When you find yourself in the middle of the jungle in the mountains of Honduras for two months sleeping in a tent with no electricity and very sparse cell service, you realize how much you took for granted back home and you’re reminded to be thankful for the simple things.
Thankful that it only rains for maybe 3 straight days instead of 4 or 5. Extra thankful for a rain jacket to keep you dry, except for that one time you stood out in the pouring rain for 30 minutes and got soaked trying to fix your tent stake. Thankful for the bathroom where you have to dump a bucket of water down to flush it, because that day and a half when our camp had absolutely no water we had to use a hole in the ground(sorry if that’s a little tmi. LOL). For the teammates who share their clothes with you because the rest of your clothes are wet. For limited access to social media(yep I said it). Getting to hold a child in my arms for the first time in 43 days(if you know me, I hardly go a day without!). Extra thankful for warm sunny days.
I’m often reminded to “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing,and give thanks in all circumstances…”
(1 Thes. 5:16-18)
Just a few of the things I’ve realized I took for granted often back home: a warm dry bed to sleep in, running water, electricity, a hot shower, power tools, being able to pick up wood close by or even have it delivered to your house if you need it, because here we cut everything with hand tools and we hike up and across the mountain to carry wood back for building stuff.
The Lord continues to reveal himself to me in new ways each day. It has been so sweet journeying with Him, and being his hands and feet. This is just the beginning.
Ministry here lately has looked like hiking up and across the mountain to carry wood back for an addition to the ministry building, digging a trench around the buildings, continuing to clear the forest in preparation for a community garden, house visits, a day of VBS, making flower pots and flower crowns for the women’s ministry, making garden beds and planting vegetables, and a handful of other manual labor projects. On the days it rains life is slow.
It’s hard to believe that our time here in Honduras is coming to a close. I really will miss this place and the people here.
On March 3rd we will be traveling by bus to El Salvador. We will be there for 2 weeks, 1 week of debrief(rest, processing and reflecting on our time in Honduras), and 1 week of training, preparing for what’s next. We will then make our way to Nicaragua for month 3 of ministry!
Thanks for following along!
Steph
PRAYER REQUESTS:
•That we would be extra intentional in ministry in our last week here in Honduras, as our bodies are tired.
•For safe travels as we make our way to El Salvador next week.
•Pray against the attacks of the enemy.
Stephiane, thanks for the update. Stay safe, stay strong and continue to be the amazing young lady you are. Hugs and continued prayers.
Praying for you and your team! Love you ??
Wow so proud of you praying for renewed strength and vision or you and your teammates
Stephanie,thank you for the updates..Stay safe and know you & your teammates are in my prayers..
Good to hear from you Steph. Continued prayers for strength when you are tiring. Love ya!
Steph you never cease to amaze me! Your perspective is always filled with thankfulness. So many of us could take a lesson from your beautiful heart! Praying for your sweet goodbyes to your Honduran friends and intentionality in your last week with them. Praying for safety and ease of travel for you and the whole squad. Can’t wait to see you and get my arms around you in El Salvador. Love you Steph!
Thanks for the updates! The phrase “attitude of gratitude” will definitely have a deeper meaning on your return home! Thank you for doing the Lord’s work!