Simple Luxuries

I'm back in the United States! My brother is actually getting married this Saturday, so I've been home the past week and a half helping tie up loose ends, get fitted for my bridesmaids dress, and enjoy some time with him and his fiance, Katelyn, before their big day. I'm so happy for them as they get to start their new life together.

On the other hand, I've been really spoiling myself here - taking in several beautiful days filled with spring flowers, nice breezes, and even a little sun. So while driving around the other day with a high of 70 something, I started to notice a few more things that really are luxuries that I miss oh-so-much while in Honduras. Hope you enjoy and appreciate these things (however small they may seem) next time you see them/do them/etc.


1. GREEN GRASS
2. spring (in general - we don't get that in Honduras)
3. drive through banking
4. not paying for drinking water
5. speed limits (these don't exist in Honduras)
6. saying hello and smiling at strangers
7. my sweet, sweet bed
8. CARPET + hardwood floors
9. grilling on the back patio
10. fresh berries + salads

Ah, the simple luxuries in life...

X

Ten years. One decade.

Sometimes it's hard for me to believe it. Others it seems fitting. Either way, I'm so honored to be here as we countdown to our 10th year next February.

So for those of you who were not part of this special day on March 23rd (or for those who want to relive it like me), here's a recap of that beautiful day.

The day started out on an incredibly positive note. Almost the entire board of directors came down the day before to meet with our administration staff, share breakfast, and listen/talk about concerns, suggestions, etc. I was told after our meeting by one of the board members this was the first time (in 9 years) where the board and the staff here felt like they were on the same page. Everyone left with such a feeling of pride in the work these people do here and hope for what God will accomplish in the future.

After breakfast we went to meet up with the rest of our guests for the morning presentation. All the boys were all cleaned up and matching ready to start the show. The president of our board and our executive director stateside started things off by welcoming everyone and talking a little bit about the past 9 years, the vision that started JEC, and what all had been accomplished. Then each house passed up front to introduce themselves, talk about their dreams, and sing a few songs for everyone. The houseparents spoke a little bit also about their boys and how far they had come.

But of all the boys, our oldest really stole the show. I say this because they left not a dry eye in the house. Each boy stood up, introduced themselves, and then felt convicted to talk about what Jovenes means to them.

At this age the majority of these boys feel jaded and bitter towards the life they have had. The houseparents have one heck of a time trying to work with these boys about being grateful they're here at JEC, eat three meals a day and have a place to sleep at night. The reality for many young men their age who lives in poverty in the streets and is forced to do not so great things for money to survive. These boys, because they were placed in Jovenes 9 years ago, have a future ahead of them. They have a chance to study, learn trades, and have dreams for their future.

I'm not sure at what point this realization happened for the majority of them, but we were the "cloud of witnesses" that day as we listened to each one pour his heart out about what he believes JEC has done for him.

Some spoke on how much the houseparents and staff treat them as their own children and how much that means to them. Others spoke about how Jovenes to them is the father and mother they've never had. A few spoke about how, because of the opportunities Jovenes has given them, they have a chance to make their wildest dreams come true. These boys are finally getting it. They are finally realizing this place is an enormous blessing, and many others on the outside would kill for this chance.

I turned around to see the staff, houseparents, and younger generations intently watching these former angry boys turn into men. After being permanent at JEC for two years, it was my proudest moment to be a part of this mission. I couldn't even cry because I was too busy bursting with pride for this place, these dedicated houseparents and these MEN of God.

I think the reaction was mutually felt from the board and our other guests, so everyone felt such a warm feeling when we finished the presentation like that. Our board then prayed over all the boys and staff and the future of JEC. It was such a beautiful moment to all come together for the sole purpose of thanking God for the past and asking God to bless our future. What a humbling moment.

After the morning presentation we shared a lunch together (everyone raved about our cooks, which was a well deserved reaction for these hard working ladies) of roasted chicken, veggies and rice. After lunch we played together, had an easter egg hunt, and gave tours of the campus. Then the day ended with pinatas and cake. We watched our new promotional video together (minus a few technical problems) and said goodbyes. After buying new tshirts and other souvenirs with our new logo, our guests hopped in their buses and headed off.

I think, in many ways, it was one of the greatest days our boys have ever had. 

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. 

Sorry (as always) for the absence. I've been trying to get my body and energy back to 100% since our busy, busy, beach weekend. Looks like I caught some nasty virus, so as I'm on the final stretch of getting better, my sweet pup is getting over a nasty rash, and my car is also recovering from its latest trip to the shop.

Currently we've been working hard in the bilingual school as second semester started back in January. With spring break right around the corner (and spring break groups who come to visit at JEC), we're neck deep in multiplication, charts, ABC's (for our newest boy), and pen pals. So today I'm going to talk about what each of our 7 boys are currently working on at the bilingual school.

Nelson is the oldest (above), and Antony is the youngest (below), so I'll start with them. Nelson is in his final year at Alison Bixby Stone, and he's literally smarter than I am. I'm not being silly - I'm being honest. He's currently learning the basics of social media, e-mail, and how to work with computers. The school we are hoping (and praying) to send him to next year, Del Campo International School, uses iPads for their lessons in class, so its great Nelson is getting a good base now to prepare him for the big transfer to "high school" (here starts at 7th grade). Of course, he's Facebook crazy right now - already addicted - and I hate that, but it is good for him to learn. The picture was taken last year at a mother's day luncheon where we won a Twix bar for winning a game of bilingual bingo.

Antony just started this semester in kindergarten, and he turned 6 a week after he was accepted into the school. A space opened up, so we grabbed the opportunity and ran with it. The bilingual school rarely has space available, since each grade (nursing-6th) only has 1 class per grade (max 18 students per class). Of course he cried the first few days, since the other kids have spent 5 months listening to the teacher (who is Colombian, yet speaks awesome English) talk and give instructions in english. So after a few weeks, he knows the basics - "hello, teacher", "how are you", "eat", "sit", "go".. you get the idea. We're working at home on singing and learning the ABC song... so sweet :)

Cristian - always gets respect awards at school for great behavior

Daniel - who clearly is enthusiastic about being on cross-guard duty.

Luis Fernando... who's insane and never sits still (but I love him  so much)

Norman (the monster) who is practically fluent in english and in 3rd grade

The four boys we have in 3rd grade are all about math right now. Lots of graphs, times tables, division, and word problems (duh duh duh). Some are really catching on, and others are not. We're working very  hard to memorize, study, and in the mean time keep studying spanish, reading in both languages each day, and working on calligraphy. Needless to say, 3rd grade has our hands full to the max right now.

Jose Alexander... the one in the sunglasses (haha!)

Jose Alexander is the last boy we have in Alison, and he's in second grade. Jose struggles a bit more than the average joe because of the amount of malnutrition he suffered when he was a newborn. Although memorization of numbers, letters and other basic elements of english (and even spanish) are challenging for Jose, he speaks and understands the language extremely well for someone in second grade. So we make sure to speak in english at home to practice, always working on writing our numbers and letters as often as possible. We are also working on words like "big, bigger, biggest", "small, smaller, smallest" and matching the word with the pictures of different things. *I'm sure there is some proper or more professional way to say this, but remember I studied international business in college... so that's the best everyone's going to get.* This picture was taken over a year ago, but it's so Jose.. so I had to include it.

With that update on these sweethearts, the one last detail would be we are always looking for donations for these boys' educations. Two have scholarships at the actual school, two have full time sponsors for their educations, and then the rest are paid from purely from donations made by people like you. Since Antony is new, we are looking for donors to pay for the spring semester. For such an amazing education, this school is very affordable for a private, bilingual education. The monthly cost to attend is roughly $220 with a one time enrollment fee of $248. If you or anyone you know would like to help, please contact me! The education these boys are receiving is changing their lives!!

Hope everyone had a special Valentine's day. The boys here had a school-wide party, so our contribution was coke, chocolate and brownies (per the boys' requests). Everyone went home with full bellies and happy hearts. The previous picture is outside my bedroom at my house. My mom sent a few valentine's goodies via Lindy, who came down for our annual beach trip.  It made me feel a little bit more love down here in Honduras.

Hasta la playa, neña!

A week ago today we packed up two, school-size buses, three of our work vehicles, and Jovenes en Camino headed south. 

An annual beach trip was something our director, Ronald Millon, wanted to make a priority at the beginning of each year. Not only is it special for the boys, but we also extend the invite to all employees and their families. This being said, we also let the families know the trip is in no way luxurious. We sleep on a concrete floor inside a hot church in Choluteca, where even the night temperatures are over 80 degrees. Plus you sleep inside along with 120 people, so you can imagine the body heat generated. 

Therefore not everyone always comes, but most decided they wanted to bare the heat this year. We headed out on Friday midday and returned Sunday afternoon. Luckily a church in Choluteca (about an hour away from the beach) always opens their doors for us to sleep and use their bathrooms/other facilities to call home for that weekend. 

This year I drove my car along with my 4 friends who visited, Scat, Richy, Lindy (Wendy), and Cassie. We packed up fans, sleeping bags, and snacks for the road trip we had ahead of us. The boys followed behind on the big, blue JEC bus, and we arrived just as dusk was settling in Choluteca.

After a church in Barrio Brazil led a devotional, they fed us dinner and each of the boys got a “welcome cupcake”. We set up camp, played soccer, and got ready for the busy day ahead of us on Saturday.

This year we decided to join Ronald and his family on the “terrace”. This means we slept outside under the stars on the second level where only the roof has been poured - no walls, no sides, etc. My mom would’ve died. No one slept close to the edge, and luckily being hot was not one of my concerns. The night wind kept us chilly, so my beach towel and twin air mattress were my best friends. *Picture credit to my friend, Cassie.

Saturday (early) we got up, watched the boys bath in the river behind the church and got ready for the short hour drive to Cedeño. The water was chilly early morning with lots of wind, so again, we lucked out since the south in Honduras is known for extremely hot and humid days. After helping the boys get sunscreen-ed up (yes, Hondurans still wear sunscreen) we hit the water. Here people swim in clothes (shorts, tshirt) as a cultural thing. Even though it felt weird, I didn’t have to worry about burning this time! 

Our big treat on Saturday is a local fisherman always prepares fried fish (the whole thing, eyes and all, baby), banana chips, and repollo (salad). The boys go crazy over this, so we all sit under the tiki huts with our feet in the sand and fill our bellies. 

After lunch I had helped orchestrate the best surprise ever for my best friend, Sarah Catherine. Her boyfriend and I had been in communication since New Years to discuss how he would pull off the surprise engagement of the century. 

Needless to say, she was surprised and everything went as planned. She and I met while in Honduras, so it only seemed fitting to help her beau pull it all off in her favorite place in the world. 

Saturday night we headed back to Choluteca, celebrated Scat and Richy’s engagement at KFC, and then watched the boys play soccer until late. Sunday morning early meant church, and then it was back to reality.

My friends headed home on Monday, then we all decided to get sick in different ways. Today is my first full day back at work, so thank goodness we’re all getting back in the groove of things. 

The boys had an amazing trip and all came back exhausted before starting the new school year (public school boys) on Monday. Needless to say no one wanted to get up Monday at 5:30 in the morning. 
Here's a picture of the boys all ready to walk to school at 6 AM. 

Excited, right???