August 2021.
Happy Summer! This weekend we were to be settling into a month’s stay in Roatan before
the fall harvest. This weekend we were to be greeting old friends, meeting new,
and cleaning the accumulation of a year and a half of dust and gecko guck off
our floors, car, and every surface. We might even have squeezed in a visit to
the ocean. But – not to be. We have scoured the internet for opportunities to
fly out to Roatan with the same result – it is just too complicated and
expensive! With the requirements of covid tests, (despite being fully
vaccinated), ticket prices double the normal price and flights requiring
sleepovers in the US, it felt like trying to put a square peg in a round hole.
Nothing felt right. So, we are disappointed but are learning to be content
knowing that when the time is right the doors will open.
Encouragement has been what has kept all of us
feeling content with the limitations we have all had. We have all needed to
know that we are being noticed and that what we do is of value. Encouragement
is what we can provide from here, and it is what we are receiving from there.
While our in-person visits in Roatan are not going to happen, and Larry’s
masterful hammering skills are not being utilized, we do have so many
opportunities to be light and salt online.
Elias is one of Larry’s social media
buddies. We have known Elias since the first day we landed in Roatan as he was
an eager translator. He helps us with some of our business needs when we can’t
be on the island. Elias is very enterprising but seems to need to talk all his
ideas out and Larry is a good listener making suggestions that help him. There
are times Elias needs reminders to consider the needs of his family and include
his wife in his decisions. This relationship is mutually encouraging.
Mason and Jeanie are dedicated workers at Son Rise
church where Mason teaches and maintains the church and inn property. He also
helps anchor Pastor Dino. Jeanie assists with pastoral needs. Alongside these
responsibilities, they provide guidance for their three daughters and their
education. Allison, Grace, and Hannah are three of our sponsored students. With
lessons at the school only once a week, Jeanie monitors and assists her
daughters’ online learning, so they receive a full education experience. These
girls do not just complete their assignments to get the job done! With their
mom’s determination, lessons are enhanced. We receive frequent pictures and
videos of the girls at work or presenting their projects. Mason and Jeanie are
determined that although we are away, we can see how well the girls are
learning. While Mason and Jeanie are encouraged by our responses, we feel
connected to the girls knowing that what has been provided for them from their
sponsors has not been lost.
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| Hannah and Grace - excellent school projects |
A few months ago, Chris and Laura’s
baby boy was born. Chris and family, including 3 sons and the little girl they
are fostering, continue to live on the mainland, where they work at the rehab
center. Chris sent a message to Larry that they were being given two weeks of
vacation. Since they were anxious to introduce their new little one to family
on Roatan, we felt we wanted to honour the work both Chris and Laura have been
involved with and sent funds so they can go to Roatan for their vacation. Money
can be a great encouragement!
In Honduras, school kids celebrate an historic hero
РSe̱or Lempira Рwith various cultural events. Keliani, one of our students,
was invited by her school to perform a traditional dance, with a male partner
(Keliani will soon be 15, so ….. that was good!). She was very excited, but she
needed to wear a traditional Honduran costume. Having had three daughters, we
know how important these activities are to a teen girl. Funds were provided.
Keliani’s grandma found the needed fabric on the mainland. Keliani’s mom
arranged to have the dress made. And Keliani proudly danced at the school Lempira
Day celebration. It was her day!
Chris and Laura with the two little kids
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| Keliani and partner prepare for their dance. |
In turn, our hearts were blessed when Greicy was invited to a baby shower for a co-worker. She confided “that was the first time I went to a place that it was all English.” (i.e.. Everyone spoke English). Greicy was able to fit in because of the time we have spent speaking English with her. That was so confirming for us!
We have hot off the press good news and confirmation!
We just received news that Oscar has been accepted for a coveted job at a bank.
This will make use of his bilingual education – and of course his charming
personality. He has been employed since graduation as a waiter in a restaurant
and most recently as a cashier at a duty-free store. We are so excited for him and for those who
have supported him.
We have also been supported and encouraged in so
many ways by the people we exchange eye-smiles with in church and our family
(full smiles) during these months. It has been a time of heart filling.
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. ~1Thessalonians 5:11
Like Canada, the people in Roatan are
seeing an increase in cases of Covid again. There are vaccines available.
People in health care and the tourist industry were first to receive
vaccinations with many fully vaccinated. Now those aged 20 and over can present
themselves at locations where there are to be vaccinations and if they go soon
enough in the day, they receive their vaccination. Second vaccination dates are
assigned and are just beginning. Some people report that they have had covid
twice. At this time, I am checking in on Sandra who tells me this second
covid is worse for her.
Public schools remain closed. Assignments are
delivered to be completed but there are no lessons and no feedback. We shake
our heads. Poverty – lack of opportunities and choices. We see a decade of
positive change – gone!
We ask for prayers. Please pray:
· *that work
is found and that workers receive fair wages for their efforts
· *
that prices
for basic necessities do not continue to be overpriced
· *that we bloom where we are planted, for now, and doors will be opened soon.
Let us know how you are blooming. ~ Larry and Susan Campbell
Last year people were encouraged
to plant sunflower seeds.
Most seeds did not germinate, but
green-thumb Arezzi grew this plant
and plans more from the seeds.
