These are the days of our lives

Sometimes being a missionary on the field is a day of playing with kids, swimming and soccer games. Sometimes its planning logistics for a Women and Children Center/Shelter. Somedays it’s a shopping day in La Ceiba buying materials for the womens bracelets, buying supplies for a new mother and baby or running hospital visits. Other days its filled with stories that break hearts and we are reassured God has us here for a reason. To be available to this community, that people know they can confide in us and feel free to tell us whats going on in their lives. Today was one of those days.

The following stories are all women in our bracelet group:

This morning Haille and I spent washing clothes with Liliana and Onoria in the river. For a few hours we learned a few hand washing techniques and skills. We talked about Lilianas pregnancy and the troubles with her husband. We met Onorias 16 year old daughter who cooked us the most delectable lunch. We talked about God, what sin is in our lives and the importance of asking forgiveness. Even though the morning ended up with wrinkly fingers and an achy back, getting to learn more about the lives of the women in our program and spend time with their families is all we could ask for.

This afternoon, we had our weekly meeting with the women of our bracelet group. Thanks to so many wonderful supports, the women have sold 40 bracelets each in the past month! Each bracelets sells for $5 and the women receive 100% of the proceeds. They were thrilled to hear for the next 6 weeks they will receive $25 weekly. A week before Christmas they will receive $50! Christmas here is a very special holiday with family, the blessing of $50 to be able to share with family is more than many of us can even comprehend. After our meeting I was pulled aside by Stephanie. She proceeded to tell me her mother was brutally beaten by her stepfather last night. Her younger siblings shocked and frozen in the room. Her mother left in the middle of the night. This has been going on for years, but her mother is scared to report him. Unfortunately this happens more often than not. Haille posted this last week:

“In a town of about 5000 people, only 40 women in an entire YEAR reported domestic abuse.
In an area where there is some sort of abuse going on in almost every home, this statistic breaks my heart.
It breaks my heart that so many women stay silent because they're afraid of their husband, they think they deserve the abuse, they don't know what the alternative could be, they can't imagine a better future, and many other tragic excuses that are just not true.
The lies that are believed about their self-esteem and their roles in society are absolutely soul-crushing.”

Through Finding Hope we want to be a solution. A solution to these women who feel like they have no other option. We want to be the love and Christ like examples to families who have struggled and suffered for years. El Porvenir, when you drive through for the first time, seems like a cheery quaint little town with happy people and kids running about. Its true. But its not until you invest in the lives of the families and look past the outward appearances that you realize the true suffering that goes on daily.

After our meeting, we passed by Kerlins. Her mother is always sitting outside the house with the biggest smile on her face. Every Wednesday when we pass by she is so delighted to see us. This Wednesday we learned her husband, Kerlins dad, passed away at 78 years old. He was their only source of income, begging for money. Now Kerlin is the only provider for the family through her work with Finding Hope and making bracelets. Her mother said "Thanks be to God for the money Kerlin has received through Finding Hope. It has been a big blessing for our family, as its our only source of income....some days we eat and other days we just have to deal with hunger. We have no other option”

Our hearts break through these types of conversations. We do what we can to help people in these types of situations. We can pray with them, we can give what our resources allow, and we can keep encouraging our women in our bracelet program. You, reading this right now, are the backbone behind this program. Every bracelet purchased directly supports 23 women and their families. You are giving so much more than just $5 to these women. You are saying “I support you, I love you and I want to be a part of your life” The changes are real. These lives are real. So thank you. On behalf of the women, thank you.

Please consider being a part of Finding Hope by selling bracelets at a local event in your area. Christmas is coming up and they make great stocking stuffers! Would you sell at your office, work or school? Its important for us to show these women we are continually invested in their lives. You can help us do that!

Today was a special day. A special day spent with several of our women. Please keep these women in your prayers. Please also keep Haille and I in your prayers. That we have the words to give these women. That God may use us to minister to them and pray for them. That through the faith we have in our eternal father change can happen.