In Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians, he wrote, “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus” (chapter 5, verses 16-18).  In the midst of the pain of saying goodbye to so many loved ones in Michigan (like my sweet nephew, Gus!), it occurred to me that I can truly rejoice and be thankful for those painful goodbyes.  Why? Well, because they signify my ability to love others deeply and to be loved in return.  What greater blessing exists than to love and be loved?  This sounds so simple, I know, and yet, there are so very many people in this world for whom giving and receiving is so very difficult. Sadly, there are also so many who have never been truly loved.  I am sure that I will hear many stories here in Tegucigalpa of people whose lives are missing this essential component of life.  Like it says in 1 Corinthians 13, without love, we are nothing.  Even though I arrived in Honduras with a ton of luggage, I know that the most important gift I brought with me is love, and gracias a Dios, I have plenty to go around!  I am looking forward to getting to know more people here and learning how best to love on them!

I have now been in Tegucigalpa for a few days, and thanks to having visited in August, I have experienced a sense of homecoming as people I met previously warmly welcomed me back.  I was moved to tears to hear that they had been praying for me to come. I am looking forward to serving with this community, and I’m overjoyed to be immediately included and accepted!  So far, events have included a time of worship and Bible study, helping teachers prepare materials for their classrooms (school starts on the 9th), learning how to help with some of the accounting for the ministry, giving out backpacks, going to church, going shopping at Price Smart (like Costco) and La Colonia (like D&W), and playing with my new friends, 5 year old Anthony and 3 year old Eli.  They are the sons of David and Emily who are the founders of the ministry, Jubilee Centers International, and they are delightful!  Tomorrow, a couple of teachers are coming from Grand Rapids, MI (if the snowstorm doesn't interfere with their flights!) to do training with the teachers of Jubilee school for a few days.  Please pray that their time here is fruitful!