FAREWELL EL VENADO AND HELLO OMOA My mission at the Hope of Jesus Children's Home, where I had originally been serving, changed drastically with the hiring of Honduran couple as Program Directors. Their having been contracted freed up my time to concentrate on the community at large. Though my original plan was to continue in El Venado the Bishop requested that I might consider working closer with the Dioceses in the Northwest Deanery of Honduras. I accepted the challenge and made my move in April. I am now coordinating visiting short-term teams from the States, in partnership with the Project Director of the Diocese, and working at Iglesia Episcopal San Fernando Rey, assisting the priest in church growth and development. Before departing to Omoa, my new hometown, I finished a 10-week Nurturing Parenting course with young moms and dads and headed an effort to begin a much needed community library. I formed a committee of local parents, teachers, and youth who are committed to working towards this goal. The plans are moving forward, and with God's help, we hope to soon see the residents, especially the young, having access to books. Saying goodbye to the children and to all my friends in El Venado was certainly hard, yet there is a sense of peace in following God's lead. About Omoa Omoa sits on a small bay on the Northwest Caribbean Sea coast of Honduras, which main sources of income are fishing and tourism. San Fernando Rey is located across the street from an 18th century Spanish Fort, which is Omoa's main tourist attraction, besides its beaches. Thou the town is small, the same cannot be said of its problems and challenges:
Omoa, located just east of Puerto Cortes and 50 kilometers from the Guatemala border a. Government corruption at all levels, making the people feel powerless. Any actions taken may mean a death threat b. Politicians capitalize on the misery of the people. Funds are sent to address the existing issues in the region, however never reach its destination but rather remain in the pockets of the corrupt. c. Heavy drug trafficking goes under current, as fear keeps everyone from talking. d. Extremely high unemployment rate e. High number of adolescent mothers f. Drug/alcohol consumption among youth have risen drastically San Fernando Rey
THE MISSION San Fernando Rey was impacted by the severe earthquake experienced in 2009, but was never repaired and it consequently deteriorated further. It has been great having Jack Melvin, architect and fellow missionary, who has partnered with me in planning the repair. He is also working with me on the design of a multi-purpose building on the same property. The prospects are rather exciting. During my short stay I have been very busy getting to know the church, its parishioners, and the community at large. My first task was to organize a general clean up of the church and grounds, followed my many meetings with builders, electrician, architects, carpenters, and other relevant folks to help me determine the order of priorities and costs involved. Certainly a learning curve for me! Parallel to the above, I have been working closely with the priest, Roselia, and other church leaders, to discuss how to proceed. As a starting point, it was decided that offering the Nurturing Parenting Program would be best. It meets a great need as well as grants the opportunity to build relationships and trust. We are now on our sixth week and going strong. This month we also began to offer a mid week service, Bible Studies, and a liturgy for children, though some aspects still need some adjustment. PRAISES AND PRAYERS a. I am grateful for the many generous friends who helped with the purchase of a vehicle; it has made a big difference and has added to my security. b. Praise God for all the friends and family who are so faithful with their prayers and support c. For my kids, Peniel and Moriah. Peniel has been deployed back to Korea this month, leaving behind his wife and kids. Please pray for them during this very difficult separation, and of course, for his safe return back home. Moriah and David will soon be the proud parents of baby Benjamin, please pray for a safe pregnancy and delivery
d. Pray for the building renovations of San Fernando Rey, that God will provide the people and the funds for its completion. e. Pray for the renewed commitment of its members and for the growth of the church. That San Fernando Rey will become a beacon of hope in the community. f. Pray for Eli, a sweet 12 year old boy neighbor who is being lured to the perils of street life. He has left his home yet once more and the family seems at a loss on what to do about it. g. Pray for the country of Eli Honduras, in particular for Omoa and El Venado, with their many challenges h. For individuals and teams to come and help. Peace, Grace, and Many Thanks, Ana
My "Venadense" Moving Team: four of these ladies remained with me for several would not leave till I was all unpacked. What blessing! Parenting Group in El Venado
Future home of library; it has been painted since this picture was taken. The committee is currently focusing on fundraising for the furnishings Shyla, my goddaughter who spent a couple of months with me, making sure everyone got the right reading glass
prescription Parenting Group in Omoa
Around three hundred patients a day for an entire week. Long and very hot days, but wh work it was! Many families walked away with a year worth of vitamins and medicati walked away not so shirpy after having mouth work done, but most grateful for the gift o smile. Notice Shyla in the glasses station in the background. It was a great experience for all. What joy!
Parallel to a medical/dental clinic or work team, groups often run a Vacation Bible School from the community, where they sing, play, create, and learn about their creator. Du group, part of the teaching was on proper dental care. All walked happily away with tooth tooth paste after listening to the "Teeth Lady". Movie Night at Ana's, known as the fun house in town
Deanery Priests and Pastoral Leaders that I work with; from left to right: Fr. Santiago, Rev. Roselia, Rev. Margarita, Esperanza, Fr. Francisco, Jorge Shyla, loving Honduran children
Eli, reading about the birth of the prophet Samuel and the role that Eli the priest played. He was quite proud to learn about it. Leading the children from this home church in worship in a small mountain village nearby The best corn tortilla maker in town
YHWH-Jireh Moriah used her skills during her visit, alphabetizing Carlos, an 11 year old orphan boy in the community
A day hike: continuing the tradition