Special moments :)

So this will be short and sweet but just had to share these quotes with you before I forget....so amazing

Cati-not my favorite of the faces she makes, the side eye is definitely more entertaining

Cati: Nati! sabes que, yo soñaba de un hamburgesota y yo me meti endentro y comi todo. To translate this literally means, Nati! Yo know I was dreaming of a huge hamburger and I put myself inside and ate all of it! Now those that know Cati will truly appreciate this because Im sure you can just imagine her saying this to you with one of her Cati faces:) For those that dont know I will try my best to explain. Cati has this beautiful energy, this spirit about her, but sometimes she goes very fast from one thing to another. hehe. Its like when people write in all caps and you think how should I read this? It would seem like the person is either yelling the sentence or saying it with some intense passion. The best is these faces she makes. My favorite is when she turns her face a bit sideways and then gives you this eye, that maybe your mom would give you if she was trying to deduce if you were lying or not. I hope that can paint some picture for you....

Nati: Oye, que paso. ¿Parece que no puedes respirar? (Hey what happened, it seems like you cant breathe?)
Brayan: Sí, es que yo tenía una carrera con Canela (our neighbors dog that likes to frequent the finca) Yes, its because I had a race with Canela.
Nati: ¿Aha y entonces....quien ganó? Aha and who won?
Brayan: Canela
Nati: ¿Va por que? Why?
Brayan: Porque tiene cuatro patas. (Because she has 4 feet)

So Brayan is a very intelligent, young boy. Sometimes he has this Im very angry face but he usually cracks a smile after a minute or 2. The part I enjoyed most about this conversation was it was very matter-of-fact. When he explained to me that the dog won because of course, she has 4 legs, really Nati why are you asking me that type of way. hehe.

Brayan is in the middle

Life at the Finca

Brooke, or better known as Brookingham (because somehow that's easier to say) is our new nurse at the finca. We are so happy to have her in the clinica. She has many special gifts and I would like to share one that I feel she really captured well finca and community life in the video that she made! Thanks Brookingham!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2xrHoEMbl8&feature=youtu.be

and Jenna who wrote a beautiful reflection on advent.

http://jennaatthefinca.wordpress.com/2014/12/11/y-habito-entre-nosotros/

Who says you have to have all the words. hehe. I think they both did a much better job of expressing finca life than I could :) Thanks ladies!

Clínica wishlist

Thank you so much for all your love, support, prayers and especially patience with me and this blog. I have some things I would like to share but I wanted to make sure I put this list up in time to give people the opportunity to help this Christmas in the clinic if they feel called. These are some of the things that we always need in the clinic year round:

*****Pre-natal vitamins
Antibiotic cream
Adult and Childrens ibuprofen and tylenol
omeprazole
vicks
cough drops
cough syrup
anti-acids
baby blankets
baby powder
A&D ointment

The clinic is run on donations only. We receive one big donation from the Christ the King brigade every June that carries us through the year, but sometimes we run out through the year. What happens frequently here is that when people go to the hospital or to a clinic and the doctor gives them a script the people cant pay for the meds nor the exams that they send them to have done. In our clinic we are able to see patients but also give them the meds they need, by the grace of God and generous donations. Please help keep us going.

Here are some prescriptions meds, for those doctors out there that might be willing to help that we are low on or out of:

Enalapril
Albuterol inhalors
Cephalexcin 250mg/5mL (elixir)
Bactrim
Fluconazole 150mg

I realize Im not sure that Ive ever given you a tour of our clinic so here it is....
The Sacred Heart Clinic

work space

pharmacy

reception/waiting room

reception/waiting room

reception/waiting room

Laboratory

Lab/Dirty side

Lab

Main consult room

Pharmacy

Well I hoped you enjoyed the tour. May you have a Blessed Christmas and Happy New Year!
                        ¡Muchisimas gracias y Feliz Navidad y Feliz Año Nuevo!

Vísperas

Happy Monday! Just gotta love those mondays. I thought I would just share a monday story with you. So coming off retreat high and back to the "finca week" I was off to a rough start, trying to gather up all the grace I could this morning during prayer. But you know Satan somehow manages to steal that extra 30minutes of morning that you would've liked to prepare yourself for the day…yup that's how it started. Anyways clinic days while beautiful and I always feel so blessed from the interactions with the patients can sometimes be overwhelming and you walk up the dirt road pass house 5 and strain your eyes to see through the bushes that surround the entrance. Are the bancos full? It's always a good sign when there's people sitting out in front by the tree too (At least a 3pm day:) I hope the luz (electricity) doesn't go out…oh ya within the first 2 hours ya se fue. ( ya it went. haha) After finishing, next heading to a meeting. Man gotta love mondays. And just when you think you're done and can eat a banana maybe or some now delicious rice that might be left over from lunch, just to have more for dinner in 30 minutes…I see Elena a Britiani. "Nati vamos a rezar víspers por la playa ahorita. Vas a venir?" ("Nati were going to pray evening prayer on the beach. Are you coming?") Ohh. So I would like to say that I was thrilled, and had every desire to pray with children on the beach, geez what's wrong with me, how could I not? My first thought was however was… (I'm sure oldies will appreciate this) Pucha nombre… (Really I'm not quite sure of the literal translation maybe like dangit man…haha) I just wanted sit down for a minute, or eat, or pee. haha. But before I could even finish that selfish thought:) "¡Nati apurate!" (Hurry up Nati!) "Ya vengo" (I'm coming) I love answering the kids with the same phrases they use :) I have to say when you can truly let go of yourself, even in the small things, you can receive such amazing graces! We had such a beautiful prayer time on the beach as the sun was setting with both chic as competing over who would read. I was trying to think of the last time I volunteered to read…let alone try and compete with someone for the reading. Excited to read the word of God though they probably don't realize the importance of the exercise nor the words, but doing it whole-heartedly anyway, making faces during the times they weren't reading, throwing grapes seeds, but what innocent prayer. I remember one time hearing at a conference that our prayer is simply an offering to the Lord. The speaker used a beautiful analogy about our prayer being like a picture a child draws and gives to his parent. The parent (hopefully) accept it for what it is and find the beauty in it. In the same way the Lord excepts our prayer with all its distractions and deems it as beautiful…then puts in on the fridge:)

Thank you Lord for a beautiful monday, bring on Tuesday:)

Ritiro

I apologize for the lack blogs, but it's been a whirlwind weeks. I recently went back to the states, though I just came from vacation. I went to spend time with my family, specifically in service to my grandpa, but really to serve my whole family. I can not say enough about discernment. It's such a beautiful tool God gives us. We never have to know the right thing to do, (even though I definitely stressed out trying to figure it out) all we have to do is listen. In the end I accepted the grace that was being given me, and went. What beautiful time I had with my family! I wouldn't trade it for the world, but how much suffering within my family in this moment. I was restless in my heart. My question was not so much why do people suffer or why do bad things happen to good people but, "Why God am I watching all this suffering if I can do nothing to change it?" I had just recently asked God the same thing when I witnessed 3 specific things in Honduras the week before.

This question stayed in my heart the whole trip. I did spend beautiful time just in the presence of my family though I did not feel like I was doing much. When the time came though it was hard to leave my heart knew where it was being called and I returned to the Finca for only a day because we were off to retreat! 8 hours, 11 people, one land cruiser…virtue building. The time away together was beautiful. I received many graces throughout the retreat, but God revealed to me my true mission. My heart had been wrestling with this question over the past year but especially in the past month. "God why am I watching all this suffering if I can do nothing to change it?" The beautiful CFR priest we had a on retreat shared with us, that he knows he can't change anyone or any situation, and for that feels relieved, but he can be present. I don't know why this was such a moment of epiphany for me…God's timing is perfect. Padre talked about how the Lord put the disciples into situations all the time that they didn't understand, and couldn't handle, and while they were trying to "figure it out" and "make sense of of it" like we all try to do, He was really just calling them to admit that they didn't know the answer nor what to do but trust in His plan. The Passion probably made the lest sense to them at all. And where were they? Scared, trying to figure it out. Our Lady, John, Mary Magdalene, Veronica, and all those that were "present" at the Passion simply trusted enough that though it didn't make sense, this was part of the grand plan. They couldn't do one single thing to ease even an ounce of pain from our Lord, but they were present, they suffered with Him, and no one more than our Lady throughout His entire life. To realize that I can't change Honduras, nor heal the hearts of our kids.  To know I can't take away my grandpa's cancer, nor my family's sorrows, doesn't answer the question but rather gives me purpose. My purpose is to be present, I can suffer with them. It is so amazing that while the circumstances, the situations I witness are no less intense, nor less painful, but my heart can find  some peace in my knowing my real mission, my presence. 

'

Ice Bucket Challenge Challenge

So I don't know if you all have heard about the recent rage in the states about the ice-bucket challenge for ALS, but I was challenged about 2 weeks ago maybe. The idea is that you pour a bucket of ice water on your head or pay $100 to raise money for ALS. As a side note ALS is a disease that has no cure, researchers aren't sure what causes it, and the majority of people don't live past 2 years that have it. It is a motor-neuron disease. Basically you're muscles don't receive the messages to move. The disease is progressive and eventually takes over your respiratory system. So your body is dying but your mind is still intact. 

My good friend contracted the disease in her early 20s (this is rare). She was a beautiful young women, friendly, outgoing, would "do anything for anyone" type of person,  studying architecture 

at UF, and a great soccer player. She had the disease for only about 6 months before she joined our Lord. Near the end of her time her she went into a coma. Myself, and a group of close friends, probably about 5-7 started a ritual. When we all got off work we made it to the ICU at 10' o'clock (I'm not sure how we got past the visiting hour thing) and we would talk, pray and sing in a circle around her bed. For me at that stage in my life, it opened my eyes to what it means to have friends in Christ, and the difference between other relationship. This was true love, the love of a soul. I will never forget this experience. Starr left us shortly after, but not before giving her last gift, her organs.

I did the challenge in honor of Starr. I decided to see if the girls would like to be involved. We talked about making a short movie clip and for my friend over the weekend. The girls were eager to help. Below is the clip we made along with some girls that showed up early for girls soccer that day. Sorry the sound isn't great, I was explaining in Spanish what I was doing and the older girls were translating in English aunque tenía pena. (Though they were a bit shy.) Also I think the challenge is supposed 

to be completed within 24 hours….but I live in Honduras...y así es la vida.  

Hora Santa

Every Tuesday we have a holy hour as a community at 7pm. The younger kids go to holy hour separate at 5. Usually the missionaries attend with the older kids but this past week I decided to go earlier. What a beautiful holy hour! Our Lord truly knows the needs of our hearts. Try to imagine a bunch of 8, 9, 10, and 11 years olds singing…at this point it's still more like screaming a bit in different pitches and different times. Then you have Yadi, who is 3, who is trying to sing along but really has just her own tune. 

We some of our really common songs but tonight I was able to really focus on the words in a different way this night. I'm sure any former missionary still appreciates Pescador de hombres. 

The chorus goes, "Señor, me has mirado a los ojos, sonriendo, has dicho mi nombre, en la arena he dejado mi barca, junto a Ti buscaré otro mar."

"Lord, You have looked into my eyes, smiling, You have said my name, in the sand I've left my boat, with You I will look for another ocean."(sorry if my translating is poor) It's just such a beautiful song and has so much meaning especially here. Another one says " Si yo no tengo amor, yo nada soy Señor." It's so simple, but so true. If I don't have love, I'm nothing Lord. Singing it over and over again it became a beautiful meditation. 

For those that know me I enjoy silent adoration….That being said an adoration like this would usually be very distracting and almost frustrating to me to the point where I would miss the beauty in it. This day however, by God's grace I was able to take it in and appreciate it for all that it was. It was honest, pure, and innocent. This is the way God wants us to pray, at the top of our lungs, making a joyful noise….He didn't say it had to be in tune :)

Video

So each weekend the houses in the same age group watch video together. I covered video with the teenagers tonight…and man they are movie talkers! Now I happen to be a movie talker as well but heh these teens didn't go more than 2 minutes. Just to be clear movie talkers are the people who can't go more than 5 minutes asking questions or making commentary continuously throughout a movie. The boys chose the movie this week (every week it switches off. Can you imagine only watching 1 movie and week and not even be able to pick it at that!) Anyways it makes for some interesting nights:) Like tonight for example, about 5 minutes into star wars Nelsy states, "no que feo este video." "¿Por qué?" Cesear asked. To which Nesly responded with, "porque me da asco", which literally means because it gives me stomach acid. haha. The boys chose star wars the newer series, but it was only in English. After we got all settled with our Coke and cookies, which I had to call out Daniel for taking 5 instead of one, Wilmer started translating but tired after about 3 minutes. 5 minutes into the movies they were all talking. Riccy, our oldest girl teen had to tell everyone to quiet down because she couldn't hear. Riccy has a very commanding manner without being rude. It's very helpful. I asked if anyone understood what was going on. So then I gave a cliff notes version to catch them up, and about every 5 minutes after that it was, y ¿ahora Nata? ¿q paso? (and now Nata? What happened?) So I began to give brief updates as we went along. I quickly realized that the vocabulary required to explain star wars is not something I possess. I guess between the clinic and day to day conversation I never picked up how to say spaceship or lightsaber…it was quite entertaining. At the end of the movie the boys were trying to convince the girls to watch the second star wars for next week. Guess who's turn it is to pick?!…Nelsy.haha. pobrositos (poor boys). They'll have to wait another week for their series...

Pijamada

The long awaited pijamada (sleepover) for casa 1 (house 1,  8-11 years old girls) took place this weekend. Pijamadas are a big deal in the Finca. Usually all the girls come and watch the first movie together, then Casa 1 goes home and the other girls stay up all night watching movies and making fun of the missionaries for drinking coffee and coke trying and make it through the night. This time however we promised the younger girls if they were all on green (good behavior) that we would do a special princess pijamada just for them. "Estan listas chicas bonitas?" "Are you ready pretty girls?" I asked Friday morning as I passed by the house. "SI! ¡Vamos a vestir en vestidos, y quedamos despierta todo al niche mirando videos!" (Yes! We are going to dress up in dresses and stay up all night watching videos!) ummm ya part of that. haha

We had it in the kinder classroom, which is small so we could be contained and it was much easier to decorate. By 6:30 we picked the girls up in the busito (our land rover) and headed over to the school with 6 girls, 8 mattresses and 3 missionaries. We had homemade cheese pizza, and purple frosted cupcakes while listening to the Frozen soundtrack. Libresoy, libresoy! (Let it go, Let it go!) Sing along…you know you want too! And we also know none of us know that those are the only words we know. haha

Man can those little girls can eat! I would definitely bet on Luz versus any house 5 (teenage) boy. Dinner quickly finished and we setup up our comfy floor. Everyone choose a spot pretty fast. It took a little longer to choose a princess movie but we finally settled on Mulan. So interesting to here those Disney songs that you can sing along to in your head in English, translated…:) We all did ok until about the last quarter of the movie. Yadi (our youngest who's 3) kept moving from mattress to mattress usually blocking someones view. Someone wanted to go brush their teeth, Elena wanted me to brush her hair, and Cati decided to put her head on my pillow saying, "estoy bajando mis piojos" (I'm giving you my lice basically) of course thinking this was hilarious. Thank goodness we had a piojos riding party 2 weeks ago, but still. Can never be too careful. My pillow is in a trash bag tonight and Tif and I saturated our heads in olive oil. haha. Oh the joys of finch life. (I have yet to have lice here, praise be to Jesus. I've already decided if I got it that I would cry, cut my hair, and then make myself get over it because this would be very vain…for anyone that doesn't know me I have very long, thick hair.) 

We made it half way through Pocahontus before we called it a night. It's so interesting how as the night goes on and the missionaries become more tired, that the girls seemed to have an increase in energy. We all agreed the only one who seem to have a very obvious sugar crash was Luz. She was sprawled out arms and legs on her mattress. Seidy was close after, then Cati. Elena made it the longest which was interesting because she was the first one up at 5:30 needing to go to the bathroom. They all woke up one by one, Luz was last. At six we told the girls it was still quite time and they needed to be resting…6-7am seemed a bit longer than usual. haha. They were all giggling moving from mattress to mattress as we ladies were in a half-drunk state. Tiffany mumbles, hey "Laura do you think this is what being a mom is like?" ya i remember waking climbing into my parent's bed on Christmas morning and them telling me the same.

" As I walked the girls back to the house they were all asking, "and Natalie why is the pijamada over?" "Well ladies pijamadas are more a nighttime thing." "No they should last all day!"…I'd be surprised if I can stay awake all day…I would glad we gave it chance. I think the three of us would agree were not sure that Casa 1 can handle pijamadas quite yet, but overall i think everyone enjoyed it. 

vaca is over....

Thank you so much for all those that took time out of your busy lives to spend time with me! I'm sorry that there wasn't more time to share. I really appreciate all your encouraging words, hugs, love, and prayers! I would say what I miss most from the states is the sacraments! and then all of you of course! But I would definitely encourage you all to pray about receiving the sacraments as frequently as you can! We are so blessed, because many parts of the world don't have that privelage. How humble our Lord is that we can not receive Him without our beautiful priests!

I have to say that as much as I enjoyed my time at home my heart was ready to return to the finca! What a great affirmation that this is still my vocation:) I was welcomed back with smiling children, neighbors, no electricity or water. But my bucket shower never felt so refreshing! Please continue to pray for us. You're prayers are so felt in our daily lives and we will be praying for you too!

After 9 months...

Well many people have been asking me how’s life at the Finca. Well my best answer after some thought and prayer is I have never been challenged so much spiritually, mentally, and physically in my life, but it is good. I am growing as a women, as a catholic, overall as a person. I am thankful for these opportunities though in my humanity I may not always express this. I am most grateful for my the blessing of beautiful relationships I have made there. I can truly give myself fully to these relationships in a different way then I was able to in the U.S. because of schedule and technology, and because of the openess of others. No matter how dificult the day can be you have that one smile, or that one child comes and grabs your hand to play and it makes the whole day worth it. It’s amazing the amount of love that our Lord has placed in my heart for this community and the kids of the Finca in less than a year and for my fellow missionaries that knew the community before even more so than myself. I imagine this is how you feel when you become a parent ;p

I think one of the most valuable things I’ve learned at the Finca is life is all about relationships. Relationships are hard work. Sometimes I desire to live in a cave on a random mountain and be a hermit ;p just kidding...no but seriously. I have thought, prayed, and discussed this theme with friends. How can you be in relationships and keep a safe distant but still give of yourself? What we concluded was that you can’t. You can’t give of yourself truly and wholly and not be hurt. People will disappoint you. We are all human. A friend posed a question for me to ponder...Who will you disappoint? Wow...I never thought about it like that. Maybe if I wasn’t so focused on how far a distance I need to keep from being hurt, I could focus on how to be the best person I can in relationship and anticipate the needs of the other...Gotta love friends that push you to think deep...

I want to thank you all as well for you prayers because I have truly felt them. Days that I fall weak in my prayer but still recieve all the graces I need to carry out the day can only be credited to all your petitions and I truly thank you all.

Just want to say as well I thank you for all your kind words of encouragement and all your praise, as long as it goes back to God. This is not my mission, it is HIS. I am just an instrument and I don’t always play the greatest tune. Our Lord placed a vocation to serve in Honduras on my heart at this time, and only by His grace was I able to listen and obey. But remember we are all missionaries and have our own unique mission to which our Lord is calling us. My prayer for you all is that you can embrace with your whole being do it with joy and grace. Please pray this for me too!

HOME

I just wanted to thank everyone for such a warm welcome back! I am so truly blessed to have such a beautiful community here in Jacksonville. Gracias to all that read the blog. I didn't realize how many people keep up with it. I will make more of an effort, God willing, to keep it updated.

Many people have been asking me how it feels to be back. I am truly glad to see and be in the presence of my friends and family. I would say the culture shock is a bit overwhelming. I felt out of place in this life before, but now I feel like a fish out of water. Everything in life has a lesson for us, and I will just have to be patient until our Lord reveals this one to me. I have a lot on my heart and mind and once I have some time to sort through it all with our Lord I am sure to have share it with all of you.

People have also been asking for ways to help. With tax-free week coming up at the end of summer, I wanted to post a school list that everyone can keep in mind. I will also be posting a list of things that we need all year round, and some opportunities to help specific families outside of the Finca if anyone is interested. Thank you for your patience.

I'm coming home:)

So I'll being coming home for the first time in about 9 months in 10 days! Thank you so much for all your prayers and financial support! I know several people have been asking for ways they can help. There are so many ways, first of course and most importantly with prayer! Here are some specific needs for the clinic, our neighbors, and our kids so however the Holy Spirit moves you!

Clinic:
coloring books & crayons (sometimes the kids wait with their parents for several hours...and we don't have a waiting room with a tv:)

stickers, pencils, lollipops (great gifts for kids when we have to do not so fun things)

shampoo and soap (travel size that you can get from hotels are perfect. A lot of our patients don't have soap in their houses.)

tooth brushes and toothpaste (cavities are a huge problem here and the neighbors are always asking for toothbrushes)

metal lice combs (their is always lice here and plastic combs don't cut it)

Neighbors:

I have had unique opportunities to share in the lives of many of the neighbors of the Finca. If you would be interested in helping specific people I have their stories and specific needs I could share.

Finca Kids

board games and books in Spanish

waterproof watches

pants ( I will send sizes)

Flip flops (old navy's are great. Always need them in pretty much every size. What we were most often)

I will be in Jax, Fl for 2 weeks so I would be happy to bring things back to Honduras with me. I don't have a phone so I will put up contact info once I return home for anyone interested in helping! Gracias!


 

High/Lowlights

So sorry I haven't posted much lately. The "luz" (electricity) goes out frequently these days and not worth a walk down the beach for internet if your not sure it will be there. Time better spent with people:) I've also been by myself in the clinic for a month. Thank you Jesus for all the grace you gave me and all the prayers that helped me through! Thank you Laura (the ARNP that serves with me) for coming back and for all you do:) Anyways just thought I'd share a few high and lowlights of recent life.
Yesterday:
Highs: One of the neighbor boys, Christian, probably around 12yrs/old told me he would miss me today when I go for vacation.

Lows: When doing med inventory I reached for a bottle and almost grabbed a rat. High: It was dead. Other high: There was a guy helping me so he "disposed it" for me.haha

Today:
High: The ladies in women's group told them I should come live outside with them and they would find me a Honduran man. hahaha.

Low: I couldn't stay and chat with them because I had a meeting :(

High: I went to sit on the front porch to spend time with Yadi (our youngest child). She brought her stool, put it next to me, sat down, put her little, chunky arm around my neck, and her head on my shoulder, and said, "lee (read) Nati"

Low: Doesn't matter once you have a moment like that:)

Thank you Jesus for all these precious, intimate opportunities that I've been given in these children's lives

Divine Mercy Sunday

                         Why is today so special? Today is Divine Mercy Sunday! Read more!

http://www.integratedcatholiclife.org/2014/04/deacon-bickerstaff-jesus-and-the-message-of-divine-mercy/

Newest Saints!

I am so blessed to say I am part of the church as we welcome our 2 newest saints! Thank you for you holy leadership in our church!

Where are the best tamarindo?...

I have come to realize that will I enjoy being in a group of people, I truly cherish one on one time. Today I was given the opportunity to spend time with one of our 12 year boys. At first he had the “I am super bored don’t want to hang out with you face” just sitting on the front porch of our house, so I asked him, “¿Quieres andar conmigo? (Do you want to walk with me?). His eyes said it all but I just started walking a he followed. I knew that he is very knowledgeable about all the plant-life in the Finca so I started asking him what kind of tree is this and this bush. His response was, “I don’t know all the trees here.” In that tone that I’m sure every parent is familiar withJ.  It only took about 5 more minutes for him to start pointing all the different fruits and pulling them off the trees for me to try. I learned to the mangos won’t be ready until July, where the coco trees are, mora season is in September and the  sweeter tamarindos are at house 1 and they are better that the sour ones near the gate (though this was up for some discussionJ).

                It was so beautiful to see him come alive with the knowledge that he had and was so eager and willing to share. I’m sad to say in life before this I don’t know that I would have taken the time to be patient and realize the beautiful opportunity awaiting if I could just give them time, but I am so grateful for the grace of patient that our Lady gave me with this little boy today. I would encourage you all to take the time even if it means that you sit in silence with another person, your presence is always the most precious gift!

Call to all MDs!

A call to all MD's! If anyone would like to come and serve in a clinic or hospital this June, specifically June 7-15th, there are 2 openings to serve with a the Christ the King brigade. They have been coming for several years, are very well organized. You do not have to speak any Spanish as we will have translators. You will be staying in a hotel in Trujillo. I have more details in anyone is interested. Pray on it!

April Fools

So...it had to be done... the April fool's day prank...I am sad to say that I could not take part in the planning since I was in meetings all day, but I was able to enjoy when I returned to the house and was told that the prank had been played on the boys...there was a chicken in their room. Apparently though the boys passed through their room several times they pretended as if nothing had happened. Nice try...did you know that chicken stayed in their room all day! There was a lot more than just the chicken that night when they finally acknowledged him and kicked him out...haha.

Garlic in the toothbrush...quite original, and hot sauce in the toothpaste. The great part was I found out this had happened about 5 minutes before one of the boys came into the kitchen brushing his teeth asking me some question. haha. I couldnt hold it in...

Sleeping with one eye open now...

All the glory!

I'm so thankful for having the opportunity to share my life here with my parents! It truly is something as well as I can try I can never do justice to share the full experiences here. I would just like to turn back and give proper glory to our Lord. I know my Dad spoke of things Laura and I were accomplishing but really we accomplish nothing, it is only by the grace of God that we are able to truly be His hands and feet in a very tangible way here.
     There is a beautiful quote by St. Teresa de Avila that has really come alive for me here,

"CRISTO no tiene otro cuerpo
que el TUYO;
no tiene MANOS ni pies en la tierra,
excepto los TUYOS.
Tuyos son los OJOS a través de los cuales
El mira a este mundo con COMPASION.
TUYAS son las manos
con las que El bendice
a todo el mundo."
- Santa Teresa de Avila

"Christ has no body now on earth but yours,
no hands but yours,
no feet but yours,
yours are the eyes through which Christ’s compassion
is to look out to the earth,
yours are the feet by which He is to go about doing good
and yours are the hands by which He is to bless us now."
- St Teresa of Avila

What humility of our Lord!

I truly want to thank everyone for all our your prayers and encouraging words but also want to say that we are all missionaries! Really, I'm not doing anything more extraordinary than anyone else. I am, by the grace of God, living out the vocation He has given me at this time. Remember that the vocation of Our Lady. She was not give her life as religious or live as a foreign missionary but rather lived out her vocation perfectly in the day to day as wife and mother and how extraordinary it was! I encourage you all to pray for your vocations and I will be praying as well for open hearts and courage to live out your call!