Don’t worry – I did not take these pictures. I was driving! Hopefully I’ll have some to share soon, until then these from the internet will give you an idea of the streets.

What an absolutely crazy crazy day! Up until today, my experience driving here has been tame, enjoyable, and (I will now emphatically add) sheltered. Today I got the REAL primer on driving in this city and I remembered why I must totally rely on the Lord to always protect and provide a way out (especially in instances of crowded streets, one ways, and watching minor collisions with the ensuing public spectacle of deranged drivers). When I pulled in to my little cage tonight and clamped the padlock, I was EXHAUSTED, my nerves were still working overtime, and I think my neck is permanently stiff. However, I have more reason than ever to give God all the glory and praise, because even in this He has answered my prayers.

Today was the first day back at the feeding center. We had been stirring up the new teachers and so a good size group wanted to go and experience the joys of sharing songs, laughter, Bible stories, and hugs with dear little ones on the top of a different mountain. I thought this was fantastic… until I found out I would have to drive four of them, and I got a wee bit nervous. They met me in the city and before we started our journey we prayed for the day, the safety of the trip, and that God would receive the glory. Because, you see, this is exactly the reason I bought the car in the first place. [Well, actually, I can say we and include all those supportive people back home who both prayed and financially gave so this car would be a reality.]

So, I took the LOOONG way around to meet up with Pastor Marcos because I was most comfortable with that route. We got to the gas station without too much incident, although the girls did get a pretty thorough tour of the countryside (PS I could NOT have asked for better passengers – they were so encouraging!). We left the car at the ESSO, locked and prayed over (totally safe to do, by the way – we’ve done it with other cars at this station), and jumped into the back of the truck. This so reminded me of my first time going to the feeding center and things really came full circle when I was doing the explaining and tour guide-ing.

All the newbies (Sara, Christa, Stephanie, and Cara) loved it. Hearing the words, “This is what it’s all about. This is what we came to see,” made my heart so happy! Of course they came to be teachers, but to see that their hearts are for the Lord’s work in this struggling country, outside the walls of the North American compound, well, it’s like ice cream on a hot August day.

We went to feeding center #1 because we were such a big group, so I actually hadn’t been there in a long time. Nelson asked if I would teach a lesson to the older girls… which completely caught me off guard! So, after the prayer and singing, we split off into groups and I taught a lesson on Psalm 139 … how well God knows us, inside and out. It was amazing and crazy at the same time. I’m sure I made lots of mistakes, but I also think the Lord totally worked through the little extemporaneous lesson. Those girls are SO precious. I’m thinking maybe we’ll be going to center #1 this year for that reason!

Afterwards came the tricky part. We got dropped off at the gas station and watched a car parade (in favor of Mel) block off the street we would soon try to enter. I followed Melvin a little ways before I jumped the median with all the other cars because no one could pass. That was a first in a LOOONG list of first’s’.
1. First time jumping the median
2. First time navigating the streets of Comayaguela
3. First time following someone through narrow, windy, confusing city streets
4. First time watching a bus-taxi collision
5. Oh, yes, first time with four passengers who all happened to be new teachers
6. First time driving in El Centro
7. First time stuck in El Centro traffic
8. First time driving by the stadium
9. First time dropping off passengers at the Rapidito
10. First time on the anillo
11. First (okay, second) time watching a pro-Mel car parade from behind my windshield

Whew! There were probably more, but that’s what gave me edgy nerves and a stiff neck. The Lord is so very, very faithful. I know for certain He was there, guiding and protecting us the entire way.

I have much more to share… about what I am learning, the excitement that is building for this year, books I’ve just finished, and the decoration process of our wonderful little place in the city. It will all come soon, just you wait!

Well, I am a bit overwhelmed. Where do I start? How do I begin?

I kind of feel this way in several areas. The familiarity of the school, city, and people balanced out by my moving to a new place, finding new staff, and adjusting to a different position. There are so many good things, I have a hard time focusing on being productive (which, if you know me, drives me crazy!).

So, I wanted to make a list… so I could visually see the ways God is working and blessing the ministries here. He has already made so many confirmations in my life in these short weeks since my return to Honduras and I would love to share them!

1. Apartment in the city
Last year, I prayed for ways to expand ministry and outreach. Living on top of a mountain, believe it or not, is not the most accessible and central location. I was part of a beautiful community and breathtaking scenery, but I sensed a desire to be better connected to the heartbeat of the city. I’m not sure how this makes sense with my farm-girl roots, but I’m sure it has something to do with appreciating Creation – both in the still, sturdy work and in the multitude of faces. Well, all of that to say, I MOVED. I am in a wonderful apartment with a new roommate, Emily. We are within walking distance of about anywhere (if you have no timeframe in mind) and my feet have found such joy in exploring the new surroundings. I am close enough to meet students for coffee, host fellowship dinners, pick students up for church and drop them off after events on the mountain.

2. Ministry Opportunities
I have only been down here a few weeks, and to be honest, I’ve had moments of wondering, “When will all those things I visioned happened? I don’t have ANY plans for the night!” But, God is faithful even when I am impatient. Last night, I went to a service with Micah Project, an organization that rescues street kids and disciples to live and serve as Christ, while learning a trade and going to school. The service was just so great – simple. But, a perfect reminder that the Lord will show me where He wants to use me this year. I just have to be willing to wait for the opportunities and obediently follow.

(this is also the organization I collected jeans and shoes and supplies for when I was in Atlantic… and it’s a good thing because they were in DESPERATE need of just those items!)

3. New staff
I’ve also been praying (along with many prayer warriors) for the incoming staff to just be filled with a fire and vision for the Lord’s work here… Not just within the classroom, but also in relationships with students and pouring into the city. Well, God has done just that. He has brought a fantastic group of teachers who are ready to serve and love. I am so very thankful!

4. Students
Tonight we made posters with the incoming seniors to put up on the walls – inspirational quotes and Bible verses so the students will be greeted with something lively when they arrive on Thursday. This was totally voluntary and separate from an “official” school function, but a good 15 students showed up and I was so encouraged! We prayed and sang a few songs to usher in the new year. This makes me even more excited to see my girls from last year (who I’ve been in touch with) and get things rolling once again.

5. Safety
Wow. I guess this is a blessing in so many ways. I feel beyond blessed that I arrived safely here, after a LOT of crazy traveling confusion (mostly traveling stupidity on my part – but did you know God shows grace even when we are stupid?). Amidst political turmoil in this country and a bit of fear in the people, I have never felt threatened in any way – praise the Lord. I also feel the Lord’s protection every time I get into the Honda Civic (Lewis, as we affectionately call him) to drive somewhere. To be honest, I was very nervous about driving, but from the very beginning I knew the confidence and safety are in the Lord’s hands and I’ve had peace ever since. Every time I get in, I say a prayer that God would cover us with his hands and I know He is faithful.

The Lord is SO very good. I hope that you hear that today, more than anything else. Our Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, is good. He is the same MIGHTY God who has delivered His rebellious children time and time again and He will remain faithful to the end. It is part of His character. That amazes me.

Blessings to you!

There’s a rumbling outside and I can smell the rain building in the skies. I spent today restful and Sundays I love for resting.

Well, there is a lot to catch up on today. I thought for a moment about what I could title these thoughts and this (above title) is the best I could come up with. God has truly shown grace in the past week, even as I was walking through some very rough situations. I’ll try to paraphrase without taking away from the beautiful way God has proven faithful.

Let’s see, I will backtrack to the beginning of the week, when almost every car here on the compound began suffering some sort of mechanical flu. Everyone took it in stride, but there were many trips to the mechanics and frustrations over changed schedules.

We had a dynamic twin ministry duo speak as special guests in our chapel – Rick and Mick – and I spent some precious time in fellowship with them outside school and heard how truly beautiful is to listen to those God has blessed with the gifts of evangelism. (I secretly think I could see my dad doing evangelism as a ministry… as I was talking to Rick and Mick I just saw so many similar gifts! I’m not sure what he thinks of that, but I’ll just keep nudging!)

Also, during the week, I found out a very, very dear friend will not be returning next year. Though I am confident God is going to use her in amazing ways at her next mission post, I am inexpressibly sad that I will not be doing ministry with her here next year. I really won’t try to explain how this changes everything, it just does.

Lastly, in between “last” dinners and get-togethers, I am trying to get a plan set up for next year. Proposals for school, ideas and visions, figuring out where to live, if I should drive… all these things are pressing in and demanding I start to figure them out.

Story Number 1
Thursday was one of those days I tried to do it all and the universe seemed to conspire against me (to borrow Paulo Coehlo’s words from the Alchemist). After school, I rushed to our buses to get a free ride downtown, but I didn’t have the phone (I share with my roommate and she was coaching a volleyball game) and I couldn’t find Macayla, who I was supposed to be shopping with (and of course, her car had the mechanical flu). I chanced it and rode down anyway. Now, if you can picture the central square of a very large city, colonial style, this is where I was headed. I thought I could sit in a coffee shop window where I could see people walking by, in hopes I might see Macayla pass. After about an hour of reading, I kind of gave up, but I went ahead and browsed a few thrift stores anyway. We were supposed to be finding outfits for the costume party on Saturday and then meeting up with Heather, Sara, and Melvin to celebrate Sara’s birthday. So, I started off and in the very first thrift store, I ran right into Macayla! Without any sort of communication and an entire downtown… I thought that was pretty amazing!

Story Number Two
Well, that same night (after a few GREAT costume finds), after we finished a beautiful night of good food and greater laughter, we needed to get back up the mountain by way of taxi. So, we went to a hotel nearby where we were sure we could get one inexpensively. I was exhausted at this point and the details are a bit fuzzy. I just remember that Heather and I were exchanging money as we walked out the restaurant (we are in a constant state of indebtedness to each other for one reason or another). We were at the hotel, with costumes in hand, and Melvin secured the cab for a good price (Hondurans always seem to do better than gringos at haggling) and we climbed in after saying our goodbyes. Forty-five minutes later, we were up at the apartment, throwing together cupcakes for the next day’s charity bake sale.

Then, when Heather and I had to figure out some money exchanging, I went to find my wallet and it was gone. vanished. disappeared. nowhere to be found.

After some severe panic, we prayed and tried to trace back steps of the night to figure out where I last had it. Most people know memory is not my strong suit, but I am also paranoid about things like this and I was positive I had my wallet after the restaurant and I didn’t use it the rest of the night. So, where could it be? More praying…

I somehow deduced that I must have left it in the cab, because I shuffled things around in my purse to find the cell phone. I called several people for advice, called the hotel where we got the cab (who thought we were crazy for taking a cab on the street and not one of their expensive cabs) and they took my name but didn’t offer much help other than suggesting I come in person, called my bank here to cancel my bank card, more praying, and finally called our friends Tiffany and Jenny to see if they could swing by the hotel on their way up the mountain. Tiff and Jenny, however, were stranded at the gas station with Jenny’s Kia that wouldn’t start. More praying.

Heather and I walked out along the road where we had gotten out of the taxi, turned over rocks, prayed, and finally came back and gave one final prayer before we went to sleep. Minutes after we prayed specifically for Tiff and Jenny and their engine, they called to say God answered and He would answer my prayers as well!

I know it’s difficult to imagine, but when I woke up on Friday morning, I had the most beautiful sense of peace. I woke up proclaiming God’s attributes and there was no doubt in my mind God would be faithful. I wasn’t quite sure if faithful meant he would protect my identity in cards and passports and bank information OR if He would allow all that to pass and stand by through it all. Either way, I knew I was held in His hand and that was enough.

So, my plan for the morning: I swung by the principal’s office at 5:30 (his usual clock-in time) to let him know what happened and that I thought I should go to the hotel and then the Embassy to start sorting things out. So, down the mountain I went, the whole time still believing that God could make the wallet appear out of thin air if He wanted to. I believed it.

At the hotel, the manager was so kind, but very doubtful about the chances I could recover something so valuable. I left the hotel thinking, “Wow. I am very impressed by my Spanish skills… and I have no idea what I’m supposed to do now.” So, I started for the Embassy, just praying through it all, trusting God would provide and again show Himself faithful.

Then, I got a phone call from our superintendent, “Caroline, get back up here to work.”
“Uh, okay, Mr. Smith”
“I have your wallet right here in my hand.”
“Really?!?”

I later told my students that absolutely nothing could make the day sour for me. God was just too good to allow anything to steal my joy. Spiritual war comes in many forms… and I believe we’re in the thick of it up here as the school year comes to a close. But, I know as well as I know anything, that we have a God that is over all and in all. He is sovereign over all creation and my heart says, Amen!

Blessings today and this week! Look for ways God is showing Himself faithful to you in your life! By God’s grace alone we are here and allowed to do His good work. By His grace alone.

Tonight a window opened.

A couple days ago, I re-connected with some students who have been really precious to me this year. In the shuffle of ever-changing job descriptions, my stress at what to “be” to students in different settings, and a very random schedule, I neglected to give them the heart time they needed and I love so much.

So, tonight I invited them for dinner at my place. You know, of the home-cooked variety? I had a meeting for Hands and Feet after school and then rushed home to make dough from scratch for mini-pizzas (which was its own adventure… had to borrow flour and then borrow again when I realized the first was corn flour). I cut up veggies, minced garlic, and shredded chicken, let the dough rise, formed pizzas, cooked crust… and then waited. and waited. and waited.

I knew Honduran time was different, but I hadn’t planned for 1 1/2 hours! When they finally arrived, it kind of worked like one of those unrealistic cooking shows. You know the kind, right? Oh, just throw on a little of this and put it in the oven… and I actually have here the bread after its risen. A few minutes later, you’re ready to eat. Well, this time it DID work like that.

“Alright, girls lets make our pizzas!”

Two seconds later…
“Well, I actually have a few already finished!”

I highly suggest this tactic for hosting – way less stressful!

Alexandra!

Maria Jose

We had such a wonderful time of just laughing and chatting and fellowship. I can’t believe what an amazing gift we have in fellowship. Truly. Though I might consider myself a closet introvert, these times of relationship with my girls simply could not get any better.