Sunday, January 14,2001

Buenos Dios dear brethren,

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22,23

Today was a day of fun for us as we gather strength for the intense work that will start on Monday.
We went into Tegucigalpa to the open-air markets for a little shopping experience. There are row after row of street merchants as far as your eye can see. Each hoping to sell their wares to the huge crowds that are hurrying this way and that. The place is very dirty and you must be cautious at all times, the crime rate is very high in portions of this market. We had split up into groups, with each group carrying a walky talky radio so we didn't loose communication with each other. As one group headed up to one particular part of the market, a Honduran woman that spoke English came to them and warned them not to go into that area, that it was very dangerous. She said the thieves would rip your watches right off your wrist and earring right out of your ears. We were very thankful for her warnings and the rest of the groups were alerted to stay out of that area.
If you shop carefully, you are able to buy things at a very reasonable price. Brian and Janet Caster were given $620 in donations between the East Palmyra and Baby Knoll churches and friends for the specific purpose of buying clothes and shoes for the children at the orphanage that we were also going to today. It just amazes me how many friends and co-workers donated money or items to our group for helping the Honduran people. Lois Merwin brought down what she called a "discreet" little suitcase filled to overflowing for the children at the Yusguare church. Now you must remember that we were restricted to how much luggage to bring, as we had to claim one of those big containers of medical supplies as part of our allotment. So to bring a satchel to leave means a sacrifice in many ways. The blessings that are brought back in our heart cannot be measured though.
After leaving the market we were all loading into the 2 pickup trucks and the bus. We had put a few supplies and some suitcases that were headed to the orphanage in the back of the truck Eric was driving. We were parked one behind the other on the side of the street as we waited for the rest of our group to board the bus. One teenage Honduran boy kept leaning against the truck with the supplies. Eric was suspicious and told him to move away. He wouldn't move at first until Eric got out of the truck and went up to him. The boy then went and behind the back of our other pickup that was loaded to the hilt with some of our brawny young men. It seemed at first that the fellow might just be trying to hang around the Americans, but as soon as the trucks started to drive off the boy jumped on the back, grabbing at anything. Josh had to physically push the boy off at least 2 times but the boy was determined to grab anything he could. He succeeded; he ripped the hat right off of Chris Patton's head and ran like lightening. Eric jumped out of our vehicle and ran after him, not knowing exactly what the boy had stolen, I knew what it was and yelled out to let it go, it wasn't worth it. In the excitement of the moment I called Eric ,Bob, but that hasn't been the first time, they are so much alike. A man that was driving down the street and witnessed what happened took off after the thief with a vengeance. Actually hitting him and pinning him between a wall and his car. He managed to do all this without hurting the boy badly. As we traveled on down the street, people on the side of the road that witnessed what happened were pointing for us to look up the road. And as we passed by in our truck, the hero of the day stepped out and handed Chris back his captured hat. While crime is rampant in the city of Tegucigalpa, there are plenty of people that are honest. They also know that having the city be thought of, as a safe place for Americans to come and spend their money is a smart investment for future prosperity
After leaving the city, we headed for the S.D.A. Hospital in Valley of the Angles. WE had arranged for them to serve dinner to our group. What a delicious as well a nutritious meal it was. There is a market place with in walking distance from the hospital that sells the most exquisite hand carved items. Just about anything you could think of to remind you of Honduras can be found there. This town is also where the orphanage is, so the 2 hours we had free after lunch was divided between them. For those that did not care to walk the distance, Eric and Bob shuttled the trucks back and forth bringing and picking up our happy missionary group. The children at the orphanage were so happy to see the Americans come again. A little girl that Deena Wagner had especially been touched by last year had recognized her and came running to her. We brought our gifts of clothing and toys to give these little ones. They normally receive 2 gifts a year, one on their birthday and one at Christmas.
As sad as the situation is, these children are in much better condition than those at the compound. They are at least assured of a meal each day and have shoes, even if they might not fit properly. Our new interpreter Lillian lived in this orphanage for 5 years of her life. Most of these children have family, but because of total destitution they are forced to leave them there.
The diversion of having 2 non working days is of utmost importance to our morale here. If we didn't have something to take our mind off what we have witnessed during the week we could not continue working with out mentally and physically crumbling from the pressure.
We have managed to keep sickness away from us for the most part. Only a few of us are under the weather, but most all are working through it. We have had one extremely upsetting situation when we arrived at the hospital and collected our mail; the worst possible news was waiting for Pat Haste. Her beloved sister in law of whom she loved and thought so highly of had died. And the news had to come to her via email. Arlene Highhouse was only 59 years old, in great health and yet died while she was exercising on a treadmill. She was greatly loved and will be sadly missed. Her loved ones will be looking forward to meeting her once again in Heaven. For us who believe, it is not the end, only a hesitation in time. Our prayers are with each member of her family; know that we are sending our thoughts, love and prayers at this very difficult time. While Pat is not able to be with all of you that she loves so much and to hold onto you in comfort, her heart is with you.
We certainly do miss being able to email a personal little note to you, but sure have been encouraged by the ones you have sent to us. Please continue. When we were in Valley of the Angels yesterday, Eric was able to send out all our updates that had been piling up. He also retrieved the letters that you sent to us that are so important to us. Please continue to send them.
We have some young mothers here that have left their children for the first time and it is so incredibly hard on them. Watching them suffer so in their loneliness reminds me of how Jesus must of suffered when he left His father behind to come to minister to us.
As you read this letter and you have a loved one here, know without a doubt, you are greatly loved!

Keep your feet firmly planted in the steps of Jesus; it is the only safe place to be.

Being filled with love and hope in Honduras, I send a smile to you.

Jennifer Young