Jan.9, 2001

Hola,
Greetings from Honduras!

We arrived safe, sound and blessed. The trip was uneventful despite driving to Hartford, Ct. in a snowstorm. We were filled with a sense of excitement, mixed with just enough apprehension to keep us well balanced in our endeavor. The charter bus pulled in to the church at 1p.m. and we loaded the 63 boxes of supplies into the U Haul that we rented for the occasion. As the last person was seated in the bus, the driver, of whom we had never met before turned and asked me who would say the blessing on the trip? Bob had responded that we had already prayed in the church before we came out. But the fellow said, oh I always ask someone to make a blessing on the drive, even if it is not a church group. He then handed the microphone to me and I joyfully asked the Lord to give us traveling mercies. That driver must have been hand picked by God, as there are not many drivers that would make such a request.

We went through customs in Hartford like a breeze. Not only were there no questions as to the content of our cargo, but they allowed us to take 10 extra cartons weighing 70 pounds each, at no cost Our prayers were answered, and angels were sent before us to soften hearts and prepare the way.
As the plane made its ascent from Hartford, the pilot dipped the wing to the right, exposing a world caught for a moment in a winter wonderland. The sight was breath taking as we gazed upon trees and homes, completely drenched in a sparkling blanket of white frost What a contrast it would be as we made our descent into Tegucigalpa with its broken homes and washed away roads. The remains of the devastation that has hit this country, so very visible against its majestic peaks and valleys. Our eyes remind us of the reason for the journey. A work awaits us. And in deed, has already started. Many of us forming relationships with our seat mates that only eternity will tell the results.
The flight attendants ask us of our mission. We are all wearing our Honduras Mission 2001 shirts and the sight of 62 people with this logo being displayed is too much to ignore. On leaving the plane, the pilot comes out and greets Louise Gai and Rose Benoit with a "God bless you". A response that is easy to tell comes from a heart that has been softened by the service that has only just begun.

Going through customs in Honduras was as easy for us as it was in Connecticut, although a little more confusing. Not one box was asked to be opened, not one piece of equipment or luggage was misplaced. Pastor Britton was there waiting for us and had taken care of all the details in letting customs know what we were doing for their country. Gordon Boggs was there waiting with all the bread and cookies we had ordered from the Adventist Hospital bakery. Pastor Torres and his wife Nora came to greet us and help load containers onto the truck. Moses, and Nelson were also waiting for us, along with one of our new translator, Lillian.
The camp that we are staying at is more than we hoped for. The dinning /kitchen facilities are excellent for our needs. The bath and toilet situation might be a little difficult as there are about 20 people per each toilet and shower.

Tonight as we sat for our initial instruction meeting, Pastor Wagner had us each give our names and tell a little something about ourselves, Such as our job while here or how many trips we have been on. It looked as if it might have been very close between Brian Caster at around 13 and Bob Whitney coming in at 11. But then Audrey Fergurson admitted that every day is a "trip" for her! Jim didn't seem to disagree with her; we all had a good laugh over it.

Speaking of a good laugh, a certain redhead made the day for a group of security guards in Tegucigalpa. Seems she asked them for directions to the "manana". The guard replied sei, tomorrow. She replied back, no, not tomorrow, now. The word she should have used was, banos, (bathroom) instead of manana (tomorrow). I am sure they are still laughing.

With that I will close for the night. I am looking forward to keeping you up to date of all the miracles that will be taking place here.
Those of you that are hoping to receive a note from your loved one here will not be able to. There are no phones here and the only way we will be able to send email is to put it on disk and give it to Pastor Britton at Adra to send out for us. We will be able to receive mail. So, any of you who would like to send us a word of encouragement, please do so.
Know that we are thinking of you and missing you. Pray for us as we labor for the Lord. We will be praying for you.

May the Lord bless you abundantly in all things.

In His Service,

Jennifer Young