Your can also see this vidoe at
https://youtu.be/eR3iAJTvN6A
2016 Elevate Honduras Mission Trip
Sunday, July 24, 2016
Monday, July 11, 2016
Sunday, July 10, 2016
Home Sweet Home
Day 10. I'm sitting on a plane right now on my way to Atlanta where I will then board another plane to be greeted by my parents and my baby...ok my dog.
As I sit here and look out the window, all I can see aside from the wing of the plane are fluffy, white clouds. Miles and miles of them. In my ear Hillsong Young & Free is singing about getting lost in Gods eyes and finding clarity to life ("In Your Eyes"). Brings me back to creation. God made the heavens and the earth and everything in and around it. He looked it over and was pleased with it. He created these clouds and decided they were to be white. He picked the color blue for the sky. He chose everything on purpose; it's not like they only had blue skies left at Lowe's when He was creating the world...
Same thing on earth. He created everything with intention. Everything has a purpose. I'm amazed with nature because of the amount of detail that is too often overlooked. We see flowers as we pass by but how often do we really look up at how meticulously every part is placed. We were picking up shells at the beach Saturday gand I was amazed when I looked at them close up. Ahh the little things in life that amuse me so much.
This week has been tough physically and emotionally at times, but I'm assuming the more difficult times will come this week when I have to adjust back to life in Flat Rock. Although 10 days in Honduras is a very small amount of time in comparison to the 26 years I have not been in Honduras, you do start to become somewhat accustomed to life there.
I know some people struggle with guilt when they get home because we are beyond spoiled in America with our possessions and accommodations. But one of my favorite sayings is "some people are so poor, all they have is money." Not to say that the people of Choluteca wouldn't want air conditioning, purified water, a washing machine or the ability to walk into Kroger and have a nearly endless supply of food options to chose from; I'm simply saying that even without all of that they laugh, smile and enjoy fellowship with one another. They are not too worried about "saving the earth" as we are at home (the abundance of trash everywhere made this apparent); but they care about people. Puts things into perspective if you ask me. We worry so much about pesticides and things being BPA free that we can ignore something much more important - other people.
Another saying I love is "Be kind for everyone you meet is fighting a battle." It's so true. Jesus was a prime example of this. We tend to think that we deserve respect from everyone and if we do not get it, then we don't feel it necessary or even fair to give it. This isn't biblical at all! For example, pretty sure Barabas didn't show Jesus respect, yet he was set free and Jesus didn't say a word about it as He carried his cross to Calvary where He would be brutally murdered.
People will disappoint you. People will annoy you. People will disrespect you. Our job as Christians is not to judge how other people treat us or where their heart is. Our job is to show people the love of Christ. Romans 12:9-14, 21 states: "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lords people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse...Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
I think we grow accustomed to being Christians in a way just as I was growing accustomed to life in Honduras. At first every little thing is so exciting and you can't help but be on fire for Christ. As you go on in your Christian walk, you get numb to some of the simple wonders that once excited you. We should be honored to be Christians. Like Paul said (while in prison by the way) in Philippians 1:21: "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
The song "Beautiful Things" by Gungor talks about how God makes beautiful things out of dust. I think sometimes we tend to see our own struggles and the moral decline of our country and we become discouraged - myself included. This is dangerous. I'm sure you've heard this expression before, but this is like putting God in a box. We believe God is able and gracious enough to keep us safe during travels and other requests such as blessing our food to nourish our bodies before meals, but we are not so quick to trust when it comes to issues like witnessing to others or trusting Him with our finances or relationships. If we choose to keep God in a box, we will never experience all He has to offer. It's not that we have power over God to keep Him in that box we created, it's just that He is a good father and He knows that we are very stubborn and sometimes we have to experience difficult things and learn the hard way.
Use this as an opportunity to reevaluate your relationship with God. Most Christians would agree God is powerful. He is the beginning and the end. All things are from him and go through him before ever reaching us. He is also full of agape love and grace. But in the depths of your heart do you trust him? What situations in your life are you struggling to deal with on your own? Have you given it to God? If not, why? Maybe you don't think your request is important compared to other issues in the world. Maybe you have offered it to God but didn't like the answer you got so you are doing it your way instead. Maybe you have been so busy worrying about your struggle that you haven't even thought to offer it to Him.
We often get consumed with wanting to hear from God. We want solutions to problems and affirmation for choices we have made, and we forget that any relationship is a 2 way street. God wants to hear from us just as much as we long to hear Him. He wants a relationship with us. He wants you to cry on his shoulder when you are hurt; He offers us peace. He wants to hear when you are upset or angry; He offers us understanding. He wants to hear when you are worried or confused; He offers us wisdom. He wants to hear when you are happy; He offers us blessings. He wants to hear when you are discouraged; He offers us hope. He wants to hear your apologies and failures; He offers grace and forgiveness.
God never promised Christian life on earth would be easy. In fact, he warned of the exact opposite. But I'm learning that an easy life is worse in my opinion than a difficult one. Complacency is one of the enemy's favorite ways to deceive us. I don't want to become too comfortable in my life. If you never step outside of your comfort zone, you will miss plenty of opportunities not only for yourself but to encourage, serve and save others as well. Jude 21-23 "...keep yourselves in Gods love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear..."
Blessings,
Emily
As I sit here and look out the window, all I can see aside from the wing of the plane are fluffy, white clouds. Miles and miles of them. In my ear Hillsong Young & Free is singing about getting lost in Gods eyes and finding clarity to life ("In Your Eyes"). Brings me back to creation. God made the heavens and the earth and everything in and around it. He looked it over and was pleased with it. He created these clouds and decided they were to be white. He picked the color blue for the sky. He chose everything on purpose; it's not like they only had blue skies left at Lowe's when He was creating the world...
Same thing on earth. He created everything with intention. Everything has a purpose. I'm amazed with nature because of the amount of detail that is too often overlooked. We see flowers as we pass by but how often do we really look up at how meticulously every part is placed. We were picking up shells at the beach Saturday gand I was amazed when I looked at them close up. Ahh the little things in life that amuse me so much.
This week has been tough physically and emotionally at times, but I'm assuming the more difficult times will come this week when I have to adjust back to life in Flat Rock. Although 10 days in Honduras is a very small amount of time in comparison to the 26 years I have not been in Honduras, you do start to become somewhat accustomed to life there.
I know some people struggle with guilt when they get home because we are beyond spoiled in America with our possessions and accommodations. But one of my favorite sayings is "some people are so poor, all they have is money." Not to say that the people of Choluteca wouldn't want air conditioning, purified water, a washing machine or the ability to walk into Kroger and have a nearly endless supply of food options to chose from; I'm simply saying that even without all of that they laugh, smile and enjoy fellowship with one another. They are not too worried about "saving the earth" as we are at home (the abundance of trash everywhere made this apparent); but they care about people. Puts things into perspective if you ask me. We worry so much about pesticides and things being BPA free that we can ignore something much more important - other people.
Another saying I love is "Be kind for everyone you meet is fighting a battle." It's so true. Jesus was a prime example of this. We tend to think that we deserve respect from everyone and if we do not get it, then we don't feel it necessary or even fair to give it. This isn't biblical at all! For example, pretty sure Barabas didn't show Jesus respect, yet he was set free and Jesus didn't say a word about it as He carried his cross to Calvary where He would be brutally murdered.
People will disappoint you. People will annoy you. People will disrespect you. Our job as Christians is not to judge how other people treat us or where their heart is. Our job is to show people the love of Christ. Romans 12:9-14, 21 states: "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lords people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse...Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
I think we grow accustomed to being Christians in a way just as I was growing accustomed to life in Honduras. At first every little thing is so exciting and you can't help but be on fire for Christ. As you go on in your Christian walk, you get numb to some of the simple wonders that once excited you. We should be honored to be Christians. Like Paul said (while in prison by the way) in Philippians 1:21: "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
The song "Beautiful Things" by Gungor talks about how God makes beautiful things out of dust. I think sometimes we tend to see our own struggles and the moral decline of our country and we become discouraged - myself included. This is dangerous. I'm sure you've heard this expression before, but this is like putting God in a box. We believe God is able and gracious enough to keep us safe during travels and other requests such as blessing our food to nourish our bodies before meals, but we are not so quick to trust when it comes to issues like witnessing to others or trusting Him with our finances or relationships. If we choose to keep God in a box, we will never experience all He has to offer. It's not that we have power over God to keep Him in that box we created, it's just that He is a good father and He knows that we are very stubborn and sometimes we have to experience difficult things and learn the hard way.
Use this as an opportunity to reevaluate your relationship with God. Most Christians would agree God is powerful. He is the beginning and the end. All things are from him and go through him before ever reaching us. He is also full of agape love and grace. But in the depths of your heart do you trust him? What situations in your life are you struggling to deal with on your own? Have you given it to God? If not, why? Maybe you don't think your request is important compared to other issues in the world. Maybe you have offered it to God but didn't like the answer you got so you are doing it your way instead. Maybe you have been so busy worrying about your struggle that you haven't even thought to offer it to Him.
We often get consumed with wanting to hear from God. We want solutions to problems and affirmation for choices we have made, and we forget that any relationship is a 2 way street. God wants to hear from us just as much as we long to hear Him. He wants a relationship with us. He wants you to cry on his shoulder when you are hurt; He offers us peace. He wants to hear when you are upset or angry; He offers us understanding. He wants to hear when you are worried or confused; He offers us wisdom. He wants to hear when you are happy; He offers us blessings. He wants to hear when you are discouraged; He offers us hope. He wants to hear your apologies and failures; He offers grace and forgiveness.
God never promised Christian life on earth would be easy. In fact, he warned of the exact opposite. But I'm learning that an easy life is worse in my opinion than a difficult one. Complacency is one of the enemy's favorite ways to deceive us. I don't want to become too comfortable in my life. If you never step outside of your comfort zone, you will miss plenty of opportunities not only for yourself but to encourage, serve and save others as well. Jude 21-23 "...keep yourselves in Gods love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear..."
Blessings,
Emily
The Back of the Bus...
Back of the Bus...
The final part of our mission was on Saturday night where we attended church service of the local church. It was the end of a series, and so all the church's services were combined into one. This made for a packed house, a heightened excitement in the air, and many reunions with people from the current mission and from prior years.
The service was about surprising the world by thinking about something bigger than yourself. The bible tells us in John 14:12, "The truth is, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, because the work of the Son brings glory to the Father." So if God is your partner, start making BIG plans.
To illustrate the point, they used narrated video of the house built for Ana. At the dedication with unrestrained tearful joy on her face, Ana said she prayed on her knees that one day she would have a house. The rain falls, and it leaks through. She prayed for a house so she wouldn't get wet. That plastic which was laid over her bed, the one we sat our backpacks on for protection from bystanders, it's actually there so her mattress doesn't get wet.
For a reason I don't quite understand, I needed to hear this again. I was there when she gave the speech, but it was such an emotional moment of joy mixed with the sadness of the finality of being done along with the renewed realization that the need (in Las Brisas) is much greater than what we just did, that I stood as far in the background as was acceptable trying to keep myself at the tear-filled level rather than sobbing. Seeing it again at church allowed me to just be happy for her and happy for the hope grace combined with acts of service in Jesus's name can do to a community.
So it was over. Service was done and many goodbyes were said. I said my fair share, but I spent a lot of time just waiting for other missionaries to say their goodbyes. We have some missionaries that are very natural nurturers and sweet hearts that easily connect with many women and children. It was a beautiful thing to watch them say their goodbyes. When that was done we hopped on the bus that would take us to the mission house for the last time.
The bus was an old school bus that had been retrofitted for a more charter bus purpose. I got on the bus and saw that most every seat was filled, but some locals were standing in the isle to give us missionaries seats. I refused to sit and offered it to whatever woman or child was standing nearby. Knowing more were boarding after me, I just started to go back further and further in the bus. I lost count on how many times I had to deny an offer for a seat when someone got up for me. I kept thinking, we're here to serve you. There's no way I'm taking your seat.
I finally found myself in he very back of the bus. I couldn't see any other "Gringo" or "Gringa". I was surrounded by kids, many of them the orphans of Casa Hogar Vida and one of their "aunts". Mabel, on of the kids with HIV that was in a coma and almost died just before our mission last year was there with a big smile and playful nature. Birthday girl Cindy who has a background before Casa Hogar Vida that would break your heart was there with a smile. The kids tried to break the language barrier. I would here. "Hello Aaron, I love you." First one kid and then another, and another and so on. There was no where to move, but I didn't want to be anywhere else. To me this was a gift and it reminded me of the verse in Matthew, "and the king will tell them, 'I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!"
There are so many memories from this mission, but at no time did I feel closer to God than cramped into the back of that bus at the end of our mission week.
God Bless,
Aaron Mason
Friday, July 8, 2016
Making a House a Home.
Today is day 8. Today we finished up Ana's house. Some were painting, some were finishing the framing and concrete board. At the end we had the privilege of building Ana a "custom" table. This was exciting to me because not only did it personalize the house more, but it was an opportunity to make her feel extra special. Not only was she chosen to receive this blessing of a brand new house, but now we were also including some upgrades including screws sticking out in the doorways so she can hang her curtains. The table we made her was simply a few cuts of wood and some concrete board that was left over, but from the smile on her face you would have thought it was granite.
I can't say that I will go home and sell all my possessions, become a full time global missionary, or that I will never step into TJ Maxx ever again...because lying is a sin! But I can say with certainty that the servants part of my heart was sparked when God put this trip in my path, and that spark has certainly turned to a flame. The theme of tonight's small group we attended was hardships and also how when you give of yourself, God will bless you ten fold. Not to say that you should serve others in hope of receiving blessings - because God knows your heart and your motives. Colossians 3:23 states: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters."
Blessings,
Emily
Thursday, July 7, 2016
Goofballs for God
Day seven. One week. It's feels like a moment ago I was stepping on a plane to come here and now we will be leaving in 3 days. It's crazy how 10 days can seem like a long time when you're anticipating a trip yet when you're on it it flies by.
Today we continued working on Ana's house. I was the "framing assistant" and then a painter. Today seemed especially goofy and I loved every minute. Could be the lack of sleep from staying up giggling with Paula and Geovanna last night or maybe the 2 energy drinks I had heightened my senses including fun, who knows. Either way, today was a blast. It's great to see how happy Ana is when we are there. The kids obviously surround and almost outnumber us, and I think she's really getting a kick out of that. I know we all are.
I got to spend more time with the kids today, specifically Melissa, so that was fun. They love teaching us Spanish and learning English words. I was noticing that even the man leading the construction, Marvin, has warmed up to us and instead of being serious and very business-like he now laughs and jokes with us. It just kind of feels like we are throwing a little party and we just so happen to be building a house instead of sitting around a campfire or having a BBQ like we would back home. Although it's super hot and we are all sweating more than we knew possible and swatting bugs, time seems to float by. A few hours doesn't seem long at all.
In our devotion today we talked about how you can't help others come to or grow in a relationship with God until you first get your own relationship in check. It reminded me how on the airplane they would explain about the safety measures and they always tell you if the oxygen masks are released, make sure to secure your own before helping anyone else (even children). My initial thought is well that is pretty selfish! But it makes sense. If I do not put my mask on and struggle to help someone else put theirs on, no matter how sincere I am about helping them, that sincerity will not put oxygen into either of our lungs. We would both die. Same with our Christian walk. If we do not have a solid foundation and an intimate relationship with Christ, we cannot helps others with theirs.
Blessings,
Emily
Today we continued working on Ana's house. I was the "framing assistant" and then a painter. Today seemed especially goofy and I loved every minute. Could be the lack of sleep from staying up giggling with Paula and Geovanna last night or maybe the 2 energy drinks I had heightened my senses including fun, who knows. Either way, today was a blast. It's great to see how happy Ana is when we are there. The kids obviously surround and almost outnumber us, and I think she's really getting a kick out of that. I know we all are.
In our devotion today we talked about how you can't help others come to or grow in a relationship with God until you first get your own relationship in check. It reminded me how on the airplane they would explain about the safety measures and they always tell you if the oxygen masks are released, make sure to secure your own before helping anyone else (even children). My initial thought is well that is pretty selfish! But it makes sense. If I do not put my mask on and struggle to help someone else put theirs on, no matter how sincere I am about helping them, that sincerity will not put oxygen into either of our lungs. We would both die. Same with our Christian walk. If we do not have a solid foundation and an intimate relationship with Christ, we cannot helps others with theirs.
Blessings,
Emily
Wednesday, July 6, 2016
No Coincidences - Just God
Another day done! Sadly we have passed the half way point. Although I miss my family/friends and my baby (Boston terrier), I am so grateful to be here. Usually I am counting the days (and some weeks I'm counting the minutes) to the weekend! This week is different. I am in a different part of the world physically and also mentally. This culture is such amazing proof that you can be happy with little earthly possessions and amenities.
It's hard to be specific with what part of this journey is my favorite. One thing that simply takes my breath away is the view of the mountains when we're riding to and from our destinations. I'm like my dad in the way that I feel a deep connection with and appreciation for nature. When I look at these mountains I think of Isaiah 52:7 “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”" I also think of how one day all of creation will bow down and worship the Lord. Uh-mazing.
Another thing I got from my dad (sorry mom!) is my love of music. All week I have had "Touch the Sky" by Hillsong playing in my head over and over...and over and over ( http://youtu.be/y1RQciil7B0 ). It's all about "upward falling" when we pray. What an amazing expression. Even more amazing is the way that God connects the dots for us in our lives. It is one of my favorite songs, but I didn't think much more of it being stuck in my head continuously. Then tonight it made sense.
We went back to the church tonight for worship through music and prayer. Hmm, prayer...coincidence? I think not. In fact, now that I think about it, I took a picture holding a praying mantis today! My God has such a sense of humor. Back to church...We sang songs that I knew so I sang them in English. Hopefully it didn't distract anyone if they could hear me but for me it was a very cool experience. We were singing in two different languages, yet praising God with the same words. When he spoke in between music breaks, as most worship leaders do, I had no idea what he was actually saying word for word but I knew in my heart what he was saying.
I've noticed this theme throughout my life, and especially in the last few years. Every single thing that comes my way is for a purpose. Sometimes it's a blessing and sometimes it's a lesson. I'm grateful for both and I'm grateful we serve a God who is full of love and grace. A God who wants us to succeed and isn't afraid to teach us lessons we need. Lessons that may not make sense until the opportunity or situation arises in which we need it. I came across a quote today that read "the genius of God is to dwell where we would least likely look."
I'm grateful for the people I've met and gotten to know on this journey. Each one of them serve a purpose in my life and in each other's. This is a very special group of people and I pray that each one of them is blessed with God's peace, joy, love, patience and understanding.
Blessings
Emily
It's hard to be specific with what part of this journey is my favorite. One thing that simply takes my breath away is the view of the mountains when we're riding to and from our destinations. I'm like my dad in the way that I feel a deep connection with and appreciation for nature. When I look at these mountains I think of Isaiah 52:7 “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”" I also think of how one day all of creation will bow down and worship the Lord. Uh-mazing.
Another thing I got from my dad (sorry mom!) is my love of music. All week I have had "Touch the Sky" by Hillsong playing in my head over and over...and over and over ( http://youtu.be/y1RQciil7B0 ). It's all about "upward falling" when we pray. What an amazing expression. Even more amazing is the way that God connects the dots for us in our lives. It is one of my favorite songs, but I didn't think much more of it being stuck in my head continuously. Then tonight it made sense.
We went back to the church tonight for worship through music and prayer. Hmm, prayer...coincidence? I think not. In fact, now that I think about it, I took a picture holding a praying mantis today! My God has such a sense of humor. Back to church...We sang songs that I knew so I sang them in English. Hopefully it didn't distract anyone if they could hear me but for me it was a very cool experience. We were singing in two different languages, yet praising God with the same words. When he spoke in between music breaks, as most worship leaders do, I had no idea what he was actually saying word for word but I knew in my heart what he was saying.
I've noticed this theme throughout my life, and especially in the last few years. Every single thing that comes my way is for a purpose. Sometimes it's a blessing and sometimes it's a lesson. I'm grateful for both and I'm grateful we serve a God who is full of love and grace. A God who wants us to succeed and isn't afraid to teach us lessons we need. Lessons that may not make sense until the opportunity or situation arises in which we need it. I came across a quote today that read "the genius of God is to dwell where we would least likely look."
I'm grateful for the people I've met and gotten to know on this journey. Each one of them serve a purpose in my life and in each other's. This is a very special group of people and I pray that each one of them is blessed with God's peace, joy, love, patience and understanding.
Blessings
Emily
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