This is four of five boys that I personally have seen grow in the last four years that I know would be perfect candidates for a boys home, to nurture and guide them as they furthered their educations, guiding them in a life rich in the love of Jesus, helping to allow them to see and dream of a future they could attain.  From left to right: Marco, Jerbin, Errias, Tony; they are all between the ages of 13-14 years old and in forth and fifth grades.

Friday after Pat and I staked out the corner columns  for the house foundation, we stopped by House of Hope to deliver some baby items and crib bedding and to see the kids and babies. I am happy to report, most all are doing well and were happy to see us. I was saddened to see one of Lisa’s favorites, we will call him baby “N”, is having some medical issues that are being addressed. I am glad to have gotten to see baby “N” and would like to ask for prayers if it be God’s will, for urgency and healing to come upon this helpless, innocent, loved baby of God.

After we had a chance to spend some time in the nursery with the babies we were able to take some of the older boys swimming at our hotel, they had never been swimming in a pool before this. We had a great time playing Marco Polo, seeing who could swim the farthest under water, doing crazy dives and flips and just allowing them to be boys and have fun doing something they don’t normally get to do.

Before long, I realized we needed to get two of the boys back to HOH so as Pat walked back to the hotel, I jumped in the front seat of the taxi, the four boys piled into the back seat and we were off to HOH first, then Jerbin got dropped off were he stays and Marco at his place, now all I had to do was get back into town. Easier said than done!  Maybe a mile later the taxi driver had gotten his taxi completely high centered on a rutty road with both tires spinning freely in sloppy wet Honduran mud!  It was pitch black out, and not completely able to communicate in their language I decided to call my friend Osiris Sanchez. Within 15 minutes he showed up on his motorcycleta, took one look and saw his bike was not the right tool for the job and road back to HOH and got the 4×4. When he arrived back at the slough we saw another problema, the chassis was completely stuck in the mud with nowhere to tie a tow rope, so we then began to disassemble the taxi’s grill and front bumper.  Once that was removed we could fasten the rope.

After the car was freed and we re-assembled the bumper and grill the taxi driver asked me to get in and he would take me home; Osiris would have none of that and he let the driver know he had taken me far enough and that he would get me home.  I was back at the hotel around 9pm.  Thank you Lord for surrounding me with good friendships.  I am truely blessed to have people I know I can count on anytime, any reason, any place.

Saturday, Pat and I got to sleep in a little.  Although our hotel has a pool and a/c, which stayed on most nights until midnight when the power goes out, then the room heats up very quickly and we are unable to sleep past 6:30-7am, so we start the day with a cold shower.  And did I mention, the hotel’s wifi that never worked! That is the reason for no blogging the past three nights.  Sorry.  So, Saturday we got up and had coffee. We had asked Alex, Chuck and Osiris, to get together as I wanted to go over the plans for the house that my friend/retired architect drew up for me using my sketches.  I had asked to meet around 11 am, so we could look at the plans then have lunch. Well at 11:30 I started calling the guys to remind them of our plans and we were gathered by noon.  When in Honduras it is like many other third world countries where time is an irrelevant thing.  No problem.  Mostly this was a meeting to share and discuss what we are aiming to accomplish here, to give a little clearer vision.  Almost a team building opportunity and I wanted to get Alex’s thoughts on the size and scope, making sure it fit the need and would not be over built for the area. Alex then agreed the vision was a commendable one and that if he had do his place all over, it would more closely compare to what we want to do in this project.

After lunch Pat and I decided we would enjoy spending some more time wth the boys so we got permission to take one of the HOH boys along with Jerbin and Marcos with us. As God would have it three was just the right amount due to the fact we only have two bicycles and I’m not sure how I could have fit a third boy on my bike!

We got to show them the progress on the property.  None of them had seen the fence, the gates, the sea wall, the beginning of the septic system, where the well will be, and the well tower and pila for washing clothes will be, along with a bathroom and a shower for the yard, plus where the house will be built.

As you can imagine they were quite excited to see “their” place being built with the understanding that they must continue to do well in school in order to be candidates for furthering their education at IVA. (Please learn more about the IVA school at http://www.reachouthonduras.org). Later that evening we were out at the property with our friend Walter and his daughter, Osiris, and another friend Willie (who works for Habitat for Humanity).  While showing them the progress we got caught in a Honduran down pour and we all huddled under the shelter of the watchie.

Sunday we went to church with Jerbin and Marco then took them to breakfast. We got to expound on the good news of the gospel and they were eager to hear.

Proverbs 11:25 “He that waters shall be watered also himself”

After breakfast with the boys we noticed Jerbin was still wearing the pair of shoes I had brought down for the boys over a year ago, so we decided to take them to get a new pair of shoes.  We then stopped back at HOH to talk about baby “N” before heading out to the property where we sat at the waters edge and read a little Matthew 9:27-31 and some in depth commentary.

We have only everything to be thankful for, humbled to understand that without Him I could do nothing.

Today is now Monday and we moved hotels as my usual hotel, Yu-Baiwan, had a room open up for us.   So tonight you can all rest assured we are safe and securely bedded down with a US Marines attachment also based here at the hotel.  They are here to build a school and help do some much needed work on the hospital.  If you ask me I think there may be a bit more to the story as this area is one of the most heavily trafficked cocaine distributors in the world.   Regardless, after making acquaintances with several of our service men I must admit it feels good knowing we the Americans are down here militarily to help out – we don’t get to hear much of the good stuff on our media. Why is that?

As we prepared to ride today I noticed the extra weight on the bike the day before was a bit much as my rear tire was bulging from the rim, so we spent the noon hour with my friends at the bike shop who helped me replace a broken rear derailleur the time I was through here – all for the grand total of three dollars then, and this time it was only $7 for a Knobby tire and intertube.

Bicycles are surely the affordable mode of transportation here in Puerto Lempira.  I received word that our cyclone fencing is made but it missed being delivered to the port in La Cieba  making the expected delivery date to the property to be moved out to Sept. 4-5? More of that “time is irrelevant” thing.  So I am working on getting materials for the well tower, pila and bathroom,  delivered along with the galvanized tube to build a frame to be wrapped in razor wire -it’s $500 more than 3/8″ rebar but will not rust.  Pat has been working on a spread sheet for the house footings, columns and floor, so I feel our time thus far has been a gift of God.

Tonight one of our issues was to find our night time watchie a good flashlight and after finding every possible hardware, I know them all, four in total – we were told by Cenna the lady who owns YU-Baiwan, about a newer solar store that might be able to help.  After going there and much discussion with Gabby the owner of El Solara, we went into the back and brought out a four battery led Rayovac covered in dust. Following some haggling we got her down to 1350 lempiras.  That had to be the most expensive “foco” in all La Moskitia. Thank you brother, I’m sure Aldolfo, our watchie is enjoying it as I write.

In closing, please pray for our dear friend Katrina (former director of HOH) who underwent another operation in her battle with a brain tumor today.  Praying for God to be glorified and thanking Him for all she continues to do in His names sake.

I have lots to share, although we are more than 2,000 miles and four plane rides away an amazing amount of work is getting done at the property.  I am giving thanks to God for surrounding me with gifted friends that have been instrumental in moving this project forward. After 3 months of phone calls, emails, and much praying we were able to purchase and transport a 20′ container to our property. Although I am not certain how they were able to unload the container from the chassis at our property, I was confident that it would get done, and to my relief they handled it like pros. Our container is resting on concrete footings as planned. A perfect storage that will provide security and weather protection for tools and materials on site. (Much needed.)

A big “thank you” goes out to our friend Jon Fertakis for all the  correspondence and negotiations of the purchase and shipping to the property; also thanks to our friend Alex Waits and all of his help with the logistics and direction with all phases of this project, not only the container but the fence and the retaining wall as well, all while the IVA School year is going on. Please check out Alex and Laura’s reachouthonduras.org website.

I believe this may be the wet and rainy time of year as I was informed that we where loosing some ground to erosion and needed to think about erosion control by building a retaining wall.  So the building project has evolved from fence to retaining wall. Here are a couple pics of the retaining wall that show the amount of ground being lost to erosion.  Once the retaking wall is completed I t will be back filled with dirt.

This week I intend to place orders for 1/4 mile of chainlink fencing and the remaining galvanized poles needed to complete the property fence. Will stil need to purchase more rebar and razor wire for top of fence but getting close. Here are some pics of how the fence is progressing.

With God’s provision, the crew will get the materials needed to complete the fence and retaining wall projects by early August as  Patrick, (Lisa’s brother) and I, will be returning to Puerto Lempira August 16-31 in hopes of starting the well and well-tower project and plans for a “pila”or place to wash clothes and a septic system with a outdoor bathroom and shower built into the well tower design. I will also have copies of the completed house plans for Red Sea Ministry, with intentions of meeting with and certain builder in the area in hopes of obtaining an idea of the overall cost of building the home.

Lisa and I have completed and submitted our applications for career missionaries with ACTION International, all in hopes of being accepted and attending orientation in mid-September. We are currently studying online seminary coarses “Dimensions of the Faith” at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

Giving gratitude and praise to our Heavenly Father for loving us, guiding our steps and always being faithful. Knowing His timing is perfect. Praying for God’s will to be done, clear vision of that will, peace, and a quickening of The Holy Spirit to give us the abilities needed, asking God to use me for His glory. Thanking each of you for coming along side us, and lifting us all, in prayer.

In  Jesus’ mighty and glorious name, Amen.

God is good.  A lot has been happening since my last post, Chuck has hired four more men to help with the fence project and they have made exceptional progress. Posts are almost finished, 51 in total (I think?) and they have started laying the block along the parimeter that will level out each section, then the 2″galvanized poles will be added to help support the cyclone fencing.

As we continue to look ahead on this project, we are praying for God to help with details as Jon, a friend and neighbor here in Seattle is in negotiations with a couple of the Honduran’s to procure a 40′ shipping container, including delivery to the property, it will be the on site material and tool storage facility during construction.  Once a deal has been made, I will be able to start working on the order of cyclone fencing; I’ve been told there is a three week turn around on all orders.  All of this requires much monies and is a bit of a tap dance, God continues to providing at this point.  Everything needs to happen in a particular order and this is only the beginning.  The blessings the IVA School offers to the children of La Moskitia is something Lisa and I very much want to be a part of, and our vision will allow more of the impoverished boys the ability to take advantage of such an incredible experience by having a secure, nurturing, Christ-centered family setting home that will give them the advantage to focus on school while attending 7th thru 12th grades at Instituto Vida Abundante.  Let’s help more of these kids find Abundante Life!

Another note, Lisa and I have made a decision to move forward and have applied with ACTION International Ministries to be career missionaries. Lisa and I have also started a bible certificate and study program with Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary.

Other than that, work for both Lisa and I is busy, and feel very blessed to be that way.

So again we are giving all this up to our Lord, please join us in prayer concerning the equipment needed and the material’s needed and for His perfect provision and timing, giving thanks to God for all He continues to do in and through our lives.

May not look like much yet, but God has given us a vision, one that will provide a safe, loving, stable environment for the impoverished boys of this area allowing them to grow and become Puerto Lempira’s next leaders and male role models.  I know it won’t happen over night and there will be struggles along the way.  I do feel somewhat equipped through my own struggles and knowing that I have the most well thought, Godly, loving, fun, sweet, in-tune, strong woman I could ever ask for, all found in Lisa, standing next to me.

The trip was not without some times of worry.  Like the moment when Chuck thought it was a good idea to burn the thick piles of dead grass  from clearing the fence line.

Not such a great idea, as it took all eight of us working to beat the fire back with tree branches before everything went up in flames! Let me say fire is no joke, it grows fast, wind comes from nowhere and don’t forget it’s HOT!  Thanking God for protection and helping to put this fire out.  Needless to say, I don’t think Chuck will be trying that again.

The purpose of this trip was to finalize the property purchase and to put claim on the land (aka corner posts).  As you have probably read, I, through the power of God and your prayers, have been able to do far exceedingly more than I ever imagined possible.  We have completed the (10) most important posts, including the gate posts and the the six corner posts, as it is not a square shape plot.  We also set an eleventh rebar post and poured the footing.  Perhaps more importantly, I was able to strengthen existing realationships and was blessed with forging new ones, in turn allowing for me to secure concrete pilings for the future construction of a 100’+ dock.  Dinner with a couple friends below.Picture of Todo (left) and Osiris (right) both born and raised in Puerto Lempira.

Todo offered to help locate a 20′ container in country so that I could have a secure place for tools and materials on site.  Quicker than importing one as storage is a necessity ASAP.  Osiris has offered his help concerning the water well, when ready.  And I can’t say enough about Alex, for only through his friendship and generosity have I been able to assemble a crew of men to help build this vision we’ve been given, I guess you can say they got “trial by fire” ughh.  Also, Alex has really stepped up for me by storing the tools we have gotten so far, my bike and the materials I was able to purchase today – that being  50-20′ long 2″x 2mm thick round fencing poles that will be placed between the concrete posts and cinder block to support cyclone fencing.  Those poles needed to be purchased in La Ceiba, in person along with the shipping to Puerto Lempira.  Yet another thing that could not have happened without the help of my good friend and previous missions teammate Matt McCollum (sorry to say didn’t think of taking a pic, just enjoyed my fellowship with him).  Thank you Lord for making all these connections weave together so effortlessly.  No way could I have thought of all this in order for it to happen so seamlessly.  It was sad to leave -people seemed to be warming up to yet another gringo, making me feel a connection.  Many of who I consider friends, showed up at the airport at 7am to see me off.  Marco was first to show and then left without saying goodbye, those maybe a bit hard on the boy. Then Aldolfo showed up even though he was looking for me to give him another 200 limps after he just got paid yesterday for six days wages, when I told him “no” he asked if I might be able to bring him a 36″ plasma tv when I come back. LOL!!   Makes me wonder how Bill Gates feels all the time?  Then Osiris, Alex, and Chuck followed by Todo, (who by the way doesn’t know there are two 7 o’clocks in a day, he only knows of the one associated with dinner) all came to see me off.  So that really made me feel special.I will be missing these guys!  I am a man truly blessed!  More than ready to see my wife, little more than 24 hours I will be home.  Asking for continued safety over all my friends in Honduras, including the guys working on the project.  Praying for God to be glorified and praised over this vision and people to come along side us best they can.

Mike out. Godspeed

Easter is always a special time for the Christian, our faith is a resurrection faith.  With Christ’s well documented resurrection believers can be secure in eternal, life with Christ.

(1 Cor. 15:22 )  “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all be made alive.”

The Easter celebration was conducted at the new property and included the Alex Waits family, Linda, with the Mama Tara’s family of nearly 40 children along with a couple of mission teams visiting Mama Tara’s from North Carolina and Mississippi.  One gentleman from the North Carolina team preached the good news of the resurrected Christ with scripture readings, we then joined in communion, and were led in worship by Alex and Laura’s oldest son Aden, followed by several baptisms out in the lagoon, including Alex and Laura’s middle son Adam, ending with lots of swimming and lots of fresh, sweet Honduran watermelon.  I only wish I would have taken more pics as I was videoing it all on my GoPro.  Again just another confirmation of God’s presence here with us, glory be to God. Amen.  What an amazing way to christen this place of refuge for the boy’s to come.

  
Saturday night I had another amazing experience as Alex and Laura extended an invitation to join them for a family meal that they had prepared together.  Son Aden, was the pizza maker, Dad Alex, kneaded the dough, Mom Laura, made a salad and cookies, youngest son Arron, cleared the table and the most adorable KumiJoy, wiped the table down. We shared in much fellowship with Alex and Laura, and enjoyed the kids very much.  They made me feel right at home.  They are missed already.

   Saturday was the last day worked at the property as we did not work on “Good Friday”.  Kind of seems strange to refer to it as “good” while “we” were at our worse, but I understand how it was good for us, nonetheless kinda weird to me.

Saturday was exciting as I got to see the first concrete post uncovered, very similar to unwrapping a Christmas gift. We were able to disassemble and reassemble all four forms, pour three of the forms with concrete and digging of two more holes.  Making a total of seven completed posts in five days.  Tomorrow will be my last day working the project and am looking to pour the remaining empty form, make two more rebar skeletons putting them in place by pouring the two footings.

Thank you Lord, for saving me…..

I thought I knew how to do quite a bit but I can see God using all these experiences to humble me.  I cannot even tell the butcher what cut of meat I’d like, talk about option paralysis.   I posted my first YouTube video at

Check it out to see a quick video of how our Tuesday was.  Even with the less than hospitable weather we were able to get the four footings poured with rebar in place between the deluges.  We spent our day drying out, then getting wet again, no place to hide in the biosphere.  On my way back into town I was able to stop at the House of Hope for a quick pick me up, the kids really give a nice little boost of energy.  Not a lot of pictures Tuesday because of the wetness.

Today was a much better day.  Starting to really enjoy my morning ride to work, I think I’m going to try and GoPro it tomorrow.  Today we were able to do three forms and fill them with concrete and dig three more holes and finish with clearing the fence line mostly, which may not sound like a lot but I can tell you at near 90 degrees with 70-100% humidity these can be pretty brutal working conditions. So far as close I can figure, the posts project alone will be in the neighborhood of $10,000 then there is the rows of cinder block three high in between posts and 6′ cyclone fencing above that, topped off with the constantine wire to provide security. Budget wise I feel this is on par with my estimates of $20,000 for the completed fencing project, allowing $2,000 for two gates, one large double swing 15′ main gate and one smaller beach access 10′ gate both custom welded, including paint.

The best part of the day came this evening when after Cena and I had been in a bit of a disagreement concerning an accessibility issue this past couple days, I agreed to meet her and her husband Jose along with their son Cheldon out at the property to discuss possibilities.  They asked if I had any interest in purchasing another piece of land. One touching ours and out to a new road she is putting in?  Size approx. 80’x250′.  She knew somewhat of our idea to possibily add a girls dorm and this would be an acceptable option for all.  They told me that they would give me a dollar amount later in the evening, so after I ate dinner we sat down and they threw out a $7500 amount,  I feel closer to $2500 would be appropriate but told them we had no interest at this point, due to the commitment we have made concerning the earlier purchase. I then began to expound on our God given vision.  They love the vision that we have been given concerning a home for the boys in need so they can focus on a proper education while being a part of a nurturing family fueled by the love of Christ. Let me remind you all that this is Mama Tara’s daughter, and Mama Tara is of the most well respected people in Puert Lempira God rest her soul, as she began the first orphanage in La Moskitia, trying to help and love every child that came her way. By the end of our conversation they had told me they heard how well I have been doing with the neighbors and added they too would like to help in any way possible.  (They could always gift us the land? Right?) But, I’ll let God handle that one. In ending of our time together they shared with me that they “feel as if Mama Tara brought me down here to them personally.” What a great confirmation as to the light being given off by this mission even in its infant stages. I too see that all the workings involved in our new direction can only have been orchestrated by our Divine Creator. I am equally assured that many prayers have been answered by what I’m able to share here although I can’t see them all, I am definitely being lifted up by your supplications. Please continue to pray for relationships, wisdom and humility and the ability to show GODS LOVE TO ALL.
Good night and God Bless.

I am one of those guys who likes to have a couple cups of coffee before I start a big days work, even more so if it’s the Honduran variety.  As God would have it, the muchacha who normally prepares the coffee here was mas tarde and time forced me to get on my bicycle and ride the three miles or so out of town to meet with my new crew at 7am without a coffee.  Apparently I was anxious enough and didn’t need the extra caffeine.  God knows best.  Upon arrival we reintroduced ourselves and talked briefly about our plan of attack.  Then we got down to business and opened our work day in prayer,  led by one pastor of a local Baptist church,he is the one wielding the breaker bar who, I lovingly refer to as Pastor – and who better could we have break the ground than Pastor?  The gentleman to his left is Chuck, my English speaking foreman, and to his right is Aldolfo along with Aldolfo’s son (not pictured).  I also employed our “el vecino” (neighbor) and his son to help clear a five foot swath along the property lines.  Once Chuck and I had the men digging holes we went for materials.  Again, great is God as He provided Alex and Chuck who knew where to go and who to talk to for some small tools, rebar and cement, that could be delivered; they were sure to get me started and on the right path with zero stress.  God is good.  There was one small mishap at the end of lunch as Aldolfo’s son came back with my bicycle and managed to crash 50′ from safety, cutting his ankle.  Note to self *buy one good first aid kit no matter how little room you have during travel.

Mid morning I had a couple of the younger boys come searching to see how they could help.  Even though they may slow things down a bit I like to give them a chance to see what work is about and have no problem putting a shovel or hammer in their hands for a short time.  And as you can probably see, I haven’t quite yet gotten in touch with my inner Moskito but assure you, it’s there.

The boys showing me how to beat the heat. I apologize for no smile, it must be the daisy on my head;) maybe it’s the lack of coffee? Anyhow I will be sure to work on that.

By 3pm four holes where dug 3’x3’x3′ deep for the footings of the posts and in three of them we hit water at roughly 30″?

Pastor and Aldolfo’s son with bandaged foot

The powerhouseAldolfo

Hole one

That is not a problem as it only makes the concrete cure slower which as I understand it makes for a stronger piece.  After holes where dug we started to cut and bend the 1500 feet of rebar we purchased.

Hoping to complete the rebar reinforcements tomorrow allowing us to pour concrete Wednesday!  Suddenly the post project is well underway.  Wanting to thank you all so very much for lifting the people of La Moskitia, me and this project up in prayer.  You are all so amazing to me as is the way God brings His people together to glorify Him.  I could not do this without each one of you praying.  Praising and loving God more each day as I clearly see Him working in and around my life.

Giving a shout out to my beautiful wife whom I love and miss dearly.

Without a doubt mornings are my favorite, it is amazingly quiet here, even before the chickens start crowing, the men paddling their dugouts around are some of the first noises, then the birds start singing (yes, that includes chickens). Then you begin to hear the Miskito language and people mulling around sweeping and the power boats start their cacophony.  I know this is as good as it gets for me, because that beautiful sun takes no time to burn through the marine layer, then it will be 85′ degrees feeling like 90′!   Although the trip has had its difficulties so far, I am grateful God has chosen me for this role and He never ceases to surprise me with His mercy.  Maybe it’s the Christian couple he sits next to me on the ride into San Pedro Sula, or the way everything arrived with me except for some new drill bits that didn’t make it out of Seattle, or the way Alex picked me up at airport to take me to the place I’m staying, only to realize the woman that owns the hotel is the very same one we purchased the land from,  or how I was able to procure all the lumber needed for the forms in one stop!  “Timbre” as they call it here can be a huge commodity; or how when the second day I was here my rear derailleur on my bicycle broke in two, and at home this would be a $100 minimum fix only to discover I could buy one from China and have it installed for 70 Limpera (about $3.50 US); or the way Alex was prepared to let me employ his crew – the guys involved with the on going school project, or even the fact that Cena’s son Cheldon speaks good English and final paper signing was relatively easy, with one prayer request that I would be able to stay Christ-centered as I will be meeting with Cena’s husband to negotiate access due to the fact that after said papers were signed, she told me the road leading into our property was “her property”.   On another note, seldomly have I ever felt like such a rock star as when I rolled up to the  House of Hope on my bicycle, and the kids went crazy.  Kind of like when I see my nephews, Titus, Levi and Shadrach 😀 (making me a bit homesick). Thursday and Friday were all about measuring the property and  sizing it up. This weekend I was able to get the forms, braces and stakes for the four posts made at House of Hope where I also delivered 61 onesies for the babies and another twenty where donated to Mama Tara’s (the other orphanage). On a sad note, House of Hope lost a precious new baby today and some of the form scraps where used to build the coffin.

I went to the Moskito church with Marco this morning from 9 to noon.  Marco was able to translate a bit directing me to the book of Luke. Missing my dog (see below, I got a way with dogs and kids I guess).

Oh how I’m going to miss my church!  I do apologize for not clueing everyone in earlier, I’m missing my best half and recognize a constant battle going on.  I thank all of you for your prayers, they are welcomed and needed. I was reminded by my BFF that doubt is of the devil, God is faithful and people are not the enemy, it is Satan wanting to divide, concur and wreak havoc.  Remembering to let God do the heavy lifting, may the Holy Spirit guide me and strengthen me, for when I am weak He is strong.  Reminding myself this is God’s plan, He led us here, He wants the boy’s house and He knows how it will be accomplished.

In Christ love.

It is important for me to remember that Satan can and has used comfort to keep God’s people immobile. As we have returned home and have continued to unpack the emotions, desires and dreams for a possible future ministry in Puerto Lempira, I can tell you, for me this is an exciting also scary time in my life.  Just to catch you all up to speed, Lisa and I have been feeling drawn to helping the kid’s see God’s truths, and the hope that can only come from knowing the one true God working in their lives.  So then we ask, “God, what does that look like?” and over the last year or so we began to feel the desire to care for and provide a home for the student who doesn’t have family to support, nurture and guide them while attending the IVA school, currently 7th thru 9th grades.  I spoke in an earlier blog about this amazing ministry our friends Alex and Laura Waits began back in 2011, how it has been blessed and grown and continues to grow.  Please learn more about them at ReachoutHonduras.org.   We briefly met them on our first trip down to Honduras in 2012, we were on our way home after a medical/building mission trip we took.  It has been a beautiful thing to see how God has used them to show love, feed and educate so many kids. It is truly inspiring, we see them as God’s hand at work in La Moskitia.  We have been blessed with their friendships, while on our last visit we had a chance to sit down and ask their opinion, as we discussed with them our thoughts of how God may want to use us.  They shared with us, that the idea for a stable, loving home for kids without families attending their school was a good one.  We were told this would be an answer to many prayers, and that was confirmation to us of God’s prompting in our lives.  I’ve said it before and I’m sure I’ll say it again, “When God says Yes, no one can say No.”  What a great opportunity to pour into the lives of the next generation leaders of Puerto Lempira!

Step 1.

Lisa and I purchased an undeveloped piece of land just outside Puerto Lempira city limits; three acres on the lagoon with large coconut trees, mango trees and the likes.  I am trying to curb my enthusiasm and realize that now, more than ever, it’s about God’s timing and His plans for the next 50 years of my life. Praying for Him to prepare the hearts of the people there, to help gather up the necessary resources including placing in my life the right people who can work together in the future days, weeks, months and years.  Prayerfully asking for wisdom, protection, safety and patience with this project.  My next trip down will be a short one, 12 days in Puerto Lempira.

I will be going alone and leave on the 15th of March and plan on blogging the entire way. Reason for this trip is to build (4) large 2’x 2’x 10′ high concrete property corner posts that incorporate fencing for the compound and to solidify plans to have the fence project mostly finished while I am state side helping people to see things a bit more clearly in my window cleaning business;)

Well, as we continue to take steps in faith in order to further God’s Kingdom, I am realizing how Satan begins to shoot his arrows and place obstacles in our path. I won’t bore you with those details but would like to take a moment to share a few of the praises we are singing to our faithful Creator and how we have already seen Him at work, helping us to lay the foundation.  First for giving us this desire to serve Him.  Putting the right people in the right place at the right time, for instance giving to me a friend I can count on to help with the details like the friend I have in Osiris, he is the one we shared our dream with and that knew of the property and the person selling it, also he was a great help with the negotiations. Genny, the attorney for House of Hope who, God brought to HOH with another totally separate mission team the day before we were to leave, allowing us to meet her and discuss our interest in purchasing a piece of land.  Genny has been working with HOH from the beginning and has helped Katrina/Roger purchase their land, and it’s my understanding, she works with Alex and Laura as well.  Last but not least, the way God had it in my heart to be putting away monies, other than our savings so I could spend it as I wanted, all the time I was thinking it was for a ’68 Chevelle, with a 503 c.i. motor and a blower to boot!, that’s about 650 hp on pump fuel! WOW!! I’ve had my eyes on this car for about a year. Boy o’ Boy I would have probably got into some trouble with that thing.

I guess God had other plans.