Teguc Journal

June 27, 2005

Hello Minnesota!

Sorry for not writing sooner but it is sometimes difficult to get access to e-mail. All is well in Teguc. It has been raining here everyday. We are doing fine with only a little inconvenience because of the rain. The traffic is bad and it is hard to go places because the rain has forced many roads to close and the ones that are open are even crazier than usual. Pray for the people of Tegucigalpa because there have been seven deaths because of the mudslides here in the city and many people have lost their homes. Don't worry though-none of this is close to where we are-we are very safe.

The teens have done such an outstanding job so far. ALL of them fell in love with the children. When you saw a teenager-you saw a child. There was a child either on a teens back, shoulder or holding their hand. It was truly a beautiful sight. You could visually see the compassion and love the teens had for these children. Even when the teens had a free moment to rest they would choose to go outside and play with the children. They were tired and ready for bed after their busy day.

Today is Sunday and we worshipped God in Spanish today. The church was exciting and alive in Christ with great music, prayers, testimonies, dancing, and a sermon meant for us from Matthew 25:31-40. I shared with the teens that I believed God was speaking to them through this passage. Matt. 25:40 says, I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me. What the teens are doing here-they are doing for and to God. It is awesome to know that God is speaking directly to us!

There were also many tears today because the teens had to say good-bye to the children. The teens did not realize that it would be so difficult for them to separate after being together for such a short time. Then they were off to a new church-Iglesia Bautista de Colonial America. They spent the rest of the afternoon and evening preparing for VBS at their new church. They were very busy creating crafts, decorations, learning songs and lessons. You can pray for God to help the teens with the transition to a new church and with their new responsibilities of helping in VBS.

Everyone is healthy and the food has been awesome. Thanks for remembering us in your prayers.

June 23, 2005

The group from Teguc arrived safely. Our first meal was pepperoni pizza at Pizza Hut. We were all very tired and most of us napped after arriving to the church. We are staying all together at a church in Peniel until Sunday. The girls have a nice room with a nice bathroom. The showers were very cold but we had water! It pored rain last evening and the boys had to change rooms because of leaking water. The boys have a pipe coming out of the wall for their shower but they have water also! Today we spent the day distributing clothes to the children at the project at the church. The teens helped children find clothes, shoes and a toy to take home. The teens also taught games to the children and have been very busy playing with children. The boys have been playing soccer with the children. It is great to see the children want to be close to the teens. Everyone is feeling great, maybe a little tired from the trip. The food has been great - fried chicken, baked chicken and pancakes . Tomorrow we are going with the kids from the project to a museum for children. The teens are doing great. We will write when we can. Pray for the kids to stay in good health and for them to be able to absorb all these new sights, sounds, and people. The teens are working on their Spanish and learning quickly that communication goes beyond words. The Spirit of God is Strong! God Bless. I am so impressed with the spirit of this group. They are willing to do whatever! You can be proud! (from Pati Richards)

June 22, 2005

See Update to the Santa Cruz Jounal