Two weeks down - 11 to go!!!!

Thank God for ocean breezes! With my earnest appreciation of earthly breezes I have also realized a deeper desire for the fresh breeze of the Holy Spirit within me. Just a light breeze makes all the difference here on the island of Helene. Without a breeze, it is literally hard to breathe, and I find myself becoming listless, lifeless and unfocused on purpose. When a breeze begins to float in off the ocean, immediate refreshment is experienced – which leads to a burst of energy (as much as energy bursts in a 56 year old body) ensues allowing me to get back on track with the endeavors of the day. After being on island for two weeks, I am beginning to identify some prime locations where the breeze is more likely to be found; and that is where you will find me on a stifling hot, humid, breezeless afternoon.
What a parallel to our spiritual life sustaining

breeze of the Holy Spirit. Without it unfocused, lifeless efforts are produced. With it joyful, refreshing fulfillment is found. I will divert and allow Holy Spirit and yourself to take this as far as needed in your life.
We have made peace with the monkey “Poncho” – as you see in this picture of Terry holding him. He has decided our little neighborhood is safest refuge on the island.

This island’s culture seems to have no understanding of the term “pet”. All animals are looked upon as a food source (cattle, pigs, Iguanas, seafood), carbon based security system (dogs & chickens), work aide (horses & some dogs) or a pest. All of the above are expected to fend for themselves as far as eating, sleeping and healthcare needs. Therefore, they are allowed to graze freely from one end of the island to the other. There are no cattle/horse brands or dog tags to identify the owner – everyone just seems to know who each animal belongs to. (Part of the high-tech “island grapevine” communication system!) The only thing owners provide for the animals is a regular supply of fresh drinking water – which seems to be enough to bring them home periodically each day and every night. What a change from the American Pet Industry that takes in millions of dollars annually on pet clothing, toys and other non-basic items.

My interior clock is finally beginning to slow down a little bit. I am beginning to notice some of my surroundings through the sweat. The stars at night are miraculous with no shopping mall parking lights, etc…… to dim the view. Also the multi colors of the sky and sea are breath taking; especially so during the sunrise hours. So many hues of blues and greens give almost a kaleidoscope view of the landscape. So much beauty among so much poverty.

This week begins my experience in the school. Last week there was no school due to Honduras Independence Day holiday. I will be helping half of the time in the first grade class and the other half in the fourth grade class. Pray for extra measures of patience!

Terry continues to learn more about Island Healthcare and we both are continuing to focus on building relationships and trust with the Island population. Continue to pray for God to increase our love for the islanders during this time period.

Thanks for your spiritual support during this time of spiritual stretching for both of us. Please pray that our minds, eyes and ears will be open to catch all and every direction Holy Spirit provides us with.

We constantly remember you and thank God for you in our prayers.

In His Love,

Henry & Terry