Pictures and Promises

We have been home for a little over three days. Most of us are close to catching up on sleep, and trying to get back to the normality that we call life here in carmel valley. My mom drove back to sacramento, people are back at work, and students are preparing for the imminent return of school. We are exhausted and excited. Overwhelmed and unsure. Unsure of the way that we properly tell people about this trip. Unsure of the way that we can fully tell the story, knowing that "you just thad to be there" is never a phrase we get to use in that explanation conversation. We have vivid images of joy and poverty. We have ineffable feelings and memories of moments that can never be repeated. We have millions of pictures clasped in our minds. And yet, in three days, we are already forgetting. So, we have some digital images that we encourage you to check out. I acknowledge that many of the shots are just of the faces of the people on the trip. Now while action is hard to catch in still, the faces of the people doing the actions will serve as the best explanation that I can give of this trip. Please enjoy.

http://s1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg638/gpchonduras2012/

Soccer Balls and Sky Lights

As I sit here writing this latest installment of the Honduras Blog, thoughts of joy fall like drops of rain, and at this moment, I know the sound of rain well. This week has been an amazing opportunity to see people take moments to be bigger than I thought possible. Moments to speak bigger things then they knew, and moments to experience the bigger things than they dreamed possible. One thing that has amazed me has been the people who take the small amounts of spanish they know, and turned it into conversation with kids. Most of us come vastly under knowledge(d) in the realm of this language, and learning a few simple words has gotten us far. We connect with the kids, and that is wonderful. One of our team members, Anna Barberio, had this to say about her time with the kiddos.

   
          "I clearly did not pay enough attention in the Spanish classes that I took Freshman year because all I've been able to say confidently this whole trip is, 'Ven conmigo', or 'Come with me' to one three year old girl who was already following me. Before coming on this trip, the only thing that made me nervous was the possibility that I would not have a way to connect with the kids. Luckily, God has a way of making me feel silly for worrying at all. On Monday we began painting one of the walls of the school that the sponsored children attend. About fifteen minutes in, I noticed that the most adorable little girl was following me from pillar to pillar as I painted them red. I turned around to see her in her little froggy-like squat watching intently. I smiled at her and offered her the brush. Her face instantly brightened and she became my little helper for the rest of the day. The longer we painted together, the less shy she became and she even started to sing me a song. It was precious. Every time I have seen her since she comes up to me and smiles or shows me her new accessories for the day. Today, on the drive back from viewing the bordos (the shack house village near the river), I sat next to one of the girls who lives there. She could tell I did not understand anything she was talking about so she just started to name things she thought were American. We finally bonded when she said, 'Justin Beiber?'. Immediately the connection was made. We both broke out singing 'Baby' while simultaneously giggling our heads off. It was definitely the most girly moment of the trip for me (and secretly one of my favorites)."

Without sounding melodramatic, I couldn't have asked for anything more than to see the students here at Grace Point become best friends and confidants with the little ones here in Honduras. To see the faces light up the moment that we pull the bus into the school every morning is ineffable. I have chosen to spend these years of my life getting to know these teenagers, and seeing them on this trip has expanded and confirmed what I knew was true, there is greatness in them. Tonight I want to say thank you to the people that have made this trip possible. Both by coming, or by being part of sending them. Thank you for giving your money. Thank you for giving your time. Thank you for raising your kids in a way that made helping others sound like a valuable use of a week of their summer. Thank you buying  shirts and paying way too much for sodas. Thank you for praying for us. Thank you for being willing to shuffle through my grammer atrocities to hear our heart. Thank you for being willing to hear about this for way to long when we get back. Thank you for teaching us the little Spanish we know. Thank you for being the people that make this week possible.

It rained, it thundered, and there was some beautiful lightening. But now the sky is clear, and I am ready for bed. Tomorrow night I hope to include a lot more in this, and I can't wait to get some pics and videos posted. Good night ya'll.


Kyle Colin Kerchner 

Rain Storms and Rocket throws.

Tonight we end another amazing day in Honduras. I asked Luke Johnson, a sophomore at Canyon Crest Academy, and son of Bob and Rhonda, to share about his day.

"Hey everyone, this is Luke Johnson writing to you from our hostal in Honduras on Wednesday afternoon. Yesterday, we woke up to some disappointing weather. It was supposed to be our big work day, so we were hoping for some sun, but for it to be not too hot. We got quite the opposite. When we looked up at the sky, all we saw were huge, grey, mushy clouds that they could begin to soak us with rain any second.  Our work that day took place at CDI (the kid’s school/church), and consisted of building a giant canopy, giving medicine to people who needed it, and simply chilling with the kids. I mainly played soccer and Frisbee with the kids, which was a blast. After we all got exhausted, Connor Chenault had the brilliant idea of starting to carry the kids on his back like a horse, spinning them around by their arms, and lifting them up over our heads. Little did he know, that once he started doing this, the kids wouldn’t let us stop. They began to swarm me and the five or six other guys that were out there, Repeatedly yelling “levantame” which means “lift me up”, or “Caballito” which means “horse”. As you can imagine, this made us extremely exhausted. Eventually, we couldn’t go anymore. We started saying things like “No puedo” or “Estoy Consado” meaning “I can’t” or “I’m tired”. One five-year-old girl named Jessy in particular, continued to push us way beyond our breaking point. We did the best we could, but in the end, we were no match for her superior persistency... and cuteness. We kept lifting her up, and swinging her around, till sweat was dripping from every part of our body. We all lifted her at least 40 times each. I feel bad saying this, but we were pretty stoked to say goodbye to this kids for the day.

When we got back to the hostal, we were relieved to hear that we had a long break, then we were off to play some soccer with the locals. By the time we started playing, it was drizzling, and then a little bit into our game, the downpour started. We were all soaked in minutes, but it was so much fun that we didn’t care, we were playing on a very nice turf field, with fake grass, so it didn’t get muddy. Everyone was slipping and sliding everywhere. The Honduran team beat the American “dream team” by a slim margin, but easily could have destroyed us. After the game, we sat down on the bus and died in our seats. We had to wake up early this morning, so we all went to bed earlier than usual (11:30).  Even though the day had sapped the energy right out of our bodies,  it was without a doubt, my favorite day of the week (so far)."

My favorite part of this trip has been watching the Grace Point Students own every moment with these kids. Tonight we went to another church service where I got to share about Love. And how Paul challenges us to love with all out strength. I knew that as I was sharing, I was "preaching the choir" as this group has shown me what love is. This trip is so amazing. 

Lastly, a little update, as some of you have seen that a tropical storm has hit the coast of Honduras. We are quite a way inland, and all that we encountered was a few hours of moderate rain last night. Nothing to worry on, and most of today was clear. God has given us a very simple trip, with little to no problems. Even the dreaded stomach bug that most people encounter internationally hasn't hit us hard at all. A few of us have felt queasy, but to get a little pg-13 for a minute, no one has thrown up or otherwise. We are healthy, happy, dry, and ready to finish this week out strong. Thank you so much for all of your prayers, and we can't wait to share our stories when we get back. 

much love and stoked feelings towards you all. 

-Kyle Colin Kerchner 

Medical Brigade and Fence Posts

We returned to children's school today to serve as part of the medical brigade for people living on the banks (bordo) of the Rio Blanco.

The medical brigade consisted of the doctor Sorto, his wife Betty the nurse, the missionaries (us) and workers at the school.  GPC team members, Tom and Anna, worked as a pharmacy team organizing and dispensing medicine with the help of other high schoolers.  Susie shared a touching moment of prayer with Tom, Anna, Luke, and Betty over an elderly lady, who cried after her discussions with the doctor.  "When she came over in tears and asked for prayers, we all just stood up and prayed for her at the same time!  She joined in our prayers as we began, and it was so cool!  She stopped crying and thanked us afterwards.  I felt blessed to be part of that blessed moment. Prayers are more powerful than any medicine that you can dispense!"

Emilie and a few others setup a station to help weigh and measure children's heights before they were seen by the doctor.  As the waiting families filled up the room and spilled over onto the tiny porch, they led children to a table of art supplies.  Kids brightened up at the sight of crayons and stickers and and coloring pages, and moms smiled despite of their obvious fatigue and anxiety at this.   

Later, Marjolein setup a prayer station next to the make-shift "pharmacy".  I sat down with her and our translator, listening to the stories of the families seeking prayers.   "This will be one of the treatments, just like a prescription."  Soon we met Liliam, a young mom with three children in tow, one at home, and pregnant with another boy.  Her prayer request was for protection, as drug dealers were circling the area next to her home.   Her face seemed tied up in knots of worries and concerns, and I could feel a wall of fear rising up among us. But as we began speaking verses of prayers and sought the protection of the LORD, thanking Him for bringing us together in prayers and trust, words flew for several minutes without a pause.  As we lifted our heads in final Amens, Liliam smiled and thanked us.

After they finished sorting the medicine, the high schoolers moved outside to paint another coat onto the mural wall, and began cement the fence posts.  They entertained the kids by taking turns playing with them -- soccer, hand games, or jump ropes.  The small yard soon became lively with laughters, conversations('Lavente Me!"),  and occasional shouts of surprises.   Cementing was hard work, as the wheel barrel and the equipments were very heavy, but the boys secured several posts quickly.  Not to be left behind, Marjolein and Susie marched up to Kyle (aka, Project Manager) to ask for the women to build the last post.  Zoe, Kristen, Susie and Marjolein picked up two wheel barrels to mix the cement. "It was hard work, but the boys gave the girls feedback as they did a great job.  In the end, we got to take photos showing our strength by the finished post and we made hand and foot prints of ourselves in the cement.  Be strong and courageous, as the bible says, don't be intimidated, and it will be a good thing." Marjolein recounted with a smile.   

It was a long day, and few people ended it with the colors on their shirts unchanged (Conner's shirt has gone from white to a mix of pearly gray, bluish and orange mud).   However, God really provided for us and revealed himself throughout the day.  I've heard that God is never late, but He is rarely early.  As we were struggling to find lumber and material for the outside projects, God sent us free lumber and materials (though Don & Lauri's old landlord) in a typical 11th hour rescue fashion, showing us he was always in control and looking after the mission with great care. Throughout the day, as we prayed, we saw tears dry up, peace and smiles emerge.  As we played with children, we saw language barriers disappear, and connections built through hugs and smiles and spins and lifts (levantes).  

It was difficult to say goodbye at the end but we promised to return tomorrow, with a fresh dose of the Spirit, God willing. 

Stats of the Day

============

89  kids (+ 9 adults)   seen 

4    fence posts           built

10  prayers                 prayed

15  wall sections        painted 

250 stickers                distributed

1000 smiles                shared

24+ lives                    changed

Verse:
Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,  present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

PS: We are in the middle of our trip now, and the days have been long so please continue to pray for us to keep healthy and strong throughout the trip.  

hospitals and handshovels

Today was our second full day in Honduras, and in the spirit of foreign based flexibility and missions based challenges, we found this morning to be one of the hardest emotionally that we will face. Honduras has a serious lack of proficient medical institutions, and so the hospital in San Pedro Sula is vastly understaffed, overpopulated with patients, and in varying states ranging from disarray to serious dishevel. We spent the morning meeting ill children, and blessing them with homemade beanies, scarfs, toys, stickers, smiles, coloring pages, hugs, laughter, stories, and best of all... bubbles. Nate Baron, a junior at Canyon Crest Academy and lifelong GPC member, had this to say about the experience. 

                "As I walked into the hospital I noticed how it was not like any hospital I had ever seen. The first thing I noticed was that it was just as hot if not hotter than it was outside. The hospital didn't have that "sterile hospital smell" and there seemed to be a major lack of supplies. We went room to room bringing presents for the kids. In each room there were about 4 or 5 kids and at least one of their family members. As we gave the kids presents they'd light up! It was super cool to see. In one of the rooms we went to there was this girl about 2 years old. Both her and her mother had a serious look on their faces. It was a sad serious look. As I started talking to them I learned that her name was Genesis and that they were in the hospital because she was having problems breathing. I opened my bag and gave her a light up bouncy ball. At first she was hesitant to take it but finally took it and started to play. Eventually she bounced the ball on the ground and I caught it. Immediately she lit up and burst out in giggles.  We continued playing this game for at least 20 minutes as her mom told me that this was the first time that she had smiled in a long time. That day I realized no matter what's going on a little blessing like a bouncy light up ball or stickers or even bubbles can totally make someones day. It was awesome. "

We spent the second part of our day getting our hands dirty. "10 holes, 8 feet apart, 1 foot wide and two feet deep." These are the instructions that I gave to the boys as they started digging. sounds easy enough, but with only one pick axe, 90degree plus weather and 90% plus humidity, it is a real good time. Centro Desarrollo Integral is a school that serves the poorest of the students in the Barrio we are working with in San Pedro Sula. They have one mission, to love and share Christ's love with the least of these, the poor children. We spent the afternoon preparing for the rest of the week worth of work there. Tomorrow we are building a 24foot by 16foot shade structure, and finishing painting a 100 foot by 10 foot brick wall. It was amazing to see our group work together and accomplish greatness as we sought to give a gift of effort to these little kids that we are falling in love with.  I asked Emelie to share about our afternoon painting. She had this to say.

                "Once we started painting, the children rushed to help us brighten the white walls with orange, lime, and red.  The girls and the children began dipping rollers and paint brushes in the paint pans and with in a few minutes the bland wall became a mural of color. We could here children screaming, " Mas pintura!" (More paint!) and "Quiero pintar tambien!" (I want to paint too). A few of us lifted the small children above our heads so they could reach the high parts.  The relatively small courtyard became a place of laughter and smiles. What struck me was what a difference a few buckets of paint could do to an entire atmosphere. The courtyard is home to hundreds of children in El Rio Blanco. They eat, they sing, they play soccer, basically everything starts in the courtyard.  Overall,  it was nice. "

Today was amazing! We got pushed, helped out, and ended the evening with a service at a small church outside of town. I got the opportunity of share about fear and courage. The children of the church blessed us with songs and skits that made us feel that (becoming) all to common conflicted feeling of disappointment and connection. Disappointment that we don't understand the language and miss the nuances of conversational humor, and a feeling of connection that makes it clear that even language can't keep God's children from showing and receiving love. It was an amazing day, and I cant wait for tomorrow. 

Lastly, I am disappointed to share that pictures will not be available until sunday after we get home. We are having a bit of a computer connection issue, and this will not be able to be resolved until I get to a different computer. I am sorry, but believe me, the photos are worth the wait. 

Kyle Colin Kerchner 

Climb

Yesterday we were not only moved by, but also surprised by the welcome banner held up by members of the church of Cristo Centro at the airport.  Their smiling faces and warm embraces became the highlight of our long day of travels.

Today we experienced this surprise and touch of heart once more. As we walked into the church yard, the sponsored children came up to us to greet us with hugs, smiles and "Bienvenidos".  We fell into a sea of their arms, suddenly having a hard time remembering the heat and the humidity, or any other problems here or back home.

Then they sang to us, about God's love and His glory.  We soon began to sing with them, moving to the rhythm of their songs and their joy.   The yard was small, and mostly covered in dirt.  The children sat in tiny plastic chairs to pray and to hear the day's message.  I noticed one little boy praying so earnestly that he stood out, his eyes closed and fists clapped together, murmuring after his teacher, heart wide open.  Right after lesson time, we started to mingle and chat.   Claire and Kristen got into playing a game with a few of the sponsored girls in white and gray uniforms.   Emily chatted with a group of kids about their family and their drawings.  Jack, Nate and Conner struck up conversations with the aids of hand gestures and soon the group started dancing Macarena together.  Luke, Ann and others smiled and laughed with the children until it's time for everyone to help the children with lunch.   The younger kids looked up to them like fans looking up to their favorite hollywood stars.  

The stories we read about the sponsored children made it hard to believe the joy we felt in front of us.  Later in the day, we went on a hike, marching up a steep incline into an ancient tropical forest.  The heat and the exertion showered us in sweat, so we stopped from time to time to breathe, buy freshly cut grapefruit from a stand and take in the view.  When we finally reached the peak, a strong breeze washed over us, reinvigorating even the most fatigued member of the group.   Pastor Julio chanted in singsong like Spanish / English instructions, organizing us into a dozen smiling group photos after we soaked in the lush view of the city below.

On the way down, I asked about the sprawling homes perched at view points or nestled in secluded corners.  Our translator Alfonso told us that this is a "very nice area", but below the mountain of lush green tropicals, many families lived by the bank of river blanco, in next to nothing homes, with next to nothing meals.   "They have nothing, those families.  The whole family of five people have to sleep on a single bed, with only one fan in this heat!"  He exclaimed.   I nodded, remembering meeting the children from the earlier part of the day again.  They were from those homes.

"Yes, they have nothing.  But they seem to be happy nonetheless."  I said.

"That's true.  The people from these rich homes don't smile as much as those people from homes with nothing!"  Alfonso answered.

I agreed.   There is no formula on smile counts though.  Rich or poor, anyone can grow all too quickly into the burdens of life and out of the ability to celebrate blessings and accept joy with an open heart.  In the same way, a busy schedule can all too quickly squeeze out the unprecedented spiritual lift we all felt when we first became "baby christians".   So remembering to smile, counting God's blessings and remaining open the Spirit each day can feel like an uphill climb in tropical heat, but as any hiker or mature christian would day, it is always worth the effort.

-Tina

The verses I want to leave you with today are -

Matthew 18:3-4
"I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

Luke 9:48
"Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.  For he who is least among you all - he is the greatest."


A note from kyle.
We are having some minor technical problems, and i will not be able to load photos until later this week. But they look amazing! and I know that you will enjoy them.

3 airports later

WE ARE HERE! After a full day of travel, which came after months of diligent planning, which came after years of thoughtful prayer from the leadership and congregation of Grace Point; we have arrived and checked in at the hotel in Honduras. WE ARE HERE...and it feels good. It also feels hot and sticky. it also feels like we are at a way to nice of a location. It also feels a little scary. It feels like we have no idea what tomorrow brings, and it feels like we are both as ready as we will ever be, and vastly overwhelmed by what this week will be. 

We just landed, and we are taking tonight as an opportunity to get clean and relax for a few. I say taking time, but it is already midnight here, and everyone is still awake and kicking it. We start tomorrow morning at 7 am with breakfast and then by 830 we are on the road heading to our first of two morning church services. We are brushing up on our spanish, and we are stoked. Tomorrow starts our adventure. tonight we sleep. 

I will have pictures and a lot more information up tomorrow, but tonight i leave you with a verse.

"the aim of our charge is love" -1 Timothy 1.5

kyle colin kerchner