Adventures, adventures, and more adventures!!

I hardly know where to start! Our team has arrived with open hearts and have been received in exactly the same way. We have worshiped in both Spanish and English, listened to a sermon delivered by a man that was raised up in the same youth group as Gillian, (be encouraged parents - the story isn't nearly over on your teenagers...this man is the founder of Urban Promise), shopped in the market and prepared the food to share with the church. We have had our orientation and are excited about our first day of work with the children tomorrow.

 

Yes, it is hot and humid here but everyone is keeping well hydrated. We had a huge soccer tournament with the local youth last night and EVERYONE had an amazing time. Over and over, I heard our youth exclaim how wonderful it was...even those who aren't soccer players at home. The teams were all mixed up, young and old (the leaders!), males and females, Spanish and English...A special hats off to Tammy who played like a pro and led by example. I wish you could all have been here to see it for yourselves!

 

Carla, Antonia, and Mama have cooked our meals for us so far and it is no exaggeration to say that we are all in love. These women have the gift of hospitality (not to mention cooking) and treat us as if we were their own family. The youth clear the tables and do the dishes and love doing so because of the love that is present in that kitchen. We are so thankful.

 

We are cooking for ourselves tonight...we have broken into small groups and each group will take a turn shopping and preparing a meal for the rest of the group. We've been given a budget and have to stick to it so we are all excited about that...we've heard some very creative ideas for inexpensive meals!!

 

Please pray for us tomorrow as we go out to the camps to love these children.  Your prayers lift us up and we feel them supporting us so we covet them. There is so much more to tell you but I'm already late for our planning meeting so must run.  As the kids would say...the internet connection is sketch here...so I can't promise when the next blog will be but know that we are all alive...no we are ALIVE...and I wish my eyes were cameras so that you could all see what I see.

 

with love from all of us to all of you

 

Gillian

Orientation in a Beautiful Place!

We have arrived safely in Copan Ruinas and are having a blast! When we got out of the airport, it felt like we hit a brick wall! it is so wonderfully warm here and this place is BEAUTIFUL! We had our orientation today and got a rough outline of what we are going to do in the next 2 weeks! Don't worry parents, we are all safe and having a wonderful time, but the thing is - we have no idea how much coffee all our parents want! Apparently it tastes amazing here so give us your feedback! Now this is Gillian ...all your kids are so impressive! I'll try and blog more later today. Please keep praying...we sure feel them.

Becky, Gillian and love from all the rest of us too!

We have arrived!

After a long flight to Houston and a shorter flight to San Pedro Sula we boarded an air conditioned small bus and made our four hour trek to the town of Copan Ruinas. We had an interesting stop at the bano...(bathroom) and then a more interesting time when the realization dawned on the kids that there was no stopping on a very windy road for any more bathroom breaks! Enough said!  We were all overwhelmed, fascinated, and sometimes even shocked at the scenes that unfolded before us on our drive to Copan. This is an amazingly lush and beautiful country! We arrived at our hotel to the delight of everyone and we all love the little place we will call home for the next two weeks. The rooms are spotless and there are hammocks on the rooftop with a little pool to wade in and cool off. We then joined the Urban Promise team at an amazing home cooked meal where everyone chatted and got acquainted with each other. The kids gobbled up the home fried chicken, plaintains and a dish none of us can pronounce but was delicious and something like a Honduran crepe! We walked home through cobbled streets to the sound of a church service ringing through the streets.  We can now hear the sermon from our roof top ( but of course can't understand anything but the Spirit of it) and all the kids have gone to lay their heads down after an exhausting yet exciting day.  We have a day of orientation tomorrow and everyone is eager to get started! We covet your prayers for energy, rest and a continued sense of unity.

 

love from all of us to all of you,

 

Gillian

On our Way!

We are at our gate in the Seattle airport, bags loaded on the plane with no extra fees, no over weights, and all our supplies for our friends in Honduras! It's midnight and we have travelled from Victoria by the Clipper, shuttle to the airport and now await our first flight. We've had our devotion, gathered around three tables and shared our first thoughts on this first leg of our journey, and shared our anticipation and hope of what is to come. Thank you for your prayers and support....we feel them with every step we take further from home.  Next time you hear from us we will be on Honduran soil and tired but very excited. 

With love from our Honduras Team

Gillian

We're on our way...almost!!!

Welcome to our Go Serve Shine Honduras blog! We will do our best to keep everyone posted as we embark on this adventure God has set out for us. Don't panic, though, if we go awol for a day or two...we have yet to discover what our internet connection will be like in Copan!

Yesterday, Tammy led her team in a worship service that felt, to many of us, like the beginning of our trip. The Lord began to turn our hearts towards Honduras, to the children we will be serving, and to a heart of service for Him! It was wonderful watching our youth SHINE their obvious love for the Lord and their passion to serve. We are now just waiting to GO!

Please pray for us as we make our final preparations and as we travel as a group for the first time. If you would also pray that our baggage arrives with us, and without being charged any extra fees, as we are bringing many supplies down for the Urban Promise team. We'll do our very best to keep you all posted.

On behalf of Tammy and the Honduras Youth Team


Gillian