I cannot believe we are already into March of 2014! Where has the time gone?? It seems like yesterday I returned to Jovenes to spend NYE with the boys. We have already had so many amazing visitors (two being my best friends, Scat and Lindy), and last week we had our first spring break group from Oklahoma. The boys are super excited for all our visitors and sponsors coming to visit this month.
I have some awesome news to share with all of you. I have committed my heart to another year at Jovenes en Camino. This means, for now, I will be in Honduras for 2014 (Lord willing). After that, it is up to God!
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| Poppy is now a mommy! |
I feel so good about this decision and am ready to see what amazing things He does through the boys and the Jovenes family this year.
One of the biggest blessings of 2013 was being able to find a beautiful and safe home to rent right down the road from JEC. My landlords are so sweet and always thinking of me, inviting me to dinner, and calling just to check in on me. I feel safe and am able to rest each day without worrying about my safety. This daily alone time is so vital to my work here. I need this time to relax and recharge. I am an old lady and go to bed at 8-8:30 most nights!
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| beautiful tree growing in front of my house |
I recently decided to treat myself to one luxury after 2.5 years of being in Honduras - CABLE! I now have basic cable to watch movies, sports, etc. I didn't miss it much when I didn't have it, but now I'm grateful to be able to come home, eat dinner and turn on a movie.
One of the hardest parts of 2013 was definitely my car situation. I know I've complained on here (via blog) and in person to some, but I honestly think I spent more of 2013 with my car in the shop than with me. I am constantly reminding myself that if this is my biggest problem, I'm doing pretty well.
This is the list of what all I had done to my car in 2013:
-new transmission
-new alternator
-new battery (literally last week it died)
-new parts shopped from the US to fix motor issues
-new tires purchased (after a generous donation)
Right now, I desperately need a trustworthy car. My car is a Mitsubishi Montero Sport (2000) and has over 160k miles. Honduras is a very dangerous country (as most of you know), and with an unreliable car, I never know when/where it is going to break down. Not only am I worried about my own safety, but also the safety of the boys and other employees when they are in the car.
Aside from safety, I feel like such an inconvenience to the other Jovenes employees when I don't have my car. We have to switch cars and rework schedules because my job requires me to take lunch to the bilingual school, pick them up from class, and run errands in the city. Also, I can't do simple everyday things such as going to the grocery store and paying bills. I can't stay at Jovenes to help with homework and school projects if it's after dark, because it is not safe to walk home alone at night.
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| ABSS boys wanted to help fundraise |
My problem is I am not good at asking for myself. I don't enjoy fundraising, but I ask people if its for the boys. I don't second guess asking for them, because I know it's not selfish. So at the first moment I have to turn around and ask for myself, I feel greedy and hypocritical. I have so much in comparison to so many here.
However, I realize this is something both the boys and I truly need. When I eventually leave Jovenes, my car will be donated to Jovenes en Camino for their benefit and use.
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| Luis Fernando |
If you know of anyone who would want to help me, please send them this blog. I can't tell you how much it would mean to the boys and me. They are constantly asking "why did you buy such a bad car?" or "Annie, when will you get your car back from the shop?". I just hang my head and feel like I've let them down. I'm embarrassed that people helped me buy this car, and even though I did all the necessary checkups by several mechanics, I still messed up. My dad constantly reminds me, "that's just the business of buying a used car" and that I shouldn't be embarrassed.
Can you help us?
For more information on how to help, please email Jessica Steen at jessicas@harpethhills.org
I really wish you can have a new car as soon as possible. I think it’s best to replace the car than to focus on repairing those parts, Annie. Anyway, do you have a car insurance for that Montero Sport? You can ask them for financing options in order to replace your car as soon as possible. I’ll be waiting for your updates about the new car. Good luck! :)
ReplyDeleteRaquel Fowler