Emotions of ministry

This week has been draining me emotionally. I've broken down, cried, questioned and prayed, and to be quite honest, not always happy prayers. I came home the other day from the project and laid down. My feet could barely hold me up. If you know me well, you know I don't nap. Personally, I think it's a waste of time. I laid in my bed, just for 5 minutes to get my strength together and do the finances, the reason I had come home in the first place. I told the ladies and the kids I'd be back in a bit, and to call if they needed anything....I woke up 2 hours later. I stood up, and almost fell backwards. I was more than just tired, I was exhausted. Emotionally and physically exhausted. My feet hurt to walk on. My head hurt to think. And my heart felt like it would burst. This past week I had been dealing with several abandonment cases, abortion case, working with a social worker and visiting a 5 day old baby who's 12 year old mother had no family and no place to go. Tuesday, a friend from church came to the project asking if I had an apparatus for a breathing machine. After the language barrier took a tole on a new word for this piece of medical equipment, I finally figured it out. She explained it was for a lady with cancer and asked again if I had it. I didn't. The next day she died. Wednesday, Gabriela, 7 year old at the project (dealing with severe psychological issues and feeling less than) tried to hurt another little girl, a little more than your typical child fights. Her mother didn't want to believe it and got angry saying I (we) didn't love her child. My heart hurt. How could I not love this precious little girl? Her father (no longer in the picture) once told her she was not his child. She is scarred. She remembers it, even today. Her mother had to give her up for a year (a year ago) because at that point in time she had just given birth and didn't have the means to provide. Gaby went to live with extended family members who abused her emotionally and physically. They hit her, punished her, said bad words to her. For an entire year she didn't know love. For an entire year she was taught everything but love. Her mother, in her eyes, had given up on her, her new caretakers didn't want her. Now, we're dealing with the consequences. We've done nothing but feed Gaby, bathe Gaby, teach Gaby, clothe Gaby, and she thinks we don't love her? I couldn't understand it. I was upset that God would bring me this far, for this? He knows my heart, so why is this happening? Thursday Gabriela didn't arrive at the project, but her two younger sisters did. Gabriela was punished (more of my decision than the mothers). I could only hope the mother would go along with it. Friday, Gabriela showed up, walked in the door with a big smile on her face and a big hug. I pulled her aside and we talked a bit. She didn't like staying with mom at work, she was bored. She wanted to be with us. The entire day I was in edge, keeping my eye on her, even recoding her at times to have proof if anything else were to happen again. It didn't. I was relieved. I told her I was pleased with her behavior and I loved her. I can only pray this will last. I closed up the project and headed over to Sunflower House, a new orphanage by Scott and Susan Ledford, to meet their first little girl, Genesis, 7 years old. I gave her a big hug, stayed a while and headed home. I pulled the car in, got into my house and the phone rings. A mother calls saying her daughter has signs of appendicitis and she can't tolerate the pain. I turn back around, pull the car back out, arrive at the house and do the "tests". Lift her leg, press and release on her stomach, she shrieks from the pain. So we head to the hospital. Once at the emergency room, we wait in line. Literally, wait in line until the doctor can see us. Three hours later we see the doctor, tests are done, and concludes it's a throat infeccion. I could scream. As I stood there with her, my hand on her stomach, I thought of just how bad I wanted to be home. Friday's are new episodes of Shark Tank, one of the few shows in English I love to watch. I looked at her tear swelled eyes and thought just how selfish I was. How could I be thinking of myself at a time like this? The Lord would never. I was ashamed. I leaned over this sweet soul, told her I loved her and we would be out shortly. Sometimes, the Lord takes us out of our comfort, takes away our plans, and gives us new ones. To remind us that He is in control, not us. I was reminded of Gaby. Gaby needed that same reminder. To be told she was loved, and to regain her faith in us again. Last night I was tired. The thought of spending hours on end at a hospital that might not even give her what she needs, was daunting. But I knew there was no choice. I was the one the Lord placed in their life to help at this time. As a faithful servant, I went. Because I knew the Lord had already planned my Friday night, and Shark Tank was not it. It was much better. I was lucky enough to be the one called to hold that 7 year olds hand while she waited in pain to be seen. Thank you God, because you know much better than I do. My heart still hurts. There is pain behind every smile. There are 35 hugs waiting for me every morning. I hug them and say buenos días , even though just walking to the door sometimes takes my breath away from my exhaustion. But each hug and "Hola Tia" gives me just a little bit more strength. I am grateful. So very grateful. We've been open for 3 months, and I know the hardest is not behind us, but I trust that through each block in the road, is a just another way the Lord is trying to get our attention and say, "I am in control and I love you"

BIG changes in ministry

Big changes.

We are excited to share some big changes with you! We are nervous, excited, fearful, but we know these are all in God’s plan and with that we can rest easy. So we want to share with you our stories, each in our own words

Here is my story:

For years now, Ive always known children would be a big part of my life. In this ministry, children are a huge part of my life! We are closer and closer to completing construction on the Women and Children Center and excitement is almost too much to contain!

But there is something bigger I want to share with you. For quite some time now, the Lord has been working on me. He has been working with my leadership role of Finding Hope, my future in Honduras and what life looks like as a 27 year old single missionary woman.

It’s not been easy. Every day brings its own struggles. I do know however, I am where I am meant to be and every single day is worth it.

So, as this ministry grows, as I grow and realize my place in this world, who I am is becoming more. Its not about me. I have so much love and I feel called to share that love with others. With those who have no one to love them. With that being said, IM GOING TO BE A FOSTER MOMMY!!!

I began the process in February (application and requirements) and found out yesterday that I was accepted!

Yes, I know, its going to be hard. Its the first thing people tell me. Foster care is all about loving a child that might leave. But Im called to do so. Im called to bear the pain of loving a child for the time they are in my arms and forever keeping them in my heart. 

For those of you who are foster mommys, I need you! I need your support! Your words, your advice and most of all your prayers. Pray for the little ones who will be in my care and pray for their little tiny hearts! 

As of June 1, I will begin accepting girls! I will accept one at a time ages 0-4. In Honduras, the foster care system does not help financially with the children. Therefore, I need you to pray for diapers, formula, medicine, doctors visits, and everything else an infant/child needs! The Lord is good, and He provides!

Lastly, I want to share exciting news from Haille! As of August of last year Haille has been studying to become a CNA in Honduras. She has LOVED it! So much so that she wants to continue in her studies and begin studying Medicine in a university in Ceiba. She will have 8 years of schooling - 1 year in Ceiba, 6 years in San Pedro Sula, and 1 year of residency. Please follow her blog to read more about her decision!

https://haillekrieg.wordpress.com/2016/04/27/big-ministry-update-for-2016/

As of June, Haille will move on with her studies and at the same time I will accept my first child. These are BIG ministry changes which means we need BIG prayers. 

If you like to find out other ways you can help, please message me privately or send an email to info@findinghopehonduras.org

"Your son has a cerebral paralysis"

Those were the words Gaby heard Thursday morning. I sat next to her with her son on my lap as we both listened to the Doctors strong words.

...

About a week ago Gaby came to me wondering if I could recommend a pediatrician. She wanted to take her son in for a check up, her mothers intuition told her something was wrong. Her son, Josias, is 10 months old. He cant hold his head up, cant use his hands and can barely stand with someone holding him up. "Im concerned he isn't growing as fast as other babies his age" she said. So, I recommend a pediatrician in Ceiba and she went immediately. 

A few days ago, I got a phone call. She asked if I would accompany her to another doctors appointment, but this time at a rehabilitation center. We went on Thursday. As we sat in with the doctor, he told us the news. "Your son has a high risk form of cerebral paralysis." He was concerned, however, asking Gaby why she had waited until now to bring her son in. 

So here's what happened. Gaby attended all her checkups. She never missed a shot, vitamins, advice. At Josias 6 month check up the nurse told Gaby that her baby was "slower than most" but that he would grow into it. At a 10 month check up the nurse (the same nurse) told Gaby her son was behind, that he had a problem. Gaby, frustrated because the nurse told her he would "grow into it" is now telling her that her son has a serious issue. 

And thats the problem with the health center in Porvenir. They just dont care...Every morning starting at 5 am, people line up at the door to get a spot for the day. Doors open at 7 am. They only accept 15 people. If you dont get a spot, you have to come 2 hours early the following day. Then you wait all day until its your turn. If you leave, you loose your spot. Once you get inside, its chaos. There is only one doctor. The nurses do their daily routines. Its get it done and go home type attitude. Lack of knowledge is another problem. Ive had people go in with appendicitis and get diagnosed with a kidney problem.  Medicine? Forget it. Explanations or further information on a sickness? Dont even try. 

So when Gaby heard that her son was actually sick 4 months later, as any mother would be, she was frustrated. 

We left the rehabilitation center. They gave her a 3 month check up date and appointments twice a week with the physical therapist. As we walk out to the car, I asked her was she was thinking, or feeling. She just shook her head and said, 'nothing'. I wondered if she really understood how severe his condition really is. 

Then we got in the car and shut the door. Tears began to stream down her face. She picked up her sons hand and kissed him. We sat there in silence for a few minutes. Her heart was broken. "I didnt mean to wait to get him help" she says. "I just want him to be better". 

I tried to comfort her, telling her she did the best she could with the resources and information she had. I was hurting for her. 

The following day she had her first therapy with Josias. The therapist began explaining the process of his hands and feet massage. She expressed how important it is to do the therapy everyday at home. I watched from outside, seeing her smile, loving her child just how he is. 

Gaby is one of the 25 women in our beading program. She is one of the 25 fighting for the little things in life. She makes bracelets to buy diapers, formula and now, to be able to bus into town for her sons therapy. Id love to be able to tell her its pay day! Id love to sell some of her bracelets as well as for the other 24 women. 

Please, pray for Gaby, Josias and every women in the program. Because they all struggle, we all struggle. But we all deserve a chance. 

My meeting with the ladies

In 2013, I began a program aimed at empowering women to provide for their families. It all started with a piece of paper pulled out of the trash and 3 women willing to learn. 

I had no idea what I was doing. I was never good at being the center of attention. But on this day, I had 15 women staring me in the eye, wondering why this gringa was there. A few weeks later, production had begun with 3 women (of the 15) determined to turn their bracelets into a profit. 

Its now 2016, and we have 25 women producing beautiful stories. I call them stories because each bracelet is one. Its their unique soul, heart and love. Each women has a struggle. Each cry tears of pain and suffering. But every single woman whom is a part of this program has the desire. To succeed. To become someone. To thrive. 

Last week I had a meeting with one of the two groups of women. We meet on rickety benches in front of Sandras house. Little kids ran around in muddy feet, chickens were making a ruckus next door and the neighbor was diligently working on fixing her mud wall that collapsed into a gaping hole to her house. There we sat and began to talk about men. Seems like that's a common topic of conversation with us. The women always laugh when we talk about men. Its funny to them that I am 27 years old and not married with 6 kids. I tell them Im waiting for my prince to come sweep me off my feet. They tell me he doesnt exist. 

I hear from the ladies that one of the women got back together with her abusive ex-husband. My heart sank. WHY, I asked. Why would she get back together with the man that took a machete to her? Why would she put her kids in that situation? After knowing that he was sleeping with another woman, why would she go back to him? They tell me that he is also controlling her life. None of them have seen her in weeks. Shes not allowed to answer her phone and she is not allowed to leave her house...without his permission. This is the same man who took his kids mattresses away just to punish her. They slept on the floor. The dirt floor. 

"So she is back with him?" I asked "What benefit is she getting from being with him?!" I responded angrily. 

That's when I learned why. "Catalina, she is back with him because what is she going to do without him? She doesnt work. Were not selling enough bracelets to maintain ourselves. Her kids need to eat and if she doesnt go back to him, they will starve."

I didn't know how to respond.

"This is the reality of women in Honduras" Onoria began to explain. "Even though you might get a black eye, or a broken wrist, you have to tolerate your situation. Being a women is hard in this country. We dont have the rights, the resources or the finances to separate us from an abusive husband. At least tolerating the situation, we get the necessities we need from our husbands."

You see, in Honduras, men work and women stay home to cook and clean. Even though children grow up, get married and move out of the house, they cant come back home or rely on mom and dad to help. With mom and dad struggling each day, there is no way their child, who is physically and mentally abused by her husband can come to ask for help. So what is the solution? Go back to him. Pretend that your fine. Tolerate it. And pray to God for help.

Soraya told me the story of her sister. She used to walk the streets with sunglasses on to cover up her black eye. She made excuses, saying she fell, or got hit by accident. Xiomara knew the real story. "Catalina, I wanted to help my sister. I love her. But I could barely scrape enough rice and beans each day to feed my kids." Then she says "...Thank the Lord my sisters husband is dead. He was shot and killed by gangs. That was the only way my sister would be free"

I sat and listened. The women talked and compared stories for about half an hour. 

Without mentioning the bracelets, I brought up a scenario. What if these women had jobs? Secure jobs? What if they brought in enough money weekly to pay for the school expenses, food, medicine, clothes and other necessities for their families? Then could they be "free"?

Every single women there responded with a sigh of relief. YES. Even though it was a 'what if' situation, their faces lit up. Like what a dream that would be. With a solid weekly income they wouldn't have to deal with abusive husbands. They could take their kids and give them what every mother wants to provide. 

Could you imagine not knowing where your next meal came from? Not knowing if your kids would be able to go to school next month because you dont have a backpack for them?

And thats why Im writing this blog. I heard their cries. I know their worries. I also know we can change that. When I started this program, my goal was to provide these 25 women with an income. Give them back what they never knew was theirs. Make them proud. Proud to be mommies and proud to provide.

I know that by selling their products, it gives them that much more hope to continue. To not give up. To be the woman the bible says she is "far more precious than jewels."

This is my plea. With a sadness, a deep, deep sadness in my heart. Will you please join us in this journey? We need you. Help us sell these bracelets that tell their stories. From a listening ear and a breaking heart, please. Each bracelet sold, one woman receives $5. This $5 can feed her family, buy her kids notebooks and pencils for school or pay for the medicine her newborn baby needs. It is crucial. 

We haven't sold bracelets in quite some time. We need a way to expand our market and get new customers to purchase our products. I need YOU to help me do so. While I am on the field working with the women, I need YOU to help market.

Do you have ideas you can share? Do you have access to groups, organizations, corporations, that can help these women? 

Last year each women sold on average 150 bracelets. Thats 750 dollars. EACH. Times that by 25 and that gives you over 18,000 dollars sold in bracelets. One hundred percent went back to the women. One hundred percent went back to their families and their communities. BIG THINGS HAPPENED. Lets make it happen again this year.


**A huge shout out to the Vennam's who run our Etsy site statesite

https://www.etsy.com/shop/FindingHopeHonduras

**Thank you to Maureen Regier who has sold thousands of bracelets in Canada by attending conferences, womens events and other activities. Maureen, you are a true advocate for Finding Hope and an awesome representative! This would not happen without you!

End of the year Newsletter 2015

The week where everything went wrong

Thursday morning at 5 am, Charlie (missionary in Porvenir) takes haille and I to board a 7.5 hour bus to Tegucigalpa. We were headed to a women's missionary retreat. The week was full of refreshment, meeting other missionaries and just spending time with the Lord.

By noon on Sunday, Amber (missionary in Tegus) offered to drop us off at the bus terminal so we could head back to Ceiba. As we were pulling in the parking lot, the bus was pulling out. Great. The next bus, 5 minutes later, was going to San Pedro Sula, so we bought a ticket there with the intentions of hoping on another bus to ceiba. Well, we were on the bus and I realize that by the time we get to San Pedro, we will have missed or cut it too close to catching the last bus to Ceiba. So, we grab our stuff, beg the driver to let us off, and let us change our tickets. With much "pretty please" we grab our things, head back to the ticket booth, along with several nasty stares, and change our ticket. Well, that was for the next bus 3 hours later. So....what else to do when waiting 3 hours, buy lots of junk food and watch some terror movie playing in the terminal in Spanish. We settle in, run into a police officer stationed in Porvenir who was in Tegus visiting his family, then the oldest little man sits down next to me. He pulls out a folded up piece of paper, stored in a folded up old potato chip bag and asks me to call his daughter to let her know he has arrived. The call is made and the conversation starts. Come to find out he was in the military stationed outside Porvenir. He knew all about the town and asked if the Pineapple fields were still producing pineapples. He was floored. So sweet. Out of his red bag of folded up chip bags, he pulled out a picture of himself back in his military days. All of his beloved memories were held in that red bag of bags. The conversation ended and we patiently waited with his for his daughter. She arrived. We were relieved.

 We arrived in Porvenir 8 hours later at 11 at night. After a quick shower, quick repacking of clothes for the next day and then to bed. By 6 am we were up again and by 7 out the door. This time, in the car, headed to San Pedro Sula with Isabella and her mom. The oil and water were checked in the car and on our way we were.

 About an hour and half down the road, we came to a stand still for road construction. A few minutes passed and then....the car shuttered off. Just shut off. Great. So I call Charlie as someone saw what was happening and came to help. He "diagnosed" it was a fuse problem. So he pushed the car to the side of the road to "help" (charge). An hour, hour and half goes by and he says we are good to go. I pay him and we continue. Realizing we have JUST ENOUGH time to make it to Isabellas appointment. BUT I have to book it. No problem, in a country where speed limits and road rules are non existent, no problem. About 30 minutes down the road the air conditioning goes out. Ok, well, we will just have to deal with it. Windows rolled down. It starts to rain a bit. Windows back up. Rain stops. Windows down again. Another 30 minutes goes by and we are almost into the city. There is a police block in the road, so I slow down to get into the other lane. Well....my steering wheel gets hard and I cant turn. Great. I force it to the side of the road and shut it off. It overheated. Everything went bad from there on out. We waited 30 minutes for it to cool down. We added water. Not a lick of water was in the motor. Added all the water we had (6 bottles). Tried to start again, nothing. Call Charlie again. Nothing.

 The Lord is so good. At our missionary conference just the day before, we roomed with 2 ladies from San Pedro Sula. What lovely people and really a blessing from the Lord. So I called Ashley. Asked if her husband knew anything about cars and/or if they had a mechanic that could help. So I call her mechanic. He comes out, brings and pours in a gallon of water. Tries to start it. Nothing. So, we are towed to his shop. (We are now 3 hours the second time on the side of the road) This is the situation:

 At this point we have missed Isabellas appointment but changed it to the afternoon. So once we get to the shop, its now 2 and her appointment is at 3:30. By 3, when we still had no answers from the mechanic on what went wrong, we grab a cab, rush to get fast food (no one had eaten all day), take it to the doctors office, devour the meal just as the last patient leaves the Doctors office. We walk in (with all our belongings, clothes, backpacks, etc) and switch our minds from the car to Isabella. We had a successful appointment, explaining the situation to the Doctor, and hearing what he has to say about it. He prescribes her medicine (yes, more medicine) and says if we strictly follow his orders, we will see him again in a month and she should be parasite free. All her intestinal problems will be solved once the parasites are gone. Basically, the parasites are eating her from the inside and causing damage of everything else.

 So we leave his office and now its time to switch back to the car issues. The mechanic sends us a report of what needs to be replaced. $2,000 USD. My mouth drops. WHAT. So then he sends another (because we explain, listen, we just need to get back to La Ceiba), the second report he sends is $1,000 USD. OK half as bad but where the heck and how the heck am I going to pay this. (Any one really would understand the pickle we were in but as a missionary, this is 17 times harder). I laugh. Great.

 We call Ashleys husband, Justin, who came to pick us up from the Doctors office. We explain whats going on and he calls his ministry partner (Honduran) who deals with the car situation for us. The mechanic who was working on our car, also works on all the ministry cars with Ashley and Justin, so we were assured he was doing what he was supposed to do and no funny business. Plus, now the Honduran is involved and he made sure to get us a discount :) At that point, any help counts.

 We hear back from the mechanic that the car would be done possibly Wednesday, but for sure by Thursday.

 Tuesday, we had a second appointment with Isabella in Lago de Yojoa (about 1.5 hours from San Pedro) to see a heart specialist. Ashley graciously offered to take us to the appointment so we didnt miss that. By 6 am Tuesday morning we were out the door; myself, Haille, Isabella, her mom (Keidi), Ashley and her two adopted Honduran children (2 years old, Graciela and Aaron) We followed our directions (Thank you Wendy!), got there by 8 and patiently waited our turn.

 What we thought would be a quick appointment turned into an all day event. We left by 3 PM. At this point, everyone is cranky, tired, the kids missed their nap, and we just want to get home.

 The appointment was successful. We got Isabella registered for the program (The foundation is called Amigos de Barnabe and they help with heart patients). We found out our next steps and what to expect through the program.

 So we head back to San Pedro. First drop off Isabella and mom at the bus terminal to catch the last bus back to Ceiba. (there was no need for them to stay and wait for the car with us) We drop them off at 4:30 to catch the 5 o'clock bus. ....By 7 I receive a call that they had still not left the terminal. "Oh gosh...." with a big sigh. There was a big soccer game (Honduras vs. Mexico) and the highway was blocked from everyone leaving the game. 2 hours later they finally left the station, but the entire time, Keidis phone was off and I couldnt reach her so I had no idea where she was. By 10:30 she called to say she was home. Thank goodness.

 Wednesday we call the mechanic and he says it will be done Thursday.

 Thursday we arrive at the shop, pay $1,000 and head on our way. A friend of ours, Alex, a teacher in a bilingual school, was arriving to the airport Thursday so things worked out well and we picked her up. As we were leaving the airport, waiting to pay the exit fee, the car shuts down. Again. OH NO. WE WERE ON OUR WAY HOME!!! So I call the mechanic, he comes out, we are towed again. He says ok this is a quick fix (and $250 later), youll be out of here tonight! Two hours later, he says he is sorry but we wont be able to leave until the next day, Friday. So Friday morning we arrive back at the shop, wait once again, only to be told he fixed the problem from the day before but now there is another problem. By this time I just want to cry. Im loosing my sanity now.

 Haille headed back to Ceiba for a graduation and Alex and I stayed in San Pedro, yet another night. We planned to take advantage of the situation, go see a movie, go to the mall, eat goodies, but things took a turn for the worse, Alex got sick and we spent the afternoon at the clinic, doing tests and getting medicine.

 Saturday morning I call at 9 to see about the car. He says call again at 11. I call at 11 and he says call again at 2. FINALLY he says its done! They pick us up in my car, I give it a test run, only to find out I hear a ticking noise. We drive it back to the shop, they check the noise and send us on our way. I go around the block, hear the noise again and drive it back to the shop. (YES, even through all this I still have the sanity to GO BACK to the shop, hahaha) After $1,250 they better fix it!!! Things are all good and by 4 we were on our way.

 WE MADE IT TO CEIBA! Praise the Lord. I drop Alex off and then head home. On my way home, I run into our local firefighters who are broken down on the side of the road, GO FIGURE. Of course I stop to help, even though my bladder is about to burst and a 2 day trip turned into 6 and I just want my bed.

 Finally I make it home. Go visit the Marios because being away for that long is just too much. I arrive at their gate and my little munchkin, Alyson, sees me and runs towards me yelling LINAAAAAA. We embrace eachother, I cry, and things are good again.

 Even though this week was terrible, awful, expensive and just bad news after bad news, He is still Good. He is always Good. And through situations we dont understand, He does. He had us there for a reason. We stayed with Ashley and Justin and learned so much from them. We learned about their ministry, how things are run and we have great ideas now! They were a huge blessing through this all and really showed us and taught us a few things we needed to learn. So all in all, I give Him thanks. A million times over again, I give Him thanks. 

Family

I have to take some time to talk about family. 

Ive learned something, something so important; Family, is everything. No, this is not something new or something Im just now realizing. Ive always knew. I love my family, they are my everything. 

My family supports me and Finding Hope. They pray for me, love me and are 100 percent the backbone of what I do. Being apart from them is the hardest part of being a missionary (although food is a big contender). I can skype call, facebook, snapchat but its not the same. Its not until I can sit on the couch with a tub of cookie dough with Riane, go thrift store shopping with mom and mommom, help dad paint his new house flip, or play RLC with Ally and Dan while eating white cheese dip do I feel complete. So seeing them only once or twice a year tears my heart apart. 

Id like to share this picture with you:

This is a Honduran family that I have grown close to over the past few years. Not all the siblings are pictured but I want to share a bit about who they are. In the yellow is Mario, Papi Mario, bricklayer, mason, painter, plumber, and all over laborer. He is always pending and comes to help withing seconds of a phone call. In the black next to Mario is Doris. She cooks meals for me almost everyday, washes my clothes, and cares for me like one of her own children. The children are Mario and Doris' grandchildren. The little nugget in the one piece standing up is Alyson. She is my heart and sole. I love her, honestly, as if she were my daughter. When she screams "LINAAAA" whenever she sees me, I melt. Shes got a smile that kills and a heart sweet as sugar. In the black shirt next to Alyson is Diana. Diana's son is Danielito (Gordo) who is pictured under the table. He is a chunky little rascal who is always in trouble. But with those chubby cheeks how can you not forgive him? Diana is a talented young women who works (whenever she gets a call) painting nails and styling and cutting hair. Every week she creates another master piece on my toenails. Even if I dont want it, she insists a new design is a must every Sunday. Kelvin, in the white, is father to the two little girls, Kaylee and Yiret, pictured sitting in the sand. His wife, Lesli is pregnant with a little boy on the way. Kelvin works day and night fighting for his family. They have their good days and their bad but there is one thing I know, He loves his girls with all his heart and would do anything for them. On the right, in the black shirt is Alvin, the youngest of Mario and Doris's children. Alvin is like a little brother to me. We hit each other, I bother him about girls, and he loves to flick me in the ear whenever he gets the chance. Not pictured is Heyson, Ever, Marito and Keyla. Heyson is the punk of the family, too cool for family events and always slightly angry at somebody (also in love with me). Ever is again like a little brother. Although sometimes I want to rip his head off, hes still a sweet guy. Marito is the lover of the family. There is always a girl in the picture. He also has a little girl, Brithany, who lives with the mother. He loves his daughter and is always talking about her. Marito is thoughtful, caring and a good listener. Lastly, Keyla. I would consider Keyla as one of my closest friends here in Porvenir. Especially recently. Keyla is the mother to Alyson. Keyla is very similar to Riane (my sister). She would do anything for you and is always there if you need her. But the moment you piss her off, you better run. Shes got a fiery spirit. 

We call the family "The Marios" because there are so many of them. I also call them family. My Honduran family. 

I can spend hours at their house and not tire. There are days I ache to be at their house because they are who I have here in Honduras. I can sleep over and snuggle with little Alyson, I go fishing and help catch fish for lunch, go for evening beach walks with Mario and Doris, help make tortillas for dinner, walk to church together and just have hammock talks. If a day or two go by and I haven't been to the house, one of them call to make sure everything is okay and wonder why its been so long. 

Im grateful for the Marios. Im grateful to have my Honduran family. Sometimes when im sitting in their house and the chaos of having 7 children and 5 grandchildren surrounds me I can feel nothing but love. How perfect? To have all your children and their families living in the same place? 

But you know whats even more perfect? The love the Marios have for others. They share everything. When I say everything, I mean everything. Anyone who is at the house during mealtime is fed. If you need something and they have it, they will give it to you without thinking twice. This neighborly love is overwhelming. And they care, they honestly truly care. 

Thats why it breaks my heart when they dont have food for lunch because no one in the house is working. It breaks my heart when Doris has had pain in her breasts but they cant afford tests so nothing is done about it. When Kelvin gets appendicitis and the only money they bring to the hospital with them is 10 lempiras (50 cents).  

Having Mario and his boys be our construction workers for Finding Hope is more than just labor. Were not just hiring them to work for us, but in turn, we are able to support the family. Because when we have work for them, they have food. When we dont, neither do they. Yes, we pay them (in comparison to US standards) very cheap. Labor is inexpensive in Honduras. But we do pay them more than the average worker gets in this country. Not just because we are foreigners and "we have money" do we pay them more. But we are invested in the Marios. We love, encourage and support them, just like any family member would do. Which is why, family, is everything. 

I would ask you to please pray for the Mario family. Please pray that Finding Hope would receive the funds needed to continue construction. We've stopped construction 2 weeks ago and do not foresee continuing until December. When I talked to Keyla today, and she told me the family didnt eat lunch yesterday because no one had money, I knew I had to reach out for prayers. Yes this is common in my town, many times families do not have money to even buy rice. We are working to change that, one family at a time. 

I love my family, both here and there. I am grateful to have people in my life who love me and show their love. Even if that means giving me their last plate of tortillas and beans. 

****Just as I finished writing this, Doris calls saying dinner was ready and was wondering if I was going over :) looooooove