Mystery Girl

Like finding a needle in a haystack, or a diamond at the bottom of the sea, the mystery we were hoping to solve seemed all but impossible. Robert had visited Roatan in February 2009 on the same mission trip that first brought us here. While visiting in the Colonia, he had visited a home where a young girl and her mom were making tamales and recorded their work in photos. They had given Robert some tamales.  He in turn had pictures to give to them - someday.  This November, seven-and-a-half years later, Robert's friends from his church visited Roatan and brought a small photo album from Robert with the hope of locating the mystery girl and giving her the photos. Robert didn't know her name and the friends didn't know where she lived.  Their visit was short so the photo album was left with us on the chance that we might know or find this mystery girl from a seven-year-old photo.

Because we know how eager to please so many of the people in the Colonia are, I was not eager to start the hunt.  I could picture asking "do you know this girl?" and well-meaning people would take me on a hike up and up and over, only to discover that the person in the picture and the person I was meeting were not the same. A wild goose/girl chase was what I was imagining.  At Bible study the other night, I decided to start my hunt with people who don't mind saying "no" to me - the kids.  The first of the kids I asked was Carlos.  He looked at the pictures of the girl and at her mom and said "That's my cousin, Lorane and Alba, my tia (aunt).  Believe me, I was really skeptical, so I also asked his sister Karla, and she confirmed - it was Lorane and Alba and she added "they live close to our house." I was beyond amazed! We agreed to meet in the morning at their house and go from there.

We can't really imagine how Robert just chanced upon this family. Carlos led us up and over on a rock and tile trail.  We had to go through another property with a gate, under the floor joists of a house, and more up before we arrived at the house. But when we saw the mystery girl smile to welcome us, we knew - it's her!  Lorane (Loraina) is a beautiful 19 year-old now.  She lives with her mom (Aunt Alba), brother and older sister and her sister's two little ones. 

Lorane's reaction to the photos?  Her eyes showed her amazement and her smile showed her delight!  She eagerly showed her sister and her brother her pictures from when she was younger.  All were excited for her.  Aunt Alba was off visiting, but was called home. It was really a special time with lots of giggling and explaining.  Lorane did not remember the man in the photo at the back of the book - Robert - but she still makes lots of tamales. The old outside mud cookstove that she had used to cook Robert's tamales was gone, but had been replaced with an outdoor metal cookstove. 

We chatted and questioned this shy girl about herself. She finished grade 9 (compulsory education in Honduras is from grade 1-9) but has not gone on to colegio although she would like to do this. She does not have a boyfriend or plans to find work. She is Christian and when reminded about Robert, agreed to pray for him. We enjoyed checking out the photo album and packet of gifts one last time before we left. We stayed long enough that Lorane's dog stopped barking and sniffing at us.  Then it was time to reverse the trip from Lorane's house, back to the road.  As always, the going down can be a bit more challenging than going up.  The photos back toward the house didn't get taken - I was concentrating on keeping on my feet and maintaining a bit of dignity.

And so, the  needle in the haystack wasn't impossible to locate. The hidden diamond at the bottom of the sea was found in the humble mystery girl Lorane, cousin to friends we have known since we've lived in Roatan. Robert's pictures have been delivered and shared eagerly.  I think the only link we are missing, is Robert's return to enjoy more tamales - and partake in the trek up to make a visit.  I'm sure he'd be welcomed!  Thanks Robert, for providing us with this adventure and opportunity to meet a new family.  

September 2016 Update

Happy Independence Day Honduras! 
This day commemorates the day that the countries of Central America became independent from Spain, in 1821. The kids in school spend weeks preparing to march in the celebration parades. Larry suggested to Oscar that after 11 years in school, he should have it right. I’ve just come back from watching the second parade in two days. Fantastic! Hondurans love their country!

What’s new here for us? Well, the newest is the Eat and Study night at our house for about a dozen young teens who are hungry. I’m hopeful that the kids come for more than the food that Larry prepares, although it has been a hit. They are also hungry to dig into the Bible and that’s what we’ve been doing on Wednesday nights. We are currently going through a study “Who Me? Joseph?” learning more about Joseph’s life and looking at scripture to see how to deal with (or not deal with….) rivalry, temptation, abandonment and other issues. Oh yes…. And there is a little social stuff going on too……

Each time we come to Roatan, we are surprised to find that our focus is a bit different from the time before. We may come with a notion of what we will be doing, but there has always been a change. Our goals always remain the same – serve and model Jesus - but how we are used is always different. This time has continued this pattern, and while it is sometimes puzzling and change can be uncomfortable, when you “let go and let God (lead)” you know you are where you should be, doing what is needed.
And so – from January through to April, we were engulfed by a whirlwind of school needs. Most mornings and afternoons, we would meet with students helping them with homework, computer, and English as well as getting everyone set up with what was needed. It was a time that I knew most days where I would be and what I would be doing. Larry was called on to assist with quick jobs for different ministries, and also made many upgrades to our house and property. He provided another adult when the students’ needs were pressing.

We left for four months. Those students who had needed assistance had been provided with tools to work without our assistance, and now - they are independent! The past weeks at schools have included wrap-up week, review week, exam week, and now parade week. Next week is a week off because….? Since we leave at the end of their week off, the kids will need to continue to work through their final quarter independently. For the first week we were here I felt like I had nothing to do. But, because my days were clear, I was free to provide assistance as a supply teacher at two local mission schools. It has been such a great time to see what is done at these other schools, to provide assistance, and also meet two bunches of really great kids. Even as I walk through the Colonia now, I see some of these kids, and recognize that God has provided introductions to a new “batch”.

This session, it has been Larry who has seen much activity. The six weeks we are here should be just about enough time to complete the house build that has occupied much of Larry’s time. Much of the physical labour is provided by the owner, Marciel, his helper, as well as Franklin and his brother, Elder. However, Larry provides the know-how including helping to develop the plans, ordering material in small orders to arrive just-in-time (so that it is available to use but not be stolen), and practical how-to-do-it advice. He may also be the get-it-going-guys guy. The house lot is way up, and way back, so providing the know-how has also required plenty of physical labour just to get there. This has been a labour of joy – both for Marciel and his family, and for us.

Thank you to those who have been praying for safety on the housebuild worksite. The whole team shared some sort of bug which had four adult men lethargic/in bed for a week. This seems to have passed. The hole for the septic is being dug this week, and window holes will be cut soon in anticipation of the windows arriving next week. Marciel hopes to move by mid-week so he can avoid paying another
month’s rent on his two room apartment.

We have prayer requests and ask that you join us in these. There are so many struggling. In some ways physical needs seem less pressing. This is getting to
the end of the good time of the year with construction work available for many as well as work in the tourist areas. We see changes in people’s conditions with improvements in houses and bills being paid. But, the idea of setting money aside for a rainy day – rainy season – is foreign. In the seven years we’ve been
here we’ve seen decreased church attendance and decreased interest in Bible studies and even in Bible reading. So, our prayer requests:
1. That God is the center of the lives of these people particularly those we spend time with.
2. Please pray for two special families experiencing much stress that they respond in
God honouring ways.
3. For Marciel, Belkis and Marceo.
4. For us – prayers for finishing this session well and in response to God’s leading.

Thank you to those who are carrying on for us at home. We understand that shortly after returning, harvest of beans will begin.  We continue to be excited each day. This is a fantastic adventure we are allowed to experience. 

God’s blessings on each of you. Send us a note to let us know how your days are too. It is so refreshing just to hear about normal, everyday living and being.

With lots of love, Larry and Susan
PS – You can see lots of pictures
and read about certain events on our
blog at: roatancampbells.blogspot.com

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In this update, we want to highlight Marciel. He is a hardworker. We first noticed him when we lived at the beach. He would frequently come down to the dock on

his bike, and settle in to catch fish for the family. He was the groundskeeper for the people who lived in our house first, and we got to know him much better during the year he maintained our yard. He is trustworthy, and we knew we could count on him

during the times when we were away. He attends and continues to work at community of Faith church in the Colonia in maintaining the property. 

Since we have first known Marciel, his primary job was caring for his wife. She was a diabetic and her life was very tough. She was able to get dialysis treatment two

days a week. She also required hospitalization frequently. In February, Reina died. Marciel’s daughter, Belkis, was at our house the next day practicing English. With no emotion, she told me “My mother is dead.” Reina died on the Mainland with

extended family, and the family here never had the opportunity to say good bye.

In June, Marciel was able to buy a lot of land. He was making a new start. With Belkis and 10 year-old Marceo, the uncleared land was stripped of trees, and the rock was cut down to prepare a shelf for a house to be built – as God provided. Marciel’s plan was to build a one- storey, one-room casita and later add other rooms. We had been directed by a donor to find a project. And now….. Marciel is finding just how big God

provides! He has a two-storey, sturdy house that is all but completed. The upper storey will be living quarters for Marciel and his immediate family. The lower level

will be an apartment to rent. 

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Marciel’s House Build – 2016

Feliz Dia de los Niños!

Dia de los Niños is Children's Day and today is the day. Well, actually, since September 10 is a Saturday this year, it was celebrated yesterday, and today and even tomorrow. Anything for kids. These Spanish people LOVE their kids and LOVE to celebrate.  It's a win, win for everyone I think.  

I asked around to find out the origin of Children's Day.  No one knows. Mr. Google has several suggestions each with a grand and noble purpose. One suggests the day was initiated by a pastor in the States who called for a day to bring all children into the church to be blessed. That sounds like a great idea. I don't see anything of that here.  Another suggestion is that as a result of the first "World Conference for the Well-being of Children" each country was called on to designate a day to celebrate their children. Somehow, Canada missed out on that holiday. After 7 or 8 years here, I think what Children's Day actually reminds me of is the commercial celebration of Christmas in North America.  The kids are just as excited for Children's Day here as kids in North America are for Christmas.  

Schools provide a gathering place for the kids to come to celebrate their day and teachers are the ringmasters. The kids do not need to wear their uniforms or bring books. There are no classes - just a day of celebrating. I can't imagine spending a whole day of school with a class playing games and eating!  I guess that's why there is Teachers' Day at the end of next week..... At our local public school, parents were asked to send 100 lempiras for each child (about $5). The kids went to school at the regular time - 7:00 am or 1:00 pm and for 5 hours played games and ate chicken and candy. For their money, students received a box of Bojangles chicken and fries (like KFC only much better - everyone like Bojangles!) and a toy. Several classes had piñata smashing if a parent brought in a piñata.

The glitch in the school celebration is of course that some families could not afford the 100 lempiras for each child in the family, so for these kids, they did not go to school, and they were not feted - sad. 

The kids we know at ALFA school were also looking forward to Children's Day.  Now, you have to understand, our youngest child is in grade 6 - our children are getting older but they don't want to give up the opportunity to celebrate. Our oldest, Oscar, is in grade 11.  He was lamenting that his mom would only give him part of the money he needed to join his class on a special trip.  I told him his moaning was wrong for many reasons. The kids know that Larry and I do not pay for things for Children's Day.  However, Karla reasoned that making potato salad for 12 was not the same. How can I argue with that reasoning?

This year I joined the group at Casa de Luz as they celebrated with their students. The kids had already had a morning of celebrating at school. Now for the afternoon, they enjoyed hotdogs (in Spanish? perros caliente - dogs hot - makes me laugh!!), chips and juice and more games at their afternoon English school.  With their guest, they played games culminating in  - - -  the piñata smashing.  Jamie, the school director, came prepared. She had plastic bags for each child and two piñatas - one for girls and one for boys. She also had 30 pounds of candy! With sixty kids it's not hard to calculate how that ended!  Each child also went home with a gift bag of dollar store toys.  It's all about the kids on Children's Day!

 

 

Schools were not the only game in town.  Up at the Clinic, the bouncy castle had been brought in to the delight of kids waiting to see a doctor.  That sure is the ultimate doctor waiting "room" activity!

The school and clinic activities were warm-up to today, the real Children's Day.  I happened to be in downtown Coxen Hole this afternoon.  Oo-la-la.  Stores were featuring special deals for Children's Day.  The street around market street was crazier than on a cruise ship day. Families were out with their kids dressed in their finery.  What a day!  I was helping an extracurricular English class at the high school.  The teacher was not surprised that she had only half a class because "It's a holiday. It's Children's Day."

I remember asking Juan a few years ago about Children's Day.  I can't remember his response - just the dreamy look he got thinking about it. Obviously, the magic of Children's Day endures. Today I was asking Victor about the plans his family had for Children's Day now that they live on the Mainland.  He explained to me that his family will celebrate with extended family in the town down the road - tomorrow (Children's Day 3?).  But, he won't be going because he is too old. Since he is the same age as Oscar, I think it is a personal decision when you become "too old".  

While probably the original reason for instituting a special day to celebrate the children of this country was grand and noble, it is hard to see much of nobility in the celebrations with games and candy. We know children who live in conditions that are not noble and children with self-esteem issues that will shape their adult lives. Celebrating kids should be a priority - with every child knowing every day is Children's Day. Woo-hoo!  Bring on the piñatas - filled with carrot sticks and mangos.

The Quineañera

We all have those moments in time that we treasure.  We call up those memories and suddenly a normal day takes on a glow of joy.  We were honoured on Thursday evening to be a part of one of these never-to-be-forgotten occasions for a special young lady and her family as we celebrated Karla's quineañera - Karla's fifteenth birthday. 

The word quinceañera refers to a girl who is fifteen years old.  The word has also come to refer to the celebration recognizing a young girl's passage from childhood to adulthood. Such a rite of passage was likely much more significant in early Latin cultures where the young girl was then presented as a woman ready to be the mother of young warriors.  (that's what my research said - don't shoot the author!)

We have known Karla and her family for five or six years.  She is the oldest of Carlos and Suyapa's four kids. Suyapa is a strong, assertive woman. Shortly after she met us, she encouraged us to help her two school-aged kids into a private school.  She assured us that Karla and brother Carlos were "muy inteligente".  And, yes they are!  After five years in bilingual school, supported by a special sponsor, Karla has become fluently bilingual and is recognized as one of the top students in her class.  One of her teachers describes her as a "firecracker" and this describes Karla perfectly.  Karla makes things happen.  When Karla decided she really, really wanted a quinceañera, there was no stopping her.  She made it happen and it was magical!

Our part in this event?  We shared our yard, deck, and apartment kitchen and bathroom. When Karla asked if we would "lend" her our house, she told us her guest list included 18 family.  Early in the week it became apparent we didn't have enough tables and chairs.  "Karla, how many people have you invited?!" I asked.  "I don't know.  I just gave out the cards," was her reply.  A new idea was quickly presented to Karla - the guest list.  Once the list was completed there were somewhere between 50 to 60 people invited to the party!  

The Moya family and extended family handled everything.  It was amazing to see how everything came together.  You can google Quinceañera to see how extravagant this affair can become, rivaling weddings with traditions and expense.  Happily, this family managed a very elegant event with the help of family and friends.  

Much of the preparation happened the day before - grocery shopping and ordering the cake.  At home that night, Suyapa prepared Karla's curly hair with straws and aluminum foil to hold the curls until party time.

The morning of the party, Karla and her friend Leidy, her aunt and an assortment of younger siblings and cousins arrived to decorate.  Karla had a vision of how she would decorate and before she left for home later that afternoon, her vision was realized.  With palms, balloons, and tissue paper flowers, she created her quinceañera wonderland.

Perhaps the most pressing crisis involved "the dress".  Two dresses were available to Karla and tried on, for the first time, that morning as the decorating was beginning. One of the dresses had been made for a tinier relative and despite anxious pleas by the aunt, there was no way alterations could be made to make the dress fit Karla.  The other dress was perfect! It was one of Karla's favourite colours and in a style fitting a princess such as Karla.  But, it was strapless and backless and her protective father (and older Canadian friend) felt this was inappropriate for a proper young lady.  Nearby Coxen Hole has no Fabricland, but in the second (and other) small fabric store, we located fabric that was a match.  Hurray!  Balloon shopping proved a bit more challenging - why buy balloons ahead of time? - but within an hour we were again on the way home - Karla to decorate and I up to the loft with the dress, fabric and sewing machine. 

The evening WAS magical! Here, nearer the equator, it is dark by 6:30, so it was a beautiful full-moon, starry-skied evening. In typical Honduran style, the 6:30 start-time was just a suggestion.  Rosinda and her sister Liseth prepared a fabulous feast.  No one would go away hungry!  

Karla's parents had arranged for a cake decorator to prepare a special cake for the event.  With five layers it made a spectacular focal point.  While Karla had escaped the cracking of an egg over her head (a barbaric, mean-spirited birthday tradition!), she did not escape the face-in-the-cake-shove. It was of course, all in love - as the push was administered by a special aunt. 

As we made our plans, Karla kept stressing to me - and stressing about - "the table for the gifts".  At most parties here, we've noticed presents are rarely opened until all the guests have gone home.  I pressed Karla as she finished her cake, "open your gifts.".  With continued persistence from Rosinda to open gifts, Karla did.  She received several items of clothing with the general theme being an item plus - underwear.  Karla will not need to do laundry for a few weeks! Now I know why gifts are opened later!

You will have noted the beautiful tiara on Karla's curls - she had two of these to choose from also!  But what you couldn't see tucked under her skirt were her feet bedecked in jewel-studded, black suede shoes with five-inch heels.  Our Spanish girls love their shoes!  But, at the     end of the evening, a girl just wants her flipflops!       



A memory to treasure.  This was our hope for Karla.  It was such a joy to have been able to share in this occasion with Karla.  It is even more of a joy to watch this "firecracker" go for her dreams and make them come true. This week a quineañera.  We can't wait to see what's next!

Karla and her mom, Suyapa.

Karla and Leidy

Karla and Susan

A princess with a few of her cousins

The party ends, the balloons go home.

                                                                                

July 2016 Update

Hello Everybody!  We are here down-on-the-farm on another day that Environment Canada has called for a “heat advisory”. For us, this reminds us of a beautiful Roatan day - not too hot, not too steamy, gentle breeze blowing – just right.  But, we are also aware that for many here in North America, this type of day is just too hot.  And, in July, this type of day would be welcome in the tropics where the sun is now beating down and it is really sizzling! It’s all relative, I guess.

We are three-quarters through our long stay here.  In one month, we’re off again for a short stay in Roatan before the farm harvest here calls us home again.  What a fantastic time this has been with times of productive work and times of relaxing. The crops are looking lush and hold good potential. What has been so good is the many opportunities we have had to spend time with our kids, grand-daughters, (I have pictures….) family and friends. We have been able to touch base with many people who sponsor our Roatan students and update them with progress reports.  We have prayed over plans for our return, and are ready to return.

Because classes in Roatan depend on online resources for research, we decided to leave some of our students with a computer.  We can pay for the internet online from here (amazing!).  Not only are the kids keeping up with their school needs, we are receiving frequent reports of successes and sometimes struggles. This also allows the kids to practice and receive instruction in writing in English. We have other families that send us text messages on their phones when they have worked and can pay for the internet time.  All in all, while we are here – we are also very much in touch with some of our there responsibilities.  

One of our “there” responsibilities was to continue the bus service we had introduced in May.  Several of our friends from the Colonia were not attending church unless we gave them a ride to the church we attended in West Bay.  With many asking for a ride and our friends Don and Jeanette who had assisted with the driving, returning to their home in US, we arranged to provide a bus from the Colonia, to church, and then home again. Reports and the picture show us that the minibus that was contracted is meeting the need.

We continue to be convicted that there are many people who are missing out on opportunities to worship and also study and learn to be disciples of Jesus. When we return in August we hope to prod these seekers to discuss options.  We’re not sure where this discussion will lead.  There are some that we know that have strong leadership potential. It could be these people are just waiting to be asked their opinions.

Finding full time work is a goal for many of the people we serve.  Not only does a

permanent job mean that the family can count on eating every day (yay!) but creates a boost in self-esteem and allows for planning beyond today.  This has been the case for Janneth.  Janneth has had a two-day-a-week job at a resort restaurant for as long as we have known her.  She depended on tips to pay her rent and power bill.  During low season at the resort there were no tips and the rent payments could not be made.  We would try to employ Janneth as a translator or find day jobs but that was difficult too. Happily for Janneth, a friend opened a restaurant – a really great restaurant! – and found that he was getting too busy for the small staff he had employed.  He needed a shebang waitress/kitchen organiser and Janneth fit the bill.  Janneth is now at The Salty Mango 4 days a week, and still works her 2-day-a-week resort job. Janneth can now pay rent, power, and extras for her family.  She can also look forward to hosting friends for birthday parties and plan outings for her Saturdays off work.  She makes plans.

During January through April, we focused on school start up and getting school students off to a good start.  When we return in August we hope to spend time  looking into some other needs. 

We have heard from one of our families that they face eviction from their property at the end of the month. The house they live in is theirs, but because they have fallen behind in paying, they are required to restart payment on the property where they have built their house.  As we understand it, the property owner has pocketed the $2250 the family has already paid. Now the family needs to restart payment on the property, ($4000) or move the house to another location. We’re definitely needing some wisdom here on how or if to assist. If a new property is needed, where is it to be found?

So, that brings us to our prayer requests.  If you have persevered through this update, you will find a special reward in our Praise Report on the page following.  You can rejoice as you read about God’s intervention resulting in a changed life. 

Please pray:

1.        For Chris and his family as they continue to live their lives serving Jesus. Also, for how God would have you respond to his needs.

2.        For wisdom for us – when should we step in, when we should not.  Particularly, should we assist this family with their property needs? Can this need be tied into the needs of others who also need property?

3.        For Janneth, that she continues to see all provision as God’s gift.

4.        For our students, that they can find the resources they need for their studies.

5.        For good health for Larry so that he can do his work without pain.

In turn, we would like to pray for you.  Please send a note, call, or stop in and let us know how you are doing. We do look forward to hearing from you.

God’s blessings on each of you.  We are praying that this season is a time of refreshment.  As I finish this - two days since beginning (I’ll never write a book....)  – the breezes have picked up and the heat advisory has been lifted – a time of refreshing.

     ~ Larry and Susan -  roatancampbells@gmail.com

~ Praise Report and Opportunity ~

We are so excited to share with you a special praise report. We can see God’s hand in this and it gives both of us such encouragement and JOY!

We have asked for prayers over the years for Chris.  We met him when we lived on the beach where he was the guy who stole whatever wasn’t tied down to sell to support his drug habit. Larry had always said, “He’s a good guy” but his addiction caused him to get into continuous problems.

In September, 2013, with assistance from Peggy from the Clinic, Chris agreed to enter a

Christian rehab in Zambrano on the mainland. (see freetheoppressed.org )  Knowing that a return to Roatan would put him back in the same position he had been before, he has stayed on at the centre assisting as needed.  Chris now assists with leading a Bible study and discussion time with people in the program in Zambrano.  He joins the ministry team in serving at a jail. He supervises program participants in work at the facility.

While this in itself is a miracle – truly! – the story continues.  In February, Chris invited his pre-teen son to come join him at the centre to go to school. In March, Laura, the mother of Chris’ two sons, travelled with her other son to Zambrano and entered the rehab centre.  Following completion of her six month program, Chris and Laura plan to be married in September.  Woo-hoo!!  Are you cheering with me??!  All of you who have been praying for Chris should be encouraged with this.

We requested and received a character reference for Chris from the pastor at Zambrano.  The reference concluded:  “I have been privileged to witness the transformation in Chris’ life as a result of his relationship with Jesus and the favor of God in bringing Chris to a place where He is restoring his family.  After his one year process, Chris has gone on to serve full time in the ministry fulfilling his obligations faithfully; he has shown himself to be a blessing to the work of God here in Zambrano.”

Chris and Laura will be doing God’s work at Zambrano, receiving housing and a $50 per month allowance.  This amount will not allow Chris to support his family.  We are convinced we want to encourage Chris in his positive life changes.  With this reference from his pastor in hand, we are hoping to be able to find support for Chris, Laura and the two boys by providing monthly sponsorship.  We are asking our supporters to pray over this request.  If you feel that God is leading you to assist in supporting Chris and contribute to sponsoring this family, please let us know and we will put this into place.