Holy Week & Good Friday Thoughts

It's been a busy week (again). I've been working with a group from Brentwood, TN all week, and they just headed back this afternoon. We spent Saturday (see my previous post) and Sunday at JEC working on our future store to house all our new merch and playing with our boys. Monday and Tuesday were building days in Tegus, and then Wednesday was visiting the public hospital, girls orphanage, and the dump. Yesterday we spent all day WAY UP in the mountains learning about how coffee is grown, picked, and the process of making it what we use to drink. I had never seen coffee beans right off the plant before, and it was an awesome experience to translate for the plantation owner and learn first hand all about the process.

Today I headed back to Jovenes to organize, take inventory of donated items, and play catch up from the past week. While sorting through all our amazing gifts for both the boys and employees, I started thinking about how, here in Honduras, the country really shuts down for Holy Week.

I'm not used to that in the states, I guess, but its pretty weird here when all stores, banks and schools shut down from Wednesday until the next week. I think this was what pushed me to start thinking about why exactly everyone does this - and my thoughts honestly turned to tears.

I think it has taken me 24 years to honestly understand (as best as humans can) what this week is meant to be celebrated for. As I was praying over my breakfast this morning, it really hit me that so many years ago on this day (or so we think) a man chose to die for me, my family, my friends, and these boys at Jovenes en Camino. Even though we didn't exist at that point, God knew about us, and He knew my heart before it even existed. He chose to suffer just so I would have a chance to truly know Him...

*mouth opens* 

*dumbfounded look on face*

Can you just take one second to try and grasp the beauty of a love like that? The humility, patience, and above all, forgiveness it takes to act on that kind of love and HOPE for humanity... is indescribable.

My personal journey here in Honduras has not been an easy one. I have definitely struggled with not giving up on man-kind at some points. Disappointment and deception are something we have learned to be pretty good at as humans. Yet after all the times we have disappointed and deceived Jesus, He continues to love us, believe in us, and encourage us to seek an intimate relationship with Him.

I don't think there is anything more beautiful than that. 

So, at 9:49 PM on this Good Friday, I am reminded and blessed to live another day where I try to honor God in everything I do. Thank you, Jesus for giving me this opportunity to serve your people in Honduras. Thank you for teaching me about your unfailing love. Thank you for never giving up on me. Thank you for thinking of me when you were nailed up on that cross. I pray I never forget the sacrifice you made... just so you could know me intimately. I'm so humbled by the selflessness of Your love.

Let the Countdown Begin!

Nelson and Obed reveal our 10 year logo

This morning was an AMAZING start to our countdown to our 10th year anniversary. What an incredible day. It was basically a small slice of my personal heaven. My parents finally saw Jovenes with their own eyes, the board of directors and some great family friends showed up, and all these awesome people were gathered together in Zamorano to simply love on and show their support to our ministry.

Mom and Dad finally meet Gustavo

I am planning on writing a more detailed blog (including LOTS) of pictures, but this is your sneak peek! Thank you, God for such an INCREDIBLE day. You are so, so good to us.

March!

Busy, busy, busy, busy, busy March!

This month starts one of our busiest months here at JEC. We have spring break groups who come, play with the boys, and sometimes help us with projects around campus.

One of my best friends, Kathleen, and Cristian, who her family sponsors

HOWEVER, this March is much different than most. This year, on March 23rd, we will be kicking off the countdown to our 10th anniversary. We celebrated our 9th on February 26th, so we're going to have a full year of events counting down to our big, 10th anniversary of Jovenes en Camino.

So, it's time to celebrate! Several boys from the green house (our oldest) have been here almost for a decade, and their lives are absolutely 100% changed for the better. Jovenes en Camino has seen its ups and downs, because in any place where people seek Jesus, the devil works his hardest to destroy the hearts of those who yearn for Him. Please pray for us this year counting down to our 10th anniversary and our guests traveling down for our kick-off on the 23rd. We will be joined by our entire board of directors, friends, and people who want to love and support these boys and this home.  It's going to be a great month!

On a personal note, my parents are coming a week from today! It'll be the first time EVER on Honduras soil, so pray for their trip and their experience too. Can't wait for my family to finally see my life here.