Week-end Report - 23.10.2011

I was about to title this post "end of the week report" but realized that, it being Sunday, I would have fallen into grave theological error! Sunday, Resurrection Day, is always the first day of the week. Nevertheless, on this beginning to the week I report on the past week's activities.

The most noteworthy event from the week past was our move into our own home. With the help of friends from church we loaded, moved, and unloaded the items that the church had for our use. These included the major appliances, beds, dressers, and some shelves. This is a tremendous start. We still have to find some other furniture items (we're presently short on seating) but we are living comfortably in our new home.

We are already appreciating the benefits and discovering the shortcomings of our new place. The shorter trip to the city is a boon and Ellyn has already made use of the community swing-set and swimming pool. We miss the quiet and the view from El Hatillo where we stayed the first two months. At present I hear a car alarm (though we're used to those from our time in Racine and Milwaukee) and nearby there is a rooster who is apparently on Eastern Standard Time.

Another major event this week was the return of a key family from the church who had been in the states raising support for their ministry. They had generously offered us the use of their home during our first months. Since they contribute to the church in so many ways we are all glad that they have returned. Their return offered me my first opportunity to drive to the airport to pick someone up. I had previously only gone as a passenger. A small but useful skill!

Debbie has done some more driving and we are growing in our knowledge of the city and the shopping. Developing relationships is a key part of what we are doing right now so we eagerly accept any invitation to gather with others casually or formally. We even met some neighbors here in the community. The language barrier is a bit of a challenge for Debbie and Ellyn in these moments. Ellyn wanted to play but was hesitant to jump in as she usually does so eagerly.

And finally, for those of you whose word association with "Honduras" is of mud huts and natives with bones through their noses, you would be interested to know that we had a church fellowship yesterday. We went bowling. Yes, bowling. And it looked and felt like a bowling alley. (Though a bit quieter because there are only 8 lanes and weren't many other people there). To further confound your mental images, we only went bowling because the mini-golf place was closed for repairs.

Thank you for your prayers and encouragement!