that it’s bite sure did sting. Notice the past tense as I referred to the bug. My hand is still a little sore and swollen.

When I looked at the rear tire on my truck, I knew what had to happen. When the tread is gone and a cord is exposed, then you have to get a new tire. I now have new Firestones on the truck. Even though I knew what to do, and did it. In another culture, even the easy things take extra effort. Trying to communicate with the guy at the Firestone place was a challenge, and I knew what I wanted. I did finally make it.

Sometimes you know what needs to be done, and you do NOT have the ability to do it. Those can be times of frustration. Though tons of prayer, I believe God is speaking and giving direction for the future of FH. We are excited to be such a small part of that, but I know deep in my heart that we will need to do things that we cannot. We will need the help of Christian Hondurans. Even if we knew the language better, we would still need help. We are not Hondurans. Our children do deserve the best. I know that God is using us and will continue to use us, and we will do all we can, but to raise our children to reach Honduras for Christ will involve empowering the Hondurans to have a greater role in the ministry here in the days and years ahead.

In the end, the only way we ever have the ability to do anything of lasting value is to surrender ourselves into the hands of the one whose hands bear scars. Without Christ, nothing—with him, the world can be turned upside down. As God gives the vision of which direction to go, God also gives the courage, patience and grace to follow. Rodney

September 2, 2009 6:45p (462)

With the rains comes the humidity!  The temperatures are a bit cooler, but it does not feel that way.  The AC units are sure getting a work out right now.  Thanks to Cody Parman and his W. Virginia team (that got canceled due to the unrest here) the computer lab at the school now has a new AC to go along with a drop ceiling, which should help the AC keep up on hot days like this.  Hopefully keeping the environment cooler in there will help the computers!

A lot of action has been going on the last couple of weeks.  Cottages three and four have had initial repairs made on them.  Both were damaged during the earthquake.  More will need to be done in the future, but this should help buy us some more time.  Besides the cottage that has to be torn down, I have two more cottages that will need similar repairs too.

Here is a big praise the LORD.  The windows are being installed at the chapel this week.  Everything looks great so far.  We are still pushing hard to have the Chapel usable before the end of the year.  Thanks to everyone who has sent money to help.  We plan to proceed with the flooring next and then the doors.  After that, we have to finish the platform area.  I am sure looking forward to holding services in there!

Several of us are also getting some extra language training.  Maria (one of our attorneys is also a certified teacher) has agreed to have class three times a week.  We are meeting for an hour on MWF. We have our first test this coming Friday!  Guess I better stop typing and start studying.  Rodney

August 27, 2009 12:50p (day 456)

Another day and another lesson.  My transition boys work crew was small today (only Brayan and Joni).  They had worked hard all week, so today was a lighter day.  They like working with the tools, so I had them cutting and preparing some things that the teachers wanted for the Honduran Independence Day celebration coming next month.  While they did that, I started organizing and cleaning a section of the bodega that was in desperate need of attention.  One the area needed it and two I was close enough if the boys needed something.  They finished before I did, so they started helping me.  There were several pieces of scrap screen wire that were really not fit to use along with some plumbing fittings that were just not any use to us.  I told Brayan and Joni to just throw the stuff away.  Brayan was a little quiet, and then he asked if he could put these things outside the gate.  He said that the people out there would use these things.  He was right.  What was scrap and trash to me was items that others would put to good use.  Brayan carefully rolled the scrap screen wire and put all the fittings in a bag.  When quiting time came, he carried the bag to the gate and placed it outside.  It was quite a sight watching them walk up the lane to the gate.  No, I didn't have a camera (I sure wish that I did).  I have not been down there but it is probably already gone.  I am thankful for Brayan's tender heart.  He could have just thrown the stuff away.  That would have been easier, but he was thinking about others less fortunate than he.  With such a good heart, I know that God has some special plans for Brayan!  I am sure glad that I got the blessing of working with Brayan and Joni today.  Rodney

August 24, 2009 4:30p (day 453)

Kristyn started at the school today, so I went with her to introduce her to the teachers. Before I could get back to the office (and I had a lot of office things to do this morning), Hernan stopped me. I understood fire, smoke, snake, paper and water. I did not have a lot of time, so I asked Hernan to show me. He did. He showed me a tree that apparently last night the children saw a snake go inside, so he and the children decided to smoke that snake out. He said that he thought he had used plenty of water, but a long Spanish story short. He did not and the tree smoldered all night and by noon today, we are minus one tree. Never did see the snake again! You all know that I am not a snake lover, but I had never heard of smoking one out. Based on the results I am not sure that this is the best way.

When I made it back to the office, the water guy needed paid. Then Mr. Guillermo sent one of the boys to get me. That does not happen much. He had trouble with one of the girls. Of course, before I finished with her, one of the other teachers had a problem with one of her students. When I got back from that, one of the house parents was waiting on the porch for me. Raphael, you gotta love the guy, but he can wear you are with Spanish. He talks so fast and he is hard to understand. After about 15 minutes, I had the jest of his question and was now ready to tackle that office work.

This afternoon I decided to just go work outside. For a planner like myself, FH is such a treat because there is no way to plan the day. You just have to listen closely and make sure that you do what God wants done. Rodney

August 21, 2009 9:25p (day 450)
We just got back from the airport with Kristyn, who will be helping out here for the next year at the school while Robyn Shoulders raises support and gets her language training. I turned 50 a week or so ago. That did not make me feel older, but seeing and hearing the enthusiasm and energy of Kristyn makes me feel a bit older. I think she will do just fine. Regardless of how the next year goes, I know that she is going to be putting her all into anything we ask her to do. She is excited to be here and she is ready to follow the Lord and do whatever needs to be done! Welcome Kristyn! Pray for her and the adjustments that she will have to make.

BTW, can you say C O N T A I N E R? We just found out today that we will be getting and loading a supply container bound for FH in the next couple of months. You will hear more from us in a couple of days about specific things that we need on that container. Be watching your email or be sure to check out the special page on our website that will be posted next week. Lets fill that puppy up with all kinds of things because weight is not a problem. More soon. Rodney

August 17, 2009 4:50p (day 446)
Tired is the word for right now.  Today at 8am, David Willis and I started working at the transition girls house.  They had a plugged up gray water line on the north side.  We dug the first hole and found that the problem was not at the house.  We dug (okay, I should say we helped dig because Hernan, Miguel, Joel and Trino also dug) a second hole because we found a blockage down in the valley by the pulperia.  That was nasty but we got things cleared out, the pipe and fittings replaced, but the problem persisted, so (yeah, that was what we did) we dug yet another hole, and just as we got that one complete, David who was manually pushing the eel through the line hit a blockage.  Unfortunately, where we had just dug was not the right spot, so (I hate to say this again) we dug another hole.  After repairing one blockage and digging all those holes we were hot, dirty and praying that this was the last hole.  It was.  We found a collapsed pipe.  We repaired the pipe and things were flowing again.  The girls are happy.  David is happy.  I am happy.  The tios are happy.  We are all just happy that we don't have to dig another hole.  At least, we don't have to dig one today.  I pray that everything is flowing like it is supposed to at your place.  Someone smells, and it is me.  I need to get in the shower.  Rodney

August 15, 2009 10:50a (day 444)

I suppose it should be. Maybe it is, although it didn’t feel any different to me than others. As of yesterday, I am 50 years old. That seems like a significant number. Though 50 does not sound nearly as old as it did when the number was 25. Statistically, I am finished with 2/3’s of my life. I should be in the prime of my producing years (enough wisdom to know better but still enough “go” to get things done). In the end, life is not complicated if we understand words like, follow and obey. It really is that simple. We are to obediently follow Christ, and if we do, we will have made a significant contribution. If we do, we will experience the power of love and grace at work in us.

Yesterday was the first birthday in a while that I have not gone golfing. It was the first one at FH. I didn’t chase a little white ball, but the transition kids baked me a cake and had a surprise party for me in the afternoon. It wasn’t really a surprise, but they thought it was. The girls made me a cake, and then they had Gloria (house mom) call me and say that I needed to come to the transition house right away. Of course, Teresa and the Willis’ were already there. When I walked in, I was showered with confetti and flour! Really, all that white in my hair was not natural. They broke out their best plates and served cake and Pepsi. They had games. We laughed and enjoyed the moment. Enjoying the moment is what we all need to do. Rodney

The rainy season seems to be upon us again with rain every day in the late afternoon and evening. The corn looks great, but it sure makes for a humid day and for fast growing grass. Speaking of the grass, my right shoulder and elbow are sore. David Willis has a sore right thumb, and Teresa is down and out with the same type of flu bug that put her out of commission in early June. We are the walking wounded right now.

The transition kids have only had school a handful of days over the last two months. With no school, it was time to get them up and do lots of work. Yesterday a little after 8am, here they came. For the last two days we have had grand work days and yes tomorrow we will work again. The girls, Tania and Teresa headed down to the team house to clean. Things had been left in the refrigerators, but they had been unplugged. Whatever you can image, add the smell to it, and that is what they dealt with along with a lot of sweeping, mopping and other cleaning. David took a work crew of three up to the water tank to chop down the grass around it while I took a crew of 6 and chopped the grass along the fence line on the outside. My shoulder aches because swinging a machete is lots of work, but we laughed and worked and later that day, I realized that my shoulder sure was sore. For David, he needs to be a little more careful when he sharpens his machete. No stitches were required.

Politically rallies and road blocks continue, but are for the most part peaceful. I think that it is time to change the ice in my ice bag! I wonder what sort of spiritual insight I should draw from my sore shoulder. Any suggestions, Rodney

August 8, 2009 4:30p (day 437)

We are getting back into the groove. We have made a doctor’s run to La Lima with Suyapa; I have had to deal with a discipline issue; we have had an extensive meeting with the teachers; we have been to town to do a lot of business this week (thankful for no problems); we had a recreation night with the transition kids last night (thoroughly enjoyed by all—they can eat!); and oh yeah, I had something happen to me for the first time here. As I walked out the back door carrying a bag of trash, I noticed a stick on the back of the truck (odd place for a stick I thought), and then that stick moved! That stick is NO stick at all. Yes, the dreaded “s” word—SNAKE. You never have a machete when you need one. I tried to pin it against the cab of the truck but it slid down between the bed and the cab. I tried everything to get that thing to drop to the ground, but nothing. I decided that if I drove the trash to the pit that maybe the snake would drop out and be gone. I have to tell you that I did not like getting in the truck or getting out at the pit. In my mind, that snake was just waiting for me to mess up. David Willis wanted to know why I jumped out of the truck like I did. As I am telling my harrowing story to him (he doesn’t like snakes anymore than I do), Saul walked up, and while we are telling him why we are looking around the truck, he spots the snake. We tried everything, but that snake was not coming out. I tell myself that it is long gone by now, but I still take a close look at the truck when I am getting inside. I knew there were lots of snakes around FH, but I had never seen one up close and personal. I am more cautious now. It is amazing how we can block things out of our minds and pretend they don’t exist. Caution is not a bad thing. I know that sin exists in me, and yet I often pretend it is no where around. Maybe if I were a bit more cautious…

We have talked much about Dr. Amaya in the past. Here is a picture of him. Great man of faith and compassion. I also included a couple of pics from rec night last night. Rodney