Starting Year TWO!
September 1, 2024
8 Loobys + 1 new son-in-law = our family of 9 💕
While back in the US this summer, we got daughter # 1 married off, got kids # 2 and # 3 moved into college, and now we're back in Honduras with # 4, # 5, and # 6!
It's been exactly one year since we left the US and sometimes it's odd to look back on how this year has evolved and changed - changed our expectations, changed our plans, changed our perspectives, and changed our lives. And despite a lot of unexpected changes, if given the chance, I don't think I'd change a thing. Everything happens for a reason and although sometimes that reason isn't immediately clear, we always know that He holds us in the palm of His hand and all the trials and crosses we bear are for our ultimate good. It's how we handle carrying them that determines how we view the world and how we can find joy and hope in all circumstances.
When we made the decision to continue mission/volunteer work and start a second year, it didn't really feel like a decision at all. One of the things we've vowed to do is to remain open and flexible, just saying yes to the opportunities, things, and people in front of us. We will continue this work and this way of life for as long as we feel like it's what God wants us to do and for as long as we have the donors and supporters who believe in what we're doing enough to make it possible and sustainable. We've been so fortunate that through the generosity of benefactors and our own savings (and living frugally), we've been able to volunteer for over a year without taking any payment from any of the people we serve for any of the services or classes we offer, while also providing them with many material needs as well. God is so good and really does provide.
Because we've just returned, there's not a lot to report on for this particular blog post. But we'll be jumping back into a lot of projects and programs and will have a bigger update next month! One thing we're super excited about is we're going to start offering free English classes twice a week in 2 different locations, open to anyone in the community and for all ages. In lieu of payment, since people do want to contribute something in exchange for the classes, we're asking for voluntary donations of nonperishable food items from those students who wish to “pay” and our goal is to establish a Food Pantry here so that there is always a reserve of food items when people come to us and need assistance. Food insecurity is a huge problem here but there are not a lot of safety nets in place. Having worked in the food pantries in both Fredericksburg, VA and Harrisville, NY, this is a cause that's very close to my heart. I think it's so important to have something like this that is provided BY the community, FOR the community where citizens have a sense of ownership of helping each other. Of course, we'll take outside donations to support it as well, but my primary goal is to have it supported and sustained through our English class students and other locals.
In the meantime, in the absence of a food pantry of reserves, we're doing what we can to help the families who contact us by buying and delivering groceries and supplies. Here are some photos of Pat and the girls bringing food to a family with 10 kids and a single mom with a newborn.
This is the house where a family lives with their 10 children.
And a few other pictures from our first week back…
Homeschooling has started back up for the year! 6th, 9th, and 11th grade
We're partnering once again with Operation Backpack Honduras, and local officials, to plan Day of the Child celebrations in 5 different schools and a local church community. This holiday, celebrated every year on September 10th, is a HUGE deal in Honduras. Lots of pics to come next month!
Bernadette entertaining one of the babies of one of the teen moms that Pat tutors and who we've befriended.
Vivian and Helen playing cards with Oliver, the son of one of the staff. He wants to learn English, and they need to practice Spanish, so it's perfecto!! 😊
More to come next month as we get back into the swing of things!
In the meantime, if you would like to join with us in this work, we are extremely grateful. In addition to generous one-time donors, we have a few monthly donors and I can't tell you how helpful that is, to be able to count on consistent monthly support, not only for our own family, but to be able to commit to consistently helping individuals we serve. You would be amazed at how much $10 or $20 per month can do! (Of course we're not turning down $1,000 checks either, haha!)
Two ways to support (both are 100% tax deductible):
Online, where you can choose to make a one-time or monthly gift: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=RBTQL9EPAMEN8
By mail:
Cumbre Family Missions
7124 Salem Fields Blvd., #140
Fredericksburg, VA 22407
You know what they say… “When God blesses you financially, don't raise your standard of living, raise your standard of GIVING!” 😉
Thank you so much for your continued support and prayers.
Paz y bien,
Shannon
