Mi Tiempo en Honduras

Hola mi Amigos! (warning, you are about to recieve a spanish lesson)

I'm finally back and rested (I think) from my week in Honduras. This was my second trip to this beautiful country, and hopefully there are many more to come. I was first introduced to the country in May of 2010 on a mission trip with mi abuelos (my grandparents) and their church. I fell in love then with the people and left a little bit of my heart there. I was blessed to return a little over a week ago with another medical team to minister again to the mountain people.

Now, just to clarify: I am in no way medically trained. But you would be amazed at what you can do with a little instruction and in the middle of another country. Automated blood pressure cuffs, thermometers, and pulse oxcemeters (i don't even know all it does) are wonderful for those of us who can push a button and copy down a number. My last trip I used these to do triage, but last week, I worked with the dentist. Of the MANY patients that were treated in the clinics, roughly 125 of those had teeth extracted (fancy term for pulled). I was placed in charge of cleaning and sterilizing the doctor's instruments inbetween patients. I will say, I'm glad I don't mind a little blood and I now know the spanish word for a person to spit: esupa.

As a patient, the proceed for each clinic was:

Wait...

Triage (temp, BP, and pulse check)...

See healthcare provider (accompanied by a translator)...

Head to the pharamacy for meds...

...and here I am doing my part for the week: cleaning and sterlizing instruments used by Dr. Ted to pull teeth.

We were able to provide medical services to 1,150 people in 4 1/2. We worked with Iglesia Amistad Cristiana Church and helped reach communities that the church will follow up with. 

Another highlight of the week, was our visit to the police academy. It shocked me to find out that in Honduras, it is not standard issue for police officers to recieve a bullet-proof vest. We had the opportunity to take vests with us and distrubute them to several men and women. Dr. Daughtery, the American physcian leading our group, was able to present the vests and the gospel to the officers.

One of the Recreation Pastors at Sherwood was able to give me some soccer balls to take and pass out. Several kids waited around the clinic all day for a ball. This one was especially excited!

Now, allow me to introduce you to the "Fearsome Four". These lovely ladies and myself met in May 2010 on what would be all of our first trip to Honduras. We were blessed with the opportunity to all serve again together! It was great to catch up on all the Lord has done in our lives and to encourage each other. We're spread out all over the southeast, but are hoping for a reason to reunite soon ;) .

Thank you so much for praying for myself and our team as we served the mountain people of Honduras. This country and her beautiful people are becoming very near and dear to my heart. Returning there was like seeing old friends and family. I can't wait until the Lord opens a door to visit again.

Only fear the LORD and serve Him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things He has done for you. 1 Sam 12:24

Well hey there...

To say that a lot has happened since my last post, would be the understatement of the year. My mind works in lists and bullet points, so here's the skinny on the rest of my summer....

-Freedom Frestival: church event for the 4th of July as an outreach to the community. Had a great turnout, good friends from Mobile in town, AND got to pray with a little girl to receive Christ!

-5th Grade Mission Trip: took 12 5th graders to St. Simons Island for a 2 day mission trip. We prayer walked, and hosted a movie night. It was awesome to see the kids, some for the first time,  start to "get" serving, learning how to live mission-minded, and about how things are not about ourselves. 

-Camp Topadarok: Next up we had kids camp for completed 3rd-5th graders. The best part: Samuel, John, and James came down to be a part! Samuel was a staffer, while John and James were campers. So cool to see them hang out and have fun with kids I spend so much time with each week. We had  a great staff and chaperones who extended grace to this girl, the new camp director. Overall we had 2 children accept Christ and MANY experience conviction and reevaluated things in their life. 

Unfortunately, this is the only picture I got of the four of us. But still a good looking bunch :)

-Said good-bye to two AMAZING interns. Becky and James where more help this summer than I can express. Not only had great help, but came away with incredible friendships. 

Intern Becky on her Birthday! LOVE her!!

So there you have it. Lots of firsts for me, and crazy busy but I wouldn't have it any other way. The Lord continues to reveal His strength and power to me as He uses me in Albany. 

However, I'm pretty sure, had I not slowed down, Mom was coming after me (love you Momma!).

Headed out tomorrow for a seven day mission trip to Honduras. Pray as our team serves and works in medical clinics to reach the mountain people.