Roatan, Honduras 1 Month Update~

 On June 28th after flying from Miami, to Nicaragua, and El Savador where we were delayed for several hours, we arrived on the island of Roatan, in Honduras.

 Pastor Chuck from Calvary Chapel Roatan met us at the airport along with a few others to help both families get to the Sonrise Missionary Inn/Calvary Chapel Roatan.  Pastor Chuck, his wife Tia, and three of their children live on the premises.   We knew we would be living here for at least the first three months.  Jesus has since revealed to us that we are to continue to live at the Sonrise.  Chuck and Tia gave our family the little apartment to stay in and we are really blessed to have such accommodations in the mission field.  ( Will post pics of our new home one day.)

 A wonderful covered porch runs the length of the motel, front and back.

Our view from the back porch. 

 

 The first day we all walked out behind the church, down the little path, and to the beach.  It was exciting to finally get a feel for our new home.  Unfortunately, I was eaten alive by sand fleas at the beach!  After we returned back to the Sonrise, Nicholas told me that he knew the people here were poor but he did not know they were that poor.  I was a little concerned at this, since the homes that we passed on our way to the beach, although extreme poverty level, they were actually nicer than I anticipated.  I explained to him that although they were poor, the homes were much nicer than most of the homes he would see when we visit the colonias.  I am thankful that the Lord prepared his heart and mind for what he would encounter in the colonia that is right by the church.  (Nicholas is there right now, working with a mission team from Atlanta, GA that are building a home for one of the families in our church.  Thank You Jesus!)

 The kids here love soccer and come to play in the courtyard.  They have a ball and since we have been here they have only broken 5 little widow panels! haha
That's Nick in the red shirt.  He was playing goalie and I got this shot just as he blocked the kick and ended up making a goal with his block!  He was so excited and the rest of the boys got a kick out of it too!

 It was very difficult finding new homes for our dog and our cat.  We have all been grieving over the loss of our beloved family pets.... but the Lord has blessed us with a few new friends.  A few nights in, Izzy started yelling for me to come here.  I went to the kids room and saw her pointing to the ceiling.  "I want it!" she exclaimed. lol  They are really cute geckos.  We named this one Bugsy and when ever we see one about this size we tell the girls it is him.

 

This is Tobey, the baby gecko that hangs out in our home.  He is very tiny and oh, so cute.  Each time I see a tiny little gecko, I am sure it is Tobey. heehee

Last night as I was walking by our bed I saw something moving down our wall.  It freaked me out and then I saw it was  a larger gecko.  I am fine if they stay on the ceiling and higher up the walls, but when they come down by where I lie my head and then where my pajamas are.... well..... I am just not thrilled about that.

 A few days after arriving our families piled in a taxi and headed for West End.  This little stretch of the island has some charming island shops, pretty beach, sand fleas, etc.  There is a lot of spiritual oppression there though and I find myself interceding in prayer the few times we have been there.  We have made acquaintances with a few of the island locals, have passed out some Gospel tracts and I believe the Lord will have us ministering there more as the time goes by.

 Yummy rice, beans and chicken!  However we must be more careful of eating out because 4 out of 5 of our family has been on medicine to rid our intestines of bacteria, and or parasites!  UGGGG!  Please pray for my girls.  They are both on medicine and both have diarrhea.  But, praise the Lord we have been able to keep them hydrated.  Not an easy task when it is stinkin' hot, humid, we are all sweating like pigs and the kids want to run and play outside!

 While we were walking down the street in West End, there was a man, a lady and a monkey in a baby carriage!  I was shocked that Nick was the only one that we could get to let the monkey on him... He was not as excited about it as me, but he let me get a picture.

 This is beautiful Anna, one of the three children of our friends whom God also called to be missionaries in Roatan.

We took a water taxi from West End to West Bay and for the first time in my life, I got to see the beautiful aqua and turquoise water I have always dreamed of.  This is where the tourists come and it is breathtaking.  White sandy beaches, beautiful homes, and they spray for sand fleas baby!

 My little Peep, loving the ride in the water taxi

 When we got to shore, the kids could not wait to jump in the water.  It was clear, and beautiful.

 My Izzy was overjoyed.  She is my water baby and this was right up her alley!

 My beautiful little island girl

Nick was having a good time too but at 14 a guy has to stay cool.

So Dad helped him out a little with some boy shenanigans.

 

 My beautiful island girl.

The last four weeks have been filled with the Lord, joy, laughter, illness, challenges, spiritual attacks, tears, new friendships, and victories in the Lord.  I will share more as I can find time.  Please keep our family in prayer as the Lord puts us on your hearts.  The enemy has been trying to wreck havoc with our family but I am confident that we will be victorious in the Lord for Jesus Christ has already won the war!  To God be the glory!
Please keep the people of Roatan in your prayers.  So many don't know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.