I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas!

Things are winding down as the end of the quarter approaches. We are preparing for quarter exams as well as the trip back home. Everything seems to be working out wonderfully!

We had a semi-emergency – even though the rainy season is winding down, a bog storm came by and dumped a ton of rain on us. Places in the city that don’t normally flood were flooded and some houses were even underwater. Being on the 2nd story, we never really have to worry about it, but many others are affected. Remember them in your prayers and also pray for some new/improved infrastructure so that in the future, rains aren’t as devastating as they currently are.

Also, I (Becky) had a great opportunity to minister to one of my students the other day. She is often picked on and struggles with insecurity (sound familiar??). I was able to tell her a bit about how it was for me growing up and reassure her that God does, indeed, love her and that it gets better! It’s pretty cool to finally see at least one good thing come out of the trash that was my life in 7th grade!

We’re going to Florida for Christmas!!! Yay for seeing family and getting a break! We need it! We should be going out on the boat and everything, which would be awesome. We’re so grateful to my Mom and Paul for helping us out and giving us a place to stay!

Well, God bless you all and in case we don’t blog again until afterwards…

The bread of idleness....

Proverbs 31 is a well-known chapter that describes a woman that very few of us can live up to. Reading through the list of her achievements and accomplishments can make a modern-day woman feel dizzy! When we read through it recently as part of my women's Bible study, one particular part specifically stuck out - "She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her; 'Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.'" (Prov 31:27-29)

Now, mind you, I would never have considered my life to be "idle;" when you're a teacher, there is always work to be found. Between classes, planning, grading, etc I feel like there's never a spare moment! I certainly don't have time to exercise! And those dishes will just have to wait until tomorrow! I have too much to do!...
I do, however, manage to catch a chunk (read - 3 episodes) of Law and Order on TNT and yes, I did manage to watch some House after dinner.... but that's different... I'm just "unwinding!" Then why did I feel so darn convicted???

While I do consider true unwinding to be a legitimate (and often NECESSARY!) activity, it certainly shouldn't be a past-time! And I started to realize that I was, indeed, eating the "bread of idleness."

Since my "breakthrough," I have been trying much harder to choose the right thing. I may be tired when I come home, but I'm not 12 anymore and if I don't do those dishes, they won't magically do themselves, they'll just smell worse the next day! If I don't get into the habit of exercising now, it certainly won't get easier or more productive in 3 years! And, if I don't make time for God now, how can I expect to have the faith to fall back on when life gets really tough. It's not fair for me to watch tv when I haven't even given a shout-out to my Lord!

As a result of my efforts, I have noticed three things: (1) My house is much, much cleaner (Mom, you would be so proud!), also (2) my husband is appreciative. He has always been very, very helpful around the house but lately since he's seen how much more I've stepped it up, he's even more apt to wash some dishes or sweep without me even asking. Finally, and most importantly, (3) I feel great about myself! Knowing that in this area I am really, excuse-free, doing my all keeps me free from any guilt I might have felt. Even when someone catches me off-guard when we had an extra busy night and the house is a little messy, I have no guilt because I have confidence in the fact that I am doing all that I need to.

Now, that's a good feeling! Well, Ms. Proverbs 31, I have yet to come close to attaining your standard, but it feels good to make some progress!

This is just something funny -

Often when you buy something here at the grocery store, there is something random taped to it. For example, a bag of cereal will have a plastic cup or a t-shirt taped to it.

A while ago, when we bought cat food, it had a fun "prize"! Taped to it was a wood tub with a hairbrush, shower puff, sea sponge, and a wooden massager thing in it. The tub and the brush both have "Purina Cat Chow" burnt into the wood...

I hope they're not for kitty... !

Buenos Dias Amigos!

Well, well, well! The 2008/2009 school is in full swing and with that comes the hustle and bustle that every school year brings. We didn’t, however, want to keep neglecting to share our Honduran experiences with you all! This year has already brought its share of difficulties, but it has been much more marked by amazing blessings and spiritual growth for both Dave and I!

I (Becky) have been staying up with my Bible study and it has kept growing! Seeing such a dedicated group of women keep meeting once a week for encouragement, conviction J, and fellowship has been incredible! God has taught me a lot in the past year and a half, and much of it through trials! He has helped me see some of the areas I really need to work on as well as some of the things I have overcome! Glory to God! Continually He has made known that the key to teaching (and life!) lies in self-control and this season of my life can thus be referred to as “Becky learns to control her psycho emotions!” haha!

Dave has been able to start a small study too, with a couple of his friends here. He has even branched out way more than me – his fellow guys are all Honduran! J It has been a huge support and outlet for him; a good source of some pure-guy testosterone time too!

Thanks to all of you who are continually supporting us in prayer! You are a huge source of strength for us!

At the school, we have had some great chances to work with the students and develop new relationships and deepen the ones from last year. Our friendships with our coworkers grow stronger and stronger, and we know it will be difficult to leave whenever the Lord calls us away!

We are spending much time with the new Missionary teacher, Melissa, she’s new to Honduras, but been a teacher for 10 years. It has been a lot of fun. She isn’t a replacement Liza (we miss you chica!!!) but we love her in a different (calmer!) way just as much!

I have also been able to get a girls’ Bible study started during the Sunday school time before the church service on Sundays. It has already been a blessing to me, and I’m trying to trust God in it. Attendance has been a bit shaky at times, largely due to the fact that we’re smack in the middle of the rainy season, but I’m hoping for a resurgence, God willing, as the rains begin to wane.

Some of the events we’ve had recently include:
· A missions trip to Belfate to build a church and talk to some of the community about Christ
· A thanksgiving dinner at Erin’s house – there were 17 people there (!) and the food was phenomenal!

· A thanksgiving contest at the school (And my 8th grade homeroom won!!!)
· A thanksgiving lunch with all the students – over 100!

· We LEARNED HOW to make sopa marinera (our favorite seafood soup, maybe favorite food!) at Jackie’s house with Jaime and their families
· A Christmas door decorating contest (we won 2nd place, but should have gotten 1st!!!)
· Nuvia’s wedding!!! She was gorgeous and so happy! Thankfully our Spanish has gotten good enough that we were able to understand the ceremony!

· Dave preached a great message at chapel about the armor of God. The students broke into groups and made armor out of cardboard and mailing tape. The results were pretty impressive! Then Dave gathered them again to talk about the ways that God has protected His kids!
· And we’re coming home for Christmas (well, by “home” we mean the US, we’ll be in Florida with my mom – thanks for the tickets mom!)
We love and miss you all!! Thanks for the emails and calls that you have sent our way! May the Lord bless you abundantly, as He has blessed us through you!

Love,
Becky and Dave