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 Today was our second full work day and today we continued with the painting of the church in La Ceibita.  But before we arrived at the church we had the chance to stop at the grade school and say hi to the kids and teachers.  We got such a wonderful welcome from the kids and were almost bowled over with hugs.  So amazing and awesome to feel so welcome.  They are such great kids.  I wanted to chat with the principal about future projects but he was not at the school so we planned on having me come back later on that day.  

So we headed back to the church and began with painting for the day.  Some of the team got to go and help get the food ready for the kids in the feeding center and they had a blast learning how to make tortillas from scratch.  

The painting of the church was lots of touch up and busy work going around posts and filling in spots and took some time to do. The backside of the church had never been painted so that required a few different coats to get it to take.  

I woke up with a cold which kind of stinks but so far it hasn’t been bad enough to knock me down.  It did require a few extra breaks for me today though as I was feeling a little low on energy.  

A mix of helping in the feeding center, home visits and work on the church, kept the team busy today.  

At one point in the day during one of my breaks, I took a walk around the church and just smiled at the amount of community members and church members that were there that day helping.  Even kids as young as 9 were helping to paint.  It was such a wonderful thing to see.  It seems no one needs to ask for help, people just step up and do it.  

Later in the afternoon I drove back to the school to meet with the principal.  The purpose of the meeting was to find out what kind of projects the school wants our youth team to be doing while they are here at the end of June.  It was a great meeting and Xavier the principal is energetic and enthusiastic . 

Back to the church to keep painting and do the finishing touches while half of the team went out into the community do home visits.  

We finished the painting of the church in good time and everyone seems happy with the result!  Because we got done a little early, I took the team for ice cream to cool off from the day.  Then time for dinner and devotions as usual.  Our devotions are some of the most sacred time we have in the days besides visiting with the community members.  We spend time in the word and singing and praying and sharing from the day.  It’s always great to hear about everyone’s experiences because you get a different perspective even from the same event.  The team is really bonding, not only with each other but also with the community and making new friends.  It’s only day two and it’s been a great week.  

Tomorrow we head over to Tocoa to the other feeding center and our project for the next two days is going to be building a shelter.  Fun! 

Blessings,

Shelley 

 Today was long, and exhausting, but amazing on so many levels.  Our day started with breakfast at 7am followed by a devotion and singing before climbing in the van and heading out to La Ceibita.  When we arrived in La Ceibita we worked on preparing the bags for the home visits.  Working together we got it done in no time and then started preparing the outside of the church for paint.  There was some scraping and cleaning that needed to happen. Two of us from the team headed into town to pick up the paint with Pastor and Lorena.  We did not know until we got there that they wanted us to pick out the paint color.  So Alyssa and I spent some time debating and both of us knew we wanted it to be colorful and bright.  Paint colors that you just simply don’t see on buildings in the US.  

Once we settled on a color, we began negotiating with the sales person to bring the price down for us a bit since it was higher than we had budgeted.  He was helpful and willing to work with us and ended up bringing the price down and throwing in some free rollers etc.  While the paint was being mixed, we had the chance to chat with some of the people working in the store.  They were in interested in what we were doing and what we were going to paint.  Pastor Orlin explained where we were from the history of the church etc. It was a great time just chatting and sharing information and I asked them if they went to a church.  They replied that they did not, but they seemed interested in finding out more about the church in La Ceibita.  So I invited them to our Thursday service and they exchanged numbers with Pastor Orlin.  

Later on we talked about the opportunities that God presents to us during our day that we don’t expect.  We went to the store to buy paint, and left having planted and unintentional seed for leading someone to faith. God is good and works in mysterious ways for sure!!  

We drove back to the church and distributed brushes and rollers and the team got to work painting.  It was slightly surprising how much we got done and the team worked really well together.  It was such a blessing to see everyone taking time away from painting to interact and chat with community members instead of just being focused on the paint job.  There was lots of laughter and giggling as one of the girls thought it would be funny to tickle us all.  

I got some time visiting with my little girl Valery and also got some time playing with her new baby sister Sadie.  

Once we were done for the day with painting, the team cleaned up the brushes etc and we spent the rest of the afternoon visiting folks in their homes in the community.  It was hot, and several people were really feeling the heat as we walked from house to house.  But, they handled it well.  It’s always a little hard to visit some of these families due to the needs that they have. We are so blessed and simply don’t realize the many blessings we have.  One of the houses we walked to was at the top of a steep rocky hill that was hard to climb.  Struggling for air in heat and working hard to reach the top, we soon forgot about the work it was to get up there after we spend time with a women named Maria. She was blind and explained that walking up that hill is very difficult for her that sometimes she feels like crying.  Most of the time, her adult daughter carries her on her back.  

After our home visits, we dropped off some of the church members back at the church and then headed back to the hotel.  After some time cooling down with a quick snack, we got the call that we were being invited to Zumba at Lorenas friends house. So off we went, still in our paint clothes and sweat from the day and the majority of the team had a blast doing Zumba with Lorena and her friend.  Lots of great team building and laughter tonight.  

Back to the hotel, dinner time and devotion time.  Lots of sharing of highlights of the day and low times.  The team is exhausted but content with how are day went.  Hoping everyone gets a great nights sleep so we can get back at it again tomorrow.  

Blessings,

Shelley 

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 The team got some much needed rest last night with a slow start in the morning to give everyone a chance to catch up and get settled for the week.  We met for breakfast and then followed with a worship song and a prayer and quick reflections on our journey so far.  Afterwards, we travelled to La Ceibita to attend church with our Honduran family.  It was and always is, a beautiful sight to get out of the car and see all the smiling faces of the kiddos and the love they show us.  Lots of hugs and laughter as we catch up and say hi.  I gave my sweet girl Valery squeezes and we then went into the church to join everyone for worship.  

Worship in Honduras is always so joyful and passionate.  People don’t hold back in their prayers and their faith and it’s uplifting and amazing to see and hear.  Pastor delivered a wonderful message about being “awake” and listening to what God needs us to do.  There were welcomes and introductions from the team and I talked for a little bit to the congregation and thanked them as always for their open arms and hearts.  

After church we sat outside and ate a delicious lunch that was prepared for us before heading back to the hotel to change for the rest of the day.  

We had the opportunity to spend some time out by the ocean in Trujillo just hanging out, team building and getting to know each other a little better.  Lots of laughter today.  Always good for the soul and for team building.  After a few hours at the ocean, we headed back to the hotel to clean up and get ready for dinner.  We then had dinner served at the hotel since most places appear be shut down on Sundays.  

Following dinner we had a wonderful devotion and time for sharing and worshipping God together.  It has been a wonderful blessing of a day with a spectacular sunset tonight.  

I’m excited and ready to go and can’t wait to see what God has planned for us this week.  It is such a blessing to be here. Tomorrow is a full work day, so time for some rest.  

Blessings,

Shelley 

The Wisconsin team arrived safe and sound in Tocoa this evening around 7pm.  We had quite the sprint through the airport to change terminals and get to our gate otherwise we would have missed our connection. Once we landed we were told we had 15 mins to make the next flight!  By Gods grace we did.  And of course, true to Honduran style, we rush onto the plane and sit for a while – hurry up and wait!  It was also a miracle that our luggage all made it with such a short connection.  Customs was a breeze and no issues there, so we got out of the airport in good time and off to the vans to make the long trek to Tocoa.  A stop to pick up lunch and then we were on our way.  

We have a small but mighty team with lots of energy! We are a team of 8, with 5 ages 20 and under, so it’s been a lot of fun. Our van ride was very energetic with games, and laughter and silliness, lots of snacks and the occasional nap.  Lots of goofing around and enjoying getting to know the new girls, Callie and Alyssa.  

We made a few stops along the way to stretch our legs and use the bathroom but they were short.  We actually made it to Tocoa in really good time, around 7 hours so that was great.  

Also true to Honduran style, as we were approaching town, Milton was coordinating dinner with Pastor Orlin and we were invited to a quinceanera for a member of the Ochoa family.  Feeling underdressed and sleep deprived, we were welcomed with open arms and hugs from the family.  These are the reasons my heart stays here a little when I come.  The love we are shown by the people we also now consider our family.  This is what it is all about – relationships and connections.  This is what it’s like to live in community and show unconditional love for one another.  Yes, the day is long and the drive can be brutal – and I’m sore from sitting all day.  But, I’d do it over and over and over again because these people here are just as important to me as the people I care about at home.  

Looking forward to an amazing week in mission working along side our friends and family in La Ceibita and Tocoa and visiting with the community.  For now it’s time to rest!  

Blessings,

Shelley 

 The week leading up to mission, especially if I am leading a team, is often stressful and full of busy work.  Stuff needs to get done around the house, I need to make sure that all my ducks are in a row before I leave the country.  Grass needs to be cut, things need to be packed, life, adulting stuff.  I have to pack for the trip and make sure I am prepared for different scenarios being a team leader.  What if a team member gets sick – do I have what I need to help them if so.  Do I have extra toothbrushes packed for the team, should someone accidentally use the tap water.  Extra meds, first aid, emergency contacts, paperwork, checking in of flights, and Honduran customs forms.  So much busy work!  But in the bigger scheme of things, these are the least important to be focused on as we prepare to go on mission.  I sent my team this message today, but it’s every bit of a reminder to myself as it is to the team.  

“Hey everyone. I hope everyone is packed and ready to go and excited to be the hands and feet of Jesus. It’s a beautiful thing and we are blessed to have the opportunity to be part of someone’s life in a positive and impactful way. Even if it’s as simple as praying for someone, hugging someone, telling them they are loved. Remember, we have “work” to do but the real work is the relationships we build and the love of Christ that we show in all that we do. Remember this mission is not about you and everything you do should be to glorify God. There will be days when you feel like complaining or questioning the why and frankly there will be times when you will brought to tears. Hold your head up and give it to the Lord knowing He loves all his people and his plan is greater than anything we could imagine. (Also please remind me of this as the week goes on because there is often a melt down from me). That is my prayer for us all as we make this journey to Honduras. Blessings and safe travels and get some rest tonight!  Tomorrow will be LONG!”

So as I sit here with my girls enjoying the beautiful evening and fire and all the blessings we have, I am grateful, thankful and blessed for all the beautiful things in my life.  Especially the blessing of mission.  What a gift and an honor to be able to be the hands and feet of Jesus.  

Tomorrow, a team of 8 people leave for a long journey to Tocoa Honduras.  We leave at 6am, and will end our day sleep deprived and exhausted, but excited and ready to go the next day.  Keep us in our prayers as we navigate tight connections, running through airports, and all the other possible things that come with travel.  Bless us for safe travel and most importantly, to keep in the forefront of our minds, the reason we are there.  

Blessings, 

Shelley 

 Well today was a travel day.  We always travel to San Pedro Sula the day before our flight so we can make sure we don’t miss our flight the next day.  Never know what traffic is going to be like and it’s an 8 hour drive.  The drive didn’t seem to bad, just long and my back was a tad bit sore after we got here.  Feels better to be moving around.  After we arrived at the hotel and freshened up, we had our team dinner together at a restaurant in the city.  It was amazing and so good to spend time together as a team. 

It’s always bittersweet for me to leave.  Happy to be going home to my family but sad to be leaving my Honduran family.  Our translators and the folks in La Ceibita and Tocoa have become such good friends and we love every single one of them.  Our work could not happen without our translators – they are priceless to us  So important to the work we do here, but we also just have so much fun together.  They work hard and never complain  They are kind, compassionate and loving towards everyone they meet.  They are a blessing.  It was especially nice for me to have Bessy as my translator this week.  She is the best!!  

This week has been a blessing all around.  We met so many people.  I think I have the numbers right – 800 patients in the clinic, thousands of prescriptions given, 400 kids in the school, 100 in optical, 100 in VBS in La Ceibita and 100 in VBS in Tocoa.  100+ kids fed lunch every day, 100 patients seen in the cricol, etc etc.  It’s been a busy week!  But such a blessing.  Thankful to have such a great team with no drama, that has passion and compassion for the work down here.  

Tomorrow we fly home but we always leave a piece of our hearts here in Honduras.  Until next time!  

Blessings, Shelley 

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 Thursday – our half day of the trip.  Half day because we have to spend the afternoon tearing down clinics and doing inventory of supplies for next times.  But the first half of the day was work as usual and each area was busy seeing patients, handing out glasses and prescriptions.  

Since we had a half day optical clinic I was only about to see about 24 people for glasses.  But they were all members of the community and it was good to be able to help them. It was a fast paced morning and when we were all done seeing patients, everyone stepped up to help pack up the optical clinic.  Got it done in record time. Which was great because it meant I was able to ride with Pastor and Lorena over to the Tocoa feeding center and visit the kids there.  It was such a great feeling to see the kids from the special needs school get fed a nutritious meal!  The principal of the school, Lizeth has been such a blessing for those kiddos.  She is such an advocate for them.  They do things a little differently at the feeding center and they have two seatings for food. One in the morning for breakfast for the morning kids (they can choose breakfast or lunch) and a lunch seating for the afternoon kiddos or morning kids that didn’t eat breakfast.  They feed around 103 kids a day.  Some from the community too.  The special needs school is an amazing place and I love how much they have integrated children who do not have disabilities into the school.  What a great way to raise kids with empathy and compassion for others!  

After clinics were all cleaned up and put away, everyone returned to the hotel to clean up and rest for a bit.  We then all departed around 6pm for an amazing church service, feeling lots of love from various community members.  There were people there from the schools and community.  It was awesome to see!  

So lots of laughter, tears and hugs tonight as we said our goodbyes.  Tomorrow we hit the road for our 8 hour journey back to San Pedro Sula.  We will spend the night there and then fly home on Saturday.  It’s been a great week!

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 Today was a busy day in optical!  We saw 54 patients and gave out about 15 or prescriptions. We were pretty much done with the school kids with the exception of a few so a lot of today was seeing community members and teachers.  The teachers were fun to talk to and spent time making fun of the principals new glasses and the frames!  In good kind hearted way of course!  He didn’t care – he saw very clearly and was very happy with his glasses!  We had lots of helpers today too and it was fun to see everyone jumping in to do what they could to help.  The optical clinic ran late because I hated to turn any one away after they had been waiting for so long.  But we managed to get through everyone and it felt good to know we had helped so many today.  

The women’s health spent time doing Pap smears and did about 17.  We learned today that cervical cancer is one of the most deadly cancers here in Honduras because it goes undetected for so long.  So grateful for Michelle and her kindness towards these women to help prevent something like that.  

Medical clinic and pharmacy was busy again today.  I think the total number of patients they have seen this week is over 600 and it’s only 3 days.  Tomorrow will be a shorter day because we have to pack up the clinic and Friday is a travel day back to the city of San Pedro Sula for the night.  

VBS played with water balloons and Kurt spent time playing soccer and entertaining the kids.  VBS also was happening at the special needs school.  

It’s been a good day.  Lots of good stories and some sad ones.  

So much need here in Honduras and so much we want to do to help.  All in time.  Education is key to some of the success here and we hope to continue to grow that in many different ways.  So many exciting things around the corner and we can’t wait to see what God does next.  

It’s been a busy day so I am going to keep this short tonight!  

Blessings, Shelley 

 Day two busy but good.  By now people are in their routines and things are running relatively smoothly.  

Apparently Valentine’s Day is celebrated big here.  Even the kids at the school were wearing red.  I even got a little valentines from my sweet little Valery – loved that she did that for me.  ❤️

We did have a team member get sick today, but it isn’t uncommon for someone, especially a new person to come down with something.  Lots to be aware of and sometimes travelers tummy just happens.  

Our days are filled with the “work” and the people we meet, but we always try to keep in mind the reason we are here and the relationships we create.  It’s about the people and those commitments we make.  We are not just here or a week, we are a part of each others lives and we are all family.  Yes the “work” is important, but the relationships more so.  

I don’t have much of an update from the other areas outside of optical because we had a board member meeting tonight and so I didn’t hear from the majority of the team.  But over in the La Ceibita school we were busy with kiddos most of the morning and a little slower in the evening.  A mix of younger and older students.  Some pretty cute little 5 year olds and a few slightly terrified kiddos thinking it was going to hurt to have their eyes checked.  Once we reassured them and showed them how it’s done on other people and asked for their help to locate the flower in the machine by looking through it, they did create.  They even got excited that they found the flower.  One kiddo though – still crying – will try again tomorrow with him!  Today we saw several adults.  I’m hoping we see a few more adults tomorrow too since we have the time.  These past two days I have seen about 64 kids and given out about 34 prescriptions.  We heard feedback from the principal today that the teachers are thrilled that the kids are getting health checks and that lots of kids they didn’t even know needed glasses are getting them.  It will definitely help them with their learning to be able to see better!  

Well thats all for today.  Will try to get better updates tomorrow for the rest of the team.  

Blessings, Shelley 

 Today was our first actual day in the field working in our various different posts for the week.  We are in multiple locations.  The medical clinic at the church, VBS at the feeding center, Kid health checks at the La ceibita school, optometry at the la Ceibita school, Neurological checks at the special needs school and surgeries at the hospital.  26 of us with our various wonderful translators just trying to give what we can to help those that need it the most.  It’s hard, some days, that you can’t help everyone.  One of our team members touched on this a bit tonight in devotion and while it is heart wrenching sometimes to not be able to help, it is a comfort to know that God can and will in his time.  

At the La Ceibita school, the kids were receiving health checks, ear cleanings and lice checks.  They were also receiving preliminary vision screening and if it was deemed they needed more vision tests they were sent to me. I saw about 30+ kids today and about 19 of them received prescriptions.  One little girl came to me with vision so poor I was convinced my eye scanner must have been wrong, so I rescanned her.  Nope, got the same reading.  Her vision was -8.00 and -8.25. Thats crazy!  After a few different pairs we were able to get her the glasses she needed.  I did not need to ask her if it was better with the glasses, because her smiled said it all.  ❤️. It is such a blessing to be able to help a child see.  But the bigger blessing is knowing that you can help them at such a young age.  When I do adult vision screening, it is so hard to see so many people with vision issues that can be avoided.  So I am thankful and grateful to be able to help these young kiddos so they don’t develop the bigger problems later on.  Just when I thought I had seen the worst reading for vision my last patient of the day came in and was a -9.25 in one eye and -8.50 in the other.  Her vision was harder to correct and it took some time to find the right pair of glasses for her.  I could sense her frustration after about the 10th pair we tried but we did finally find some for her.  Again, a huge blessing. 

There were a fair number of kiddos needing treatment for lice, but the good news is the ears were pretty good this time!  We hope that it is sinking in with them to keep these things as clean as possible!  

Our two scientist team members have been having a blast teaching the kids about sound waves and other fun facts, as well as playing games, and getting to know the kids!   They are a great addition to the team and I think the kids love them.  

Clinic at the church saw around 188 patients today with countless medications dispensed for various different ailments. 

VBS had around 40 kids and they enjoyed stories, crafts and games.  

So much more but it’s hard to write about it all.  Surgery was still happening when we shared at devotion tonight so we don’t know how that day went, but it was clearly a long one.  I believe the number of surgeries planned this week is 16.  Some simple, some complicated.  

Tomorrow is a new day.  New challenges and new blessings.  Looking forward to it.  

Blessings, Shelley