Under a bright full moon on a breezy dark night we headed off to the shoreline with a group of children armed with flashlights and a big flour sack. Amid the washed up debris and mangrove trees, under abandoned buildings and an old dock, we were on a mission to hunt for crabs. Imagine being 5 -7 years old and participating as a primary means of hunting crabs, fishing and diving for conch so your family might have enough to eat. With all the fun to be had, for these kids this wasn't just about a good time, but the possibility of good dinner the next day. I wish I could describe in words so you could hear the voices of the children, their island dialect and cheering, their encouragement to one another and the slightly poetic grammatical flow of the island. It's not easy for little hands to apprehend big carbs with giant pinching claws. It's quite a clamorous event, but once the crab is contained and proudly dropped into the flour sack, little faces swell with pride and boast of how big that one was while others offer their congratulating agreement.
It’s hard to believe, but we have reached that day where the 1 month countdown has begun. Flights are booked out of Roatan on November 23rd. It struck me as I sat on the wood deck with the kids before school playing UNO how much I am going to miss them, and it seems strange at this point to step away from Helene and in just a few hours return to a completely different place. Hair dryers come to mind. And this is the longest I’ve ever gone without driving a car.
Some afternoons a child will just ask to do Bible study with, desiring to just sit on the deck and read verses together. Partnerships with churches in the US are leading to increased discipleship and pastoral training for leaders in the island. And more than ever I see how God has put his people in a body, put us together to be unified for His purpose of making his glory and kingdom known throughout the earth.
English school is in the middle of finals this week. We are waiting for the rainy season to begin any day now, and thankfully the clinic has slowed down after a few weeks of rampant illness throughout the island of varying diagnoses. I was not exempt and found myself knocked off my feet for a few days, just when a team from my home church came into town. Regardless, what a wonderful week it was, full of laughter, song and a little dancing. The team hosted a singing contest which brought the largest turnout from all over the island than any event anyone could remember.
As we wrap up in the coming weeks for a visit to family and friend, I am also making preparations and looking ahead. I believe God is calling me to stay in Helene so my time in the states will be full of many things. I ask you to pray with me and our team as we prepare for the transitions ahead and as we seek Jesus to show us his plans for the coming year, make a way for financial provision, and direct us in how HE desires to work in the island and in us. Thank you for your prayers, partnership and support as you share in the ministry here in Helene.
