Love and Marriage

We’re home.  But this picture will forever take me back to San Pedro, Honduras.  This small human being. . .helpless and fragile. . .suffering from an enlarged heart.  While I held him, I leaned over to kiss his forehead that was sweaty from the days heat.  The mother fans him.   His mother is here because her 8 year old son is sponsored.  She brings him daily and sits quietly off to the side listening.  She has a personal relationship with Christ as a result of listening to what her son is being taight!  WOW!

This picture will stay with me too.  The children playing a game of Red Rover!  I love this picture because this is the playful side of children that live in a place that would be hard pressed to get a smile out of any of us.  These girls are tough!  We took on the boys on the other side! 

The incredible thing about sponsoring a child through Compassion International is that its not just that one child that would benefit. . .but the entire family.  Your sponsored child would get the benefit of taking part in a program that meets their needs on multiple levels.  Physically, they would have a safe place to go to play with other children and teaching that reinforces what they have learned in school.  As well, they will learn about the Hope and Joy of Jesus—this is priceless.  Learning Bible stories and and songs that remind the children of the ONE who will always be there. . .

Michael W. Smith says, “My family sponsored Gavi Leticia Lopez Ponce since she was a little girl. I’ve had the privilege of visiting her in Ecuador. Over the years, I’ve seen the difference our monthly support has made in Gavi’s life. She has grown into a beautiful young lady who loves the Lord deeply.”

Rebecca St. James 
“In my own life I have seen God do total miracles. He truly looks after His children. That is why I am so passionate about the ministry of Compassion. We have the opportunity to practice God’s real love to a hurting world and be our brother’s keeper. I encourage you to be a part of this incredible ministry. You may be the only Jesus that child may ever see.”

Thank you so much for taking this trip with me!  I have lots of pictures to share with you.  Click here to flip through the photo album! ~Amy

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I cannot believe we have been here for 4 days!

Today, we started the morning by visiting Compassion International’s headquarters.  I wasn’t so excited about going. . .I mean. . .I really just wanted to get to where the kids live!  However, I’m glad I got to see what is behind the organization that connects children to sponsors and and families to churches.  When someone sponsors a child its a REALLY big deal.  How big of a deal is it?  Well, I would equate it to your marriage, birth of your first born or a death. 

For children in Honduras —there is little help for them—can God take it on himself?  Sure he can.  But he wants and asks for us to allow him to work through us.  I realized and understood fully for the first time today what impact a sponsor has on a child.  I saw that in the letter I read to Manuela from her sponsor, Susan, in Florida.  I saw it in a suitcase packed with crayons, stickers, Floam, puzzels, hair clips and Barbies.  You give them the chance to learn about the good news of Jesus, you give them worth, hope, food . . . a chance.

When a child is sponsored, they have the opportunity to attend classes that teach bible stories, have a safe place to go play, good food to eat—all in the while involving their families in their journey.  Today, I met a woman who was a sponsored child.  Her voice quivers when she tries to verbalize how greatful she is to her sponsor.  The humilty in this womans face, as she shares her story, is a lot to bear.  She is now healthy and smart with an incredible heart for God.  She now works for Compassion International, Honduras!

I cannot wait to tell Quinn he has a new little brother!  His name is Joushua, and he lives in a very rough area of Tegucigalpa, Honduras.  I am told that I may be able to meet him tomorrow.  I am really excited!  We are going to hang out at a hotel and play together for a few hours in the morning possibly!!  It really depends on his neighborhood.  If you can imagine, where he lives is so dangerous that people cannot just come and go as they please. . .I pray tomorrow is a good day.  I’m an optimists, so today I stopped off and got a few pool toys!  I have lots of pictures to show you next week, I can’t wait!! 

“And whoever welcomes a little child in my name, welcomes me. ” Mathew 18:5

Hugs, Amy

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Day Three.  Today, I had the opportunity to to hug on a sweet little girl wearing a red dress and pig tails, blow bubbles with Alexia, play tic-tac-toe with Hannah, hold a three month old boy with an enlarged heart, jump rope with three sweet girls that are best friends. . .  My heart is full. 

We went to two different projects today.  The first community we visited, the children were supposed to have already gone home–but they waited for us to come.  They’re faces anxious for our arrival and excited to share what they have learned in school.  Our translator, Manuel, played a guitar while the children sang Jesus Loves Me and Father Aberham!  Several little girls lached on to my hands and sides and didn’t let go . . .until I had to go to the bathroom—Made me smile:)  They waited for me outside the restroom:)  I was sad to leave them.

The next community we visited was one that has had many children sponsored by folks just like you and me.  We were the very first visitors from the U.S. to their community.  They were so gracious and the children so polite.  The Pastor told us that there was a big difference in the attitudes in the children, parents and even the teachers since many of the children have been sponsored and involved in a program that teaches about the good news of Jesus.  The Pastor also said, that in many cases the children will run home and share bible stories they learned that day with their parents and sibilings.  Eventually, the whole family will begin to get involved and want to learn more. . .  No wonder why there’s attitude and heart changes going on!

I am really excited.  My husband doesn’t know it yet. . .but we sponsored a little boy today!  We talked a bit about before I left, but today it became real.  He’s three years old (same age as our son, Quinn).  He lives here in Honduras in Tegucigalpa.  I don’t want to get my hopes up, but one of the guides, Aberham, said that I may have an opportunity to meet him on Saturday.  I don’t know much about him yet, other than he lives in a very dangerous area of Tegucigalpa.  There are many gangs and bad things in that area. . .I cannot even begin to imagine my sweet Quinn living there.  When I see him I don’t want him to be scared of me or shy. . .I want to hug and kiss him.  I want to give him a gift but I don’t know what . . .Quinn really likes Transformers right now.  

Thank you for all of your encouraging e-mails.  I really appreciate your thoughts and prayers —there is nothing that can compete with letters from home.  Thank you!!  I’ll call Steve in the morning and tell you more!  Hugs, Amy

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Day two in Honduras!  We are getting ready soon to leave for our first visit to a community of folks.  The area we are visiting today has children ages 3-9 years old needing sponsors.  Today we`ll have the opportunity to just play with the kids.  How fun!!  I am really missing my sweet Quinn back at home right now. . .it`ll feel good to play with kids his age!  I`m gonna try not to cry. . .cause that might be a little confusing to them;) 

 We have a few translators with us. . .they are so sweet to take the time away from their own families to help us speak to the different communities.  One of the translators said, “I do it for God.  We all do it for one reason. . .isn`t it something that we can travel from far away to meet one another. . .all serving the same Great God!”  I love their passion.  It inspires me. 

I`m feeling guilty that I didn`t bring gifts for the children.  Where`s Walmart when you need it?!  I honestly looked through my bags last night and tried to find some things they might like. . .I have a flashlight. . .Home Journal magazine(great for a mom). . .some of those fun powder packets to make Crystal Light. . .nail files. . . gum. . .Pepto (okay, I better keep that!). 

I can`t wait to write you again.  Hopefully, I`ll be able to show you some pictures from today! 

Hugs, Amy

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We made it! 

As soon as we entered Honduras I was dying to try out my Spanish.  So I said to a ticket holder, “Hola, Como Esta?” (Hello, How are you?) And he said, “Esta Bien, comfig  dfjsijshdrhnfs sdsdlkf skdjdawokemv aslsdfsf  sdrfpdoejsfdsñ”.  Or at least that is what is sounded like to me;)  I had no choice but to admit I didn´t really speak Spanish.  He laughed! 

We just arrived in Honduras!  Its 5:45. . .7:45 South Carolina time. . .As a group, we all traveled on a bus together to a nearby hotel.  This was a great drive to get to know one another and talk about past experiences some  have had whom have traveled before to Honduras.  One woman, Katherine, said a few years ago she brought bubbles for the kids.  Even though they lived in homes we would only wear gloves to enter and find intolarable. . .when the bubbles came out of her bag it was like they were experiencing something magnificant!  Katherine said, she was so moved by the smiling faces and laughter of the children. . .she was moved to tears. 

I can´t wait to see what tomorrow holds!  Its amazing that God could use just a few folks to give an incredible hope to people that may feel like they have been forgotten.  I can´t wait to write again!  Hugs, Amy

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We’re leaving tomorrow on a mission trip to Honduras, Central America with Compassion International.  I say “We’re” because I’m taking you with me on an incredible journey!  I’m not sure what to really expect, but I’m excited. . . because Compassion International is a ministry that’s about raising awareness of the needs, neglect, nurture, and potential of children in poverty, and challenging others to have a greater involvement with children.  I’m really excited to be going and and even more excited that your coming too! 

I think I’ve packed everything we need. . .Early flight in the morning.

I’ll write again after we land in Honduras!

Proverbs 31:8-9 says, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and the needy.”

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I’m not one to completly pour my heart out. . . .It’s something God has really been working on with me.  Anyone who lives a passionate life and shares their stories with me. . .There is conviction and encouragement in their life stories that inspire me to live the same.  Hopefully, I am able to do the same for others that has been done for me.

On this Mother’s Day, I’m a little sad.  Here is this day that is totally devoted to a woman who I love so dearly.  And yet our relationship is such that we cannot talk to one another,  share what we’re truely feeling, confide in each other, repair our broken relationship. . .  Last year around this time, I wrote a letter to my mom. . .I cried all the way thorough the letter. . .till’ the very last sentence.  When I finished my letter I sent it on to my mother anxiously awaiting a reposnse.  She never responded.

My mother and I have always been extreemly close.  I attended the same school in which she taught. . .we had similar hobbies. . .we would go get our hair done together. . .shopping. . .all the things that bring women closer;)  But something happened.  I got married.  Had a baby boy named Quinn.  Started a new life.

I want to be someone for my family to see in me no bitterness, on-going healing, and God-sized restoration. 

 It is such a priviliage to walk along side you. . .If you struggle with relationships in your own family.  As a gift to our children, we can become healthy moms who are strong and amazing women, in spite of our circumstances. 

I asked a teenage girl one time what advice she had for moms.  I’ll never forget her response. . .The first thing she said was, “Sit on your daughter’s bed at the end of the day.  Brush her hair.  Be in her space sometimes, and don’t act uncomfortable being there.”

Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” Proverbs 31:28-29  Take a moment to pray for and bless your mom for all the good things she has done in your life! 

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It’s Mother’s Day today.  A friend of mine sent me this e-mail that says, “You know your a mom when. . .”  I laughed hysterically and had to share with you!  You know your a mom when. . .You count the sprinkles on each kid’s cupcake to make sure they’re equal. . .You hide in the bathroom to be a lone. . .Someonelses kid throws up at a party–you keep eating. . .You hope ketchup is a vegatable, since it’s the only one your child eats. . .You find yourself cutting your husband’s sandwiches in to cute little shapes. . .and lastly, You know your a mom when You say at least once a day, “I’m not cut out for this job”, but know you wouldn’t trade it for anything”!

What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.  -unkown

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  There are certain talents in a persons life that are so important, that it is imperative that they be passed down to their children. . .like rapping for example!   My friend, Ashley, and I use to make up rap songs in the back seat of her grand mothers yellow cadellaic driving down to Florida to the beach!  What a great memory!  I smile everytime I think of it!  (Ashley’s Mom and Grandmother. . .What women of incedible grace to listen and laugh with two tween girls for several hours :). )  My three-year old son, Quinn, shares his Birthday Rap!

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Quinn Hears God!

The other day I went with my husband and 3 year-old to the mall for a little shopping trip.  When we walked in to the department store there was music playing over the store speaker.  I notice our son, Quinn, immediately tuned in to the music. . .looking around as if trying to find the source.  Soon he was frustrated with not seeing where the music was coming from. . .So he asked, “Mommy, is that GOD singing?”  I just want to squeeze him with all my might. . .That is, with out a doubt, the sweetest thing I have ever witnessed him to say. . .  I just said, “No honey, I think that’s Stevie Wonder.”

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