Lenca Pottery

Recently, we took a field trip to the home and business of a local family of sisters. They are gifted potters and demonstrated their techniques for creating the traditional Lenca artform. The Lenca are the indigenous people of this region of Honduras and their pottery's black and white design makes it unique and prized throughout the world.


Here are some photos from our tour:

A Holy Experience

Every Good Friday communities, churches and families take to the streets in major cities across Honduras to create an incredible piece of artwork. The installation takes days to complete, but the finished piece will last a mere moments when the parades of Catholic revelers march through it on procession to the church. It is an observation of the walk Christ made to the place of his sacrifice. And although much of the significance of what He endured for our sake is lost in the pomp and ritual, the beauty of the art and the joy of the process takes my breath away. Strolling the streets and admiring the sawdust carpets, I encounter my creative, beautiful, relationship-desiring Heavenly Father. For me, it is a holy experience.

The Best Day

I know it sounds weird, but making a real piñata has been on my bucket list for years. Ever since I first saw the row of shops with their brightly colored creations hanging outside in Tegucigalpa, I’ve been fascinated. So when I got to take a field trip with two of my Spanish teachers to a local piñataeria, I was excited. And the trip did not disappoint. I had my best day in Honduras so far.

Appreciating Art & Culture

Here in Honduras, piñatas are insignificant things—toys for children. But the creativity and artistry it takes to make just one is nothing short of inspiring. And my new friend, Blanca, makes thousands every year in her living room. To her, it’s a job that provides for her family. To me, it is a beautiful expression of the Latin American culture.

Resourcefulness to Admire

Blanca is one of the most successful piñata makers in Siguatepeque and she gives much of the credit to her resourceful use of materials. I think her methods are ingenious. Not a scrap of paper goes to waste. At the end of the day she sweeps the floor to gather small bits of tissue paper that have fallen. She puts the colorful mixture of scraps into baggies and sells them as confetti to her customers. When shiny papers became expensive and too hard to find, Blanca asked the local elementary school to save the chip and cookie bags left after snack time. Now she washes them, turns them inside out and cuts interesting shapes from the shiny foil inside. These shapes add sparkle to car hubcaps and glitz to princess crowns. Her neighbors and friends save newspaper for her and the local party store gives her damaged mylar balloons so she can paste popular children’s characters on some of her creations. Not only is Blanca a smart businesswoman, she’s an innovative recycler!

Passion Unleashed

There’s one thing that creative people have in common, no matter their culture—passion. The more Blanca talked about the process of making a piñata, the more animated she became. She could barely contain herself as she explained how to make a complex shape or how to choose which colors of paper to use. She prides herself in bringing delight to the children who receive her piñatas, but it’s clear that they bring her just as much joy.

Overworked & Underpaid

Blanca spends 5-8 hours creating each work of art (not including drying time). And she works like an Energizer bunny. She cuts fringes from tissue paper at an unbelievable pace while carrying on a conversation and not even looking at her hands. It’s absolutely mesmerizing to watch. To save time, she uses her hand to apply the homemade paste rather than delicately applying it with a brush, as you’d expect. She can shape wire into a Mickey Mouse shape in a matter of minutes. In April, she’ll begin preparing for Day of the Child celebrations to take place in September. She’ll work seven-days-a-week making hundreds of piñatas for the holiday—no two exactly the same. For all her effort, she’ll sell the larger, more complex piñatas for L. 200 (about $10). What a shame that a Van Gogh goes for millions while these imaginative pieces go largely unappreciated. Crueler still is that Blanca’s art will be destroyed in a matter of minutes! Still, there isn’t a child in the world who wouldn’t squeal with happiness at the view of a piñata hanging at their birthday celebration. And to Blanca and me, that’s worth far more than a Van Gogh.

Home

I learned a lot about making a real piñata at Blanca’s house. And it was an experience I’m grateful for. But the real reason I’ll look back on that day as one of the best is that as we immersed our hands in paste or transformed hanger wire into meaningful shapes, we talked—my teachers, Blanca, her mother, her friend and me. We talked as women do. We talked about our kids (all boys as it turns out). We talked about cooking and laundry. We talked about struggles and blessings. And for the first time in a long time, I wasn’t thinking about language or culture. I wasn’t concentrating on every word I spoke so hard that my head hurt after two minutes. I wasn’t thinking about how different I was or how I stand out. I was just laughing and talking with my friends and making something beautiful. This day was special, not because I got to cross something off my bucket list, but because it’s the day I realized that I am finally at home in Honduras.

Birthday Bummer

This year Steve's birthday present was getting to move into our new apartment in Sigautepeque―all by himself. Oh I was here to direct and slowly unpack boxes and suitcases. But Steve did the heavy lifting while getting accustomed to the hot and humid weather again. No cake, no presents. Just a whole lot of sweating and being bossed around by the wife.

And if a birthday of hard labor isn't bad enough, disaster struck when we finally settled in for the evening. While trying to cut a piece of cord with a sharp knife, Steve sliced into one of his fingers. It was bloody and deep. Imagine being in a new city where you know no one. You don't know where the hospital is or even if there is one nearby. And you know you need medical attention quickly. Now imagine that you don't speak the local language well. And that's where Steve and I found ourselves on his birthday in our new home in Honduras.

Thankfully, classes at our language school start on Monday and we've already been introduced to the directors. So we called these complete strangers and asked for help. Mark rushed right over to drive Steve to the clinic. Three stitches and a lot of humility later, the day finally ended.

It wasn't the birthday celebration we'd have liked, but at least we'll never forget it!

Tragedy on Day One

We had just arrived in Honduras when we learned that one of our former students, Jose Daniel (left in photo), had been killed earlier in the day. He was serving in the military and refused to give up his military-issued firearm during a robbery.

Immediately, the weight of our burden to care for and reach the young people of Honduras for Christ has been burned deeper into our hearts. Pray for Jose Daniel's family. But also pray fervently for the next generaron of this nation's leaders. They so desperately need peace.

I'm not the only parent

I'm not the only parent who has ever had to say goodbye to an only son, but today it sure feels like it. Tonight when I hug Nick goodbye, it will hurt more than any other time before. I know it's part of being parent to let your kids go. But what about when you're the one going? Sending him off somehow seems easier.

We're missionaries. We're supposed to understand leaving family behind. We've done it many times before. But no one ever prepared me for today. I'm not sure I really understood sacrifice until this moment. I'm not sure I understood what trusting the Lord with all your heart looked like until I had to trust him completely with this treasure. I'm not sure I'm doing this right.

But I am absolutely certain that no matter how it feels, I'm not the only parent who has had to say goodbye to their only son. And today I'm just doing my best to lean into the One who did it so well.

Leaving It All Out on the Table

One of our favorite things about being in the U.S. for HMA (Home Ministry Assignment) is the opportunity to take part in family camps across the country. We spent this week at Camp Sharon in Wadsworth, Ohio.

The Challenge: 
One week to build meaningful relationships with complete strangers

The Goal: 
To make an impact on lives and for the mission in Honduras

The Strategies:
Serve. Interact. Start conversations. Listen. Be open and vulnerable.Bless and be blessed. Love people.

Of course we played games and interacted with kids and teens. That comes naturally to us. But we also got out of our comfort zone, met some amazing people, heard their amazing stories and shared our hearts. We poured our entire selves into the people of Camp Sharon this week and we are spent. We left it all out on the table and now there's nothing left but to trust God to use it for His glory and our good.

Conquering the Language Barrier

On our recent short visit to Honduras to renew our residencies, we were thrilled to find that our Spanish hasn't suffered quite as much as we'd imagined after six months in the U.S. Nevertheless, we took the opportunity to visit the Spanish Institute of Honduras in Siguatepeque, Honduras. We plan to attend full-time classes at the school for several months after returning to the field. We were impressed with the teaching methods used by the school, including clear goals to accomplish, complete grammar workbooks and extensive verbal practice. We have also heard great things about the school from fellow missionaries and former students. It was exciting to see classes in-person and get an idea of what to expect when we arrive.

Here some photos taken on tour last month:

DAY 40 – 40 Days of Prayer: Praise

Father,

You are Great and Mighty. We stand in awe of Your power and righteousness. You love us when we don’t deserve love and You free us from destruction when we are worthy of nothing less. Thank You, Father. Thank You for making us a tiny part of Your perfect plan. Thank You for the call You’ve placed on our hearts. And thank You for those You’ve called to pray, give and serve alongside us for Your glory in Honduras. We lift up our praises to the One who makes all things possible. We love You!

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 39 – 40 Days of Prayer: Rest

Lord,

Thank You for the work with which You’ve entrusted us. We pray that You would remind us every day that we don’t labor alone. We pray that Your Spirit would fill us up each morning and give us encouragement and wisdom throughout the day as we go about the work You would have us accomplish. But we also pray for sweet, refreshing moments of calm. Help us to know when to push forward and when to rest in You, Father. Teach us to still our hearts and listen to Your voice. Give us comfort and peace in midst of chaos and frustration.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 38 – 40 Days of Prayer: Escuela El Sembrador Support Staff

Lord,

Whether they work in the tienda, administrative areas, grounds keeping, kitchen or maintenance, we know that without the dedication of the support staff, Escuela El Sembrador would not function. So we thank You for the people that make day-to-day life and ministry there possible. God, they work so hard for Your glory and we pray a special blessing for each of them today. Encourage and strengthen this team. And as they grow closer to You, Lord, may their lives be an example to us, the students, staff and community.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 37 – 40 Days of Prayer: 4-14 Window

Father,

We know how precious children are to You. And we know that what we teach them when they are young will have a lasting impact in their lives and for Your kingdom. Thank You for giving Your church in Honduras the mandate and vision to focus on reaching children between the ages of 4 and 14, when they are so receptive to Your Spirit. Please bless each teacher, worker, pastor and missionary as they passionately pour their hearts into children. Provide wisdom and direction so that they might know how best to demonstrate Your love. Lord, our desire is to see a new generation of transformed lives thirsting after You.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 36 – 40 Days of Prayer: Escuela El Sembrador Bible Institute

Lord,

You have grown Your kingdom in Honduras through Your church. Thank You for the pastors and leaders You have put in place to lead Your people. We thank You especially for using the Bible Institute at Escuela El Sembrador to prepare and train the church’s pastors. We ask that special wisdom and discernment be given to the instructors as they develop the future church leaders. We ask You to be with Pastor David Quiroz as he manages this program and the church at El Sembrador. And we pray that through the ministry of the Bible Institute You will raise up a new generation of passionate, anointed leaders equipped with a Biblical worldview to transform communities around the globe.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 35 – 40 Days of Prayer: Escuela El Sembrador Students

Lord,

Thank You for each precious student that You’ve brought to El Sembrador. It is an amazing gift to be a small part in these remarkable young lives. It is also an awesome responsibility. Yet we know that You have a plan for each one. And we pray that their time as Escuela El Sembrador students draws them closer to Your will and purpose for their lives. Put their feet on firm ground, Father, and make their path straight. Most of all, show them that they are valued and loved by the Almighty God in Heaven so that they might come to know You as Father.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 34 – 40 Days of Prayer: Spiritual Growth

Father,

What is man that You should be mindful of him, son of man that You should care for him? Thank You that we can know and have relationship with You, the King of Kings. We need You, God. And we want to know You more. We ask that You would draw us closer to You and help us to grow so that we can serve You better.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 33 – 40 Days of Prayer: Escuela El Sembrador Sponsorship Program

Lord,

Thank You for the people who have come alongside our students to provide financially for their education and personal needs. We pray that each one would be blessed by the relationships they are able to form with the students and staff of Escuela El Sembrador. Father, we lift up the Sponsorship Program and pray that You would provide even more people burdened for the youth of Honduras and willing to partner with the school prayerfully and financially. We pray for Your outpouring of abundance through this program so that even more students can be touched by this powerful ministry.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 32 – 40 Days of Prayer: Humility

Father,

We can do nothing without You. You are in control and Your plan is perfect. You are doing wonderful and powerful things in this fallen world and in the hearts of mankind. God, please don’t let us stand in Your way. Teach us to give all things over to You. We want all glory and honor to be Yours, but sometimes we are selfish and give in to pride and boasting. Forgive us and make us teachable and God-honoring servants.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 31 – 40 Days of Prayer: Short-Term Missions Teams

Lord,

Thank You for raising up teams of people willing to give their time, gifts and resources to come to Honduras and serve at Escuela El Sembrador together. Prepare their hearts for what You would have to teach them through their experiences in Honduras. Grant them health, safety, wisdom, peace and courage as they prepare and travel. Strengthen their team and give them a strong, loving bond. And use them to encourage and support their Honduran brothers and sisters in Christ. Bless their ministry and give them a powerful witness to everyone around them. Allow them to leave Honduras having been transformed by what You are doing in and through their work.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 30 – 40 Days of Prayer: Happy Anniversary Steve and Kelly!

Lord,

Thank You for walking with us throughout our marriage. We pray that You would continue to bless the little family You’ve created through us. Help us to demonstrate forgiveness, mercy, support and love to one another daily. And draw us closer to You even as we draw closer to one another. Father, make our marriage a better witness of You.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DAY 29 – 40 Days of Prayer: Ministry Financial Needs

Father,

You are a God of abundance. For You, resources are never limited. Thank You for being Our Provider. One of our biggest fears is meeting the financial needs of the ministry You’ve given us. Please continue to equip us to meet this need. Go ahead of us and prepare the hearts of those You would call to partner with us financially. Most of all, Lord, give us peace and a sense of awe as we watch You provide.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.