What day is it? Sometimes I have to actually think hard about the answer to that question. We are on the go so much that the days become a blur.
Today is Friday. It is evening in Tegucigalpa. I have not written yet about Thursday. We wrapped up the sewing class...a smashing success. The ladies were overflowing with excitement about what they had learned. And in true Honduranian fashion, the official students (totalling 7) quickly passed their new knowledge to others.
We treated another 70 patients in the medical clinic...for a total of 230 in 2 days. I say "we"...personally, I treated a small minority of that number.
Throughout the past couple of days, we have had a number of informal discussions about plans for the next few months. Mainly talking about how to best structure to accomplish the most progress possible. I sincerely hope we can put the ideas we have brainstormed into a workable plan.
I have to confess that this next part is kind of selfish. But thi thing I have been looking forward to most was last night. Once again, I was able to play in the church worship band and preach. They even ask me to play some lead guitar. (I know of at least two people who will find that statement laughable...right, Nathan and Paul!) The people were very attentive and responsive as I spoke with an interpreter on the themes "God Is Closer Than You Think." I can't tell you how elated I felt after the service.
That brings me to Friday...today. The day began very early. We left the house before 6:30 am so that we could visit a Christian school. I spoke in their chapel at 7:05 am. Tasha stayed to visit throughout the morning. A little after noon, we picked her up and visited Valley of the Angels, a small town filled with local shops where we all were able to pick up gifts for people back home.
So now we are back at the Martin residence. Tomorrow, we travel to Choluteca. Will update you again from there.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Evening & Morning...The First Day
Much to write, but I will not last long enough to write all. Thank God for a very productive day. Planning to see 50 in med clinic...treated 160. Tasha didn't just observe the school, she taught the entire day. She was exhausted but bubbling over. Sewing class was incredibly successful. Meeting with the Honduran board of directors for the ministry was a great blessing.
Was very heart-warming to be greeted by the Christian brothers here...Nere, Juan Carlos, Max, Swah. All gave me a hug and called me by name. I MUST LEARN AT LEAST A LITTLE ESPANIOL before the next trip.
I am very anxious to share with the church tomorrow evening. May the Lord make the talk a powerful blessing.
Was very heart-warming to be greeted by the Christian brothers here...Nere, Juan Carlos, Max, Swah. All gave me a hug and called me by name. I MUST LEARN AT LEAST A LITTLE ESPANIOL before the next trip.
I am very anxious to share with the church tomorrow evening. May the Lord make the talk a powerful blessing.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
The Eagle Has Landed
Another successful landing!
The foremost reason for this note is to simply report that our team has arrived safely in Tegucigalpa. And I don't say that lightly. Every time I have flown into the airport here - well, all TWO times - the passengers have spontaneously erupted into applause when the plane comes to a stop at the end of the runway. If you ever have a chance to fly to Honduras, you will understand why...with the mountains that surround the city like the sides of cereal bowl (a small one, at that) and the short length of the runway, it takes special training to pilot a commercial airliner into this airport. I wonder if every passenger is moved to applause by the sense of relief that comes after a successful landing!
We've settled into the Martin's residence and had our orientation meeting. Now, while I stay behind to get some work done, the rest of the team is out running some errands - including a stop at the grocery store to buy supplies for the week.
THE TEAM
Let me take a moment to tell you about our group. In no particular order...
NICOLE MORROW - president of the board of directors for Honduras Ministries, Nicole is a nurse and works (as I understand it - please forgive me, Nicole, if I get this wrong) as the nutrition director with an inner city non-profit after-school program.
ALYSSA FULLING - Alyssa's father offered to take her on a trip to celebrate her 16th birthday, and she chose coming to Honduras.
RUSTY FULLING - Rusty is a business coach who works with a member of the Honduras Ministries Board of Directors (see below).
TOM MITCHELL - member of the HM Board who works with Rusty. Tom owns and operates a cleaning company based in Olathe, KS.
THE OHMARTS (Cindy, Tasha, Anna and Dale) - you've met us before...at least, most of you have. If you really have any questions about who we are, simply comment below and I will be happy to provide any appropriate information.
THE PLAN
We have a busy week before us, designed to take advantage of the unique skills of our entire team.
A Sewing Class - Alyssa will be leading a two day sewing class for six women. One of the goals of Honduras Ministries is to help people develop marketable skills that will help them earn a better living. While it takes longer than two days, each of those women will begin a process and have a tool (they will keep their sewing machines) to help them on the journey toward a greater level of provision for their families.
Medical Brigade - Cindy and Nicole (and others of us as are needed and available) will provide some basic medical care for 100 or more people over the two days that the sewing class is being held.
Education Research - Tasha, who is studying education in college, will be visiting a couple of different schools to talk with administrators and learn about how children in Honduras are educated. On Friday morning, I will be speaking in chapel at one of these schools.
Strategic Planning - Rusty's skills as a business coach and the fact that our team includes four members of the board of directors (the two cited above plus Jim and myself) provides an exciting opportunity to give the ministry a "check-up." We hope the result will be that we will identify how the ministry can function more effectively and what steps need to be taken next in our development.
Relationship Building - On Thursday night, Saturday and Sunday, we will worship with different churches associated with the ministry, renewing our acquaintances with those we have met before. This is SO IMPORTANT...it shows these people that they matter enough that we will come over and over again to help and encourage them.
Well, if you're still reading, thanks for your support. We appreciate your continued prayers on our behalf throughout the coming week. We will do our best to keep you up to date on what we see God doing through our efforts.
The foremost reason for this note is to simply report that our team has arrived safely in Tegucigalpa. And I don't say that lightly. Every time I have flown into the airport here - well, all TWO times - the passengers have spontaneously erupted into applause when the plane comes to a stop at the end of the runway. If you ever have a chance to fly to Honduras, you will understand why...with the mountains that surround the city like the sides of cereal bowl (a small one, at that) and the short length of the runway, it takes special training to pilot a commercial airliner into this airport. I wonder if every passenger is moved to applause by the sense of relief that comes after a successful landing!
We've settled into the Martin's residence and had our orientation meeting. Now, while I stay behind to get some work done, the rest of the team is out running some errands - including a stop at the grocery store to buy supplies for the week.
THE TEAM
Let me take a moment to tell you about our group. In no particular order...
NICOLE MORROW - president of the board of directors for Honduras Ministries, Nicole is a nurse and works (as I understand it - please forgive me, Nicole, if I get this wrong) as the nutrition director with an inner city non-profit after-school program.
ALYSSA FULLING - Alyssa's father offered to take her on a trip to celebrate her 16th birthday, and she chose coming to Honduras.
RUSTY FULLING - Rusty is a business coach who works with a member of the Honduras Ministries Board of Directors (see below).
TOM MITCHELL - member of the HM Board who works with Rusty. Tom owns and operates a cleaning company based in Olathe, KS.
THE OHMARTS (Cindy, Tasha, Anna and Dale) - you've met us before...at least, most of you have. If you really have any questions about who we are, simply comment below and I will be happy to provide any appropriate information.
THE PLAN
We have a busy week before us, designed to take advantage of the unique skills of our entire team.
A Sewing Class - Alyssa will be leading a two day sewing class for six women. One of the goals of Honduras Ministries is to help people develop marketable skills that will help them earn a better living. While it takes longer than two days, each of those women will begin a process and have a tool (they will keep their sewing machines) to help them on the journey toward a greater level of provision for their families.
Medical Brigade - Cindy and Nicole (and others of us as are needed and available) will provide some basic medical care for 100 or more people over the two days that the sewing class is being held.
Education Research - Tasha, who is studying education in college, will be visiting a couple of different schools to talk with administrators and learn about how children in Honduras are educated. On Friday morning, I will be speaking in chapel at one of these schools.
Strategic Planning - Rusty's skills as a business coach and the fact that our team includes four members of the board of directors (the two cited above plus Jim and myself) provides an exciting opportunity to give the ministry a "check-up." We hope the result will be that we will identify how the ministry can function more effectively and what steps need to be taken next in our development.
Relationship Building - On Thursday night, Saturday and Sunday, we will worship with different churches associated with the ministry, renewing our acquaintances with those we have met before. This is SO IMPORTANT...it shows these people that they matter enough that we will come over and over again to help and encourage them.
Well, if you're still reading, thanks for your support. We appreciate your continued prayers on our behalf throughout the coming week. We will do our best to keep you up to date on what we see God doing through our efforts.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Back to Honduras-Anna Ohmart
So as my second trip approaches i have had the overwhelming feeling that i need to blog. Im not sure if its because last year i was supposed to but i felt the need too so here it goes. As my anticipation for my return to what now feels like my second country I can not get over the feeling that throughout this entire year us returning to Honduras seemed so unlikley, after We bought a new car, than wreaked the Crysler, and just regular bills, i was beginning to feel like it was an impossibility. But once again i was shown up. The next thing i knew we were planning a date for the trip and the schedule. Im beginning to feel that God has something great planned for me with these people, in this country. After the connection i first felt with this people and the hurdles i have overcome to get here this realization is becoming more and more plausible to me. I am hoping that this trip will help solidify my furture plans and that this is the continuation of the great journey that i started in April 2010.
Friday, March 4, 2011
The Continuing Adventures of LIFESPRING IN HONDURAS
Join us LifeSpring this Sunday to hear about our most recent trip to work with Jim & Francis distributing school supplies to Honduran students. As always, the hearts of each member of the team was touched deeply by what they experienced. It is very important for you to hear about what God is doing there.
Our next investment in the mission begins in less than two weeks. Dale & Cindy Ohmart will be leaving on March 15 with two of their daughters, Tasha and Anna. Anna has been counting down the days to departure on her in her Facebook status. This will be Tasha's first experience there. Joining with other Christians from Olathe and Wichita, we will be offering a sewing class, medical care and visiting in schools. One other important activity will be to work with Jim on a long-range strategic plan for the mission. We don't expect to complete it in the short few days we are there, but we want to lay the main elements in place.
Please begin praying for this next trip.
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