There's Nothing I Can Do

La Fe is a difficult place to work. The teams this summer have really reminded me how challenging it can be to go from "real life" in the States or even another city in Honduras to this small, river-side community. The extreme poverty, lack of education, and hunger in La Fe are just a few of the many difficulties I see and carry with me every day.

One of the things that I share with every team that is exposed to La Fe is that there is nothing that any of us can to do to "fix" the situation. Yes, we could provide free food for the community. We could rebuild the houses so they are cement block. We could even start a school and provide Biblically-based and applicable education. These are ALL good things! In fact, we may do these things eventually... but does that "fix" the situation?

What can I do to meet the physical needs of these precious people? What about the emotional needs? and the spiritual? How about changing their future, not just the now. When I'm not in La Fe every day, will they step up and serve one another as I am serving them now? Will they love one another? Will they speak the Gospel to one another?

Truthfully, there is NOTHING I can do to "fix" the situation. All I can do is have la fe (the faith) that God loves these people intimately and longs to redeem them. He can have my hands, my feet, my heart, my husband, my body, my life... Surrender. Love. Serve. Rest.

A Bit of Home

This coming week, a team of 8 people is traveling from our home church of Covenant Community (AKA CovCom) in Scottsdale, AZ.  The leader of the team has been one of my/our friends/supporters for the past 13 or so years and he's bringing 3 of his "kids" (some of them are now adults) with him! I am SO looking forward to spending time with our friends, sharing our growing relationships in La Fe with them, and being able to have some "homey" feelings for the week. Hooray!


PS - It was my birthday on June 24th and Mike took me out to dinner tonight at Ceasar's. I had grilled salmon, baked potato and homemade tiramisu for dessert. Delicious! Here's a picture of my birthday buddies and I celebrating the day of by eating a Skittle. :)

If You Can't Swim...

Yesterday we got to go to the beach to celebrate the birthday of our lovely teammate, Kate. While splashing around in the ocean, one of the girls that lives in Shannon's home for single mothers told me that she can't swim and was afraid for herself as well as her daughter. I encouraged her that she could stand easily in the water and that as long has her daughter was with someone, she would be just fine (blah, blah, blah...).

Before I knew it, the young mother was jumping and playing in the ocean - face in the water and everything! Her daughter was standing in the waves up to her waist and laughing joyfully as the water sprayed her face and eyes.

The fear that this mother had was unfounded. She and her precious daughter ended up have a most wonderful time in the ocean... but what if she had allowed her fear to stop her from getting in?

What am I afraid of? What is it that I'm not willing to give a try because I'm frightened - or just not fully trusting in the One who holds my life? Taking a step forward may not be as fun as playing in the ocean, but it just might be...