Update from the Coal Mine

Whew.  Alright, I'm not really even going to apologize for only writing about the school anymore.  My primary way of showing the love of Christ to these girls is through giving them an education.  So, thats what I do and thats all I can generally think of when making these things.

We made IEP's.  Or, the Honduran equivalent.  One of the big problems that we run into down here is girls that are behind with their education.  Sometimes WAY behind.  Sometimes too far behind.  It worries me because I want their futures to be better than their pasts.  So, I sat down with teachers and girls and we made 6 month educational schedules graphing their official accredidation program.  This was trickier than it sounds because each of the girls do their own work-at-your-own-pace book and are in different lessons. This way, we as the teachers will be able to hold the girl's accountable for their progress and be able to identify problems quicker before they get big.  It also helps us as the school staff to keep girls on a pace to graduate highschool when they are around 18.  I also included behavioral and educational notes per individual girl.  I did this so all of the teachers and future teachers can be aware of the reoccuring difficulties and be united on how to approach them.  This put me more at ease.  It looks good, but more important than appearance, I think it is going to be effective.

I've been teaching again.  For about 4 months or so I was only administrating.  It turned out good, because we had alot of organizing and planning to do, but I missed teaching.  I've been covering math for the 4-6 grade as well as the girls in 7th and higher.  I've also been teaching a Honduran history class and a world history class.  In the afternoons I teach an English class focusing on reading and writing and verb usage.  They are all going great.  I really enjoy teaching.

Teaching gives me a different perspective on what we can do better at the school.  This is great because we are really making progress through identifying problems and making the system better.  Its a little stressful though to only think about problems all day.  I'm about 5 weeks in on identifying problems, and though we are making headway, it weighs on a person.  I look forward to a day when I can focus on maintaining a great system instead of fixing things.  I'm not sure that that day will ever actually exist, but its a Carribean island in my mind.

A few things we need.  I'm focusing on math this week.  I could use all kinds of math books.  The way we generally do math is we use one book and put problems on the board for the girls.  Sometimes, the book is in English but the class is in Spanish, so a set wouldn't help.  I've been using Georgia Performance Standards the last month and a half to do great-sweeping reviews until Mr. Jeremiah returns.  But I could really use a book of geometry, algebra I and II, pre-algebra, and even some lower grade level text books.  I don't like alot of what I see here, so I would prefer some from the states.  So if you are a teacher, know teachers, and contacts with teachers, or have ever had a teacher that you could bother, give him or her a sob story for me.  This would be a huge help.

Keep praying for us down here.

Slowing down a bit.

I have a lot of stuff to talk about.  I have alot of stuff going on down here.  It feels good.  Mostly its all school things.  Now that we have things semi-under control, we're branching out, adding new education paths, forming IEP type plans for individuals, organizing discipline, setting behavioral and educational consequences,......the list goes on. 

But I don't want to talk about that.

Today was a great day.  I got to teach.  I taught two math classes, a Honduran history class, an ancient world history class, and an English class.  Thats the way I get to show love down here.  I operate under the idea that the message Christ and the love of Christ go hand in hand.  So thats how I get to show Christ's love.  I really enjoy the way He lets me show it.

I also got to administer the school.  I talked with my teachers and had opportunities to serve them as they do their jobs.  Its such a lovely relationship.  I never wanted to be the boss of anybody.  And while I'm officially in charge of four teachers, I try not to be a boss.  My plan is to serve my teachers and hold them accountable as they teach my girls.  They do such a wonderful job.  My girls are getting an AMAZING education because of the teachers who work for me.  Its beautiful when it works out right.  Today, it just worked out right.

Then after school, I went and sat in front of the kitchen.  For about an hour I held the most adorable 4 year old in the world and fought her away from writting on my shoes or stepping on parts of my body that would hurt.  I talked with a group of girls in Spanish for about an hour.  We talked about how I was going to start working out so I could intimidate their boyfriends when they are older.  We talked about the past.  About why I deserve to be called "Doctor" Ben (8 pigs, 1 goat, and 1 human delivered or facilitated).  We laughed about stories from the past.  Its strange that I've been here long enough to laugh about stories in the past told in Spanish.

Then I came home (or to the Botkins' home actually).  I stopped for some sliced ham on the way.  Before I could get my motorcycle cut off, there were 4 kids on the porch.  I made sandwiches for them and talked about what they did at school today.  After their sandwiches, we talked some more over caramels and gum while they poured dirt on my chonchitos (little piggies [toes....come on]).  I have wash my feet before going to bed. 

Its just been nice to slow down.  Everything is not perfect.  Tomorrow will be busy and things will not go according to plan.  But we serve a really good God who has it all under control.

Feet

Lets talk about feet.  We try to keep a working list of abilities of staff members at the farm.  Lists like, “This person can’t do vomit.”  Or “this person can handle blood.”  One of the things I’m alright with is feet.  Not in a creepy way, but in a soap and water kind of way.  One day last week, a 4 year old was saying that her feet hurt.  She had been wearing rain boots without socks and had rubbed a blister.  Well, there were a few layers of dirt and grime before we could get to the blister.  I felt useful cleaning that little girl’s feet.

The next day, I walked up to Mrs. Pam’s house to find Courtney outside looking sick.  I asked her what was wrong, and she said to walk inside.  Another little girl had been wearing her rain boots for a LONG time without socks.  She had popped her tootsies out, and it was rank.  I don’t smell very well, but it smacked me in the nose holes. 

A few days later, I heard Natali talking about a foot washing.  I thought this was purely hygienic.  In the past we’ve had a lice war where for several hours adults pulled lice.  I figured this was a battle against horrible smelling feet.  I was ready.  I was going to be Maximus Aurelia of slaughtering foot grime.  I was going to taunt bad foot hygiene as it was annihilated and made an example of for all of its friends. 

That’s not what was going on.

What was really happening was a ceremony.  We had candles lit, and benches in an L shape around where the staff was sitting with towels and water.  If this sounds strange, its because it was.  It was the last night that the staff that we’ve had for the last year would be together.  It was explained that the people sitting on the floor were living in Honduras for the purpose of serving these little girls with our lives because that what God called us to do.  It was said that we were going to wash the girls’ feet whether they wanted it or not, as a last act of the service we had all given together. 

I got to thinking about Christ obviously.  Some of us have heard about the foot washing at the last supper so many times that its just part of the story.  I got to thinking about how Christ must have loved the owners of the feet he washed.  I got to thinking about how He pursues people.  I got to thinking about how much I care for these little girls down here, and how that care doesn’t hold water compared to the love Christ has for us. 

So we didn’t wash feet because they were dirty, but because little girls need love.  We have for the last year tried to follow Christ’s example of self-denying service, and we ended our time together in the same manner. 

 We need a lot of prayer.  The Botkins are in the states for 3 months.  They are a huge part of what is going on down here, and there will be a hole until they return.  Natali is departing for the states on Sunday.  There aren’t enough words to talk about the work she has done in this corner of the world.  Needless to say, she will be missed in any place that she is not.  Courtney leaves out the following Friday.  She has spent nearly 3 months here and has been kind to girls and uplifting to the staff. 

Please pray for the remaining staff as we are working on slim numbers.

Also, we have a new little girl.  She is 13.  I can’t spell her name and I don’t know her story.  God will know who you’re talking about though when you pray. 

Adult Movie Night

We have an amazing staff.  On Mondays we have been having movie night for the staff.  We call it "Adult Movie Night" as opposed to the childrens' movie night that goes on Friday nights.  It sounds dirty, and thats why we like it. 

I think I'm going to shave my beard.  I like touching it while I talk or pretend to think, but it looks rediculous.  I miss my chin.

So I read a verse in John chapter 6 the other night that is awesome.  Basically, the story is that Jesus is going about his ministry, and he has alot of followers. Then, Jesus begins talking about eating his flesh and drinking his blood.  Most of the people following Jesus around left after this conversation.  Then it says that Jesus looked at Simon Peter and asked if he was going to leave as well.  Peter answers, "To whom shall we go?" 

I like that.  I hope that my life will become so dependent on Christ that this will be my response.  That even in poor situations, in bad times, at what seem like rediculous times, I will rely on Christ and Christ alone.  I don't just want Him to be my first priority, I want him to be my only priority.  I want to abandon enough other things in this world that it would be impossible to turn back even if I wanted to.  "Quien iremos?"

Thats the word bird. Back to the Italian Job with my homies.

64+ shoes.....DONE!

Sup yo?  Thank you to everybody who signed up to get a girl shoes for her birthday.  Another year, and we have all of the girls taken care of with extras wanting to help.  Now, if you wanted to get shoes but there were no more girls left, don't lose heart.  Chances are we will have new girls between now and next year's birthday shoe list.  Even this last week we had 2 new girls.  I'm waiting on shoe sizes but Amy Matthews has already claimed them.  But when  we get new girls I will post it and you can just on if you'd like. 

But thank you those who are participating.  I think its great how people are caring for these girls that would be otherwise forgotten.  Thank you for proving that they are significant and placing an interest in their lives and their happiness.

So Monday I head back to Honduras.  I've been home about 3 weeks.  I haven't worked a day.  This is a first for me.  But, God provided money for me, so I took it as a message to relax and get my head on straight before getting back on the front lines.  Its been a great time of rest, but I do miss my girls and my purposes in Honduras.  I find it strangely comforting how much of my life has been invested in Honduras over the last 2 years.

So, 2 requests now that the shoe list is done.  1, pray for me.  I'm a bum.  I want to focus on being more patient this trip.  I want to focus on letting Christ's love flow through me even when I'm frustrated or when situations aren't what I want.  I want to be more in tune with God.  I want to be dependent on God and his promises daily.  Please remember me and pray for me.

2, get me information on missions pastors.  If your church has a missions pastor and you're not connected with PTC, I'd like to talk to him.  Even if you know of a missions pastor but he's not at your church, I'd like to corner him sometime.  I'm hunting them down now.  If you are a missions pastor, watch your back.  I'm coming for you.

Reason being, we have a sweet ministry in Honduras.  God has blessed our pants off.  We have provision.  We are sitting in a community that is about to burst at the seams with people turning towards Christ.  We have little girls that need the love of Jesus.  We need Christian examples.  We want workers.  Project Jealous (tenative name, we have to sleep on it before its official) is actively seeking missionaries or long term prospects that are interested in spreading the Gospel to the corners of the Earth.  You know, like Jesus commanded us.  So if you know of a missions pastor that I can bother in order to have more long term missionaries loving on my girls in Honduras, let me know. 

As always, thanks for reading.  Stay classy San Diego.

Birthday Shoe List Round II

Hey guys.  So last year we got shoes together for all the girls at the farm.  Turns out Honduran shoes aren't made extremely well.  Our girls run through them pretty quickly.  So, we had folks from the States purchase shoes for a specific girl that we could give as a birthday present.  It was awesome.  They were all REALLY excited about it.  I figured we would try it again this year.  I think we can do sweet birthday presents two consecutive years without spoiling the girls.

We have a few more girls than last year.  I think we were around 24 last year and we're around 32 this year.  That means a few more folks have the opportunity to participate. 

Also, I have several of the girls that are specifically asking for converse shoes.  The basic, old school style.  Now, naturally I would say, "be happy with what you get."  But, as it is, Converse are cheaper.  I figured this might be easier on whoever is buying them, so I will indicate which girls would really like converse.  Its most of them actually.

I will update the list as quickly as possible so that as soon as a girl has a birthday-shoe-buyer, they will be off the list.  Just let me know if you want to play.  You can reach me on here, facebook, at Bheath09@gmail.com or for a few more weeks at 770-616-6673.

CONVERSE LIST
Norma            January 1        36       (DONE)
Brenda            February 8     6 1/2    (DONE)
Paola              March 12        30-31   (DONE)
Mileidy          April 8            9           (DONE)
Stefania          March 26        36       (DONE)
Ana                March 31        37       (DONE)
Katy               April 10          35       (DONE)
Kami              April 18          32       (DONE)
Darlin            April 18           34        (DONE)
Gabby            April 27          36       (DONE)
Angela           April 27          38       (DONE)
Kim               June 13            22-23 (DONE)
Carina            August 7         34      (DONE)
Jenny(Jirafa) August 17        7-8    (DONE)
Kenia             August 18       36     (DONE)
Marie Elena   September 25  32    (DONE)
Roxana          September 27  37    (DONE)
Belquis          October 4        36    (DONE)
Yensy            October 27      33    (DONE)
Carmen         November 4     30    (DONE)
Cinthia          November 12   39    (DONE)
Doris             November 19   36   (DONE)
Lucy              December 24   33   (DONE)
Alicia            December 31    33   (DONE)


Tennis Shoe List
Jenny Alexa    February 14          8     (DONE)
Lizzy               March 15             38

Sonia               February 27        38    (DONE)

Cruz                May 4                  ??

Yessenia          September 8        35   (DONE)

Mary                September 10     33    (DONE)

Rosy                 August 30           36    (DONE)

Carla                November 16     12 months  (DONE)

Esmeralda         December 14     36    (DONE)

By the way, alot of these sizes are in what I think is Internation Sizing.  I will find the American sized numbers soon.  I'm lazy.

Scorpion Hunting

Not long ago, I watched a scorpion crawl into a crack where the ceiling meets the wall in my bedroom.  I have a gun beside me.  Its really just a waiting game now.  I decided to write something while I wait. 

I’ve written a few of these recently but then I erase them.  I decide they’re either too serious, too self-promoting, or too critical of others.  I’m assuming the position of apathy tonight as I wait on my scorpion, so I hope to avoid some of those things.  I’ve decided not to use the word “blog” by the way.  Every time I do, a tiny part of my soul dies.

I fell on my motorcycle the other day going through some trails.  The bruise on my leg reminds me how adventurous I am.

I’ve listened to several David Platt sermons in the last few weeks.  One of the biggest challenges when coming to Honduras was that I was leaving my church services and bible study groups.  It was hard when I first left.  But so I was listening to a podcast.  This guy is a good preacher, but what is really special about him is where his focus appears to be.  Its not the audience at all.  Its Christ.  I wish I could be as focused on Christ as he is.  I don’t think that’s a bad thing to say.  I prayed for spiritual examples not long ago.  I even made a blog about the topic then deleted it.

School is going well.  I don’t get to teach much at all anymore.  An English class if I have the time.  I mostly stay busy with administrative things now.  Its interesting, but I do miss teaching.  We’re trying new schedules, moving around teachers, buying textbooks and streamlining discipline.  Its difficult sometimes to look at the bigger picture.  It makes me worry about if my girls are going to be ready for college.  I think we’re doing well, but I want to continue to get better. 

I had a neat conversation with one of the girls who has neat conversations.  I was talking to her about college.  So I say, “If you go to college, you can make a significantly larger pay check one day.”  And she replies, “So what?”  How beautiful.  We place so much emphasis on money.  Rich people kill themselves all the time.   But so a guy living off of $2,400 a year is talking about money with an orphaned little girl in the poorest country in Central America.  She reminded him that money doesn’t make a person happy. 

I convinced her that if she went to college, she could probably get a job doing something that she really enjoyed.  Then I told her if she didn’t like college, drop out after the first year and sell tortillas in El Salvador. 

Still no scorpion.  My eyelids are heavy.  If you pray for me, pray that I could be more dependent on Christ.  If you don’t pray for me…. (I thought of 3 humorous ways to end this sentence.)