Sadia's Smile

When we went out to find Sadia, I had taken a picture of the information sheet from Jeneen and Angelo had sent me a picture of Sadia so that we could show it to the people and help us find her.  It just so happened that the picture he sent was of Jeneen and Sadia from February and they were sticking their tongues out acting silly.  When we finally found Sadia, I showed her that picture to help explain who had sent us there.  We wanted to take another picture of Sadia and when we started to snap the picture, she stuck her tongue out.  It was soooo funny!   We asked her to smile and she stuck her tongue out again.  She thought we wanted another picture like that.  Finally the lady there with her went over and said something and Sadia finally smiled for the picture.  I guess something had got lost in the translation and who knows what she thought.  Maybe she thinks that's how we smile.  LOL  Thinking about that now....and it's hilarious!

FREE TO WORSHIP

The electricity finally came back on and we had an awesome worship / devotion time.  Scott shared about a missionary from his church who was killed in Afghanistan on August 5th.  Cheryl Beckett was an amazing woman with a desire to share God's love, without regard to her own safety.  One thing that Scott shared was that when Cheryl had been asked what was the most difficult thing she faced while on the mission field.  Her answer was simple....no freedom to worship. 

We take our freedom to worship God so for granted.  As we worshipped tonight, we excercised our freedom and felt the presence of God in the most powerful amazing way.  We could hear the booming thunder and see the lightening illuminating the sky and were reminded of the power and majesty of our Amazing God.   I am resolved to not take my freedoms or our awesome God for granted and be thankful for just being FREE TO WORSHIP.

Link to article about Cheryl:
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2010/aug/22/slain-aid-worker-remembered/

LET IT RAIN

As the team sits on the porch in the dark with the rain beating down on the roof. I just stopped for a moment and noted the simple sounds. The sound of people getting to know each other, some catching up with old friends and the rain....so fierce, yet calming. We can't get the meds sorted and ready for the first workday or do much of anything else at the moment. The night hasn't went as planned, but somehow it is alright. Like we all needed these moments....

FINALLY HOME!

Finally Home! Faith Home that is. :-) We are getting to know all the team members on the porch of the General Baptist orphanage that we will call our home for the next week. Some new faces and some old, but all have amazing love for God and our mission here. It's a beautiful gorgeous HOT day and the electricity is out so I'm having to text this blog entry.  Hope it posts. Keep us in you prayers. More later.....

HONDURAS BOUND

Our main purpose for this mission trip is to share the love of God to the Hondurans.  To be the hands and feet of Jesus.  By offering them medical/ dental services we are able to meet their physical needs as well as their spiritual needs.  

The coolest thing is that usually it seems the greatest impact spiritually is not just during the church services offered before they go to clinic. Its usually during the interaction between the Hondurans and the amazing people that God has placed on the team.   The Hondurans see and feel the love of Christ from the team as they unconditionally love and embrace them.... in actions as well as spirit.  

As I wait on the plane here in Atlanta, I'm getting sooo excited to be a part of such an awesome ministry!

READY TO GO TO HONDURAS

After what seems like the longest busiest week EVER, I am finally ready to leave for Honduras.  I'm at the airport Hotel in Memphis with Erma (my friend Jeneen's mom).  We are flying out early in the morning and we both are excited and ready to go on this  mission trip. 

On the way to Memphis, I was needing to clear my head from the 'stuff' in my life that was bringing me down.  I knew I needed to start focusing on the trip but was having a hard time letting things go.  I started thinking about who could I call to make me feel better, then had one of those 'duh' moments....I just needed to pray.  So I just layed it all out there and told God how I felt and that I knew the trip ahead was going to be full of blessings and opportunity to see Him at work.  I wanted to let everything else go and just focus on that.  God gave me a peace that could only come from Him and reminded me that HE is in control.  No more spazzing....leaving it all in His hands and I'm READY TO GO TO HONDURAS!

Leaving for Honduras in two days! I'm so excited but still have much to do. Please be in prayer for the Hondurans, the mission team and myself.