🌴Summer on the Island 🐠

Hello! Hello! Greetings from the hot Tropics to the hot everywhere else.

When we made plans to come to Roatan this summer, we had a few goals as well as leaving freedom to have our plans change.  We are satisfied that we have been able to accomplish lots in the past month while at the same time we are learning to find pleasure in the daily routines of life here also. We aren’t exactly in the “don’t worry, be happy” state of mind, but there has been a lot less go-go-go. I expect in a month that will all change with fall harvest, but this has been quite pleasant. Anyone else know what I mean?

One of our goals with this trip was to get the roof on Chris and Laura’s house replaced. Laura mentioned back in March that she had to cover her furniture with plastic and put out buckets whenever it rained, because the old tin roof was thin and leaking. This was accomplished early in our stay. A connection was made with a roofer. He and Larry travelled to the hardware store in town, purchased the materials, and the delivery was made later in the day. To our surprise the roofer and his team showed up that Sunday morning worried that the predicted rain would hold them up for a week if they didn’t get to work. They completed the job within 6 hours putting down the last of the zinc as thunder was rumbling. Larry got wet in the rain while paying the guy! But as Chris said, he didn’t need to put out buckets once during that next rainy week. We are thankful to know that this family will be dry when the rainy season comes.

l-r: old roof; removing the old, holey tin; the team finishing a leak-free, shiny roof

And that is how things have worked out during these four weeks. They have just worked out.

Following the rainy week, we received a message from Sandra that her sister Flor’s house was being soaked each time it rained. Sandra guided us to Flor’s house – up, up, up…. over …. up, up, up. In this case the roof was good, but rainwater was pouring off the ledge above and finding its way under the gaps in the wood where the wood was rotten at the foundation. Larry determined that he wasn’t going to carry materials and make repairs but provided funds for the family to pay for materials and to hire workers. We are hoping to hear a report this weekend that the work is finished.

Sandra and Flor check out Larry's recommendations

Our goal to see many warm smiles was realized every single day! We were so thrilled to connect with several of our former students as well as check in on the students that are being sponsored this year. We are just so proud these kids and young adults. They continue to amaze us with their confidence and eagerness to make plans for their future. Education makes such a difference in a child’s life.

We caught up with Jessie as she served us our lunch 😊😊; Oscar and Saira came for a meal and a visit; we were so happy to get to see Greicy before she returned to the Mainland

I was able to see Keliani at her work placement. She is using her computer skills at a local furniture store in Coxen Hole. Coco and his family came this week to visit. We laughed as Coco drove off (in the car that he is paying off monthly with full ownership next April) thinking perhaps Coco has a few too many plans!  Oscar and Saira are making plans for their wedding – next April. Jessie has returned to work now that her mother-in-law will care for the baby. Greicy returned to Roatan for a week to work at the Clinic where she keeps her foot in the door to return someday. We are just so excited to spend time with each of them.

Keliani jokingly tries to sell me a TV;  Coco and his family came for an afternoon visit

School news? There were no opportunities to work in a school. However, We had an opportunity to spend a morning with Director Leticia at her new placement at the Adventist school at the east end of the island in Jonesville. That woman has so many plans! We were excited to see all that she has accomplished in 6 months and look forward to seeing what comes next. Currently she is fundraising for  new bathrooms. And then?

Leticia shows Larry where there is space to build new classrooms and a sports court. 

Instead of writing prayer requests with this update, we want to thank God for our time here. We pray that He shines through in all we do.

֍       🌟 We are thankful that opportunities were presented to offer encouragement to old and new friends. (Really, I think we were encouraged as much as we encouraged.)

֍       🌟 We are thankful for the resources to provide for the two families so they will have a dry rainy season.

֍       🌟 We are thankful for protection as we were out and about.

֍        🌟 We are thankful that Laura has been called to return to church and reports she will continue when we leave.

֍        🌟 I am thankful for the provision of a support group of women in the Ladies’ Bible Study group here in our Roatan church.

֍        🌟 We are thankful for the many friends from home who support and pray for us.

֍        🌟 We are thankful for the people who keep things going at home while we are away.

We are flying home this Wednesday (as long as Hurricane Erin doesn’t want to visit Miami on Wednesday.) Frequently people ask us to “bring some of that warm weather” with us. No one is asking for sun and heat this time! (although our brother-in-law sent a note that this morning the temps where he is were in the single digits - brrrr - fix that!)

Blessings!  See you soon.

Larry and Susan

Cute kid pictures:  Jimena's shirt says it "One in a melon"; Greet and treat; slow and steady