The Brechbill Bunch

O Magnify...

2011-09-20T16:21:00.001-05:00

What does my life magnify?

-the wretchedness, the anguish, the evil of the world around me?
-the peculiar faults and needs of the people I work with?
-the failures and weaknesses of my loved ones?
-my own pain, my inadequacies, my fears, my burdens?

Or perhaps,
-my possessions, my family, my ministry, my gifts?
-my ambitions, my dreams, my experience, my achievements?
-my opinions, my wisdom, or my goodness?

Oh, let it be none of that! My heart cries with Mary, "My soul does magnify the LORD, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior." So, what does magnifying God look like in my life? It is praise and thanksgiving, especially when it is costly. It is inviting God to transform me by the renewing of my mind, although old thought patterns are easier. It is living each moment in the reality that life is all about Jesus, and Jesus only. It is not beating up my old self, but simply not taking it into consideration at all. Surrendering my will for His, even when mine feels better... Looking at life with eternity in my heart... Expressing joy when I don't feel like it... Showing appreciation when it's not deserved... Loving people who don't make me look good... Speaking words of life in place of condemnation... Dispelling fear with trust and love...

What about magnifying God to my children? Do they know that honoring God is the most important thing in my life? What do they see when my plans are thwarted, my will crossed, my expectations not met? Do they see me stress over my dirty house but careless about the hurting person beside me in church? Obsessed with being right but casual about being loving? Eager to invest in what directly benefits me, and reluctant to sacrifice for the sake of another? Free to criticize behind someone's back, while being sweet to their face?

What would they say my life magnifies? Me... or Jesus?

Questions

2011-09-02T20:32:00.002-05:00

I have always been inquisitive by nature. I want to know the how, the why, and the because of everything. I love to learn and I abhor stagnation. In my journey with God, I ask questions, lots of them. I'm not the meek, resigned saint who dares not to wonder why; rather, I am the persistent two year old who trails after Daddy asking dozens of questions and responding to each answer with "Why?". Maybe that says something about my maturity- after all, Josh asked wa-a-ay more questions at two years old than he does now at fourteen. There have been times when my questions were demanding and I even tried bargaining with God in an effort to hear from Him, but now- I ask questions not so much because I expect to get answers, but because voicing them helps put them into perspective. That's how I've felt this week as I grapple with the death of the only son of my missionary cousin in West Africa. Christopher was a gift to his family and I know they loved him as such, but how could they know that the assignment of his life was for only ten short years? What parent is ever prepared for the searing pain of laying to rest the flesh and blood that they conceived and birthed and nourished and cherished? How do they go on living while dying, rejoicing while mourning, being strong when their world has fallen apart? How do they grieve the loss of one child while celebrating the gift of the remaining three? In the midst of such agony, how do they show the goodness of God to the world who is watching, or perhaps more importantly, to their own children? Is this anguish really worth the salvation of even one soul who may be watching? My heart lies exposed to view as I wrestle with the questions. It is humiliating to realize that I have been economy-minded instead of heavenly-minded; that I want my sacrifices to insure me from grief and pain.

But I am slowly learning a few things... One, that peace lies not in answers that I can grasp and interpret, but in JESUS. Peace is relinquishing my right to know and to control, and resting in the goodness of God even when I can't feel it. After reading a letter written this week by Christopher's mama, I am in awe at how abundant the grace and peace of God really is. I do not doubt the intensity of the pain and the finality of death, but the faith shining forth from their broken hearts assures me anew of the greatness of my God. My questions fall to the dust and I simply worship Him.

Christopher, you never knew how many people would be touched by your death. Eric, Martha, Marissa, Carolyn, and Bethany- you are being prayed for now more than ever before in your lives. Who knows what fruit may come forth from your sacrifice and the prayers invested in your family? The Lamb will receive the reward of His sufferings in your lives, even now! ...We love you.

Breakfast Table Conversation

2011-08-21T17:57:00.002-05:00

Six year old: "When I get big, I am going to live in the States!"

Ten year old: "Why?"

Six: "Because that's where my friends are. And my uncles."

Three year old, giggling: "Uncles? Your uncles live in the states? Your uncles are on your feet!"

Mandie Jane, you light up my life!

The Spoiling of Our Goods

2011-08-17T10:16:00.005-05:00

It was inevitable. For weeks we had been noticing the prowlers in the wooded property bordering ours; people chopping wood, taking bananas, digging in the dirt. Our egg-laying chickens were disappearing at an alarming rate so we put up extra lights between the shop and the hen house. But as is always the case, we do not calculate like thieves do and they do the very thing you don't expect them to do. In this case we cleaned our apartment on Friday forenoon in preparation for guests, then left the door unlocked since we were planning to be back in the room in the afternoon. While we enjoyed lunch with our visitors, a band of rogues must have tried the doors and found it to be their lucky day. In a very short time they carried off an amazing quantity of goods from the apartment and the kitchen. When I walked into the rooms shortly after lunch and found the doors open, muddy tracks on the floor, and furniture gone, I was in disbelief. I just didn't realize thieves would enter those rooms at midday and run off with things like a wooden dresser, large mirror, foam mattress, and electric roaster... but hey, what do I know about stealing? With the exception of a few small items, everything that was stolen was gifts to us, most given specifically for ministry purposes. The police came out and did the expected- strolled about with handcuffs dangling conspicuously from their pockets, remarked that our dogs weren't doing their job, and declared that the thieves were obviously not armed since they obviously weren't professionals. (Thank you very much for that information, now could you please get my stuff back?) But no, it's gone, and it is unlikely that we will ever see it again or know who the thieves were.

It's just stuff. It's earthly and temporal and what does it matter in the light of eternity? But it is the response of my heart that plagues me with doubt... Does "taking joyfully the spoiling of your goods" really apply to me? After all, this surely was not an attack on my personal faith in Christ... or was it? Did my three year old pick up on my attitude when she suggested "shooting them in the head"? If I committed all my possessions to God, why should I be troubled? I know that stuff won't matter in heaven, but is it okay to want it now? What would Jesus do??? The questions march round and round, and most of them remain unanswered. And so I take a deep breath, and let go. Let go of my rights, my goods, my wants, my questions. Empty myself. Trust God. Love passionately. Live joyfully. Believe in redemption...

These are still the best days of my life.

Treasures

2011-08-10T14:34:00.000-05:00

Until recently, I didn't give much thought to the fact that freedom is a really big deal to God- so big, in fact, that He created us with free wills and gave us the option of making some really foolish choices. For some reason, He wasn't satisfied with making robots and placing them in a perfect Garden with only the best and loveliest of everything. No, He created humans in His image, and then put the option of a very bad choice right smack in the middle of their paradise. I don't know about you, but that's definitely not what I would have done! If there had to be a bad choice, surely it would have been a good idea to put it far away, well hidden from sight, or then build a tall fence around it plastered with lots of "Danger-Keep-Out" signs. But that wasn't God's way. Why, I've been asking myself, why did God do this? How could He put Himself at such a huge risk, knowing all the while the heartbreak we would cause Him? And the only answer I get is, because He had a plan- a plan for the worst case scenario- and that plan was redemption! Something inside of me (my personal John the Baptist, I like to think) leaps for joy every time this thought hits me. Redemption and reconciliation... it has been God's heart from eternity past. Jesus, the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world! Now this truth is the best news I've ever heard, but the real question is, what does it look like in my own life? How does this play out in my relationships with others? "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves." (2 Cor. 4:7) God chose to put His greatest treasure -His own glorious image in the person of Jesus- into our hearts. And maybe it wasn't so much "in spite of" our weakness and sinfulness, but "because of" -that the world would know that the power is God's and not our own. Suddenly I am looking at my fellow believers with a brand new perspective. God put His greatest treasure in him?! God took the risk of putting His treasure in her?! How can I possibly criticize them, their immaturity, their twisted way of viewing life? Oh, if we could capture God's heart for redemption and reconciliation, imagine how our relationships would be transformed! Instead of controlling each other and putting the pressure on for performance, we could relax and be free to just LOVE! Love our spouses, our children, our fellow believers, our leaders. Love them gladly, freely, and abundantly. Love them with the love of God Himself, drawing them right into His marvelous kingdom. Believing so firmly in God's power to redeem and save that we just love, love, love!

Oh, yes! Let's do it!

Real Life

2011-08-03T16:42:00.000-05:00

Last week the missionary man, better known as my husband, took a trip about seven hours south of here to preach the Gospel. Two of the guys from church accompanied him and they had a marvelous time with divine appointments, spiritual encounters, and making new friends in the Body of Christ. That's what missionaries do, right? Meanwhile, I stayed home and cheerfully carried the responsibility of the family, the house, the farm, the workers, and the animals. I prayed many hours for my preacher husband and gathered my children around me to teach them profound Bible lessons. That's what missionary wives do, right?

Ha. Did you really believe that? Oh the first part is true, alright, but the part about me is sort of, well, wishful thinking. (Except for the part about staying at home.) Truth be told, I didn't want my man to leave. It didn't feel good, and I didn't feel like playing the part of the proverbial brave missionary wife. The morning of his departure, I fried pancakes with a huge lump in my throat, packed his clothes in tears, and said "Goodbye, I love you" on the outside while saying "Just leave so I can cry!" on the inside. Yes, I cried a lot. And prayed. I prayed that God would bless him abundantly, although some times even that was laced with selfishness... "Please make his trip worthwhile so my sacrifice isn't in vain!" And I fought a lot. Fought for the lives of our new chicks, fought to bring my thoughts into captivity, fought the weeds in the garden, fought crazy hormones and moments of panic. "He hasn't called for a whole day, what could have happened?!" And then he did call, and I was so rattled I ended up in tears, again. I tried to share his excitement about their experiences and all the things God was teaching them about walking in the Spirit, but inside I was going, "You're not asking how I am!" But if he had asked, what would I have said? He's evangelizing the world and I want to complain about the chicken pen and my silly emotions?!

You're waiting for the punch line, aren't you? You're thinking, "Goodness she's crying the blues, will she ever get over it?"

I got over it, yes. :) And although this was very much reality to me, I thank God that there is a bigger reality... That HE is bigger than all that. In all my tears, frustrations, and frantic prayers, He never scolded. Never backed off like I do when people get belligerent. He was just there, not saying much, quietly waiting, catching my tears. I used to beat myself up like crazy after times like that, punishing myself until I felt like I was worthy of God's love once more. But He has delivered me from that and now I just rest. His love quiets me. And He reminds me that there have been, and will be, other times. Other realities, moments that take my breath away with the sheer delight of doing exactly what He created me to do...

These are the best days of my life.

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder?

2011-07-22T16:07:00.003-05:00

That's what they say.

I am not up to making an explanation about my absence from the blogging world. Those who really know us, have an idea of why I needed some time away, and those who don't know- well, what difference does it make? I have been praying for a long time about resuming blogging, and frankly I still don't have a clear answer. It's time consuming, and there is the constant snare of exalting something other than Jesus Christ, which is one thing I cannot afford to do, something, in fact, that I wish to abhorr like nothing else. If I choose to blog, something else will probably have to go. (Facebook, perhaps?) At any rate, I felt like it was time to break the silence, so Hello! You may hear from me again!

Sometimes There Are No Answers...

2010-09-24T16:17:00.007-05:00

Me: "Anthony, I would like you to take a nap this afternoon."

Anthony: "Why?"

Me: "So you don't sleep in church tonight."

Anthony: "Well, what else is there to do there?"

Front Porch Picnic

2010-09-21T14:45:00.003-05:00

Mandie was sad this morning that Derek got to go to the city with Daddy, while she had to stay home with Mama. So I purposed to make the day special for her and involved her in doing laundry, cleaning flower beds, and mixing oatmeal bread, with the promise of a picnic lunch on the front porch. It is the most pleasant place to be in the afternoon when the sun is beating at the back door.
First we scared up the tailless lizard and giggled to see him scrambling ever so frantically and fruitlessly on the slippery painted cement floor! Then we spread out the old apple tablecloth and sat down to Mandie's favorites: peanut butter and jelly sandwich, bread and butter pickles, tortilla chips, and charamuscas- the Honduran version of ice pops. "Don't forget to pray for the food!" she reminded me. "How about you thank God for the food?" I suggested, and she gladly complied.
Who cares that our plate had a silly snowman on it while we sweated in the humidity and admired the coconut palms in the front yard?

Pausing between bites, Mandie turns to me with adoring eyes. "Thank you Mama!" "You're welcome," I reply, "I like to make picnics for you." She nods wisely. "I know you do."

The way Mandie relates to the many people in her life frequently inspires and challenges me. Not only does she love and accept each one unconditionally, but she also assumes that every person she meets loves her with the same passion! No wonder Jesus reminds us to be like one of these little ones.

I love two year olds! Their needs are so simple: someone to love them, an important place to fill in life, and occasional sprinkles on chocolate cupcakes...

Furlough, Part 2

2010-08-30T12:41:00.004-05:00

I think furloughs are underrated.

I know that not every missionary family is blessed with the kind of support we have, from our families, our friends, and especially our church back in PA. But our trip this summer was exactly the way a furlough should be- late nights and late mornings, family reunions, meals in the homes of our friends, time to pick cherries and raspberries, fishing with grandparents, swimming with cousins, meeting new friends and re-connecting with old ones, good food, impromptu prayer times, laughter and tears, feeling loved and cared for, and especially, fellowshipping with other hungry hearts everywhere we went.

There was the disappointment of finding out that the baby we were expecting in January was no longer living, but even in that we experienced God's peace in knowing we were being lifted in prayer by so many caring people.

And there was the crazy trip to Kentucky with a little wedding anniversary celebration tucked in... A suite didn't seem worthwhile on a missionary budget and a flying, one-night stay, so we paid for a regular room. We still wonder what God really said to the gal at Hampton Inn who said to Tim, "You're a blessed man!" and then handed us keys to a king suite with a jacuzzi!!! We do know what He said to us... That He wants us to celebrate our love as much as He does!

Lastly, there was the meeting with our friend Lynnell who still owns the property where we're living here in Honduras, where she made the startling announcement that she wants to GIVE this place to us! God has provided a house for her in Kentucky through generous friends, and she is blessing us in the same way. There will be a payment made to her mission organization which will be used by her for future projects here in Honduras, but it is a mere fraction of what the property is worth. We really do not know how to receive such an enormous gift, so we give it all back to God, and ask Him to bless our benefactors with His riches in Jesus!

It was a wonderful two months, but best of all, we were thrilled to realize that this is really home and when the time came, we couldn't wait to be back in our own peaceful world.

Thank you, all who enriched our furlough with prayers, groceries, hugs, money, genuine interest in our lives, meals, and just your friendship and love. We are richly blessed!

Furlough

2010-07-26T13:52:00.002-05:00

I presume no one has noticed that I don't blog while on furlough. We are spending two months in the USA this summer, and enjoying every bit of vacation, work, family reunions, dinner invitations, travel, and church meetings we can experience. Meanwhile, back at the ranch the workers carry on the duties of weeding the garden, feeding fish, watering flowers, mowing grass, and socializing with the dogs. Better yet, we hear amazing reports of God's continued work in El Eden, and we can't wait to get back where we belong.

Announcing! The fishbowl no longer fits our job description so stay tuned for some blog changes soon. ... "Soon" as in "sometime in the next three months."

God is good, all the time.

The Mighty Have Fallen!

2010-05-28T17:03:00.002-05:00

A huge tree falling on a tin roof at five-thirty a.m. makes a racket like nothing I have ever heard before. My first coherent thought was "earthquake", only we weren't quaking. Then I thought a truck must have crashed on the highway, only the noise was much too close by to be that. When Tim looked out the window and announced that a tree had fallen on the apartment, I expected we would be digging Huibertjan -my sister's Dutch boyfriend who was visiting- out of the wreckage. Imagine my relief to see him strolling calmly out of his room, merely blinking at the ruins. (Cheers to the stoic Dutch!)
The porch was completely ripped off, and several holes punched in the kitchen roof, but the block structure remained intact.
The old tree was so rotten at the roots that it merely broke off at ground level. This happened after several heavy rains, although the morning it fell there was no wind at all.
Break time after several hours of sawing. The old frame of an abandoned water tower caught the heaviest blow and directed the tree away from the building, thank God for that!
Clean up was a piece of cake with plenty of helpers!

There is so much to praise God for- no one was hurt, we were at home so we could deal with a broken water line right away, it didn't happen in the middle of the night, (how terrifying would that be?!), and the block walls were not damaged in any way. We felt a bit sad about the loss of the roof, which was just replaced last month by our Ohio friends, but what are several pieces of tin compared to the gift of life?

Thank God for a fallen tree that helps us keep life in the eternal perspective!

Then Sings My Soul

2010-05-26T15:57:00.003-05:00

There's an acacia tree behind the apartment that seems extra happy right now. I went out one morning to try to capture a few images of the brilliant orange blossoms, but alas, our outdated point-and-shoot camera does a very sad job.

All the beauty around me continually inspires my heart to worship; it is quite unlike any other place we have ever lived.
I kept taking pictures. Here is one colony of Montezuma Oropendulas, a large type of oriole, who build the most amazing swinging nests!
I never tire of the coconut palms against the blue Honduran sky.

...Or the abundance of fresh limes right at my back door.

Sometimes I wonder why God has been so good in allowing us to live in this small paradise. I mean, we could surely serve Him just as well on some barren little plot of sagebrush and scrub! But I do love the fact that simply opening my front door every morning and facing the sunrise moves me to praise my Creator God. Maybe it is the keen awareness that we have been given so much, much more than we ever asked for or dreamed of, that swells my heart with gratefulness and worship. But then, has it not always been so? Have I ever possessed anything that I rightfully deserved? I think God is simply going out of His way to teach me some precious lessons, and I am honored to be in this school of His!

Monday With Mandie

2010-04-26T10:01:00.005-05:00

Some days she is angelic.

And then there was the Monday when the Daddy went to the city and Jo the helper was gone to the airport, and Mandie's day started out with chocolates in Mama's bedroom, before breakfast.
Then she made scrambled eggs.
She helped with laundry and got soaked to the eyeballs, but it was fun, see?
She spilled water on the floor but she knows to mop it up herself.
Noticing Mama's busyness, she volunteered to do dishes, with LOTS of running water. As in, running across the counter and down her arms and over her dress.
She found Mama's purse and the little red pills were too much to resist. We hope she didn't really ingest any.
Thank God for quiet times that turn into naps!
This is what happened to lunch.
In the middle of all this, Derek decided to show Mandie the dangers of climbing on the iron railing around our front porch. "See," he explained, "If you crawl up here you could fall, like this!" and then proceeded to punch his line by tumbling headfirst into the flower bed ten feet below. When I heard his shrieks and Mandie's cries of "Somebody help Derek!" I expected he had fallen from the hammock. Instead, I was horrified to discover he was not even on the porch but lying crumpled on his side in the soft earth beneath the elephant ear plants. By the time I reached him, however, he was up and walking around, crying and moaning incoherently. I checked for broken bones and felt satisfied that they were intact. He kept crying about his head which he appeared to have hit on the edge of the porch on his way down, so I watched for signs of a concussion. I phoned Tim and begged him to help me decide whether a trip to the doctor was necessary, which was a little difficult for him, being many miles away in San Pedro. In the end I only gave him ibuprofen, and assured him repeatedly that no, his front tooth was not knocked out, only bumped and bloody, in spite of his frequent announcements to the contrary. When the group from Ohio arrived, David the medic examined him thoroughly and agreed that there was a concussion but no broken bones. A day later he was up and about and only slightly less active than normal, and a week later he was back to his very enthusiastic self but with a deep respect for porch railings.

Thank God!
-Mandie is a happy, creative child.
-Most days I have a faithful helper at my side.
-Derek is fine.
-Not every day is a Monday.
-This is the life for me!

New Post!

2010-03-18T21:09:00.002-05:00

We no longer live in the Fishbowl.

Our new place is lovely and it feels like home.

We are busy getting ready for the missionary retreat next week.

Although we are missionaries, we have no intention of retreating.

Visitors abound and they are kind and helpful and generous.

There is internet access at our house via the cell phone company so we will be WWW-ing again.

Internet is not free, so online time will be restricted.

(Which I think is just fine.)

Now you know we are alive and well, and will pick up blogging... someday.

God is GOOD and we are blessed!

Peace.

Of People and Projects

2010-02-07T16:23:00.005-06:00

It's the busiest time of the year here in the Fishbowl... Visitors flow through our doors in trickles and rivers, some announced and some otherwise. The guest rooms are in constant disarray with backpacks and iPods, sunglasses and flip flops, linens and towels. The old house rocks with laughter into the night hours as young people get acquainted over games and popcorn. Other times, there are serious discourses around the living room which may very well conclude in an impromptu prayer meeting. "Can I do something to help you?" is the catchphrase in my kitchen, and willing helpers of all shapes and sizes mill about underfoot, eager to relieve the busy Mrs. Missionary. Whispered consultations take place in out-of-sight corners- "Do you think this is enough of beans?... Did you get the rooms ready for them?... Are they eating here or there?... Whose laundry is still hanging on the clothesline?" New friends, airport trips, travel schedules, church services, goodies from the USA, but best of all, brotherhood and fellowship! Sharing visions, dreams, battles, and prayers. What would we ever DO without guests?!

The current project is the construction of the new book warehouse next door to the Fishbowl. This will mean more storage space for the books, a sales room, and an apartment for single guys. The foundation has been laid and we are preparing for a work crew to come this week to pour the floor.

While that work crew is here, we will do our best to move to our new house in order to vacate this one for Tim's brother Jeremy and his family. They plan to be here for a month while Jeremy oversees the construction of the warehouse. While they are here, a prayer team will be coming from our home church in PA. And Rhonda's family wants to visit at the same time. Then a second work crew arrives. And then a third. (I am not kidding.) The grand finale to all this will be the missionary retreat the last week of March. (I think I am retreating.)

Oh, and did I mention that there is a container en route from the US and expected to arrive here sometime in the middle of all this? And do you know that unpacking containers is terribly exciting and terribly exhausting?

...And to think that all I ever wanted was a quiet life... No, no, wait a minute! All I really want is to be completely immersed in God's love and be a co-laborer in His kingdom work. That is exactly where we are right now, and I would not trade it for anything in this world!!!

Changes

2010-01-10T15:50:00.004-06:00

When we came to Honduras in July 2008, it was with the idea that our position at the mission house (aka "The Fishbowl") was only temporary. We intended to buy a small property, build a house, and spend our lives here however God chose to use us. We looked at various plots of land, prayed, asked counsel, and waited for God to make His way clear to us. Several months ago when the mission board was here they gave us the blessing to pursue a purchase, and we continued to pray in earnest. Land prices here in our town are high and at times we felt overwhelmed with the thought of building a house when there are so many more important things to be doing. One day in early November, a missionary acquaintance of ours came to our door. She and her husband had labored here in this area for a long time, until he was killed a few years ago during a highway robbery in a neighboring country. She and her daughters bravely carried on their work here, but recently because of various circumstances, they felt God calling them back to the USA. What to do with their beautiful property here was a difficult decision. True, it could be sold as a "country house" to some wealthy folks from the city, but this family had a vision to see their beloved home continue being used in ministry. So they came to our door with the most amazing proposition we have ever encountered in our lives. Would we be interested in this place- to lease it and take care of it, and possibly purchase it someday??? Tim and I were too shocked to respond properly, but eventually we stammered that we were indeed praying about moving. We had no idea this place was available, and even if we had, we would not have dreamed of asking for something of that magnitude. Meanwhile our friends had no idea we had any plans of leaving the Fishbowl, but after praying and asking God for direction, they felt specifically led to contact us. Isn't it amazing that the God who flung the Milky Way into space with a mere word, also thinks about an insignificant little family wanting to get out of a Fishbowl, and a widow who needs to make an international move and has no idea where to start? I still get thrills every time I rehearse this story! Although from a human perspective this looks like an impossible proposition, God gave Tim and I both a strong sense of peace and confidence that this has always been a part of His plans for us! To make a long story not-so-long, we plan to move sometime in the next two months, Lord willing. This is a huge leap of faith for us; we are simply taking God at His word and believing that where He guides us, He will provide for us. While we will continue to work with Christian Light Mission, we are "on our own" as far as making a living and raising support for this ministry. We believe that we are about to see fulfillments to dreams and visions God placed in our hearts years ago, and we are so excited to be co-laborers with Him! Please pray with us that we would hear from Him on how to use this gift in a way that will glorify Him and build up His kingdom. We are blessed with eight acres of land, a fishpond, plenty of room to garden, a beautiful house very well suited to our family, a guest apartment, dorm space for up to twenty-four people, and much more.

Here's a front view of the house. That porch has already become my favorite spot- with a million dollar view, besides!

Another angle from the front of the house.

Part of our front yard. If you're up to climbing that hill in the background, you get treated to a view of the lake and the town where we currently live.

Guest dorms. Not pictured is the apartment and guest kitchen/dining room.

We are dreaming big, people! ...Missionary retreats, pastor's conferences, youth discipleship training, and prayer teams, to name a few. God has already shown us that our own ideas and dreams are mere peanuts compared to what He wants to do, and we are just thrilled to share a small part in His eternal purposes. Join us in giving God praise!

The Missionary Man

2010-01-06T13:49:00.000-06:00

Everyone knows that missionaries don't have to work for their living, right? Take my man, for example- he just studies to preach, and sells Bibles, and feeds his fish, and plants tomatoes, and teaches Sunday School, and fixes E's washer, and attends discipleship class, and opens up the clogged drain, and changes money for C, and unloads the latest shipment of meds, and sets up the sound system at church, and takes guests to the airport, and buys groceries, and talks to the beggar at our gate, and picks the green beans, and answers his phone, and collects school tuition, and visits the sick and anoints them with oil, and builds a playhouse for Derek, and sends in the financial report, and makes tea, and counsels L on how to be a better husband, and changes oil in the truck, and gives money to the family with medical needs, and mops the church house floor, and hangs a picture in our bedroom, and writes a newsletter, and checks to see why the dog is barking, and opens a bank account for A, and plans the missionary retreat, and changes the gas tank on the stove, and settles disputes among the teens, and collects the offering at church, and paints the office, and gives financial counsel to D, and replaces the broken door latch, and prays for the safety of our town, and washes dishes, and pays the VSers their allowances, and brings the mail from the post office, and leads worship, and takes the van to the mechanic, and comforts the grieving, and helps Josh with his Science, and buys a plane ticket for R, and pays the import expenses on the books, and takes the boys mountain climbing, and investigates the strange noise in B's car, and chops weeds, and socializes with the visitors, and gets up early on Saturday mornings to pray with the pastor, and builds a bookshelf, and stands in line at the bank, and removes the toad from the washer, and listens patiently to complaints, and takes me on dates, and spends hours reading the Bible.

And I guess that's why people wonder what he does all the time.

Feliz Navidad

2009-12-25T22:40:00.003-06:00

What does Christmas in Honduras look like?

The poinsettias are blooming on my front porch, right alongside the pink petunias and the geranium.

We mowed the lawn yesterday and the scent of fresh grass was simply delightful.

The garden is producing lovely tomatoes and a bounteous crop of green beans.

Last evening we went to Lucas's house for a service, and despite the mosquitoes, had a beautiful time worshiping under the stars.

After the service, we were served the typical Christmas fare of tamales and Coke. Mrs. Lucas makes some mean tamales, I'm telling you.

Like decent gringos, we went to bed at our normal time, only to be awakened after a few hours by some fantastic explosions. I blinked at the alarm clock which read 12:04, muttered to myself about my hatred for firecrackers, and went back to sleep.

We enjoyed a baked-chicken-and-trimmings dinner today, topped off with sugar cookies and hand dipped chocolates. Afterward, my guys did dishes and I... (whispers) ...rested.

The children played ball and climbed trees and Dave went swimming with friends.

Friends showed up this evening and we shared chicken leftovers and tamales with them. A cup of coffee completed my day, which is why I am up blogging at this hour.

I am delighting in the wonder that "God with us" has become "God in us" and pray that you too are experiencing that joy!

Peace.

Because He Lives

2009-12-06T21:22:00.000-06:00

...I can face tomorrow/ Because He lives, all fear is gone/ Because I know He holds the future/ and life is worth the living just because He lives! (William and Gloria Gaither)

I certainly didn't expect to be posting about the miracle baby again so soon, but this time it is to announce her home going. Yes, she is safe forever in the arms of Jesus! Last week she had a fussy spell that ended with Tim taking them to a doctor here in town. The doctor prescribed medicine for colic and sent her home. She calmed down and slept until late at night and then she once again began to cry until she was nearly blue. Her anxious parents called Jeremiah who took them back to the same doctor. Seeing her bluish color, the doctor said he thinks she might have a heart condition and urged them to go to the hospital as quickly as possible. On the road, as her daddy held her against his chest, he suddenly felt her clutch his neck and give a little shudder. He knew at once that she was gone. They continued to the hospital and confirmed that life had fled, and then there was nothing to do but make the sad trip home. It seems that at her six-week checkup the pediatrician had told Ricardo that she had a heart defect, and if she would live to be five months old they would consider surgery. Ricardo didn’t tell anyone about this, possibly because he refused to accept it, but more likely he simply believed that God would continue His series of miracles in little “Milagro”. Even now, I am groping for words to convey the grief and anguish that all of us felt during those first few hours. What do you say to a father who loved his child as few men love their children, and now bends over her tiny body, stroking her hands and dripping tears onto her still-soft cheeks? How do you comfort a mother who daily praised God for her “little miracle”, and now sits writhing with sorrow? And what of the eleven year old girl who, such a short time ago beamed with pride over her baby sister, now hangs over the tiny coffin, quivering with sobs??? We prayed, we cried, we asked questions, we dug the grave and built the coffin… and we trusted God. I suddenly understand why Job, in the midst of his calamities, “fell down upon the ground, and worshiped.” Worship comforts and heals like nothing else. God is still good, and kind, and full of compassion. Best of all, God is a Redeemer, and He is completely worthy of our trust! We are inspired and humbled to see Ricardo and Rosi rise up and praise God and declare their faith in Him! In every church service this week, Rosi requested the song, “Because He Lives”. Every morning Ricardo wakes at the time he normally gave the baby her bottle, and immediately these words come to his mind and comfort him. Please pray that they will continue to cast themselves on God!

For pictures and video clips, go here.

Miracle Baby

2009-11-18T11:10:00.002-06:00

Many people have prayed for this baby and her mother. Little Sandra Maricela was born full term and naturally to a mother with kidney failure. A tiny 3 pounds something, she spent about two weeks in the hospital before coming home to join her thankful and happy family. She is doing well, growing, and seems to be bright and alert.

Recently we hosted a baby shower for this precious miracle baby and her mother, Rosi. Although this is not necessarily a custom here in this area, we want to teach the women to celebrate their children as gifts from God and this seemed an excellent opportunity to do so.
Rosi's older daughter and a niece were delighted to help open the gifts.

Rosi's gratitude was evident in her delighted smile and the tears that fell as she read the words of blessing that were shared. "Mi milagrito" [my little miracle] she crooned softly, cuddling her tiny daughter.

Here's a shout out to our faithful prayer partners- only eternity will reveal what a difference you have made in this woman's life!

Two Years Old

2009-11-10T20:00:00.002-06:00

All day long I listened to her chant... "My buth-day soon! I wanna piñata! Where's my cake? Blow my candle! Gwamma sent it!"

"Gwamma" really did send this package, so she had at least one wrapped present to open!

Cozy new clothes, a notebook of her own, and crayons. Unfortunately, Mandie still thinks crayons are for breaking and unwrapping and chewing; no, they didn't last long!

Her favorite toy was the little kitchen set her Daddy got her with lots of dishes and plastic food. Every few minutes she announces, "I gonna play wif my buth-day toys!" and off she trots to the play room.
When you're two, what is more delightful than party cake with lots of sprinkles? Thank you, "Mimi"!

And now... we are off to learning how to read. No, wait- better make that potty training. Waa!

Preacher's Kids and Church Services

2009-11-07T08:28:00.001-06:00

You know all those stories about the preacher's kids being the worst behaved children in church? I used to think they were largely unjust... until my own children haplessly fell into that category. Add to that the stigma of being missionary kids, and it is enough to cause palpitations to even the most stalwart mother heart. Church services in El Eden are always an adventure. Our building is too small; there are no restrooms, (don't even ask about a nursery); there are no benches, (only plastic stacking chairs that make raucous noises on the cement floor when bumped, which is frequently); and every service attracts a great assortment of village children who have nothing more entertaining to do than to come and watch the "gringos" have church. Now I don't begrudge those little guys at all- I really have faith that they are learning something worthwhile, and sitting in church is definitely one of the more profitable choices of daily activities.

However.

My tribe, especially those under the age of ten, is still in the training process where church is concerned. With my hubby involved in every service -either leading worship or preaching- it falls to me to maintain order on The Brechbill Row. Sometimes things are fairly calm: Derek actually looks at the speaker and doesn't ask Embarrassing Questions in a Loud Whisper. Mandie is content with her doll baby and snuggles on my lap. Tony remembers to stand up with the rest of the congregation and follows along in the songbook... Then there are the other times.

The "other times" frequently take place when Freddy, Elvis, and Henry (three little characters as colorful as their names) choose to sit behind us. This week we had special meetings for four nights which gave unprecedented opportunities for training, or, entertainment if you are not a parent. Last night the church house was especially crowded when another local church joined us for services. As soon as I herded my tribe to their seats, the Three Characters dashed in with great gusto and a good deal of noise and flopped on the chairs behind us. The show began at once. There was lots of talking, shuffling, pinching, humming, squirming, and punching, accompanied by large quantities of giggles. Well, my tribe simply doesn't have any resistance to that sort of amusement and in no time there was a full-fledged competition in progress. With some shuffling, I managed to get both my boys seated in front of me instead of beside me which lowered the noise to a dull roar, as Andrew would say. The threesome behind me kept up a steady stream of distractions in spite of my dark looks and the much hissing from the visiting ladies behind them. Worse yet was their mimicry of the brother in the back row who was being particularly blessed. Every few minutes he emitted a hearty "Glo-o-o-o-ria a Dios!" which was immediately repeated in the row behind me. "Glo-o-o-ria a Dios! A-a-amen! Oooooh Señor!" I alternately considered spanking them, offering prizes for total silence, and lecturing them on the sin of mockery. Then I decided that they were a battle I wasn't called to fight so I prayed for wisdom instead. Fellowship time after church wasn't much better as my boys were ready to vent their energy and the Characters were all too willing to induce them. I remind myself that some day very soon they will be grown-ups, reminiscing about "these times"... and I wonder what will they remember???

So today Derek was making his usual complaint about "those boys that always fight with me," and prescribing various punishments for their behavior. As he detailed the many injustices he has suffered because of them, I sighed inwardly and wondered how to show a four-year-old the deception of his own heart. Jen also stood by listening and not succeeding too well at hiding her amusement. "Many are the afflictions of the righteous," was her conclusion to the matter.

Oh, but a sense of humor and a hearty laugh does wonders for a mother's perspective!

About...

2009-10-20T20:55:00.000-05:00

Life: It's all about Jesus; His purpose and His glory!

My Kitchen: A place for coffee, chopping vegetables, and heart-to-heart conversation.

Patience: It's tireless and long-suffering; has the power to endure whatever comes, with good temper. (Col. 3:12, Amplified Bible)

Derek: Loves people. And, unlike his mother, he will never long for "just a small space of peace and quiet".

The Sky: There's nothing in all the world like a Honduras sky. I fall in love again and again.

Listening: What my sweet friend Janie does best. Thank you Lord, for her short visit!

School: Happy, happy children. Contented parents. Patient teacher.

God's Love: I am discovering it anew. And wondering how we can know such a huge, powerful, passionate love and yet remain so unmoved.

Emily: Celebrated her eleventh birthday. How can this be happening to me?

Our Table: Now regularly seats ten people.

Manners: What my children are learning since there are ten people at the table.

Guests: They are plentiful and kind and generous.

Chocolate: My cup runneth over, thanks to some of those generous guests.

Gratefulness: What shines in Mandie's eyes when I sew a dress for her beloved Baby Maggie- followed by a hug and, "Baby Maggie wuvs me!"

Jackets and Socks: The new novelty since the weather has suddenly turned cold and rainy.

Potty Training: Definitely not my field of expertise.

After Dinner Conversation: Anything from homemade rockets and basketball to courtship and "finding God's will". Having three young people around has certainly added an interesting dimension to our lives!

The Truth: Sets us FREE. I love it!

Long-suffering: You, if you have endured to the end of this post.

Me: Loving my life!

On Listening

2009-09-27T16:27:00.003-05:00

I think it was Dietrich Bonhoeffer who once said, "The first service that we can perform for anyone is to listen." Peter Dyck quotes this in his book, Up From the Rubble, and goes on to challenge the reader on the difference between being a servant or merely performing a service. It is the difference between doing and being; an act versus an attitude; it is character rather than performance. True servants give themselves along with their gift.

This is a lesson that I am presented with constantly in mission life. It is all too easy for me to merely give away my "good deeds" while tenaciously guarding myself. Thankfully God is infinitely patient with me, and again and again He gives me opportunities to lay down my life for others. I am learning... slowly.

No one ever told me that the one of the first and most important things a missionary needs to learn is to listen. I believe every aspiring missionary would do well to take some intense listening classes. (Ok, is there such a thing??!) There are days when it seems that all we do is listen to people: financial problems, struggling families, marriages in distress, hurting youth, children with questions... Many of them are not looking for answers so much as a sympathetic, listening ear; someone who truly cares. And this is not a gift I can hand out like the sweet rolls and coffee that accompany many of our conversations. When I ask God to teach me how to listen with my heart instead of only with my head, spirits are connected and true fellowship ensues. Yes, this giving of oneself is costly... but it is the way of Jesus, and it is the way of JOY!

Not what we give, but what we share,
For the gift without the giver is bare;
Who gives himself with his alms feeds three,
Himself, his hungering neighbor, and Me.
(James Russell Lowell)

Why My Days Are "Like That"

2009-09-15T12:16:00.002-05:00

Here is the pair who brings us so much mischief, delight, trouble, laughter, and gray hair. We can't imagine life without them!

Some Days Are Like This

2009-09-13T14:51:00.004-05:00

The day started calmly enough. At 7:45, the three oldest children bounded off to school and I was already immersed in the wringer washer's soap suds. Derek and Mandie have yet to learn to entertain themselves constructively while their older siblings are in school, and I am finding out what a negligent mother I am with only my own eyes to watch the two little ones. Mandie got her first bath for the day after playing in a pile of wood shavings and generously filling her hair with sawdust. I literally put the vacuum cleaner to her head before attempting to scrub the fine shavings off her scalp. Freshly washed and dressed, I was about to send her outdoors again when Derek asked for a lollipop. Unwisely, I agreed, blithely imagining that sucking a sticky candy would somehow keep them from worse mischief. As I returned to the clothesline, Tim dashed by on his way to a meeting in town. "Someone is coming to buy study Bibles," he called. "I got the order ready and it's in a box at the library." I nodded absentmindedly. While selling books is not my forte, this sounded simple enough. Returning to the house, I discovered my recently-bathed girlie was a sticky mess and her clean blue dress stained with sweet red drips. I only had time to wash her hands when a rattle at the gate announced the arrival of a book customer. Suddenly I faced a dilemma I had not anticipated. Do I leave Derek and Mandie alone in the house while I run across the street to the library (bookstore) or do I take them with me??? To leave them unattended in the house spells certain disaster; taking them with me- well, they might play in the grass beside the building... Scooping up Mandie and grabbing Derek by the hand, we headed across the street to the waiting customer, just as a second vehicle stopped by our gate. Greeting the two men who were patiently waiting, I opened the library door and invited them in. Derek and Mandie were hard on my heels, but the building is much too small to accommodate more than three or four people, so I sent them outside to play. At this time, two more men arrived at the door and announced that they were here to pick up the study Bibles. As I sat down at the desk to write up their bill, they decided to add more books to their order and began stacking them on the desk where I was working. Suddenly the quiet order of business was rudely shattered by a handful of sand and gravel flying through the open door and across the plywood floor. "Amanda Jane!" I gasped. "Derek, go play in the grass, please!" Derek cheerfully obliged by grasping Mandie under her arms and hauling her off despite her shrieks of protest. "What's the price of Bibles per box?" one of the customers asked as I returned to the desk. "Oh look!" gasped another. "Your little girl- she's eating dirt!" My brain did a sideways flip as I gazed out the door at Mandie's dusty hands wedged firmly in her mouth (two year molars coming in). My mind said, "Ok, I am running a business, and my little girl is eating dirt. What am I supposed to do about it?" But my lips smiled and said, "Oh she's not really eating it; she just put her dirty hands in her mouth for a minute." Back again to writing up the bill. For the third time I tore it up and started over when the customer discovered he didn't have enough cash for that order. Suddenly to my unbelieving eyes there appeared a moto-taxi and two more customers squeezed into the very crowded and overheated building, sending me into further despair. Somehow Mandie slipped inside and began unpacking the stack of books I had so carefully recorded and placed in a box. Seeing my obvious incompetence, one customer attempted to help me by calling out orders to Derek in broken English. "Der-r-rik! Come he-ah pliss!" Finally I had one order completed and two customers dismissed. Then I had to run to the house to get change and business cards. By this time I was sure that leaving the children unattended in the house was a far safer and saner option than having them with me, so I picked up Mandie and hissed at Derek to "watch these people" while I run to the house. A look of panic crossed his face, but I assured him I'd be right back and rushed out before he had time to protest. Leaving Mandie on our front porch, I grabbed the change and raced across the street once more. I tried not to appear too eager as I waved good bye to the second set of customers, and turned to the lady who was still waiting for my services. Sorry, we are out of Thompson Bibles; no, there are no books on Intercession... No Derek, I can't come across the street and open the gate for you, you will have to figure out a way to do it yourself... (And under my breath:) "If one more person comes, I am going to---" And then another car pulled into the driveway. An older couple walked up to the door and greeted me enthusiastically. "Did your husband tell you we're coming? We're from El Progreso and we ordered some books..." They were obviously enjoying an outing together and had plenty of time to visit and ply me with questions. "What denomination do you belong to? Are you something like Amish? I was in Pennsylvania once, and went a theater where the actors dressed like Amish or Mennonites..." Their rambling conversation helped me relax, but I kept a wary eye turned toward our house and wondered nervously at the great silence reaching my ears. At long last the final purchases were made, the sales carefully recorded, farewells spoken, and the door closed behind me. It was noon when I returned to the house, where there was still laundry waiting to be hung up and lunch to cook for the teacher and children who would be out of school in a few minutes. You are probably wondering what Derek and Mandie did during the time they were left alone in the house. Frankly, I do too. I found Derek playing outside, but I have no memory of where Mandie was or what she was doing. Which means that either she was in rare calm behavior, or my mind had somehow gotten lost in the shuffle of the morning's events...

That evening, over grilled chicken and fried fish at Las Glorias, I poured out my tale of woe to my man. He listened with grave interest, murmured sympathetically, and kindly restored my right mind to me. ...Sighs of thanksgiving... All is well once more.

Blest Be the Tempest...

2009-08-16T18:19:00.004-05:00

If, on a quiet sea, toward heaven we calmly sail,
With grateful hearts, O God, to Thee,
We’ll own the favoring gale,
With grateful hearts, O God, to Thee,

We’ll own the favoring gale.

But should the surges rise, and rest delay to come,
Blest be the tempest, kind the storm,
Which drives us nearer home,
Blest be the tempest, kind the storm,
Which drives us nearer home.

Soon shall our doubts and fears all yield to Thy control;
Thy tender mercies shall illume
The midnight of the soul,
Thy tender mercies shall illume
The midnight of the soul.

Teach us, in every state, to make Thy will our own;
And when the joys of sense depart,
To live by faith alone,
And when the joys of sense depart,
To live by faith alone.

(Augustus Montague Toplady)

Thank you, Dorcas, for reminding me of these beautiful words. How can we refuse the storms that drive us closer home?

Refreshment

2009-08-11T15:51:00.002-05:00

Well, after that stressful week, God graciously provided me with a mini vacation. Tim needed to make a trip to the town of Santa Barbara to take Bibles and books to a vendor there, so we decided to make a family day out of the occasion. The three oldest children were delighted to ride on the back of the pickup truck for the hour-long drive into the mountains. I have long wanted to see the town of Santa Barbara which I have heard much about, and I was not disappointed. It is an old colonial style town; its narrow streets are shared by both modern automobiles and mountain men in their best sombreros. I had hoped to find a market where the woven hats and baskets are sold, but we had no such luck. Since shopping was not considered of general interest by the rest of the family, we chose to enjoy the drive and the glorious views instead.
I never cease to be impressed with the Hondurans' abilities to cultivate the steepest hillsides!

A typical rainy season afternoon cloud, preparing to divulge its contents onto the expectant earth...

We stopped for lunch at a place that boasted a tree house unlike any I have ever seen. I was much too lazy to climb those many steps to the top deck, but my boys were highly impressed!

What impressed me was this fountain. I love the clay vessels and natural rock, but I can think of so many ways to improve it... with tropical foliage, a couple orchids, delicate ferns, and a few of my hubby's colorful fish!

A day away from the house does wonders for a Mom's perspective, and I came home refreshed and altogether thankful to hop back into my fishbowl! :)

One of Those Weeks

2009-08-04T16:40:00.001-05:00

There are times, in spite of my proclamation in the last sentence of my previous post, that the tame and comfortable looks mighty appealing. Last week was one of those times... and here are a few snapshots.

The children come into the house to inform me that there’s someone at the gate asking for me. As I tramp out to meet her, she bursts into exclamations of “Hello, Sister Naomi!!! How are you doing?” I find myself stiffening involuntarily… I have never talked to this woman before and here she is greeting me like an old friend. This can mean only one thing-she is here to ask something of me. I recognize her as a lady who came to church recently and made a lengthy speech in front of the congregation about her relationship with God and her son who has sores on his head and could we please pardon the bother and help her out??? Sure enough, at my gate she repeats the story of her son’s problem and explained that he had an appointment at the hospital “this very afternoon” and would I please pardon the bother and lend her 200 lempiras (about ten dollars) and she will most certainly pay them back by Saturday… Her well-fed and well-dressed figure causes me some suspicion, but I refer her to Tim, who lends her the money and she goes on her way. About an hour later my phone rings and it is Edna calling. A sigh escapes her voice as she asks if I remember that lady who was in church recently and asked for help for her son who has sores on his head??? As a matter of fact, I do remember her. Edna wants to know if we know her well and whether we believe her needs are genuine? Because she is now at Edna’s gate with a new story… It seems her mother fell and injured her head and is in the hospital possibly needing surgery and could Edna please [pardon the bother] and give her 500 lempiras???… Relating to a dependent culture and trying to distinguish the legitimate needs from the fake is one of the single most exhausting aspects of mission life… Oh for the spirit of Peter! (Acts 5)

We are just fixing to serve lunch when I notice a commotion at the gate and realize we have guests. I recognize the woman as someone we had contact with years ago when one of our youth teams built her a house. There is no doubt she is poor, but the greater difficulty in relating to her is the evidences of her immoral life in her speech, dress, and behavior. I watch from the window as Tim obviously tries to keep her from entering the house. Meanwhile, her small daughter barges in and asks for a drink of water. We hand her a cup, and then she runs to the kitchen and begs for food from the girls who are finishing up meal preparations. I tell her rather sternly that I will share food with her, but she must NOT go into the kitchen and beg. At this she runs outdoors and tells her mother that I invited them to come in to eat, and as soon as Tim turns his back, both mother and daughter burst in the door. More disturbing than her artificial warmth and incessant chatter is the vexation I feel in my own spirit. When the question is asked whether she does not get on my nerves, I admit that indeed she does… But what if I am the only “Jesus” she ever sees? How am I representing Him???

It is naptime, and Derek is nowhere to be found. I wander outside, calling his name, when I spy him trudging up the hill from the chicken house. “I got a bunch of eggs!” he announces cheerfully, showing me the brown treasures gently cradled in his shirttail. “Where did you find them?” I ask a little suspiciously. “Down there by the old aquaponics,” he explains, gesturing toward the abandoned barrels where we had begun our experiments. I sigh, “Oh Derek, I’m afraid those eggs aren’t good, because Josh said a hen has been setting on them for a long time… Here, just lay them in the flower bed and then we’ll deal with them later.” Derek squats down and carefully places the eggs, one by one, into the soft earth. As he places the last egg on the pile, there is a sudden noise like a gunshot and poor Derek is dripping with slimy rotten egg. I stare in disbelief as he turns and marches away without a word. Six seconds later he suddenly erupts into wails of terror while I try my best to not laugh out loud. “It’s just like Templeton’s egg in Charlotte’s Web!” I exclaim enthusiastically, but he is not to be distracted that easily. After a shower and some severe scrubbing, he meekly crawls into the safety of his bed.

Pineapple Day…. I wanted around eighty pineapples to can, and somehow ended up with 120 instead. Thanks to the energetic young people around here- Bertha and her two sisters who were visiting, and Dave (our helper for six months)- they were all cut up and in jars by lunchtime. One hundred and seventeen quarts!!! The processing, however, seemed endless, what with a small stove which had only very small burners, and jars that kept breaking. (What causes jars to break at the bottom when the water is only heating, not near boiling yet??? No, they were not mayonnaise jars; yes, they were setting on a rack; no, we did not turn the rings too tight, but we did cool the water before submerging jars…???) We celebrated by going out to eat fish, which was another experience in itself. We went to our favorite restaurant about two miles away, only to discover they were closed. So we drove a few more miles to a bigger and more expensive place, and just as we had all decided what to order we found out they were out of fish! We ended up driving an additional ten miles to a place at the edge of the lake where we did in fact eat fish while being eaten by mosquitoes.

My kitchen counter is spread with all the ingredients for a haystack supper… lettuce, chili bean mixture, fried rice, chopped tomatoes, crushed tortilla chips… I pause to wonder whether there is enough to feed a dozen people, and secretly hope the bread will serve as a “filler” for hungry boys. We are having meetings this weekend and the first service starts in less than an hour, but my family and guests are still scattered. I announce that supper is ready when my eye catches sight of another vehicle at the gate... Before my mind can wrap itself around the turn of events, we are blessed with six more guests for supper! There is no time to fret about the possibility of running out of food, and in a matter of minutes appreciative guests are bent over their heaping plates. Half an hour later when everyone has drifted away from the kitchen, I stare incredulously at the leftovers… Every single dish still has food in it, and I am simply convinced that God has once again multiplied my loaves and fishes!!!

My life is a lot of things right now, but dull is not one of them.

Thirteen Years

2009-07-06T22:03:00.000-05:00

July sixth is always a big deal at our house. I cannot imagine worrying that Tim would ever forget our anniversary; I would be more likely to forget than he would! Whenever feasible, we have taken a day or two off to spend time by ourselves. Our celebrations have ranged from the Poconos Mountains to a cabin in West Virginia; from a family camp out at Shawnee Park to a return trip to our honeymoon cabin in Stowe, Vermont. This year we really, really wanted to go to the Bay Islands, one beautiful part of Honduras that we have never visited. But we are at that awkward stage in life where our children are too many to just dump on someone else for a few days, and too young to leave by themselves! With the political situation being unstable as it is, we're thankful we did not have any travel plans this week; I especially don't care to venture far out of my comfort zone. But a trip to San Pedro was necessary today; our Troyer relatives flew in late last night and we weren't able to go pick them up them because of a curfew. (They found a friend in the city who risked spending a night in jail and talked his way through several police checkpoints in order to rescue them from spending the night in the airport!) ...So this morning Tim and I left our (many) children with our great friend Bertha and went to the city by ourselves. And our anniversary was celebrated by going to the Immigration office, picking up our Troyer cousins and their mounds of luggage, lingering long over baleadas at "Baleadas Express", enjoying a slice of !CHEESECAKE! (compliments of Uncle Junior) and buying two new bicycles for a couple fast approaching middle age and in need of some fun exercise! It was a truly beautiful day ~filled with "simple" pleasures~ and tonight I am thanking God for every moment Tim and I have shared together! Mission life has a way of testing a marriage and exposing all sorts of strange and uncomfortable things about your relationship that you never knew were there... It seems to take so much more commitment and effort to maintain complete oneness, and sometimes it simply feels like war- not with each other, thank God!- but against the enemy who seems to have an intense hatred for godly homes here in this country. But those concentrated efforts of preserving our marriage bring some marvelous rewards! It is the storms of life that deepen and strengthen our love, and I am so grateful that God's choice for us has far surpassed the tame and comfortable existence of our little house in King!

Words of Affirmation

2009-07-03T22:43:00.003-05:00

Mama: "Derek, how about I tell you a story about when I was a little girl... Did you know I was a little girl once?"

Derek, surprised: "No."

Mama: "Well, what did you think I was???"

Derek, carelessly: "A piece of dirt!"

A Girl and Her Car

2009-06-11T19:06:00.002-05:00

It was the typical morning confusion at our house- breakfast and devotions were over and I was overseeing chores and trying to get the older children into gear. Derek and Mandie, who need no prompting to get in gear, headed outdoors as usual and pulled out their riding toys. I heard the cycle leave and knew Tim and Derek were going to the Roses to check on their new fish tanks. Some five minutes or more elapsed when we heard a strange call from the gate. "He-e-e-y!" This is not a typical Honduran greeting, so I ignored it at first. After all, it was probably someone who wanted Tim, and he wasn't home. The caller continued persistently so I finally went to the front door and peered toward the gate. A man on a bicycle waved frantically at me. Pointing up the road, he shouted, "La niña! Un carro le va a matar!" ("The child! A car will kill her!") I was down the steps and at the gate in a flash. A glance up the road confirmed his words, for there in the middle of the road went my independant little girl on her green car, heading for El Eden! I took off at a gallop, barely taking time to holler "Muchisimas gracias" to the hero. As I sprinted toward her, she glanced over her shoulder with a huge satisfied grin and then resumed her journey uphill. At first she looked like a mere speck on the far horizon, but in reality she had gone as far as the neighbor's gate, which is a good distance away, considering that there is a large orchard between our house and theirs. I scooped her up and held her close, much too shaken even to scold. She chattered happily as I carried her and the car back home and then sank weakly into the nearest chair. How many people passed her during that time is a question that cannot be answered, but I do know at least one vehicle went by just as I had arrived at the door. The children of course wondered whether she would have gone to Jeremiah's house or to the church, had she reached El Eden. I just shuddered and declared we certainly would have missed her before she would have gotten that far! Needless to say, everyone is now on high alert that the gate must always be LATCHED, not merely closed.

How could a mother not believe in angels?

Dinner Table Conversation

2009-06-08T20:34:00.002-05:00

Derek: "There ARE deer in Honduras! I saw one in the woods by the banana field!"

(Expressions of unbelief from siblings)

Derek: "Well, I saw brown, and I saw antlers- and that means deer!"

(Giggles and more protests from siblings)

Derek: (chuckles) "Ok, maybe it was just a fake deer, because it just stood there for a lo-o-o-ng time!"

The Man

2009-06-05T19:37:00.003-05:00

I love celebrating my man! Not only is he God's gift to me, but he is God's love to me in so many ways. While I don't write my love letters to him on our blog, I think he deserves some public recognition on his birthday!

This little girl adores her Daddy and loves nothing better than spending time with him outdoors.

Here Tim gets to enjoy the fruit of his aquaponic labors with our first fish fry! We fixed it the traditional Honduran way- the fish fried whole with the head on, served with sliced fried green bananas and cabbage salad. Yum!

There are so many answered prayers in this picture... I love it!

Richly blessed... In love... Best Friends... Thanking God for each other... Amen.

Joy!

2009-05-31T20:13:00.003-05:00

Setting: Family devotions in the Brechbill living room

Tim: (smiling broadly) "Josh, would you like to tell everyone what happened to you last night?"

Josh: (very softly) "I got saved."

Derek: (curiously) "Did God save him???"

Amen, Derek!

Earthquake!

2009-05-28T21:08:00.002-05:00

I rolled over in bed and squinted at the alarm clock on the stand next to me. "Two o'clock," I sighed. "And I was awake at midnight too... wonder why I keep waking up?" Wearily I turned onto my back and willed myself to relax. Suddenly I was jerked wide awake by a violent heaving of our bed- first an up and down jolt and then ending in a sideways swaying motion. I bolted upright and tried to catch my breath as the walls creaked and groaned around us. A deafening clatter from the bathroom added to the confusion as Tim leaped from the bed and braced himself in the doorway. "An earthquake!" I gasped, and dashed to the children's bedrooms. The ground now steadied beneath me as I checked on the girls, who both appeared to be sound asleep. Wails greeted me from the boys' bedroom, and all three boys were crawling out of their beds. "Nobody was by my bed, but it wouldn't stop wiggling!" Derek whimpered. "It's an earthquake!" I explained as I herded them to the living room and opened the front door where Willie the dog was yapping excitedly. Meanwhile Tim dashed outside to check on the chickens who were screeching in panic. He found the entire flock in a frenzy, wildly seeking an escape from their enclosure. Amazingly, the electricity didn't go off, although the street lights dimmed briefly. I walked carefully through the house looking for broken items but found nothing more than a few bottles toppled over and pictures hanging crookedly on the walls. The clatter that sounded like dishes breaking turned out to have been only a metal rod falling onto the tile floor!

The phone then began to ring as friends and neighbors checked in and shared their fright. "I was dreaming about the coming of Jesus," Ricardo chuckled, "And then I woke up in the middle of the earthquake!" "Is everyone okay at your house?" This time from Lucas. "We're a little frightened, but everyone is fine," I assured him. "Same here!" he exclaimed. Sleep forgotten, we rehearsed the events of the night and discussed the possibility of aftershocks.

Finally there was nothing else to do but go to bed. The boys were soon fast asleep and I too eventually drifted off to restless dreams but Tim got up and watched for news breaking online. An hour after our shocking arousal, the New York Times posted the first announcement of a magnitude 7.1 earthquake about eighty miles north of the coastal town of La Ceiba.

Today's inspections revealed a few cracks in the walls of our house and evidence of water having splashed out of the fish tanks, but no serious damage was found here on this property. We have not heard of any homes crumbling in this area, although some families had their possessions broken, or, in at least one case, burned when the quake caused a lighted candle to fall. Our friends tell us that Peña Blanca was in complete chaos as everyone fled to the streets in panic. What a wonderful opportunity for us to proclaim tidings of peace!

We are so grateful for God's protection last night, as well as for the confidence that even tonight we can go to bed in peace knowing we are in His hands!

Quote of the Night by Derek: "This is a purty bad night!" -minutes after the initial shock when all of us were dashing about in a state of confusion.

More Motherhood Moments

2009-05-21T13:32:00.004-05:00

- I am doing laundry on the back porch, confident in the knowledge that the children are bent over their desks, diligently doing math lessons. A movement in the lawn below the boys' bedroom window arrests my attention, and I turn to see a pink balloon bouncing through the grass. Suddenly the barrel of a BB gun appears through the open window and several seconds later all that remains are bits of pink latex and gleeful chuckles.

-I am seated at the kitchen table, laboring over a hand written letter when Mandie toddles up beside me, making her familiar grunting noise that means "Looky here, Mom!" A glance down at her uplifted hand sends shocks of terror through me and I begin shrieking hysterically. There, clasped between her thumb and forefinger is a tiny gecko, its beady black eyes imploring me for pity. "A GECKO!!! SHE HAS A GECKO!!! AAAAAAAGH!!!" Mandie promptly drops her hapless victim on the floor and stares at me, fascinated. Half an hour later my legs are still quivering.

-I walk into the girls' bedroom one day and notice a new decoration on the wall above the dresser. Emily, the creative one, took the pink and black frame of a clock which no longer worked and turned it into a typical, girlish-looking motto. Her choice of quote reveals as much of her character as does her uneven hand:
"Idleness is a constant sin, and labor is a duty. Richard Baxter"

-"Has anyone seen the book I was reading?" the question comes from Josh as he crashes onto the sofa. "Is it a blue book?" wonders Derek. "Mm, I don't think so," I reply absent-mindedly, dicing another mango into the fruit salad I am preparing for supper. "Cause the blue book is in the chicken pen," Derek continues helpfully. "The- what did you say?" the rest of the mango drops into the bowl with a splatter and I turn toward my small son. "And just what on earth is a book doing in the chicken pen, pray tell?!" Derek sighs -adults need so much explaining of the obvious- and reminds me that earlier in the day he brought a batch of eggs to the house in his backpack(!) which he emptied of his usual treasures in order to accomodate the eggs. After a short speech on carelessness, I accompany him to the chicken coop where we find in the nesting boxes, the blue book, an undressed doll, sunglasses, several scraps of fabric, a keychain, and a short piece of PVC pipe.

-Then there is the sick night, wherein four out of five children take sick and three out of four fail to reach the proper destination in time. I spare you details. Only let it be known that the father of those children deserves prizes for Cleaning Nasty Stuff in the Middle of the Night.

-I am a very blessed woman.

Twelve

2009-04-25T18:06:00.000-05:00

I am discovering that being the mother of a twelve year old is nearly as exciting and perplexing as being twelve was. Some days we are best friends- laughing at the same things, 'getting' the same jokes, trying the same spoonerisms. We both love to read and we abhor misspelled words. We are dedicated and loyal to a fault; we love the safety of our familiar routine. And then there are days when it feels like we are strangers- and I am not sure whether to get close or back off. Personal hygiene is pretty much inconsequential; but when Tony pours syrup on his pancakes, there will be an all out war whoop and a lecture on the sins of extravagance. Speed seems to be a malady to be avoided at all costs, and patience is a virtue reserved only for self. Oh, this passage into adolescence promises to be an interesting journey- bewildering, perhaps, but certainly not boring!

Josh with his birthday gift, a book he has coveted for a very long time... Backyard Ballistics by William Gurstelle. With three boys and one hubby who all love experimenting and explosions, I figure the best I can do is to give them a book with lots of safety advice (and then run for the house with my hands over my ears.)

Here Josh creates a Cincinnati Fire Kite. If it fails to fly, at least there's the satisfaction of having had a very appreciative and admiring audience.

In case you're thinking of taking a collection for new jeans, please don't. These have now been discarded and replaced.

Blest Be The Tie

2009-04-12T23:08:00.003-05:00

This is the day........... we celebrate Motz and Paige!
It was such fun to dress up for a truly special occasion... Who cares that some of our clothes came out of the Missionary Barrel -ahem- Goodwill? This wedding was one of the most joyful and glorious celebrations I have witnessed, and I feel very honored to have been part of such a beautiful experience.

I have got some cute relatives, if I must say so myself.

The newlyweds are not tense... just terribly alert. And we are terribly happy with them.

The lovely and tired couple. What else is there to say?

Everybody Loves Derek

2009-04-11T15:43:00.001-05:00

Derek's fourth birthday was spent flying to the States for Uncle Motz's wedding, and after a whirlwind trip to Virginia and Pennsylvania, we are back in our Honduras home re-collecting our senses and updating our blog...

What to write about Derek? Well, he is the one who frequently needs to be reminded to "study to be quiet" but rarely needs to be told to be more friendly. He loves to hunt, party, eat rice and beans, sing, play football, and cuddle in his fleece blanket. He hates solitude, tomatoes, quiet time, and being excluded in any way. Derek loves life and people and some of his heroes are Alex Peight, Jordan Martin, and Paul Rose. (Anyone else notice a pattern here?) I am frequently challenged and inspired with his unquestioning love for people, his frank honesty, and his zest for life in general. The following photos capture some of that irrepressible personality!
Singing his heart out one morning on the beach in Tela...

Doing his own stunts for Cousin Eg...

This means "I love having my picture taken when my face is wet!"

No Honduras birthday is complete without a piñata!

While other moms (like Dorcas and Becca, for example) bake and decorate exotic cakes for their youngsters, my kiddos have to be satisfied with the plain rectangular variety and a couple of candles. My guilt complex evaporates under Derek's grateful and adoring expression, and I am reminded again to celebrate life the way he does!

Help the Teacher

2009-03-20T20:57:00.009-05:00

Three of my favorite desserts are chochalate puting, chochlate ckake, and cheesckak. (-Anthony, grade 3)

If anyone knows how to effectively teach spelling of the English language, please let me know.

Heroines

2009-03-15T17:36:00.003-05:00

Today I want to honor two beautiful people... Hilda and Anika. Just yesterday, these very brave girls said good bye to their Daddy/Husband as he headed back into the swamps of La Moskitia in western Honduras. They might not see him or talk to him for a month as he treks through the marshy wilderness, distributing Bibles and doing door-to-door visitation among the poor Indians. The glamour of missionary adventures fades very fast when a little girl begs for her beloved Daddy and a wife longs for that familiar shoulder to lean on. Sometimes Hilda wails, "But I'm not brave!" -unaware of the sweet grace of God that we see pouring from her life. Her cheerful spirit is like a burst of sunshine and she never fails to inspire me, challenge me, and make me laugh! Join me in thanking God for brave missionary wives like Hilda... your prayers are greatly appreciated!

Building Walls

2009-03-13T21:30:00.004-05:00

Recently I spent some time studying the book of Nehemiah, asking God what lessons I could learn from this hero of old about fortifying my life. I read and re-read, simply astonished at this man’s strong and simple faith. More than that, I was appalled at the determination of his enemies, and the lengths they went to in an effort to destroy the work of God. Although Sanballat and Tobiah did make some threats to physically hinder Nehemiah’s work, their attack of choice seemed to be directed to the destruction of the morale of the builders. When mocking, scoffing, and jeering failed to discourage and intimidate, they resorted to vicious verbal abuse and ridiculous rumors. Did Nehemiah ever reason that maybe building walls just wasn’t God’s will for him? Was he ever tempted to retreat or give up? Did the accusations ever strike doubts or fear into his heart? Or how about negotiating with his adversaries and making a peace treaty of sorts? Certainly not. He steadfastly refused to listen to their taunts and made no apologies for adhering faithfully to his task. In spite of all the efforts made to distract and discourage the work, it prospered amazingly because first of all, God was in it from the beginning, and also because every man worked with a tool in one hand and a weapon of defense in the other. Eventually the wall progressed to the point where the workers were able to be in the offensive instead of merely defending.

This story touched a chord in my soul. My enemy is far more skilled and cruel in his tactics than were Sanballat and Tobiah, and he knows much better than I do, just how vital is the maintenance of my wall. Nehemiah’s courageous example has inspired and encouraged me more than I can tell- his unwavering confidence that God will look after and bless His work, and his refusal to listen, even for one moment, to the empty threats of a defeated foe. Let us build, for our God will fight for us!

Here our loyal carpenters work on building our new wall- the one in front of our house. The old pillars were crumbling, so they removed the woven wire and simply added a few more rows of blocks. It not only serves to keep stray animals out and stray children in, but provides a bit of privacy from curious pedestrians. From the inside, the wall is only about four feet high so we can still comfortably see out over it.

Mandie in Black

2009-03-09T16:19:00.002-05:00

No, there's no formal occasion (not many of them around here) but I wanted to show off this exquisite dress... Thanks to Ava for rescuing fabric scraps out of the church sewing box and turning out this masterpiece! I desperately wished for a small hat to complement the outfit, not to mention sort of hide that very bald head! Yep, she's just as bald as her brother Derek was, and just as charming.

Derek had to hold her hand so she wouldn't walk away... she is fiercely independent and I am guessing her first sentence will be, "I can do it myself!" Life is a huge adventure with this pair.

Travel Plans

2009-03-02T15:10:00.003-06:00

As everyone knows, my little brother Motz is getting married in about a month from now. Whether or not we could/would attend the blessed event has been a long-standing discussion at our house. After all, we've been here at our post for less than a year, and I had made a few rash comments about "no more international travelling till the children are teenagers" and that sort of thing. So we debated. Weighed the pros and cons. Prayed. Waited. Asked advice. Checked prices. Prayed some more. And then we began to get letters from home with comments like, "We can't wait to see you all [emphasize: all] in April!"

Plaintive sigh.

Now that tickets have been purchased, I decided to go ahead and publish our plans on the World Wide Web to clarify all assumptions once and for all. Yes, we are going to the wedding, Lord willing. In this case, the "we" being Tim and myself and the two children who are the farthest from being teenagers. For various reasons -the most obvious being the fact that we're leaving some of our family here- this will not be a trip to spend lots of "quality time" with family and friends. In fact, plans are to spend a total of four days in our hometown. So if you're of the very
observant type, there's a small possibility that you will catch sight of us somewhere, sometime between April 5-8. In spite of the very limited time, we look forward to seeing some of you and if we fail to tell you then, please know that your friendship, prayers, and support are greatly treasured.

And remember, you can always come spend time with us here! We're certainly not tired of visitors yet, especially not the kind that come from home!

Just Picturesque

2009-02-17T15:32:00.002-06:00

Ok, I'm just doing what everyone else does that doesn't have time to maintain a real blog- posting pictures. Let me explain that this blog is neglected by choice; I am choosing to invest in the Truly Important these days, which is my walk with God, my family, our ministry, and our guests- in that order.
Who would have thought that it could be so difficult to line up five children for a few casual photos? A very independent toddler certainly adds interest to the poses, if nothing else.

You probably wonder what's going on here, and frankly, I do too. (Aren't the stair-step sizes interesting? I'm wondering how long they'll stay that perfectly spaced.)

And finally, a (rare) Family Valentine's Day shot...

All photos courtesy of Chick Photography. Thank you, Cousin Eg!

Third Born

2009-02-03T08:45:00.003-06:00

Eight years ago, we had just moved to Honduras with our two small children and began the process of pioneering a base for Christian Light Missions. We were full of plans and visions and dreams... and mercifully ignorant of the fact that we had just enrolled in the Missionary School of Hard Knocks. No one had prepared us for all that pioneering would entail- from finding a temporary place to live (since the house which had been purchased for us was still occupied by the previous owners), to learning where to shop for groceries, to dealing with the High Expectations which only fellow missionaries understand... It was a time of excitement and adventure, to be sure, but also one of testing and humility, as God held us up to His Light for all to see what we were really made of. At least, that is how it felt to us! In the midst of all the changes of culture, language, climate, and roles, our son Anthony was born- a blessed confirmation straight from the heart of God. The feeling I distinctively associate with his birth is one of overwhelming gratitude... that in spite of falling so far short of my own lofty expectations, God chose to give us this precious baby simply as a token of His love for us! It was like God was saying, "Here- I just want you to know that regardless of everything else you're feeling, I have high hopes for you. And I'm giving you this child just to show you how much I love you!" I love celebrating the births of all our five children, but the memories surrounding Anthony's arrival into our lives are among those I ponder and cherish in my heart. I find it difficult to buy gifts for the middle child... Anthony is not into weapons and all things wild like my other boys; playing Legos and chess in a quiet corner would be his choice of entertainment any day. We finally settled on a smaller version of the classic, multi-purpose Honduran tool: a machete. A special package from Grandma, a trip to the lake, and some time spent fishing completely satisfied the birthday boy.

A true Brechbill-at-heart, chocolate cake is the standing birthday order, this time with peanut butter frosting and balloon shaped candles, thanks to "Mimi"!

Fiesta

2009-01-27T16:40:00.002-06:00

A Honduran birthday party is always a great cultural experience, especially for our children. The main requirements are a pinata and loud music, and if there's money enough, throw in a large pot of chicken and rice, a couple of cakes, and plenty of lukewarm Kool Aid.Derek was all too happy to take his turn with the stick.

The mad scramble for candy... almost invariably someone gets hit on the head by the flailing stick.

Sharing candy... It's best to not be a finicky mom in these parts.

No one seemed to mind when this poor fellow came by and flopped down beneath the balloons. His bottle is hidden behind him, the dog is barking mercilessly, and doesn't his face look simply hopeless? Our hosts graciously shared the party food and I sincerely hope he remembers being loved, even for this brief moment.

One Busy Girl

2009-01-17T13:11:00.002-06:00

Mandie has an opinion about being on a date with Daddy and Mama.... We're just not sure what it is since she's not actually talking in sentences yet.

Mandie had an opinion about the pool too, and it was this: If you'd just let me go, I know I could swim!

Her self-appointed daily duty of rearranging Mama's messy cabinets.

Oh is this a guilty look or what? Water is the biggest attraction, whether it's the drinking water filter or.............

Daddy's new fish tank! Forget the dolls and the tea parties- this girl is happiest outdoors with her Daddy: petting the chickens, gathering eggs, playing in the vegetable beds, organizing Daddy's tools, climbing dirt piles, and keeping up with her big brother Derek. This is Mandie's kind of life!

Motherhood Moment

2009-01-03T10:42:00.003-06:00

Anthony is finishing up second grade Language, and a recent lesson included completing sentences. I glanced over his work, scratched my head, and then suggested, "Um, how about you read your sentences to me?" He willingly complied, and I was able to hide my grin as I stood behind his desk.

My brother is vere funny. (That would be Derek, he explained.)

The old lamp could brake.

Grandmother is vere nice.

The strong wind blew me over. (Chuckles with satisfaction.)

Rainy days are yuci. (More chuckles.)

The lonely dog was sad.

My mother is prite. (This is why I had him read his work to me- I just had to know what I was!)

Oh, and did I mention we're studying Spelling now?

How Not to Get to Honduras From Mexico, and More

2008-12-30T12:14:00.006-06:00

For the first time since we came to Honduras almost six months ago, our family all piled in the mission van and took a little excursion on a recent Sunday. The destination was the San Pedro Sula airport; the occasion was the arrival of three very special girls who were coming from Mexico to spend Christmas with us. The midday sun beat down on us from a gorgeous cloudless sky as we bounced our way to the city. Mandie, who never goes anywhere except to church, hung her head toward the window and simply gaped at the sights the entire trip! I’m sure she had no idea there was so much to see in the wide, wide world. My enthusiasm nearly matched the children’s, who were positively sparkling at the prospect of seeing their beloved Aunt Joy. As usual, the atmosphere in the waiting area of the airport was charged with emotion as scores of people pressed against the security barriers, craning their necks toward the arrival gates and chattering in high excitement. I am always amazed how many Latinos it takes to pick someone up at the airport! We found a space behind the crowd and waited… and waited… and waited. At long last I spied a lone familiar figure moving our way: Cousin Linda pushing a cumbersome cart piled with a generous amount of luggage. Rather a lot, I thought, for one who is just coming for a two week visit. I pressed through the multitude and finally caught up with her just as she headed outdoors into the blazing sunshine. As I grabbed her, she turned to me with the funniest, apologetic expression on her face. “I am so sorry,” she began, “But I am by myself! The other girls are stuck in Mexico City!” Stuck? As in, they’re lost, they’ve been nabbed, or they’re having passport problems? My mind raced through the possibilities. It turned out that Aero Mexico had overbooked by a long shot and apparently Joy and Lauren looked like good candidates to be chosen for standby status. While Linda received her boarding pass with no questions asked, Joy and Lauren were told, “Um, we’re not sure you two can fly today… maybe on the 24th (three days later!)… maybe we can get you a flight to Miami and a connection from there…” Someone goofed, however, and Linda wound up in Honduras with the other girls’ suitcases, while Joy stayed in Mexico with all the baggage claim tickets! Fortunately, the lady at the customs desk in San Pedro believed Linda’s story and allowed her to collect all of the luggage. We had no choice but to leave the airport, since there is only one flight a day from Mexico. While we soothed our hunger pangs and our disappointment at a quiet Pizza Hut, Joy and Lauren were having a blast touring Mexico City, riding the metro, and maxing out the accommodations offered them by Aero Mexico! When the girls showed up at the airport the next day, they still were not promised any seats until they mentioned the fact that their bags had been shipped the day before. This caused some consternation behind the check-in counter, and within a short time they were confirmed to fly! Needless to say, our reunion on Monday evening was quite a bit more dramatic than it would have been if they had come the previous day, and we had a PARTY, as Derek would say.
Christmas in Honduras is mostly celebrated on the 24th, and it means eating tamales and shooting firecrackers, so that’s what we did. We had our traditional celebration on Thursday with some very special treats from “home”, and very special people to share it with. All the Troyers from Erandique were here and we enjoyed a blessed time together, concluding with an “open house” at the guesthouse for the rest of the gringos. Large quantities of coffee, cookies, and other equally ruinous fare were enjoyed by young and old, but especially by young, of which there are plenty around here!
This week brings on the New Year’s celebrations, which on a local level mean more firecrackers and lots of drinking, but in this house we have one thing on our minds and that is another trip to the airport! My parents are coming to spend a month or more, and with them--- well, who knows what surprises are in store for us!!!

Derek's Picturesque Speech:

"Mom, I can talk Spanish now!"

(Mom:) "Really? What can you say?"

"We-e-ell... I can talk it, but I don't really know it."

(Bright smile) "But when I get bigger, I will talk it AND know it!"

I think I know what you mean, Derek.

What's Happening

2008-12-16T16:34:00.004-06:00

Life in the Fishbowl is busy. The children bend over their desks, sometimes frowning at decimals, now cheerfully designing snowflakes and paper airplanes. The kitchen is filled with exciting aromas which regularly bring Derek to my side declaring he's hungry and simply can't wait another minute... Treats of all sorts line the countertop- fat, brown molasses crinkles, petite jam gems, melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies. Strains of joyful music echo through our house and drift out the open windows. Large pots of cafe con leche disappear at amazing rates. The guesthouse springs (creaks would be more like it!) to life as visitors of all shapes and sizes pass through its famous doors. The fish swim about their tank: happily when the sun shines, sadly when it doesn't. The tomato plants are blooming alongside the poinsettia, the chickens cheerfully lay their precious brown eggs, and the banana plant groans with the weight of its green fruit. A huge landscaping project is in process in the front yard, and we are bursting with beautiful ideas. The grass needs mowing, the flower beds need weeding, and the cobwebs need sweeping, but we are still having our cup of coffee. Aaahh... it is the best of times: Spring and Christmas all combined into one jubilant experience. Joy and Peace to all!

All About Mandie

2008-11-22T14:57:00.000-06:00

This is our baby... a year ago. Wow, she had hair!
And here she is now, bald and beautiful!

Checking out her birthday gift- a doll stroller to push around. (The doll is an old toy.) This is supposed to motivate her to walk on her own!

Carrot cake... that counts as a veggie serving, right?

I know the light is terribly harsh (and no, I don't know how to fix it) but you just gotta love that grin!

Just this week Mandie is really trying to walk- hurray!!! The weather is cold, the ceramic tile floors colder, and she's about done with this business of crawling around chilling her knees.

Ok, folks, one of these days we'll be posting something other than pictures... maybe when we have internet service at our house. Yes, that's supposed to be happening soon!

Celebrating Emily!

2008-10-30T15:46:00.000-05:00

This smiling young lady celebrated her tenth birthday last week, can you believe it? The little girl disappears and the lady is emerging (sometimes invisibly, but there, nonetheless!) She is the dependable helper who fulfils the meaning of her name very well... Diligent and industrious. Emily loves to read, create cards for her family, tidy the house, drink hot tea, and ride bike at full speed. Long division, Mexican food, wearing socks, and washing dishes are not too high on her list of priorities.

Notebooks, scrapbooking stuff, stickers, and a new book to read... this is her cup o' tea! Thanks to the grandmas for remembering this special day. Emily loves gifts!

After her favorite meal of baked chicken and mashed potatoes, we enjoyed this yummy strawberry creme pudding cake. This begins the birthday season at our house... Coming up next is Mandie Jane!

Today's Derek Moment

2008-10-18T13:44:00.000-05:00

How do you explain the term "punish" to a three year old? In devotions we have been reading Bible stories about the sufferings and death of Jesus. This morning we came across the thought that Jesus took our punishment for us, which provoked an interesting discussion. "Punish is when we spank you for doing something wrong," we explained. "Or when a man kills another man and he has to go to jail, that is a punishment." Derek nodded eagerly. "And when a car hits someone, that's punish, right?" No... That would be an accident. We tried again. "Punishment is paying for your sins." Pause. "Oh, and sometimes you need lots of money-?" (Chuckles.) We'll try again another day. Ideas, anyone?
The idea that Jesus is coming to earth to take us to heaven is a little more comprehensible and fascinating. Derek agreed that it will be great to go with Jesus, "If he has little children for me to play with!"

Men Working

2008-10-18T13:35:00.000-05:00

No, this is not sarcasm. These men are some of the hardest working men you can find anywhere. Not only do they provide for their three wives and their 16 children (collective number, folks; not respective!), they are also missionaries, preachers, teachers, prayer warriors, farmers, and businessmen. Would you give them a hand and lift them to the Throne today? Much appreciated....

Surgery On My Kitchen Table

2008-10-13T17:07:00.000-05:00

Several weeks ago while picking oranges, Tim had the misfortune of running a very large thorn deep into his arm. He pulled it out, but the tip broke off and remained deeply embedded in flesh. We tried putting salve on it in hopes of drawing it out, but instead, it just healed over nicely with nothing more visible than a small bump. Depending on his arm movement, Tim could feel the prick of the thorn, but hesitated to dig for it himself. When we heard that the two clinic nurses were coming to our house on Friday, we asked them to come prepared to do surgery.

The victim solemnly anticipating The Event of the Day.

For some reason my tough hubby requires about twice the amount of lidocaine that the rest of us would need. (Yep, coffee's allowed in this OR!)
If two heads are better than one, all these heads surely guarantee success!
Cool and professional... except not so cool. Perspiration was running pretty heavily at this point. Missy took a stab (yeah!) and had the fun of extracting the thorn...
While Rick gets the fun of stitching up.
The POINT of interest... all of 3/8th inch long!!!

Like I say, no time for boredom around here........

Puppy Love

2008-10-06T16:21:00.000-05:00

No words needed here, right?

When Life Hands Us Oranges...

2008-10-06T16:13:00.000-05:00

We make orange juice, of course!

Oops... I don't really want this pic here, but it won't move either, so here it is! (See, I'm not so bright, really.) Talk about juicy fun!
The classic Tony wink... complete with a juice drop on his eyebrow!

I DID IT!!!

2008-09-20T11:46:00.001-05:00

Will you all just take a moment and appreciate the pictures below? I feel like Eeyore: "If anyone would like to applaud, now would be the time...... Thank you. Unexpected but gratifying... (if a little lacking in smack.)"

This is a Test, 2

2008-09-20T11:29:00.000-05:00

This is Mandie. She is a charming ten month old who is about to toddle around the house developing all the cleaning genes she inherited from her Grandma.

This is Derek. You will be seeing a good bit of him on this blog, since he is the most photogenic person in the family. Life is one big party to Derek.

Yes, there are three other kids in the family, but this post is only a test, remember? When I get this tech-y stuff figured out, or when my little sis donates her laptop to me, we will share PICS!

Help!

2008-09-13T11:26:00.000-05:00

Does anyone have a book called "Posting Photos for Dummies"??? How do you upload pics when your only internet access is a public computer?

This is a Test

2008-08-31T17:52:00.000-05:00

Does Imoan know how to publish a post¿?

The First Post

2008-08-26T13:57:00.000-05:00