Building Community in Honduras

You know you are in Honduras when…


There are three foot gaps in the broken sidewalks

People are doing magic tricks at traffic lights for money

You see dumpsters on fire

You hear roosters in the morning

Coffee is served sweet. Very sweet.

Babies drink ice tea from bottles

People hug each other hello and kiss good bye

Pulperias and Mercatitos in the neighborhood sell locals goods

Everyone has a dog or two or three

Taxis honk at you to see if you need a ride

Every one watches and plays soccer

You hear soccer fans playing and cheering until midnight

People throw trash out of their windows and onto the streets

At least 10 people can fit into a pick up truck

Every one goes to Church on Sunday

Every thing is closed on Sunday

Fire works are set off when the soccer team wins

People BBQ and have festivals in the streets

Men with shot guns and pistols guard every shop and restaurant

When driving, anything goes

Police officers pull you over and bribe you to pay them off

From any high point in the city, the lights sparkle and glitter

It is acceptable to have coffee as many times and at any time during the day

Play grounds for children are inside of restaurants

Corn grows wild

People sell tortillas and cakes door to door

It is sunny just about every day

Building Community...
This week we were pretty busy. Thursdays Brian gives JKD (Martial Arts) lessons here in the home and I was able to catch a few photos of the boys in action this week! JKD Class below

Marvin, Miguel, Nelson, Wilmer, Axel

The Micah Boys are really enjoying themselves and learning a lot. I am continuing with Art lessons for the boys as well, and some of my personal Honduran girlfriends are taking their children to my home for art lessons as well. It is amazing to be teaching art here. It is something I never imagined I would be doing in Honduras! I hope it will inspire me to paint as well.

Kevin Creating 2-d &3-d

Wilmer's Island Sculpture

Brian worked through the weekend last week and Olivia and I joined him at the factory on Sunday. It is really coming together and it is exciting to think that soon the factory will be producing Tegu toys! The giant machines will come to life and the factory line will transform wood into beautiful toys that will ship to children who will enjoy them while lives here in Honduras will be changed because of the production. It all runs full circle and we are happy to be part of it all. http://www.tegu.com/

Livi helping Mommy cook

Wednesday I spent the day cooking and was proud that I have reached the point in my Honduran social life that I was able to call my friend and ask to borrow a Pyrex cooking plate to prepare my lasagnas in. I was all prepared for my lunch party that I hosted on Thursday. I invited my friends form my Mommy group. The women are now my close friends, and our children had a blast playing together. I made lasagna, and we laughed and enjoyed ourselves all day long. My home was filled with the smell of basil and tomatoes, coffee and cake, and the warmth of laugher amongst friends.

Mommy Groupunch party and babies

Olivia's friends Male,Valleria, Maggie

Livi dressed as a Fairy ready for the party

Saturday we went to my Male’s 4th birthday party- my friend’s daughter. She lives just around the corner, so we could walk there, and we were greeted with hugs and smiles. There was a piñata! And it was our first time taking hits at it! Olivia watched with amassment as I guided her in holding the baton to hit the hello kitty shaped piñata. After three rounds and two adults hitting at it (me included!) it broke open and candies showered the floor. The kids rushed and filled their hands, pockets, and bags with the candy. The men all sat together talking about real estate and airports, and the women talked about food, teething, and schools. We had such a great time, and it really felt like a taste of home to be surrounded by friends.

Party girls!

Hello Kitty!

Male the brthday girl

oh no! Candy!

Male's party

On Sunday, we were invited to a beautiful lunch out in the mountains with friends from Impacto Church. Steve and his wife, their two sons, and another couple with their children all came along. The air was cool and fresh, and tall pine trees towered over us as we enjoyed traditional Honduran foods; carne, chirizo, pollo, beans, rice, tortillas, cheese, salsa, plantains, and coffee. Outside of the restaurant, there were horses, picnic tables, gardens, bike and hiking trails, and playgrounds. It was one of the most quaint and lovely places we have been so far.

Wilamina, John, Alex, Chris, Bri, Liv, Vic, Belinda, Steve

We are so blessed to have friends here who care to take us into the beautiful places of Honduras, share laughter, food, and fellowship with creating encouragement, support, and love here. Not to say we are not fighting off home sick feelings when it rains, or when we think of our life in LA--- but God is providing, and the Honduran community is taking care of us through His promises.