tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24888620233832423402024-03-13T15:30:23.740-07:00Journey to HondurasFollow us as we begin our journey to start Hope of Honduras Children's Home.....The Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10652706655702678777noreply@blogger.comBlogger329125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488862023383242340.post-89211608507079323692015-05-31T13:27:00.000-07:002015-05-31T13:27:00.800-07:00MOVING THE PAGEDear Friends and Family and Followers:<br />
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I am writing this to say that I will no longer be using this page for the ministry updates. I will however, be keeping it but only for personal use and journaling. All related topics about the ministry and children here will now be on our webpage. It will be a lot easier to maintain and you can also view our giving catalog from here as wells our wish lists, urgent needs and donate all on one webpage. Thank you all for understanding. To read the latest update please click now on the link below:<br />
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www.hopeofhonduras,org<br />
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Have a Blessed day!The Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10652706655702678777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488862023383242340.post-50216993115216013972015-02-28T18:04:00.001-08:002015-02-28T18:05:37.856-08:00What I feel God calling me to be......<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the day she entered the home</td></tr>
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Belkis is a sweet young lady who actually turns Sweet 16 on the 13th of March. Her and her three siblings have been with us for the last three years. It has been amazing to see her grow not only physically but spiritually as well. She truly longs to serve the Lord. She has been taking piano lessons, she sings in the choir, she helps teach a class at church. She signed up to take a theology class and even plays along with Mrs, Dallita at church. Belkis also attends the hospital outreach ministry with me. She loves going and talking with the people and the children. She surrendered her heart to the Lord and her life and said that she felt God calling her to be a missionary and or a Pastors wife. She has never wavered from these things and keeps saying that she feels called to full-time service. I walk everyday and the last few days she has asked to walk with me. Today, as we were walking I could tell that there was something on her mind. She said to me...."Mrs. Amy, I really love going to the hospital, with you." We then began to talk about the lack of compassion that some nurses even have. Not once while we were there did a nurse pass to see a patient. We were there for over and 1 and half. How sad, and we were in the childrens ward. As we were talking she said, "I really feel God calling me to be a nurse". I still want to be a in full-time ministry but I think I need to be in the medical field. How AWESOME would that be. Here is a young lady who if they had not been placed here in the home would not be where she is today and now she says that she feels God calling her to be a nurse maybe on the missionary field. God is awesome and HE is still in the business of using and calling people. It will not be cheap and it will not be easy but we want her to be able to go to college one day. It is highly likely that she will live here with us until she turns 18 at which point yes it will be time to go to college. Please pray and think about maybe starting now to <a href="http://www.hopeofhonduras.org/donate" target="_blank">give</a> towards her college needs. It will be time for her to go before we know it. Also please be in prayer for her as she seeks the Lord's will for her life.</div>
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The Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10652706655702678777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488862023383242340.post-35086218669242554792015-01-11T19:33:00.001-08:002015-01-11T19:33:49.794-08:00Things You Never Really Get Use to.........<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We are in our fourth year here in Honduras and a total of five years living outside of the U.S.A. Sometimes you just never get use to the the things that you see each day. Living in the states you see things and you kind of get use to them. Living here it is the same way. However, sometimes there are things that you see that you just never really get use to seeing. Waiting in line this week to drop Taylor off at the airport we saw at least 5 different homeless people. It is heart breaking watching them walk around begging for food, some half- naked, others with tattered and torn clothes, some that are to big, and they walk about like crazy people, talking to them selves and pointing of in the distance. I started to think about the man in the Bible in Matthew 8:28-34. Where all the people were afraid of him and he was naked and possessed with the devil. Then, I started to think about how Jesus didn't pass this man by. He saved him. He gave him his life back and more abundantly. I never want to get to a place in my life where I can easily pass people by. I never want to forget what Jesus did for me. What kind of life HE saved from. (I'm not saying I had a bad life.....) I am stating that if I had not trusted Christ as my Savior I don't know where I would be today. As I sit here and type I pray that the Lord continues to have mercy on me and give with grace renewed each morning. I pray that I can extend that into compassion and love for others. I don't want to just do that here in Honduras but I hope and pray to be an encouragement to all that I know and meet. So, what about you today....are you going to continue to get use to things.....or pray that God gives you that same desire to see peoples lives changed through Christ.<br />
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The Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10652706655702678777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488862023383242340.post-26805798453308577842015-01-05T19:48:00.001-08:002015-01-05T19:48:34.784-08:00What does love really mean?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, Christmas has come and gone and the new year is already in bloom. However, a sweet story to share is one from our newest little girl Sindy. She has not been with us very long but she has really jumped right into this and we are her family and home. She calls us momma and daddy and she loves Hunter and the boys. We were unsure if she was going to be able to go home for Christmas and really was only thinking it would be for a day at the most. However, her aunt decided to come and pick her up and they all stayed together. She traveled during the four day break back and forth to her aunt and uncles homes and her cousins. Her aunt Marta would explain to her now this is my brother......or this is my sister.....and I just love spending time with them it makes me so happy. Well, Saturday rolled around and Marta was walking Sindy back home as they do not have a car; only a bicycle. As Sindy got to the gate of our property she looked up at Marta and said; "Now I can be happy because these are my brothers and sisters". Marta began to cry. She walked the rest of the way to the house. She began to explain what had just happened. She wasn't crying tears of sadness....she was crying tears of joy because it was the first time that she had seen Sindy express what love really meant and what it meant to have a family like she always wanted. Thank you to those who give to help little girls like Sindy know what love is...not just love from a momma and daddy but the Love of JESUS as well.<br />
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The Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10652706655702678777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488862023383242340.post-57193584249783691132014-12-07T18:18:00.001-08:002014-12-07T18:22:17.322-08:00Always Amazed....and never disappointed<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our needs on our prayer board</td></tr>
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Well, today has truly been a day of amazement. We had a wonderful day at church, and a wonderful lunch. Then, we all watched a Christmas movie. Afterwards, the kids all went outside to play as it was the first dry afternoon we have had. A sweet lady and her son from church brought us some goodies. What is even more amazing is that she brought some of the items we have on our prayer board. She brought us 3 gallons of milk and 60 eggs. WHAT a huge blessing. Then we get a note from our dear friends from our home church Myra and Ronnie that said their sunday School Class took up money for a special Christmas gift for the kids as well as the remainder of the funds to go to the wall. So, that means over $450 for the wall fund. <br />
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Then, we have a trial...Escarleth was running and playing outside when she ran in to a concrete ledge and gashed her forehead open. We took her to the clinic and got her all cleaned and stitched up and learned that she also has a tiny fracture in her skull. <br />
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But the doctor said that she should heal up just fine in 3 weeks or so as long as she takes it easy. WOW!!! What a day....luckily it was only a $66 bill. Tonight, we learned that Liberty Baptist Church in Hampstead North Carolina took up a special offering for us to day. The took up almost $3,400 to go towards the wall. What a huge blessing that is. Their desire is not for glory or gain....but that others may see the need as well and contribute. Every penny counts and we can not do it without people like you all. We had a situation just two weeks ago that we had not had time to share but feel it is very important. Behind us lives a few different people. Three sets of neighbors that live behind us actually are very faithful to our church. Two of the girls that live behind us had gone out with their mom one evening. In town a man murdered a pharmacist and ran for cover. He ran down the main street in front of our property and headed for the houses behind us. He actually went through the gate of the girls home that attend our church and hid there. Luckily, another neighbor saw him and thought he was robbing the house and called the police. The thing is he could of just as easily ran down our road looking for cover. We desperately need to have the gate put up. If you want to give a gift for Christ this year that will never be forgotten and truly a blessing please consider giving to our wall fund. It is a large project and we just can't do it without the help of our friends and readers. We thank you all and not a day goes by that we are not in awe at how God supplies our needs through others. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas! To know more about how to give you can contact us on Facebook or email us at mark@teamhonduras.com or amy@teamhonduras.com<br />
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The Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10652706655702678777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488862023383242340.post-86070985582069384862014-11-19T08:23:00.000-08:002014-11-19T08:34:09.852-08:00Dream Big!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Who would have thought that the little girl that came to us almost two years ago; sick and infested with lice with no education at all and could not even write her own name.........would be picking notes on a piano. The Lord has big plans for her and when God is involved you can dream big. She can now read and write in English and Spanish. She can write her name and read her Bible. She is also preparing for her very first piano recital. Her mom and two younger sibling however are still living in the dark. Her mom knows that Kathya is much better off for being in the home, but she is content with what she has. The sad thing is that her almost 4 year old brother and soon to be 2 year old sister do not have a choice. Another sad thing is just like Kathya her brother and sister are still non recognized citizens of Honduras because their mom never registered them after they were born. Please continue to pray for Kathya that she can be a light to her unsaved mother. Pray that she can help her to understand that God can change lives. Pray that one day that she will come to understand that life can be different if she just chooses to go down a different road......one in which with the Lords help can have a BIG DREAM at the end.<br />
<span id="goog_1225043227"></span><span id="goog_1225043228"></span><br />The Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10652706655702678777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488862023383242340.post-35615821486401818362014-11-09T16:45:00.000-08:002014-11-09T16:45:16.795-08:00Security Wall URGENT UpdateYou know growing up in North Carolina just outside of a tiny town we never worried about leaving things in the yard, whether we were going to be robbed or shot. Even after Mark and I were married and moved to yet another small town we often times left the garage door up or the doors open,bikes in the yard and even keys in the car. However, we are not in the states anymore and life here is different. Many of you know that we sit on 10 acres of property and we have been blessed this year to close in 3/4 of the property. We were feeling a lot safer. Then, we got some very disturbing news.<br />
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When two of our girls entered the home they entered for two reasons. The first, was that their grandma could not care for them anymore. The second was because she was afraid of a man that was coming around their house. Well, things do get lost in translation and what she was trying to say was that this guy was threatening her and the lives of the girls. Well, we recently just learned that the man has made his way over here. He is a relative and he is also in a dangerous gang. He has told one of the girls while she was playing outside on the soccer field that "all of the people in that house will pay". What that exactly means we are not sure of. However, we do know that our friend who lives behind us was worried enough to come and talk to us as he saw a car full of gang members on the main entrance dirt road in front of the property. We really need to get the front of the property gated in. This is the last phase and we would feel so much safer. We are asking that you pray about it for one. Then see how you can help keep us all safe here. Maybe you can mention it to your family, your small group, or even your sunday school class or church. Some of you who have businesses can even donate and receive a tax donation receipt. We are in need of $20,000 to get started on this. Until then, please be in prayer for our safety and that they do not come back here to the property.<br />
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The pictures are to show you just how open it is in the front and why we so need to get this closed in. Thank you all so much for your continued prayers and support. If you would like to help you can donate online at<br />
www.hopeofhonduras.org<br />
and clarify it is for the wall fund<br />
or mail checks to<br />
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Hope Childrens Home (MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO HOPE OF HONDURAS)<br />
c/o Coats Fund/Wall Fund<br />
11415 Hope International Drive<br />
Tampa, Florida 33625<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">walking or driving off the property to the right is headed to the main road</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the entrance to the property</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a link chain that we close each night is all that have to keep people out</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the left and right sides have a barbed wire fence </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">to the left of the property</td></tr>
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The Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10652706655702678777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488862023383242340.post-17829641981773724792014-11-09T15:28:00.003-08:002014-11-09T15:28:43.241-08:00Training kids....means including them....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Josiah age 6</td></tr>
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We live in a country where we have a bountiful supply of fresh fruits and vegetables at our finger tips. The big thing is the kids here had never eaten 1/4 of them until they moved in. They either didn't know what they were or how to eat/cook them. Now, that they have been here for awhile almost everyone gets in on helping out in the kitchen. They know how to cook and prepare lots of different types of foods and the great thing is they can get it all right here. It is our hope that when these children leave whenever that might be...they leave healthier and with a better taste of the resources they have available to them. They will be able to teach they families and children one day how to these same things.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alexandra age 11</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Belkis age 15</td></tr>
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The Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10652706655702678777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488862023383242340.post-13445172064087898352014-11-09T13:17:00.000-08:002014-11-09T13:17:05.183-08:00God ALWAYS Provides.......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">more than 100 ant bites</td></tr>
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It seems like just yesterday we were dating in the hospital with Oscar. It seems like yesterday that we knew we were going to have a bill that was not budgeted for. It seems like yesterday we were hoping and praying that he would start to feel better so that we could leave. We are so thankful of fall of those who prayed for him and for us during that time. We are just thankful that it was already in the works for them to return to the cottage. we often sit back and think what would have happened to them if when they walked out that day with their mom what state would their little bodies be in right now. We serve a mighty God who answers prayers...I know that for sure. He also provided all of the funds we needed to pay the bill off in full. We had a bill of right at $1,000. We had been given $300. That left $698 left to be paid. I received an emial from an old high school friend....one in which only thanks to FB have we been able to keep in touch for it has been at least 20 years since I have seen her. However, her and her sweet family of 4 had been setting some money aside....and felt she needed to give it to us. Her words were just this...."I know that this will not pay the bill in full but at least it will help out." I began to cry reading those words. She had no idea that the balance was just $698. She strictly followed the Lords leading and provided what they had. God is so good. He is faithful to those that yield to HIS voice. I am thankful that we have friends both near and far that pray for us and even support us monthly, and or when we put out a need. We know it is because of all three of these types of supporters we can keep on keeping on for the Lord. So, when you are feeling down and not sure what to do...just call upon HIM and look up because MY GOD ALWAYS SUPPLIES>>>>><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">finally resting in the hospital</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">last night playing around with a play cookie.....:)</td></tr>
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The Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10652706655702678777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488862023383242340.post-69289265792031711192014-11-09T13:02:00.003-08:002014-11-09T13:02:47.320-08:00Meet Sindy<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">October 9, 2014 the day she entered</td></tr>
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I know that this is so late on this blog page but we have anew little girl. Here name is Sindy and she is 4 years old. She is even smaller than our three year old Micah. She is just a tiny little "Dora". She is here with us because when she was born her mom basically gave her to her her mom to care for. Her grandmother is in her late 60's. She has health problems and finds it hard to work and care for her at the same time. So, she asked if they could place her with us. We told her that her mother had to consent and give permission. When we said yes......they were here ready to roll so to speak. We had all the paperwork ready and asked her mom what her desires and plans were? All while she was holding her 10 month old son in a soiled cloth diaper( an original cloth diaper). She said that she wanted her to be here for as long as possible. Then, we asked her to sign the paperwork to which she said...."I don't know how to write my name". How said that this young 20 some year old mom of two could not read or write. We had to teach her that day how to write her name. We then explained to her the importance of know how to do that.<br />
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So, with that said Sindy has now been in our care for a month today. It is amazing to see the transformation in just a month. She has already learned many words in English and knows just what it means to be part of a complete family. She will continue to grow in knowledge of both Christ and family values and academics. Please continue to pray for her as she changes.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">she is fitting in...just wonderfully!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">today......all smiles...one happy girl</td></tr>
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<br />The Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10652706655702678777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488862023383242340.post-12284793711028508742014-08-21T15:55:00.000-07:002014-08-21T15:55:38.715-07:00Using Every Opportunity for the Lord......<br />
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Do you ever think about the things you do, the places that you go, the people that you meet? Do you ever think that each one of those is an opportunity for you to share the gospel. Today, I took Micah downtown in El Pregreso, to a Barberia(Barber Shop) that I have never been to before. We walked in and we were the only clients there. We started to talk as the guy began to cut Micah's hair and the Lord just opened up the doors. I was able to share the gospel with them both. The one gentleman Donaldo said that he was in fact saved....but boy did he have questions. He read the tract that I handed him out load and wanted more clarification. It was awesome to see. We were there for probably 1/2 and hour. The last 15 minutes was just sharing about God and how good He is. I am thankful that I have overcome my fear of sharing my faith....due to rejection by others. The fact of the matter is....when others don't listen they are rejecting Christ......I told the man today....I want to be able to share with others the love that my God has for all. I don't want to hold it in in secret as if I am the only one going to Heaven......that would be like throwing a big birthday party and not inviting anyone but yourself. God wants all of us to be there. Some still think they don't need HIM, but just like I told Donaldo today.....we are all born with a missing piece and only God can fill it...(one of those phrases my Pastor Jeff Jones always said) (Everyonwe has a God shaped void in their life). They try to put in everything they can....drugs, money, alcohol and so on....but none of those things bring true contentment and happiness like giving your life to Jesus. So, I challenge you today....to use every opportunity that you have been given to share something about what God has done for you.The Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10652706655702678777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488862023383242340.post-80464922790451939862014-08-09T12:43:00.002-07:002014-08-09T12:43:53.519-07:00Parenting, training and guiding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As I was growing up I learned a lot of things from my momma. There were some things that she out-right taught me and then there were somethings that I learned just by her example. While we were in the states we were sharing the story of Kathya's former life and that her mom and siblings were still living in poverty. A few of the girls in that class gave me a few dollars to buy them some food when we returned home. A few weeks ago my friend Valeria was here for a visit so I thought we would go and buy the things we could and drop them by Kathya's moms house. When we arrived we saw her little brother Jose sitting in a chair as if he was being punished.....if you ever met him you would know that he doesn't sit still very well. I got out of the car and could immediately tell that there was something wrong with him. He was burning up with a fever. He was dressed in all of his clothes and his mom had wet a shirt and placed it on top of his head. She began to tell me that he had been like this for a few days. I asked her if the had given him any medication and she said that she gave him a pill(and adult pill) around 7 am that morning. It was now 12 o'clock. I ran down the street to where Karla's parents live to see if I could borrow their bathroom to cool him off. I began to explain to Delmi(his mom) that she needed to get his clothes off and try to cool him off. This child had a fever so high that his eyes were rolling back in his head, he wouldn't talk, and he had used the potty in his pants.<br />
It took awhile to cool him off but he started to talk a little bit. I placed him in the hammock with just a cold wet rag around his neck and head. We ran to the house to get the thermometer and some childrens medicine for him. At that time we learned that he had a fever of almost 106. Mark and I went back to the house and picked him up where they had placed him on a bed and covered him with a blanket. (keep in mind that it was code to 100 that day or hotter.) Mark picked him back up and went over to the faucet outside and began to pour water on him to cool him off. At this point we are explaining to her that he could die from a fever so high that goes untreated. She begins to sob. I giver her a hug and let her know we are here to help her. She hugs my neck.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">trying to keep him cool in the hammock</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ada and Jose are Kathya's siblings</td></tr>
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I say all of that to say that she never had an example to follow. She had no idea what to do in a situation like that. She thought she needed to keep him covered up. She didn't try to get him to drink and she didn't know that she shouldn't give a three year old adult medicine. This all comes from not being trained when she was little. She had never been parented she just had to survive.<br />
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Here at Hope/Esperanza....we are striving to change that. We are hoping that these kids will see godly parents and learn from our example. We pray that they will guide their families and even know what do to in situations just like that above. We desperately need to help the children by training them to be good children which means that they can grow up to be good parents one day. Please join us in prayer as we help raise, train and guide the next generation. We have started with 15 we want to help more but need your prayers to touch hearts of a new couple willing to join our ministry. Then we can build a new cottage to help 15 more children.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jose ran out to tell us thank you as he is feeling better and drinking the gatorade we bought him.</td></tr>
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<br />The Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10652706655702678777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488862023383242340.post-51330836743512542332014-07-31T15:04:00.001-07:002014-07-31T15:04:19.963-07:00And so the Bell rings..............Today, we started our third year of schooling here in Honduras. This year we have our largest group yet. We have a total of 15 children out of the 18 in the home in school. We have kindergarten all the way up to 11th grade this year. Since we are homeschooling here we are really praying about the need of a teacher or teachers to help relieve us from these duties. Please join us in prayer as we pray for a teacher.<br />
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Also, please consider sponsoring a child for their school year. It takes funds to buy the schooling materials as well as the necessary items to help them along the way. You can make a monthly pledge or a one time donation.<br />
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Thank you all for your continued thoughts and prayers. Here are the kids and their grade level for the year.<br />
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<br />The Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10652706655702678777noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488862023383242340.post-5077696418213618352014-07-29T19:16:00.003-07:002014-07-29T19:16:49.733-07:00The traveling Boys......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It was rather interesting traveling with two smaller children on long road trips. Even funnier because neither of them have a large memory bank of things, concepts, culture of the states. So here are the top ten funniest things you hear and know you are raising an MK(missionary kid)<br />
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10. Can I flush the toilet paper?<br />
9. I don't want to eat any more FOOD!!!<br />
8. OOOOOH.....it flushes by itself!<br />
7. Can I drink this water?<br />
6. ARE WE THERE YET?<br />
5. HEY!!The POWER went out!!!(when you are in church and they dim the lights to show your DVD)<br />
4. What church are we going to today?<br />
3. WOW! This place has LOTS of stuff.....referring to Walmart!<br />
2. But I am a big boy...I don't want to use a carseat!!!<br />
and #1<br />
When you send your child to Sunday School.....and ask him what he learned after class and his response........."I don't know.......why?(I ask)........because they weren't speaking in my language? what language were they speaking son?......English I think? <br />
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yep those are true MK's and I am so proud of them.<br />
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<br />The Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10652706655702678777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488862023383242340.post-19067922084372474482014-07-29T18:10:00.003-07:002014-07-29T18:10:54.497-07:00Furlough, Family and FunIt seems as if it has been way to long for a post. Truth is we were super busy filling in some much needed family time. We have been from Honduras to Tampa to North Carolina and back home again. We were able to see and do lots of things while on this trip.<br />
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One of the most exciting things was to see our daughter walk the stage to receive her diploma for all of her hard work through high school. Not only did she graduate with super grades but she did all of that while helping us serve here in Honduras. <br />
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We also were blessed to see Josiah graduate from kindergarten. Hard to believe how our family is changing. We were able to have a fun time on a mini vacation before heading up to North Carolina to visit churches and see our families. We had a great trip but are thankful we are back home. Thank you for your prayers and support while we were traveling. The Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10652706655702678777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488862023383242340.post-85580263718560113602014-05-09T08:01:00.001-07:002014-05-09T08:01:21.504-07:00Prayers of little children<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It is so sweet to hear the prayers of little children. Here is what was heard today. <span class="userContent">Love prayer time. This was Josiah's prayer. Thank you Jesus for this day. Please be with <a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=1373456979" href="https://www.facebook.com/taylor.coats.39">Taylor Coats</a> and Mrs. <a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=657324993" href="https://www.facebook.com/myra.jones.315">Myra Jones</a>. Thank you Jesus that today is Friday cause we can eat popcorn tonight and that means we get pancakes tomorrow. In Jesus name amen.</span> He hears the simplest of our prayers and praises. Have you thanked HIM for something today?The Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10652706655702678777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488862023383242340.post-77049349641432045692014-05-09T07:57:00.000-07:002014-05-09T07:57:15.656-07:00There is an Escape........<span class="userContent"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today I took Valeria and Elvin to the dentist. As we were leaving heading to the car we passed a man maybe in his 30's sitting on a small wooden box. Tucked between his hands was a plastic bag with glue in it. He is a huffer. How sad to liv<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show">e such a life as this. In 1 Corinthians 10:13 the Bible says .....there hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are Able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. I think about his life and how he is only going to escape this trap one of only 2 ways ......(1) he will kill himself from the usage or (2) he will run to The Lord, the one that can give him the salvation he needs to overcome this addiction. there are many just like him. It might be you today. It might not be glue it might be drugs it might be alcohol it may even be something else that is holding you in bondage Well my friend I am here to tell you that God can change that He can set you free. You just need to call out to him and ask him to forgive you and ask him to help you overcome what has you trapped. He can change your future He can help you escape.</span></div>
<br /></span> The Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10652706655702678777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488862023383242340.post-41360179989042849112014-05-06T14:06:00.001-07:002014-05-06T14:06:52.546-07:00Have you ever longed for something?As a parent we desire for our children to grow up and be better than we are. When Taylor and Hunter were little there was never a doubt in our minds about their education and the things that they would learn and the things they would grow to love. Having children in the home that we have not raised from birth has given us a different desire for each of them. <br />
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I remember when our kids were very small and even with Josiah and Micah....we would read to them especially at night before they went to bed. Something that I am sure that most of you may do. We would hold things up or point things out and get them to tell us the color. We couldn't wait until they could hold a pencil in their hand so we could teach them to write their own name. <br />
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Well, here things are a lot different. Culture is different. I am not saying that is doesn't happen but a I can tell you out of the 15 kids we have in the home....they didn't get bedtime stories read to them each night. Most of them didn't have parents who had time to teach them to write their names or even tell them their birthdates. This rings especially true for Kathya. She came into the home in October of 2012. She has been with us almost 18 months. When she came in she was getting ready to turn 10. She had never been to school, didn't know her letters or numbers. She did not know her birthday or even how to write her on name. We started from the ground up. It is a lot more challenging when kids are older. She has been taught that she didn't need to know those things she could survive like her mother collecting bottles and cans. However, she really wanted to learn. It takes patience that is for sure.........however, after many trials and errors....tears and much laughter.....she finally gets it. This week on Monday we were able to Kathya her very own Bible(full). She had a little new testament but we thought it fitting that she get her own bible because she can now read it by herself. What an honor it was to give it to her. We even wrote in the description that it was because today .....she could read it by herself. Please continue to pray for her as it is still a little challenging but she is getting there. <br />
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The Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10652706655702678777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488862023383242340.post-12466865052958855412014-05-06T10:40:00.001-07:002014-05-06T10:40:36.810-07:00What..........3 years already....................It is so hard to believe that we have been here three years already. This post is actually a little late but we have been super busy and our computer is on the brink. (but that's another story)<br />
When we arrived in April of 2011 we were expecting our fourth baby, jumped into a new culture, a new church, and a building project. It is amazing to see just what the Lord has done in that three years. We thank you all who have supported us from the very beginning and those that have joined us on the journey along the way. We could not do what we do if it were not for givers, friends and supporters like you. <br />
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The Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10652706655702678777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488862023383242340.post-75420829224595226152014-04-23T08:08:00.000-07:002014-04-23T08:08:13.790-07:00Whisper a prayer in the morning..................Those are sweet words from a little song I taught my kids when we were in North Carolina. It goes like this:<br />
Whisper a prayer in the morning, <br />
Whisper a prayer at noon. <br />
Whisper a prayer in the evening, <br />
He will keep your heart in tune. <br />
God answers prayer in the morning, <br />
God answers prayer at noon. <br />
God answers prayer in the evening. <br />
He will keep your heart in tune.<br />
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How true is that. Also, how HE hears even a whisper from your heart and head. <br />
Yesterday, Mark and I were sitting on our bed talking before school about how nice it would be to take the kids to the barber shop to get their hair cut. However, with 18 children it takes a lot of time to sit and wait and even money to get all of those heads cut. We left it at that and parted to our separate classes for the day. <br />
Each day at 10 am we have morning snack and a break. Since Karla was off yesterday I decided that I would take all the kids in my class and Micah out for a walk around the soccer field while they ate their snack. We started on our way when a car drove up. It is not uncommon for people to stop by the church and visit with Pastor Matt or have discipleship classes. However, this couple was a new couple. In fact so new that Sunday was their first day at our church. He stepped out of his car and we began to talk and then he said that he wanted to know if our children could use haircuts. I am sure my jaw dropped as I looked at him. I said "yes actually they could use haircuts." In fact my husband and I were talking just this morning of how we wish we could take the kids to the barbershop. He said, " I am a barber and I even brought my own chair and my wife also cuts hair."<br />
<span id="goog_1300053092"></span><span id="goog_1300053093"></span> WOW! We wanted to go to the barbershop but God brought the barbershop to us. What a huge blessing Anthony and his wife Yolane were to us yesterday. They got almost everyone's haircut before they had to leave. (keeping in mind they were here for over two hours cutting hair). When they left we had just had 9 kids with new haircuts. The kids even talked about how special it was that they came and they were new and came and wanted to be a blessing to us. Thank you Lord for how you always supply and hear even a whisper. <br />
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<br />The Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10652706655702678777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488862023383242340.post-78620701362863262562014-04-15T13:00:00.001-07:002014-04-15T13:05:37.693-07:00Life.......Love.....and Letting Go...........<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This has been one of the hardest weeks ever in our lives. On Friday, I flew our only daughter to Florida to start a new journey. It doesn't seem possible that she should be ready for this. It seems like only yesterday we were holding her hand as she took her first steps and then took off her training wheels so she could ride all by herself. Now yet again, we have to let her go. Our hearts ache we have cried to the point of loss of appetite and headaches. We know that she is a special girl.....we know that we have tried to raise her the way the Lord says that you should raise your children. She is so much better than us. Her knowledge in the Bible, her heart for the Lord, her service to others. All these are reflected in her words and her life. She truly lives the same way on Monday as she does on Sunday. She is only 18 and she has been tithing as long as I can remember to her local church and to missions......and she doesn't even have a job!!!!!! She is a gem. We are so grateful that God allowed us to be her parents.<br />
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This again has been so draining, so emotional it made me start to think about God the Father as He prepared HIS Son Jesus to come to earth. The pain HE must have felt letting HIM go. The sadness He must have felt when He couldn't even look at Him as He was on the cross. <br />
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Then, I start to think about Jesus and how much He loves each of us. How sad He must feel when we go astray or maybe those who have never even acknowledged Him. How His heart must ache. How He must feel drained knowing that there is separation between His children and Himself. <br />
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Elisabeth Elliot said this: " This hard place in which you perhaps find yourself is the very place in which God is giving you the opportunity to look only to Him, to spend time in prayer, and to learn long-suffering, gentleness, meekness- in short, to learn the depths of love that Christ Himself has poured out on all of us. <br />
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John 15:9 says " As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.<br />
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It is still hard to begin to let go and live life like normal when we love her so much. However, I know that my heavenly Father loves us even more than we love our daughter. He will help us through this. <br />
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For all those who are parents and your children are still at home.....don't let things get in the way and take over the time that you could be spending with your family. They will be gone one day and you can never get that time back. Make as many lasting memories as possible. You will never look back and say I regret making to many memories or spending to much time with your family....you might look back and say well.....if only I had not have worked all that over time or taken all those business trips....or spend all that time on facebook or emails. Make your choice before its to late.<br />
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On another note if you don't have that relationship like I have with my heavenly Father today is the day......He loves you....He is waiting...He is ready.....you just have to make the first step......then He will reach down and grab your hand....and guide you along.....you have to come to a point wanting salvation, wanting peace.....and wanting a new life.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BX7GDh8NU4c/U02PbAj6vZI/AAAAAAAACYw/EH6uCRpwJsw/s1600/daddy+and+taylor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BX7GDh8NU4c/U02PbAj6vZI/AAAAAAAACYw/EH6uCRpwJsw/s1600/daddy+and+taylor.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just like her daddy loves her so does the Heavenly Father love us ALL</td></tr>
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<br />The Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10652706655702678777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488862023383242340.post-62985068427156680262014-04-08T09:07:00.001-07:002014-04-08T09:07:07.853-07:00Looking for something........<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, the heat is full force in the dry season. Here in Honduras we have only two seasons; wet and dry. We have not had any rain since the beginning of March. The grass and fields are all hard and brown and even the corn has dried up. The ground is so dry that the ants have forced their way in doors looking for the slightest drop of water on anything. We have found them in the laundry baskets, closets, cabinets, in the sinks, really EVERYWHERE. They are looking for water. I even found about 20 in a glass of water that I had beside my bed last night. All these ants remind me of something I heard our Pastor Jeff Jones say. <br />
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He has said on many occasions that that everyone is looking for something. Everyone has a God shaped void in their life they are trying to fill. In the Bible in John 4:14 it says, "But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. Jesus is the only living water that can satisfy our souls. We are always going to be searching for something to satisfy us; whether it is fame, fortune, family, friends, even food. But the God's word is clear.....only Jesus can truly satisfy.<br />
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God has given us the opportunity to freely take of this gift of "living water". We only need to take of it. In John 7:37-38 the Bible says just that. (37)- In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, <span style="color: #cc0000;">If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. (38)-He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said , out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">We can be satisfied.....just like the ants who are always searching for that water to give them life....we are searching for something to give us freedom and life and satisfaction. My friend that answer today is Jesus. Maybe you have asked Jesus into your heart and life....but you never really grabbed the meat of his word.....and never really gave up worldly things....you can give those over to HIM and He alone can satisfy. </span><br />
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You may be reading this today and you never put your faith and trust in Jesus ......today is your day my friend. You to can have a new life you can partake in LIVING WATER. In Revelation 22:17 says " And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. and let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.<br />
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You can have it....its free....it's yours for the taking...you just have to recognize that you are a sinner, that Jesus died and rose again, He paid the payment for our sins, and repent and confess with your mouth....and you shall be saved. Turn from your old ways and let HIM start anew in YOU. The Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10652706655702678777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488862023383242340.post-18091134565321198452014-04-02T13:34:00.002-07:002014-04-02T13:34:14.242-07:00Community HelpersIn school we all have learned about community helpers. When we first moved here to Honduras we began to reach out to people in the community and let them know about our home. One way to survive is by having others who can help you in your ministry along the way. We are so thankful for our dentist Doctor Julia. She is so kind, godly lady and loves our children. She helps them by seeing them when they need care and treating them for little to no cost at all. Please pray that the Lord will bless her in her business as she helps our children here at Esperanza. <br />
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The Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10652706655702678777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488862023383242340.post-57812451753023014622014-04-02T08:06:00.000-07:002014-04-02T08:06:56.914-07:00It's Not To Late!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Reading in my devotion the scriptures were in Matthew 20:1-16. Here in this passage it is the story of the vineyard workers. Many workers were out early looking for work, When the master of the land saw them he offered them a job and they agreed to work for a penny. The master then continued to check on the work in progress and saw many more men waiting for a job. So, he offered a job to them as well. This happened many more times including at the end of the day 1 hour before the work day ended. When, all the men were in a line, the owner paid the men their penny. This master is just like Jesus. He continues to offer a chance to have a new life. I am thankful that at the age of 6-7, I trusted Christ as my Savior. However, because I was so young.......I did not live like I could have for the Lord. Did I live right all those years....no.....am I proud of that.....no. I am however, grateful and thankful for a God who is merciful and gives second chances. While, I could never lose my salvation I am thankful that God was still willing to use me and my life for HIS service. It is the same for you today my friend. It is not to late, no matter your age or your past. We can all do something for Christ. It maybe that we have trusted Christ when we were young but feel that because of mistakes and our past failures we are not worthy to serve the Lord. This is not true. If we are willing to ask God to forgive us....there is still ways that HE can use us. If you have never trusted Christ.....today is your day.......it's not to late. Just a few weeks ago on visitation I was able to see a 50 year old lady saved. She was made a new creature in Christ, and now she can serve the Lord. He is waiting........our God is a God of second chances.....you just have to be willing to give it to HIM and ask HIM to help you and forgive you of your sins. This can't just be words....you have to mean it, in your heart, you have to repent and acknowledge that HE is who the BIBLE says HE is.....you have to acknowledge that HE was born to die for YOU and for ME and all to come.......HE was the payment for our sins. He longs to have a personal relationship with you.....it's not to late.....but your time could run out before you make a decision and then it will be to late. Don't wait until the afterlife which is Heaven or Hell to say .......I wish I had only believed and trusted Christ.....because that is when its to late.....The Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10652706655702678777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488862023383242340.post-50235732877876453452014-04-01T10:59:00.000-07:002014-04-01T11:02:18.741-07:00WATER ANYONE?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, the last week has truly been an experience.....between sickness, bug bites, mystery swelling of eyes, stitches and then no water. Whew! The devil knows how to lay it on you. However, we know that God is in control but when you have no water, man! You have a difficult life. Our house has 22 people living in it. That means everything is multiplied by 22. So, here is a daily run down:<br />
22 breakfast bowls or plates<br />
22 spoons or forks<br />
22 cups<br />
whatever dishes used to make breakfast<br />
mop buckets to clean floors<br />
at least 20 flushes of a toilet before breakfast(depending)<br />
20 using water to brush teeth before school<br />
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at least 4 loads of laundry daily<br />
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Lunch:<br />
22 cups<br />
22 plates<br />
mop buckets to clean floors<br />
20 more flushes of the toilet<br />
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afternoon playing outside<br />
20 possible toilet flushes<br />
20 sets of hands washed<br />
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washing 44 little hands<br />
bathing 22 people before dinner<br />
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Dinner;<br />
22 plates<br />
22 cups<br />
22 forks<br />
then whatever dishes were used to make dinner<br />
22 more flushes of the toilet<br />
22 brushing their teeth before dinner<br />
another possible 22 flushes of the toilet before bedtime<br />
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So, when we have no water.....we have a hard time. The last two days we have had no water. Not sure if they were working on the lines or what the cause was. We managed to get by with using plastic and paper for meals to eat off of. We filled up buckets from our creek to flush toilets. That still left us with washing dishes, washing clothes and washing bodies. So, we decided to use bottled water to give baths on Sunday night. It took (3) 5 gallon bottles to bath us all but we were grateful for them. <br />
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Now, we are wanting to construct a pila outside or an outside water tank to hold water. It will cost us around $200 or so. So, that is our next need if you would like help. Click here <a href="http://www.hopeofhonduras.org/" target="_blank">DONATE NOW</a> <br />
Be sure to click that it is for HOPE OF HONDURAS<br />
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<br />The Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10652706655702678777noreply@blogger.com0