Sight seeing and back home

Our last day was a day of sight-seeing. shopping.  What a beautiful country Honduras is with the majestic mountains and green foliage everywhere.  A time to truly appreciate God's creation and to learn more about the history and culture there.  We also had breakfast at a restaurant that had a little zoo in the back.  The kids enjoyed talking with the colorful birds there as they mocked what they said.  I also had the opportunity to give Jorge Pinto some supplies for Project Manuelito from the Life in Christ Fellowship Church.  A blessing! 
We appreciated your continued prayers as Rebecca was ill on Sunday night through Monday.  She was beginning to feel better as Monday went on.  God continued to have His hand on each of us as we left from Tegucigalpa relatively healthy.
God was at work as we had the opportunity throughout this trip to be SALT and LIGHT in the name of Jesus if even for a short time with each acquintenance.  The acceptance of the people there and the demeanor of the students provided joy in each encounter.  May we apply this joy in our daily lives and routines in our own communities. 
Please pray as we all reflect on what God desires from us as a result of this experience.  What are some next steps in our journey of faith?  Pray for each one to be obedient to what the Lord desires for His plan of for each of us.  And be in prayer for Larry and Angie Overholt, and the other missionaries and nationals there during this time of transition with handing over some leadership roles to the nationals and as Larry and Angie prepare for going home for a short time for health reasons.  God is faithful and may we all be faithful to His will.

Hola from Honduras!!

Me llamo Taylar, Brittany, y Erica...Spanish is a work in progress. We are a little slap happy the night before we head to Teguc and we decided to fill you all in on the juicy details that Deb decided to leave out...so here goes nothing!

Quotes/Facts from our Honduras adventure...

1. Geoff has a severe perspiration problemo. Like seriously needs to see a doctor. For proof check out the picture in the last blog posted.

2. Moving on. Don't let Landon size fool ya, he is much funnier than you may think. However, his minion Geo (AKA Geoff) is rubbing off on him. Not good. 

3. "Stop. You're annoying" - Brittany Workman every two seconds to Geoff Bowman

4. "Just call it Kentucky. He'll know what that means." - The first words that Larry ever spoke to us.

5. "Tu molestas" - The ONLY Spanish words that Geoff knows. It means you're annoying...go figure.

6. Linda. Enough said.  Hilarious. period.  As she she flails Yucca in the air, "I'm going to thinking about you as I walk 3 miles on the treadmill tomorrow!"  We love her!
 
7. Debra = little Debbie or also pequeno Debbie. AKA best roomie ever!

8. Some interesting sights at the beach.  A great time had by all!

9. We are literally celebrities here in Honduras. EVERY single person stares at us gringas...that's the affectionate term for Americans.

10. Crap...literally. - Anonymous

11. BOOM. "There goes another mongo." - Linda
       Brittany, Taylar, y Erica "So when you say mongo do you really mean MANgo?"

12. "I looked in the toilet and saw a couple turds" - Debbie....wow Deb way to rat us out.

13. "Lets go" - Landon

14. "That boys got a wingspan of 7 feet" - Taylar

15. The animals down here are NOT fixed...enough said.

16.  A few nights of music, one in particular with the Cha-Cha band.  Deb was able to learn a few dance
      moves from Brittany and Taylar!  Unforgettable!!!

17.  THANKS Angie and Larry Overholt, and Mark and Melanie Miller for everything!!!!  And Tim Spetnegal for the ride from Tegucigalpa

Well it's time to hit the hay.

Adios!

P.S. Shout out to the Pattie/Pattys - AKA Brittany and Taylar's Moms. Also shout out to Kim - AKA Erica's mama! AND Happy birthday Nel nel :)

Love you all!

Meet the cooks.....

We wanted to thank the wonderful cooks for our meals and the ease that they provided for Larry and Angie to keep us sustained.

A day of worship, preparing medications, and good-byes

Today was a busy day as we had church services in the morning and evening as well as spent a few hours preparing medications for the Pharmacy Team that will be coming next week from Cedarville University. 
The most difficult part was saying good-bye to the precious people we met the past week.  We are thankful our paths crossed and are blessed by the opportunity that the Lord opened up for us.  And as we prepare to leave for Tegucigalpa in the morning, I think of Paul as he spoke to the Corinthian Church and how he was thankful for them, and we will be praying for the wonderful Honduran people we met along the way.  1 Corinthians 1:3  "May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you his grace and peace."  That is our prayer. 

Here are just a few pictures of the happenings

A day at the coast, Kid's club

Another rainy day as we headed to the beach.  But that did not detour our efforts for a great time.  Even with the rain, the water was warm and by mid-day, the clouds were beginning to fade some, and we could see the mountains of Nicaragua to the left, and El Salvador to the right.  We also had fish and shrimp.  Very good!  The Hondurans eat the WHOLE fish, including the eyeball, so Geoff took liberty to do so as well to experience the culture fully!  Three or four of the girls decided they would play it safe and not try any of it...they packed peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.  :)

In the evening, we were able to participate in the Kids Club at church and interact with the kids through games.  A fun time had by all!

Special Prayer Requests

Please remember to continue to pray for all of us as we continue to soak in the culture and process what has been seen here in Honduras.  Special prayer requests for Heather and Brittany as they have been a bit under the weather with sinus and stomach issues.  They are doing better this evening, but continue to lift them up and that the Lord will allow them to rest and strengthen them.
Pray as we continue this weekend with more sight seeing and cultural experiences, that the Lord will show us ways in every encounter to show the love, grace, and peace of His divine character.  Landon requested that we finish "strong" on this trip.
God is a God of provision and we trust fully in Him.
God's grace to each of you as well.

Friday, May 18 Clinic and hospital experience rotations; Regional Director for Choluteca Tuberculosis Detection; Nursing Home visit

Once again, we headed out in the morning after stocking the wound care container for the hospital, and gathering glucose monitors and blood pressure cuffs for the clinics.  It was yet another day for them to see and hear as they see the health needs in Choluteca, and experience the culture in many ways.  As Landon put it after going to the hospital for wound care, "it is something that I had only seen in books" referring to some of the diabetic ulcers that needed treatment.  The doctor at one of the clinics shared that "one out of every three Hondurans have diabetes."  And as we witnessed with follow up patients there, many had blood sugars that were out of control from poor diet or medication control.  A huge problem with the bread and sugary drinks that are consumed.  Another clinic rotation was a patient who still had not shared about his diagnois
In the afternoon, we spent time with the Regional Director for Tuberculosis (TB) Detection.  She has been recognized for the part she has in developing a strategic plan for the department of Choluteca.  The Health Department continues to work on how to treat, control, and prevent this disease that is prevalent here.  The Choluteca Department is in the top 5 departments for TB diagnosis.  Some of the difficulty is patients developing resistance to first line drugs requiring other treatment that is much more costly.  Seventy new cases of TB have been diagnosed in this year alone to this date. 
Then it was off to visit the dear patients at the local nursing home run by the Catholic Church.  A blessing to see their faces light up with visitors there to spend some time with them. 

It is raining...cats and dogs....lions and bears, more like!  When it rains here, it absolutely pours!!!!!  And with some of the road conditions after such a rain, stops many events from happening due to difficult travel.

Thursday, May 17th Fluoride treatments at a village school

This morning we went to village school and had the opportunity to provide fluoride treatments to the children there grade 1 through 6.  We want to thank our dentists who provided toothbrushes, floss, and toothpaste for the children.  Dental care here in this village as well as many others is a huge need as sugary drinks and other snacks are what many of them consume.  And with the lack of available dental care in these remote areas, and the means to get it, many wait until there is much decay, and problems.

Continued education on appropriate eating habits, and proper brushing/flossing, with routine fluoride treatments can help to instill valuable habits into the lives of the people in the villages.

Wednesday, May 17, 2012 at hospital, clinics, and a visit to a local village

This morning, we hit the road early to go do rotations at the hospital as well as at 2 clinics.  There were once again, many eye opening experiences.  At the hospital we provided wound care, there was a 17 year old paraplegic caused from gunshot wounds in 2011, had 6 pressure ulcers many muscle deep.  His life is forever changed as the result of one tragic event.  May through God's grace, he find meaning and purpose that will bring fulfillment in some way. 
At the clinics, with the language barrier, many of students found that they were a little frustrated as communication was limited in many aspects especially with medical terms and having full understanding of discussion and treatment. 
One student witnessed a patient that felt blessed that he was in Honduras and was much better off then people in other parts of the world with less fortunate circumstances.  This brings a look within our own minds and souls that in our own lives, we can find joy in all life has to bring at us. 

Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV)
¹¹ I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

WOW!  May we sense the Lord in all circumstances and find His strength to learn the secret of true joy.

This afternoon, we went to a local village and learned about remedies from various plants for common ailments.  Each woman brought plants and then talked about how to and what ailment they are used for.  There were many children as well and we passed out candy, painted nails and play with them.  There were a set of 6 month old triplets that each one on the team absolutely fell in love with.  Pray for them especially as their father recently lost his job, and they are struggling to provide necessary nutrition for them.  We will be taking extra formula there tomorrow to assist for this dire need.  We also passed out skirts and quilts to the ladies for their families.  

Another full day and God continues to keep us healthy and strong for His service.  Thanks for your prayers!

Tuesday, May 15 Handwashing at local school, and Teleton visit

In the morning, we visited a local school to teach handwashing.  Thank you Marion General Hospital Parish Nurse Department for the handwashing kit!  It was a huge opportunity as well to play games, soccer, paint finger nails, and play on the playground equipment.  The kids were very timid at first, but it did not take long before all the children were interacting with the nursing students.  It was a wonderful time to show Christ's love through much activity and we are so blessed to be able to touch the lives of God's little ones, but each one of us are seeing the blessing they have had on our lives, even if for a morning.  We give glory and honor to God for our paths to cross!!!
In the afternoon, we took a tour of a private physical therapy facility.  This was an amazing place as they continue to try to meet the physical, social, and psychological needs of the people and families in Honduras.  What a blessing as these professionals show compassion and care for huge needs such as automobile/motorcycle accident victims, stroke patients, muscular disabilities, and a special attention to spina bifida and other complications as a result of difficult labors and those that are in the villages that do not get the appropriate medical care before, during, and after delivery. 
In the evening we went and learn more about the ministries around Honduras through World Gospel Mission, and had a wonderful traditional Honduran meal.  Thank you Mark and Melanie Miller!!!

Please continue to pray for all the needs of the people here and that through each encounter they have, God's love will be revealed and that their hearts will be forever transformed for His glory!

Pictures from previous entry of clinic, hospital, and village visit

Clinic and Hospital Experiences

Today we dispersed to a private clinic, an outpatient clinic, and the local hospital.  It was an eye-opening experience as we saw the process for the people in each setting.  In all areas, the nursing students were able to utilize nursing skills, but also see and experience the culture in new ways. 

At the private clinic, Dr. Giron, had to bring the news of a newly diagnosed woman with bone cancer. This impacted the students as they witnessed the poor prognosis as it was delivered to the family.  They also saw a patient who pulled up in a car with severe diabetic ulcers on both feet as they hung out the car window. 
At the outpatient clinic we saw three patients with a diagnosis of tuberculosis.  The third group was able to assist with dressing changes on surgical and medical wounds.  They saw a compound fracture with the bone of a gentleman's leg, exposed just below the ankle.  There were attempts to realign it right in the patient's bed.  The hospital group were on the local newscast with missionary Angie Overholt being interviewed. 

In the afternoon we went shopping for two local village families and distributed this food in order to provide for daily nutrition.  A huge burden as these families are trying to make ends meet.  These families have children who are also sponsored to attend school to be able for education, and learn skills to have a trade.  This will help to provide in a meaningful way to break the cycle of so many families.

The Lord is opening His world and the people He loves to each one on the team.  There is still so much to process and may the Lord continue to open our hearts and help all of us to have compassion and love for all people, where ever we are.

A special thank you to Marion General Hospital Parish Nurse Program for providing blood pressure cuffs and stethoscopes.  A set was presented to Fannie, a nurse who has recently completed her education to provide for her family. 

Another thank you to Ted and Hazel Dowden as we were able to give some of the skirts Hazel made to some of the girls of the local village.

Pictures to be added later.....

We arrived!

The IWU Nursing Team to Honduras arrived safely in Honduras.  Not without some incident as, Brittany's flight was delayed which would caused her to miss her connecting flight in Houston.  However, she was able to get another flight to Atlanta and then to Honduras which arrived shortly after our flight.  And all luggage arrived. 
The 3 hour ride from Tegucigalpa to Choluteca was a time of seeing the beautiful country with majestic mountains and skyline.  The sights along the road impressed upon each team member, the culture and flavor of Honduras.  One team member stated, "It is alot to process right now."  Our prayer is that the Lord will reveal what is to be learned and taken away as a result of this experience.
We settled in our rooms during a downpour of rain, but shortly after some were able to get in a swim at the pool.
We will be attending Sunday school classes and worship along with a Mother's Day Dinner and Program this evening at the Shalom church.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all our mothers.

Thank you for your intercession, and we appreciate your continued prayers.

Prayer as the Lord orchestrates ministry

The IWU Nursing Team will be heading to Honduras in just a few hours.  We appreciate your prayers as you review our tentative schedule so that you will know better how to pray.  Pray the Lord's anointing on the work as well as hearts that will be touched in each encounter.

Saturday, May 12, 2012  Travel to Honduras and orientation.  May we be a teachable team during this time

Sunday, May 13, 2012  Mother's Day.  Sunday school, worship services  Opportunity to pass out health materials and gifts to mothers and women

Monday, May 14, 2012  AM: Hospital and Clinic rotations.  May we be the healing hands where patients will see our care and Jesus will be revealed.  PM: Tour downtown and buy food for dorm students  May we be open to the culture and learn about the people and place where we are ministering

Tuesday, May 15, 2012  AM: teaching hand-washing in village school and tour of vocational school, adn blood pressure and blood sugar checks of adults.  May those that we meet, come to learn of the cleansing power found in Jesus.  PM: Tour of Telaton Therapy Services

Wednesday, May 16, 2012  AM:  Hospital and Clinic rotations.  PM:  painting project, nutrition class presentation with presentation of quilts to expectant mothers.  May we serve with humble hearts of service, and the Fruit of the Spirit be revealed that can provide a healthy spiritual life.  May God touch the lives of the mothers and may the children be raised up in Christ-like values in their lives 

Thursday, May 17, 2012  AM:  Fluoride treatment of children in village, visit mobile vocational classes, visit church  Possible blood pressure and blood sugar checks  PM:  visit village churches  Pray for ways to show Jesus love and kindness even in the midst of language barriers

Friday, May 18, 2012  AM:  Hospital and Clinic rotations.  PM:  Visit with specialist in charge of Tuberculosis detection for region.  May we bring kind care, and open ears to learn of ways to treat and prevent health issues for Honduras

Saturday, May 19, 2012  Free day  A time to reflect and meditate on lessons learned and what the Lord desires of us as a result of this experience

Sunday, May 20, 2012  Sunday school, Worship Services  May we join in the cultural opportunity to embrace serving and worshipping One God who reigns!

Monday, May 21, 2012  Travel to the capital city, tourist shopping, and overnight stay at mission house

Tuesday, May 22, 2012  Travel by air to States

Assisting Missionaries-Mark and Melanie Miller, Madeline, Breylon, and Marya

Along with Angie and Larry Overholt, the team will have the opportunity to serve with assisting WGM missionaries, Mark and Melanie Miller.  They work alongside the local Shalom Church as well in Choluteca, Honduras. This congregation has a vision to plant a daughter church among the dump community of Choluteca. The Millers eagerly anticipate working with the church to touch this community with the love and hope of Jesus.  To follow their blog and learn more the ministry there, click here.

Host Missionaries-Larry and Angie Overholt

The IWU Nursing Team to Choluteca, Honduras will have the privilege to serve in the ministries God has provided for Larry and Angie Overholt.  They have served with World Gospel Mission since 1982, and have been in ministry in Choluteca since 2000.  Their ministry involves facilitating community transformation with the regional ministry in Choluteca. They emphasize reaching out through church planting, evangelism, healthcare, recreation, economic development, and education.

We look forward to bringing nursing skills to assist in meeting healthcare needs as well as seeing what the Lord does in and through all involved.  Be in prayer for the IWU team, the missionaries, and nationals.  Pray Christ's love is demonstrated, and the Lord prepares hearts for transformation within each one touched through this experience.  May God's glory and presence be revealed.