Catching Up

Catching Up

Posted by Ashley Hoover

Wow, I can't believe it's been a month since I've posted on here! I'll try to do better from here on. Since I posted last life has been busy so I'll try to catch you up on what all I've been up to.

I had to return to the U.S. since my visa was up and while I was there I got to enjoy my Sister's wedding. I also was able to get some things we needed for Camp Good News coming up in a few weeks and brought them back with me. (Yes, I'm back in Honduras now)
Since I returned to Honduras I've been busy working on things for Camp which includes sitting in on the trainings every Saturday for the camp counselors, making invitations, printing donation letters and my newest project, turning the flannel graph visuals into power points. Thankfully I've had some great help along the way from some of the young people and the director of course.
APEN also held a lunch for all of the people who help support the ministry financially. It was neat to meet some of the many people who invest in APEN to reach the children on Honduras with the Gospel.
I'm also helping the next few weeks with some teacher training at a church. This Saturday was the first session. I couldn't be there for all of it due to the lunch but I think it went really well. Please pray it would help the teachers that come as they put the tools they learn into practice.

The next thing coming up is camp and with the holidays it shortens the time we have to prepare so we would greatly appreciate prayer that God would work like only He can as we try to finalize everything. Also pray that God would prepare the hearts of the counselors and the children that will be a part of camp.

Some pictures, because everyone likes pictures. :)

My family and I spent an afternoon in Santa Lucia recently. It was fun to get out of the capital and see more of the country.

A group from a church that I've spent Friday nights with. We went on a retreat and had a good time. (we are praying before we head out)

Some of the girls from the church did a dance once night. It was pretty cool. I ran the slideshow, I'm better at that. ;)

A picture from the lunch APEN held for the donors.

I have to speak...English?

I have to speak...English?

Posted by Ashley Hoover

So, I'm back in the US for a couple weeks. After three months in Honduras and having probably only two or three conversations in English during that time my mind is having a bit of a hard time adjusting to all the English again. Spanish words are first to come to mind nowdays and I find myself actually having to stop and think of the English words I need during conversations. Spanish still slips out often which has gotten me a few quizzical looks but oh well.
Yesterday I worshiped with fellow believers in English for the first time in three months. I was sort of looking forward to it as at times I've missed singing in the language I'm most familiar with, the songs I know, you know, ones I can really worship with...However during the service (which was great by the way) I couldn't help but think of all my friends in Honduras and where they were worshiping yesterday. Having visited several of their churches I could imagine them singing their hearts out praising God at the same time. I wanted to be with them but I also wanted to be here praising God without having to think so much about the words. Yet many times the Spanish language is so beautiful and expressive compared to English that I almost prefer songs in Spanish. I feel conflicted sometimes that something so basic and simple can become so complicated. I felt a bit lost without my Spanish Bible. Can listening to a sermon really be so easy? I could actually understand every concept and didn't have to look up any words in the dictionary afterwards.
Dividing one's heart and life between two countries isn't always easy. My heart is in both places but my body can only be in one at a time and that is hard to balance sometimes. It's easy to want to be wherever I'm not at the time. I think that is because I have friends and family in both countries and no matter which one I'm in I will always miss someone. But that is also a good thing as I know I've loved and been loved and accepted in Honduras just like in the US.
I will enjoy my couple weeks in the States but I also can't wait to get back to Honduras to continue working with CEF there.

Camp Good News

Camp Good News

Posted by Ashley Hoover

Preparations are underway for Camp Good News here in Honduras! This year is special as it marks the 25th year of camp. It is scheduled for Jan 2-7, 2012. We are praying for 150 campers this year. Many families have a hard time financially and paying for camp is a challenge. That is why CEF Honduras does everything possible to keep costs down for camp. We get donations of food that go a long way but still we have to pay to rent the camp, rent buses to transport the children for the week among other costs. Currently we are raising funds to help cover the expenses of camp and are looking for people who would sponsor a child to be able to attend this year. Many come from non Christian homes, some come from orphanages and this may be the only chance during the year they may hear the Gospel and experience God's love for them. The total cost for a child to attend camp is $60. Not much at all compared to many camps in the US but that's a fair amount of money for people who struggle each day financially. Please consider sponsoring a child for camp or donating any amount to help keep it affordable for the families here. If you would like to help finacialy with Camp Good News you can donate online here through CEF.
Include a note in the comment box stating it is for APEN Honduras for Camp Good News.

Thank You!

Hello!

Hello!

Posted by Ashley Hoover

Yes, I'm still here. This poor blog has been a little neglected lately, sorry about that! I assure you there's been plenty of ministry going on which hasn't left me with a lot of extra time for blogging. A brief summary to catch you up to speed with my life:

• Training has begun for Camp Good News (blog post coming about that and how you can help!) held every Saturday.
• Still teaching Bible classes in the school. I'll be wrapping up the last week of Oct. with that. It's been an amazing opportunity to share God's Word so freely in the school to the students, teachers and parents, whoever happens to be listening through the window. I will miss them but am thankful for the time I got to spend with them.
• The past couple weeks have been busy preparing for VBS training, printing invites, student notes, visualizing songs, recording music, etc. Today started the trainings for VBS being held in different churches around the city. Please pray they would be helpful and edifying for all who attend.
• We road tripped down south to Choluteca for an end of school year celebration for all the CEF workers there. It was HOT but encouraging to meet the teachers and CEF family in that city. The ministry there is about the same size as here in the capitol reaching thousands of children with the Gospel.
• I've also had the privilege a couple weekends to go to another town help in the work going on there. I help out with the kids, yesterday they began the Life of Christ series. I'm excited to see what God will do there in the lives of the children and their families who come to hear God's Word.
• This Sunday we're planning a trip to an orphanage or something along those lines to share the Gospel with them and have a special program.
• In between all that I've gotten to know some amazing people here in Honduras that have really been a blessing in my life. They've shown incredible patience in explaining things (and words!) to me and teaching me about this beautiful country.

An Award

An Award

Posted by Ashley Hoover

Ashlin awarded me an, well, an award over on her blog. Here it is:

I have to confess I had no idea that "Liebster" was even a word. After a little Googling I think it's German and means "Dearest." So, there's your random trivia for today. :) Thanks Ashlin!

The Liebster is awarded to bloggers with less than 200 followers. It is an opportunity to shine the light on great blogs and their authors in an effort to build readership.

Rules:
1. Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to them.

2. Give the Liebster Blog Award to five bloggers and let them know in a comment on their blog.

3. Copy and paste the award on your blog.

4. Have faith your followers will spread the love to other bloggers.

5. Have blogging fun!

Out of all my incredible blogging friends I decided to pick 5 fellow overseas missionaries since that's what my blog is all about. Some of my favorite blogging missionaries (and friends) I'd encourage you to look up and learn more about their ministries:

Tara - Madagascar

The Flinck Family - Chile

Kim - Dominican Republic

Chelsey - Burkina Faso

Alyssa - El Salvador

Missions Monday

Missions Monday

Posted by Ashley Hoover

Missions is not the ultimate goal of the church. Worship is. Missions exists because worship doesn’t." – John Piper

APEN Teacher Appreciation Lunch

APEN Teacher Appreciation Lunch

Posted by Ashley Hoover

APEN Honduras held an appreciation lunch for all the teachers that make this ministry possible this past Saturday on "Teacher's Day" or Dia del Maestro as we say here in Honduras. :) Due to the hard work of the committee in planning and finding sponsors, we were able to hold it in the Marriott hotel. It was pretty neat to see all the teachers, many of them older all dressed up and enjoying the special attention and recognition during those few hours. Let me tell you all these teachers are true inspirations and hard workers!! They selflessly give of their own time and money to reach children with the Gospel. They are the backbone of the ministry and it was an honor to be able to recognize all they do for the Lord through APEN. What follow are just a few of the pictures of the event and the 70+ teachers that were able to attend. Please remember them in your prayers.

APEN Honduras National Director Altagracia Lagos on the left. Followed by Itsa a committee member and teacher trainer and another member of the committee. (and me in the back)

Pictures of the teachers that attended...

These are the teacher trainers and between these 9 or 10 ladies they are in some way involved in training and equipping all the other teachers you see in these pics. Amazing group of ladies!

An older lady that will no longer be teaching due to age, etc. From what I gathered she's taught for a very long time. They honored her with a special diploma that she was super excited to receive. She said she'd never received a diploma or anything that special before.

If you want to see more fotos from the event you can click to my Facebook album: 

Missions Monday

Missions Monday

Posted by Ashley Hoover

In no other way can the believer become as fully involved with God’s work, especially the work of world evangelism, as in intercessory prayer."

- Dick Eastman

Honduras Independence Day

Honduras Independence Day

Posted by Ashley Hoover

Today, Sept. 15 is Independence day for Honduras. People have been preparing all month for the celebrations. The children in my school proudly showed me their decorated classrooms a few weeks ago. I'm happy I get to share this special day with the people of Honduras! A little history about today I found online here.

Honduras Independence Day History

Christopher Columbus reached the coast of Honduras on his fourth and final expedition to the New World in 1502. Columbus landed in close proximity to the modern town of Trujillo. Honduras became an addition to Spain’s vast empire in the New World. The first city-capitals were Trujillo and Gracias. For approximately three centuries, the Spanish ruled the New World region.
Hernán Cortés, widely known as the conqueror of Mexico, travelled to Honduras in 1525 to solidify Spain’s claim on the territory. With the discovery of gold, the region turned into the center of armed struggle for many years. Lempira, a Native American chief defied the Spaniards and gave them considerable headache and setbacks in their conquest of the region. Lempira’s daring defiance encouraged later developments toward freedom and his name was the origin of the monetary unit of the country.
The fight for independence was spearheaded by Francisco Morazán. On September 15 1821, Spain granted independence to Honduras along with the rest of the Central American provinces.
Independence from Mexico came in 1823, following the entry of Honduras into the United Provinces of Central America. Soon the federation came under threat from the friction between the Liberal and the Conservative factions. The Liberals preferred republicanism, more liberal trade, less government intervention and the elimination of the Catholic clergy’s influence on the state’s affairs. The Conservatives on the other hand, defended the clergy; they favored a return to the rule of a monarchy, they were more conventional and basically pro-Spanish in their point of view.

Honduras Independence Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

In Honduras, the people celebrate Independence Day passionately. Schools and colleges stay closed for the celebrations and children participate enthusiastically in music and dancing. Independence Day is marked by three days of celebrations and. Every year schools participate in a contest to determine which can exhibit the most prominent or distinctive presentation. Kindergartens parade on September 13, elementary schools on September 14, and high schools on September 15.

Missions Monday

Missions Monday

Posted by Ashley Hoover

Anyone who's been outside the U.S. knows exactly what this song is about...

"We must be global Christians with a global vision because our God is a global God."

- John Stott

One month!

One month!

Posted by Ashley Hoover

I can't believe a month ago today I arrived in Honduras. In some ways it doesn't seem like it's been nearly that long and in other ways I feel as at home as if I grew up here. (that's not to say I don't have tons to learn about living here still!) Each day I am here I fall more in love with this beautiful country and the equally beautiful people that live here. I've been able to be involved in many different things with the ministry here. From teaching Bible classes in a school, attending committee meetings, to helping with office work and teacher training. I love my APEN family, it's such a blessing to work with and learn from them. The opportunity to share the Gospel is as great as the desperate need for it in Honduras. To me it's exciting that 40% of Hondurans are 15yrs. old and younger. Being in children's ministry there is huge potential to impact this country with the Gospel and tomorrow's leaders.

Thank you for all your prayers and support that makes this possible! You are making a difference and I know it's only by God answering your prayers that the transition so far as been smooth and the doors are being opened. The prayers of the righteous truly are "powerful and effective."!

Bienvenida

Bienvenida

Posted by Ashley Hoover

This past Sunday I went to the office for what I thought was a sort of goodbye get together for a few of the people that work with CEF here that are going on a trip. It was but it also turned out to be a welcome party for me. It was a great time getting to know my CEF family in Honduras and I feel so blessed to be a part of it. Here are some photos of the fun afternoon. (Thanks to everyone else for posting pics.)

Okay so after playing a game where I learned everyone's name let's see if I can still do it. ;) L-R Marelyn, Dilia, Moises, Roder & Thomas.

Gabi & Jorge on the left.

I kinda broke the stick for the pinata...Either I'm just that strong or the pinata was that tough. ;)

Group pic of about half of us getting ready to have fun with the pinata.

Everybody said some welcome speeches and I got a lot of hugs.

Oh. My. I can't begin to tell you how AMAZING the food is here!

Lary is on the right. I helped with her cabin during Camp Good News in January.

This was before I broke the stick.

Joel on the left.

They made me go first to get food that's why I'm sitting all by myself. Or it could be that I was part of the mafia in another game we played...

Trying to set up the pinata. Angel David is on the right in the blue shirt. I think that's almost everyone that was there minus a few I dont' have photos of.

Thank you everyone for such a fun day! I love the friendship we have and can't believe I'm so blessed to work with you!
Gracias mi familia de APEN por ese dia tan inolvidable! Ya son mi familia y les quiero mucho! Son una bendicion en mi vida y estoy privilada de poder trabajar con todo ustedes!

Hey look, it's raining!

Hey look, it's raining!

Posted by Ashley Hoover

Tonight's dinner guest, TS Harvey. :)

Things I miss about the U.S.

Things I miss about the U.S.

Posted by Ashley Hoover

I love being here in Honduras and ministering to the children and youth but there are a few things as I live here longer that I miss about the States (listed in no particular order):

1. Street signs and easy navigation.
2. Dr. Pepper.
3. Outside recreation.
4. Runza & Valentino's pizza. (probably the only two fast food places that don't exist here)
5. Family and friends
6. Being able to watch TV online. (for all the four shows I like ;) It's nice for sports events too, like Husker football!!)
7. The sort of independence/freedom I took for granted to just go out and do things. One has to be more careful here, especially alone.

Things I'm getting used to

Things I'm getting used to

Posted by Ashley Hoover

As to be expected when living in a different country/culture, there are some things, okay, a lot of things that are different than what you may be used to. They aren't necessarily bad or difficult all of them either. These are some things I'm getting used to here in Honduras:

1. Navigating without street signs.

2. The metal doors that sometimes make creepy noises.

3. Washing the dishes after every meal and not at the end of the day. If you leave anything out the ants will find it in minutes! I'm pretty sure I've swallowed a few of them. 

4. Driving without traffic rules. In some cases I think it's almost safer here to break every rule I'm used to than to follow them. (Don't worry, I think I'll still be a safe driver in the States come furlough time!)

5. How AMAZING the food is!!! I'm still shocked at how many American fast food places there are here and wonder why anyone would eat at them when the comida hondurena is SO GOOD! 

6. You can spend all day on one task with others that I could probably accomplish in a few hours alone. Here it's more about the friendship than the task, which isn't exactly a bad thing.

7. I can't get outside to excersize like I got used to. I break up the day instead jumping rope and doing push ups. :)

8. The internet is slower here. I'm VERY thankful to have it and it works well, I just need to be a little more patient with it.

9. There are armed police everywhere. In the banks, grocery stores, on the street, everywhere. Not just with little handguns either.

10. Not having anyone to play Monopoly Deal with. ;)

I'm sure there are more but this is what I thought of for now.

Does life get any better?

Does life get any better?

Posted by Ashley Hoover

Sitting here having my quiet time and drinking "Honduras in a cup". Life is good. :) I hope your morning is off to a great start too!

APEN Honduras

APEN Honduras

Posted by Ashley Hoover

Yesterday and today I was able to spend some time if the office of CEF here. In Spanish CEF is translated into APEN, "Alianza Pro Evangelizacion del Nino". Here's a glimpse of what it looks like.

 The front door.

 Looking from the front door to the back of the office. The kitchen is behind the red wall.

 A room off to the right of the first one.

 The kitchen.

 Looking from the kitchen to the front door.

 Another room with materials.

I forgot to take a picture of the outside so this is a picture the Brown's had sent me when APEN first moved to this office.

My new home

My new home

Posted by Ashley Hoover

Here are a few photos of my new home here in Honduras.

 This is my house and vehicle. This picture was from the Browns. There's now a car port and they are installing an electric gate so this picture isn't as messy as it looks at the moment. :) The wall you see with the wire goes all the way around making it pretty secure. At the top of the mountain in back of the house is a Christian school my landlord and his mother run.

 My bedroom

 The dinning room area. The front door is to the right.

 Another view of the dinning room. The kitchen is to the left and you can see the door to my bedroom.

 The kitchen.

 Another room. Great for company (hint ;)) This is actually the room I stayed in when I came down in January.

This room is kind of the office but as you can see has plenty of space for other uses as well.

It's a nice cozy, safe place and my landlord has been wonderful to work with. He and his mother have given lots of helpful advice and driven me around until the gate is installed and I can get my car out. 

I visited the CEF office today and talked with the National Director, Altagracia and Christy another CEF worker here about plans and other things. It was a great time and I'm looking forward to finding my role here in Honduras among the many possible things there are to do. I'll try to take pictures of the office when I'm there again tomorrow so you can see it as well.

'Till Later...

'Till Later...

Posted by Ashley Hoover

Missions Monday

Missions Monday

Posted by Ashley Hoover

Today is a day filled with lots of different emotions. The first leg of my trip to Honduras begins and I'll get as far as TX today, wait 20 hours or so and then arrive in Honduras tomorrow. I feel happy, sad, excited, nervous, ready, unsure, confident and scared all at the same time. I am reminded of a quote by William Carey:


After hearing an account of the spiritual needs of India, the secretary of the meeting remarked: "There is a gold mine in India, but it seems almost as deep as the center of the earth. Who will venture to explore it?" "I will venture to go down," said Carey, "but remember that you must hold the ropes."


I can't begin to tell you how much all of you mean to me that "hold the ropes" back here. Whether it be through prayer, giving, a word of encouragement or anything else, you are such an invaluable part of this ministry and I truly couldn't go dig for gold without you. Thank you so much!

I'll update soon from Honduras. :)

Tomorrow...

Tomorrow...

Posted by Ashley Hoover

I leave for Honduras!

One week and counting!

One week and counting!

Posted by Ashley Hoover

Wow, it's finally here. Almost anyway. The day that I can finally leave for Honduras. One week from today I'll be on my way! Actually at this time next Monday I'll be waiting in an airport before I continue on my way.
A huge thank you to my amazing support team as you have helped make this day possible! I am so thankful for each of you and your partnership in this ministry. I will be leaving the U.S. on August 1. Most of my packing is done and ready to go. I am enjoying time with family and friends this week though saying goodbye is hard. I would appreciate prayer for me and my family during this time of transition into the new “normal.” Goodbyes are never easy even though we’ve anticipated it for a while now.

At SPLICE we spent a lot of time talking about goodbyes and the various emotions that go along with it and transitioning into the next stage of life. One of the first things Robin told us was that he hoped it hurt when we left. It was true at SPLICE but it has proved tol be even more true as I have said goodbye to family and friends here that I’ve known for a long time and new friends I’ve made along the way. While I am excited and anxious to begin life and ministry in Honduras, I know that I’m not immune to the feelings of sadness and loss as I exit my normal, comfortable world to enter a different but equally normal one.

I'll spend the first couple weeks getting used to life in Honduras, learning my way around the city and getting settled in my house. Thanks so much for your prayers and next week I'll be updating from Honduras!

Missions Monday

Missions Monday

Posted by Ashley Hoover

Missions Monday

Missions Monday

Posted by Ashley Hoover

Some interesting stats from John Piper:

Honduras. In 1960 there were 32,000 evangelicals (1.7% of the population). Today there are 1.75 million (23%).

Can you see their faces?

Can you see their faces?

Posted by Ashley Hoover

I can...

100th Post, and the winner is...

100th Post, and the winner is...

Posted by Ashley Hoover

You may remember I had a little contest for my 100th post. There were two people that commented on it and they were both right. One on the blog and one emailed me. So I recorded the drawing so everyone can see it was fair and square. Sorry I'm a little late with the results, I'll mail the winner's prize tomorrow. :)

So a little about the 100 Lempira for those of you who want to know but maybe haven't looked it up yet:

José Cecilio del Valle (November 22, 1780 – March 2, 1834) was a philosopher, politician, lawyer, and journalist and one of the most important figures in Central America during the transition from colonial government to independence. Valle nicknmed 'The Wise' was also, one of Central America's founding fathers. In 1821 he was elected mayor of Guatemala City, position he held until June (1821). The same year Central America became independent from Spanish rule. Jose del Valle was the one who wrote the declation of independence. Up to this date, there is a controversy in relation to this document because del Valle did not sign it. Most historians however, agreed that he was not supposed to sign such document. In 1822 Central America became part of the short lived Mexican Empire under Agustin de Iturbide. In 1825 José del Valle ran for president of the Federal Republic of Central America against Manuel José Arce. Apparently won the election after he obtained more votes. But Congress had a different interpretation. The candidates went to second round and Arce was declared winner. Following his defeat, Valle retired from politics and devoted himself to writing. Though in 1834 he defeated incumbent Francisco Morazán in the general election but never took over the presidency. He died on the road that leads from the farm "La Concepción" to Guatemala City, on March 2, 1834. Where he was supposed to be treated for an illness. The government decreed three days of mourning after his passing. His death was marked by national mourning and bells tolling throughout the Republic, as he was one of the few prominent figures respected by Liberals and Conservatives alike.
The Honduran Government awards a medal for distinguished service named in his honor, and there is a University named after him in Tegucigalpa.

The 100 Lempira note today equals $5.29 USD.

I hope you enjoyed the fun! We might have some more of these kinds of things in the future.