Honduras part II

I was born in Honduras and lived there the first 8 years of my life. After my parents moved away we still continued to visit over the years. Danny and I were able to go on several trips with my parents, before we married and after. It has been 15 years since Danny and I had been to Honduras. We were able to see many friends, and loved ones. 

 My parents with the Sandovals (my sister in laws parents), in Spanish they are 'consuegros' (we don't have a word for it in English.)

 In Siguatepeque we had a great lunch at the Granja D'Elia, the kids liked seeing the monkeys and the parrots.

 These sweet girls are like nieces to me, their mother Lesbia lived with us when we lived in Honduras. It was so kind of them to give up their rooms so we could stay with their family. I loved seeing my kids play with hers.

 Naomi and Marcela

 It was like a homecoming, being able to see so many friends. It was especially exciting for me to see the influence my parents had on so many people when they lived in Honduras. Teenagers would come up to  my parents and say "I don't personally know you but my parents think the world of you and pray for you every day. Thank you for investing in my parents." During the Sunday church service the man who was preaching spotted my Dad, he called out 'Don Pat', he stopped speaking, walked over to my dad and hugged him. He then said 'I am sorry it is not every day you Pat Davie in the service'. These were young men my Dad spent hours with mentoring. To see the respect and reverence they have for him was incredible. 

 The Alvarado family has grown. 

It was good to see David & Fernanda too!

 Last but not least we got to see Don Julio Marriaga, let me tell you, he looks great. He was my fathers mentor when we moved to Honduras in the 70's and he is like a Grandfather to me. It was so much fun to sit and talk with him and have my kids listen to him tell stories. My dad was also remembering stories from years back.

We had great times with good friends and made wonderful memories.

Honduras part I

Last month Danny was asked to teach a workshop at a Conference in Honduras. It was a Business as Missions Conference. He spoke on the Biblical approach in Business and the Theology of Vocation.

It was extra special because my parents were there too. 

We had a great time with other CAM missionaries from Honduras and Dallas.

our kids really enjoyed making new friends. They are looking forward to seeing them again at our CAM Convocation next summer.

Mr. David Paul Ekstrom

     Today is a sad day here in Guatemala. Mr. David Ekstrom went to meet his savior this morning, he was 85 years old. Dave was one of the most loving, humble, faithful servants I have had the privilege to meet and work with. He  leaves behind a legacy of 60 years of faithful ministry. He and his sweet wife Helen (who survives him) dedicated their lives to Bible translation among the indigenous people of Guatemala, including the K'anjobal, Popti' (formerly Jacalteco) and Chuj. Danny and I count it a privilege to have been able to work with them the last few years. I am honored to have had them in our home, call them friends and team mates. We loved to sit and listen to the incredible stories from their pioneer days when they first got here to Guatemala. To be able sit in workshops under them and be in awe at the knowledge he and Helen both have about the Scriptures. Mr. David will truly be missed by many people all over the world (but especially Guatemala). 

Please pray for his dear wife Helen of 61 years, she is an incredible lady who served faithfully by his side their whole marriage.

Puppies!!

Our boxer dog Roxy had puppies, they are so cute. They are almost three weeks old. 

The kids are really enjoying them. 

 Naomi and one of the puppies.

 This picture could have so many cute captions....

Just a few days after they opened their eyes.

Naomi has Graduated from Preschool

 This past school year Naomi has had the wonderful privilege of attending 'La Escuelita Puerta Abierta'   It was a great time for Naomi, she was able to meet new friends and learn great things. This morning we went to her Graduation. It was so neat to see all that she had done and learned. 

 Naomi and her friends 

 Miss Amanda

 Watching the fun slide show of the whole year.

All her teachers

Naomi and Juanita

Tortillas.....

When you hear the clapping of hands and smell tortillas cooking you know it is time to eat. Here in Guatemala tortillas are served with every meal. In this video you can see how to make tortillas on a "plancha" (flat griddle with fire underneath). Keep in mind these women do not use a spatula or tongs, to pick them up or flip them over, they have hands of steal. My favorite time to eat a tortilla is hot off the plancha with a little salt sprinkled inside then rolled up, it is delicious. 

Now let me tell you, as easy as she makes this look, just pick up a little masa (freshly ground corn, dough) roll it up then flatten it out, right? Well, after 4 years of living here in Guatemala I can make tortillas but I do not look as graceful and natural as this sweet lady. I also might add that my tortillas are not always round and as thin!!! It is an art that is learned from the time the girls are old enough to clap. Chloe Ann and Naomi make much better Tortillas than I do!

Abigail's bed...

This was our solution to having a bed room too small for a crib to put Abigail in. Danny suggested we go shopping on one of the Main streets here in Santiago, he had seen this hammock before. It is a really neat hammock that hangs from the ceiling. We hung it high enough so it won't hit our feet, and yet Abi is still close by.