2016 Honduras Mission Trip Video

Your can also see this vidoe at
https://youtu.be/eR3iAJTvN6A

2016 GCLA Video of the Elevate Team

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

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

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.

We surprised her with a little housewarming party of sorts including words of gratitude and joy from Paula on behalf of our team and Elevate and also from Ana. She is very fluent and clever in her speech. I like that about her. She joked and laughed and was full of thanks. At one point she began to tear up as she told us how grateful she was that now she will not have to sleep on plastic or get wet when it rains. Wow. Powerful. Just another reminder of how blessed we are back home. I thanked Ana for allowing me to be a part of building her home because I really am humbled and grateful I had the opportunity to be a part of such a blessing on her life. I hope she felt important today. I hope she knows that we did all of this from our hearts and with sincerity.


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

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

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

Go And Make Disciples

Today was day 5 in Honduras, and I cannot believe we are half way done! This morning after breakfast we had our morning devotion. I was especially touched because the group opened up and shared a few personal stories that touched close to my heart. I felt so grateful they shared their past struggles and how God has helped them through. This is a pretty special group of people.

 
Next we got a quick tour of where the coffee is made. It was very interesting and VERY hot in that room! But seeing the process and the hard work behind something always makes you appreciate it more.

We then went back to work on the house some more. It was my first time mixing concrete but it was so fun! It was strange to me that we were literally mixing it on the ground; but hey, they know what they're doing! We poured concrete and got most of the floor done before it was time for lunch. Before we had to go, I had the privilege of spending some quality time with Melissa - my new BFF. She was very amused by my tattoos and we went back and forth learning the words for each (flower = flor, etc). She is the sweetest little girl. It's amazing how all these children want is affection and attention. I was so sweaty and full of dirt and all she wanted to do was hang on my arm and
lean on my shoulder. I feel like God gave her a spirit of humility and I know he is going to use her for very special things.

After lunch, we went into the city to a park where we began evangelizing to strangers. This was a little intimidating! It can be intimidating enough at home much less in a foreign country where you don't speak the language or completely understand the culture. You walk the fine line between trying to be polite and not offend anyone and boldly speaking the name of Jesus like Paul did. One of the girls even wanted to talk to some police men. You want to be bold and trust God but the rifles they were holding were not too comforting! They were gracious enough to not only listen but to interact with us. I was sad that they could not tell us that they would go to Heaven if they died. The one officer kept making excuses about not having time among other things. I pray some of the things we said helped them with a future decision. At the end of the conversation I was able to pray with and for them with an interpreter and that was truly an honor for me. They didn't shoot us, so they must not have been upset with our message!

Another lady we spoke with was very persistent in saying that we must confess ours sins and if we sin again then you are not "truly" saved so then you confess again creating a cycle. I tried to explain that for me personally I think of it as a father/daughter relationship. Once you accept Jesus you become a daughter of God. When you sin, yes of course you have to ask forgiveness. But your Father forgives you and loves you. He doesn't reject you - you will ALWAYS be His daughter and nothing you say or do could change that. Also, sometimes God allows us to mess up to teach us valuable lessons and to grow our faith, knowledge and skills - just as a good father would do. She seemed to continue to veer back to her original opinion, but there were 2 ladies sitting next to her in silence. I pray that what we said resonates with them and they are saved and experience the true love and grace that only comes with an intimate/personal relationship with Jesus.

Many people believe here that faith by works is how you "earn" your salvation. Please pray for them - that they would open their hearts and ears and that they would be presented with opportunities that support the truth of God's grace and love.

Blessings
Emily

The End of the Road...

There is a place in Choluteca where the road ends.  Quite literally, thick cement and curbing just drops off dramatically to a brief but steep gravel  decline into a riverside neighborhood known as Las Brisas. For us, it is each day's gateway to our project and to projects of years' past. 

It is the gateway to the river community known as Las Brisas, a place where kids play, sometimes half-clothed, with a happiness like no other.  But it is amid extreme poverty and many homes made from sticks, mud, trash materials or whatever. The house we are building for Anna is starting to take shape.  In her words [translated] it has its hair [tin roof] now and will begin to get dressed tomorrow, Wednesday when the clothes [walls] go up and shoes [ledge porch] get poured. 

We made cement by hand in the dirt and poured the floor of the house.  She will no longer have a dirt floor at ground level vulnerable to rain, ants and such.  We have limited materials and have to get creative at times. One example when we floated the floor. Reaching the center spots required a long reach and flexibility. That's where I came in. Strike a yoga pose and shave someone to hold onto my waist. Whamo! Job done. 

After working at the site in the morning until lunchtime and then eating lunch, we went into a city park with a group from the local church and met people, talked and shared the gospel to those willing to listen.  That went longer than planned and then we took a long way back to the mission house picking up some people on the way. We didn't know why.  They were keeping a surprise from us. 

Apparently, pastor Geovany had assembled a gathering of past families who had received houses built by Elevate church.  The orphan children of Casa Hogar Vida were there too. It was a great reunion with lots of smiles and laughter. Anna looked like a "Disney Princess" in her beautiful dress and Santo from two years ago was dolled up as well.  It is still amazing to me how clean or pretty some of their clothes can be in that dirt environment. 

For me, it was one of those mission days where you just don't seem to connect.  So this gathering was a great reminder that even though you may not connect in the moment or feel like you would expect, you are taking part in a greater thing of beauty. Thank you everyone who helped make this or any prior year possible.  God's love is being reflected in what is being done here and is leading many in this community to Christ. 

God Bless,

Aaron Mason

She Had Me at "Pick Me Up" - Meet Miriam at a place where the fruit of faith is evident

It may be 100 degrees here, but it took one little girl named Miriam less than a minute to melt my heart today, July 4th, our third full day here in Honduras.  We went to the children's nutrition center in Limon today. There was this little toddler girl among the children that didn't look too happy.  To me, she looked a little like one of those malnourished kids we had seen here before. She had lighter discolored thin hair, didn't smile and had low energy, too low to play with any of the other kids. She just sort of wandered around, slowly. When near me, she raised her hands a little bit, and I picked her up. Once I picked her up, I didn't want to let her go. So I didn't. I kept her in my arms while we got our tour.  She eventually fell asleep and took her whole nap laying there in my arms. At one point, I let the rest go on their tour without me and just sat there in the front room in the center with Miriam in my arms and many other kids circling around coming in and going out. 

When the nap was done, her eyes were wider and she seemed to have more energy. I think she was more tired and in want of someone to love on her than being malnourished. I did find out later that her sister, mom and her were the recipients of a home built by a missionary team earlier in the year. There is more to her story that I am hoping to learn while here. If I could have held her for the rest of the time I was here and through to the plane ride back home, I would have. 

Anyways, Miriam and her older sister Maria Jose are among many dozens of kids who benefit from the health, nutrition, economic and educational good works being done at the nutrition center here.  This whole place reminds me of one of my favorite verses from what is my favorite book in the bible, quoted at the bottom of this blog. It is basically a message that having Faith without action is dead and useless. For even the demons BELIEVE in one God and tremble. 

The local church we partner up with here started their presence in Limon with the plans of planting a church. What they quickly saw was that children were showing up unclothed, starving, and suffering.  Single-mother household abound and so did extreme poverty. So the plans changed.  In God's name they served. Where there was to be a church will soon be vocational training classrooms to help the children coming up through the center to transition into self-sustaining adults. There is a tortilla factory that now functions mostly as a community resource where local women can make their tortillas.  They have an after school program here. They help feed the kids. They help teach hygiene to kids who take that knowledge back home. There is so much more.  Now, instead of a church, they serve the community, and that has brought many into the church. They use a bus to transport them back and forth from service. 

Good deeds and service do not define your faith, but it is a byproduct of faith in action is it not?  

“What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.” You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless?”

‭‭James‬ ‭2:14-20‬ ‭NLT‬

God Bless,

Aaron Mason

The Women of Las Brisas - Love is a Gateway to the Hearts of Many

On our second full day here in Choluteca, we got to start work on the home we are building for Anna. Anna is a sweet, smiling, and caring woman of the Las Brisas riverside community. In prior years when we were working on other people's homes, she didn't glare in jealously from a distance covering the blessings of another and gossip about the church and selection process. Instead she welcomed us Americans with open arms and smiles. She even gave small craft gifts to the ladies and braided their hair.

I am so happy that we get to be a part of this blessing for Anna. The church needs women like her in this community.  That became evident earlier in the morning when we attended the church small group. Though led by our good man, Noel, the whole group were women and children.  No men. Some were in the distance watching. Many may have been absent working or fishing for food.  Yet at church service, I recall seeing couples together. 

This visual image of 20 or so women and countless children helped me understand the dynamics of this community better. These women are the gateway of faith into the community. They are so full of love, love for their children and others, which makes them receptive to hearing God's word.  Even if a household may be a patriarchal one, the man and the woman are codependent in God's design.  “But among the Lord’s people, women are not independent of men, and men are not independent of women. For although the first woman came from man, every other man was born from a woman, and everything comes from God.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭11:11-12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Support and bless a loving and godly woman, and other women will take notice.  When the women of a community take notice and learn similar behaviors, the men's attention will be acquired and they will pay attention and learn themselves. You ever hear the expression,"you make me want to be a better man"? Seems cliche, but it is so true how this works. Men and women are codependent and can be catalysts for each others' faith. 

The Word gives women good instruction  on how to lead each other, “Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God.

For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God,”

‭‭Titus‬ ‭2:3-5, 11-12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

So this isn't just a house we are building.  The concrete and cement blocks that we set today aren't  just creating a foundation for a house. The project itself is a seed planted among the women of Las Brisas. We are lifting Anna up in a journey of not only her own faith, but we pray that she in her faith may be a beacon to other women in the community and open many more household to the Word of God. 

I look forward to helping this house take shape and maybe in the process meeting some of the men of Las Brisas and connect with them the way men do, through labored hands, respect and honor. 

God Bless 

Aaron Mason 

"Regular" Life

Today was officially day 3 here in Honduras! As I sit in my bunk, it's actually crazy to think in a week I will be back home, getting readjusted to "regular" life again. The people that I had the privilege of meeting today certainly are already affecting my outlook on "regular" life. As we walked into the community, there were dirt roads, houses made some of sticks and bricks, holes in the ceilings, no windows or doors...but the people were very warm and welcoming. There was one woman in particular who came right over and hugged me and welcomed me (in Spanish of course). We then played a sort of icebreaker game and her and I were instant partners! It was very eye opening and special to connect with someone on a personal level like that when you can't even understand each other. She didn't know anything about me but yet she welcomed me with open arms, literally!

The kids were adorable as well. One little girl came up behind me during small group and started playing with my hair. She told me she liked it and I told her it was "loco" (humidity and my afro do not cooperate). the other kids followed us around and it was amazing to me how a little wave or simply a smile would lift up their faces. They wanted to watch us and be around us. The boys wanted Mike and Aaron to play with them all the time and by the end of the day Paula was teaching some kids English words as they taught her Spanish. I can only imagine the smile on God's face as he watched the interactions today. I imagine he was smiling from ear to ear, enjoying every second.

These experiences do make you think about your own life. "Regular" life, as quoted earlier, is not about the comforts we have in life - like air conditioning and bathrooms - but it is about our attitudes,  the way we act toward others, and the things we do. 1 Peter 2:12 says "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us."

John was saying in a morning devotion that we will affect lives here that we may never know of. So we have to be careful knowing that our every move is being watched. Not to make us paranoid, but just to remind us that our everyday conduct - to strangers and family and friends alike - should reflect the attitude of love and service of Christ. As Christians this is the same in Michigan as it is in Honduras! We are all his hands and feet and we all can make a difference...sometimes without even knowing it.

Blessings
Emily

"Regular" Life

Today was officially day 3 here in Honduras! As I sit in my bunk, it's actually crazy to think in a week I will be back home, getting readjusted to "regular" life again. The people that I had the privilege of meeting today certainly are already affecting my outlook on "regular" life. As we walked into the community, there were dirt roads, houses made some of sticks and bricks, holes in the ceilings, no windows or doors...but the people were very warm and welcoming. There was one woman in particular who came right over and hugged me and welcomed me (in Spanish of course). We then played a sort of icebreaker game and her and I were instant partners! It was very eye opening and special to connect with someone on a personal level like that when you can't even understand each other. She didn't know anything about me but yet she welcomed me with open arms, literally!

The kids were adorable as well. One little girl came up behind me during small group and started playing with my hair. She told me she liked it and I told her it was "loco" (humidity and my afro do not cooperate). the other kids followed us around and it was amazing to me how a little wave or simply a smile would lift up their faces. They wanted to watch us and be around us. The boys wanted Mike and Aaron to play with them all the time and by the end of the day Paula was teaching some kids English words as they taught her Spanish. I can only imagine the smile on God's face as he watched the interactions today. I imagine he was smiling from ear to ear, enjoying every second.

These experiences do make you think about your own life. "Regular" life, as quoted earlier, is not about the comforts we have in life - like air conditioning and bathrooms - but it is about our attitudes,  the way we act toward others, and the things we do. 1 Peter 2:12 says "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us."

John was saying in a morning devotion that we will affect lives here that we may never know of. So we have to be careful knowing that our every move is being watched. Not to make us paranoid, but just to remind us that our everyday conduct - to strangers and family and friends alike - should reflect the attitude of love and service of Christ. As Christians this is the same in Michigan as it is in Honduras! We are all his hands and feet and we all can make a difference...sometimes without even knowing it.

Blessings
Emily

Meet Nelson - visions with a God-Focus

Meet Nelson

On our first full day here, Nelson came by the mission house and gave us an overview of the current mission projects on which the local church is focusing.  

He was the most excited about an aquaponic project that would build small Tilapia and garden system where fish are bred and plants grow in a complimentary circular system. There is great hunger here, and access to protein for good nutrition like fish is limited. People could grow their own food and have a small business for the excess they grow. They plan to find these systems half through donation and half through micro loans. His eyes lit up with this project. You could really see the opportunity it created even if only looking through Nelson's eyes. 

The aquaponic project is a vision that isn't just a way to give a hand out, but it is a way to give a hand up. As with any of their projects, faith-based focus is kept throughout. In Nelson's words, "the worst thing we can do is send a fat pretty kid to hell". So they share the gospel in what they do. The project and service plants a seed in that family benefiting, with the neighbors and customers involved, and in the hearts of those who serve. We do, and they do,all this in God's name and for his glory. 

Other things that they are focusing their vision in are vocational training for those kids coming up through the nutrition center and after school program in Limon. Right now, they have 65 kids in the program and their goal is to get up to 100.  They also want to repurpose one of the buildings by the orphanage to house 8 more kids. There are 40 kids that would be available to the home.  The need is great!  

Today, on Sunday, we will spend the morning in a small group meeting in the neighborhood where we are building. We will return this afternoon and start the construction. It will be near 100 degrees.  Im excited and anxious to get started. 

Please keep us in your prayers today. 

God Bless

Aaron Mason 

A Blessing in Laughter

Today the team got a tour of the mission facility.  The work that is being done here is truly wonderful and a blessing to the community.  We spent some time with the children at the orphanage.  Some ‘minion’ toys were handed out to the children….those were a big hit.  Some of the team members played soccer with a couple of the boys.  We also had a small parachute that we used to play some games with the kids.  Smiles and laughter were all around.
In a world of internet, instant messaging, and ‘reality’ T.V., I believe some of the most basic things in life are being taken for granted.  People are spending so much time ‘plugging into’ their favorite devices, that they are forgetting to listen for the laughter of a child.  It was in the laughter of children that I heard the love of God today.
“Always be full of joy in the Lord.  I say it again—Rejoice!”  Phil 4:4 (NLT)
“One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them.  But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him.  When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples.  He said to them, “Let the children come to me.  Don’t stop them!  For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.  I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”  Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them.”  Mark 10:13-16 (NLT)

Holy Lord of Heaven and Earth,
Thank you for such a wonderfully blessed day today.  Please continue to guide and protect those who see to the needs of the children here.  Gracious father, I want to take a moment to lift these wonderful children up to you.  Guide their heads, their hearts, their hands, and their feet to become shining examples of your Son’s light.  Please be with the mission team Lord as we continue to tend to your sheep and as they continue to tend to us.
It’s in your son Jesus Christs’ name I pray this….Amen.

Eric Laubenstein

Hey, This Monkey Barrier Is New!

Hey, this Monkey barrier is new!!!

Well, we made the journey to the mission house outside Choluteca,  Honduras safely.  The layover in Atlanta, though brief, went smoothly and the notorious landing into Tegucigalpa earned applause from the passengers.  The 4-hour typically harrowing drive through the mountains and its potholes and crazy traffic did not disappoint. 

5 out of 7 of us have been on this mission at least once before, and on this journey to the mission house conversation often flowed towards remembering past events and people, both locals and missionaries, on past mission trips.  We started asking about specific locals who have helped or worked with past missions, and found out that we won't be working closely with some that we had in the past and not at all with some others.  Even in the ride to the mission house, many things have changed. The bus driver, one of the interpreters, and the person in charge is different. 

About halfway there, we stopped at a small zoo in the mountains.  We do this most years. There were some changes there too!  Most notably, there was a barrier now around the monkey cage.  We laughed at this and called it the Cindy Williams Barrier, because on two prior mission trips she got a little too close to the monkey, and it was quite fond of her blonde hair. So fond that it, in a ninja or rabid monkey type manner, grabbed her hair and made her scream out. Not once, but again on a subsequent mission.  

This barrier wasn't really all that much. I'm sure that when Cindy makes it back here, there may be supervision required, because I could still see her finding a way to get too close to the cute monkey.   As for the other changes that have happened or will happen this week, I think it's a good thing for the mission team. While we are fond of the people we've met in the past, we need to stay diligent in focusing on the mission at hand and not fall prey to making it more of a reunion. 

I pray that we stay focused towards God's will for this mission and that we recognize what glorifies him.  I pray that we make new fresh memories that will help connect people to God in new ways when we share our stories. In this reflection and prayer, I go to a Psalm, "God, make a fresh start in me, shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life."‭‭ Psalm‬ ‭51:10-12 ‭MSG‬‬

Thank you everyone that is following us on the blog, Facebook and elsewhere, and thanks for all your prayers and well wishes.

Aaron Mason