next steps

It is hard to believe it, but as of today I only have 9 weeks left in my SALT assignment. While the first month did not go so quickly, the last 8 definitely have. I don't need to wonder if the next 2 will fly by as well.

As my host family begins to talk about my despedida (going away party) it only gets harder and harder to think about leaving. I have enjoyed living with them so much, even when they drive me a little nuts. I think it was highlighted even more this week in light of tragic events in the extended family (sudden death of a cousin, age 26). Although I felt uncomfortable dealing with the grief and not knowing what to say, the family never acted like I shouldn't be a part of things. In fact, they wanted me to be there, murmuring words of "you're such a apart of this family" as we hugged and cried together. It has been a difficult week, and I'm sure the healing process has barely begun, but I feel an even tighter connection with my family and their extended family and I am thankful they have been so warm and welcoming to me. Please pray for them as they grieve for the loss of their cousin, nephew and son, Eduardo.

*****

In other news, it has come time to share with you that I have finally made some plans beyond July 25 (end of SALT term). It was a slow process, but one I feel really good about and am excited to share with you.

I have been offered a 2 year position with MCC, continuing in Honduras, but with a new organization on the other side of the country, in Santa Rosa de Copan. The organization is called ACDIM (Associacion Cristiana de Desarollo Integral de la Mujer) roughly: Christian association for the holistic development of women.

Right now they do a lot of counseling and support for women in all walks of life, especially dealing with domestic violence. They are starting community groups in 4 rural towns around Santa Rosa, and want to begin trainings in various areas: self-esteem, health, raising children, family gardens, etc. Their goal for the next 2 years is to also implement savings and loan groups and begin training the women in money management and starting businesses to improve their economic situations. Of course, for me this is awesome :)

So, my job (as I know it now, but always subject to adjustments) will be working in the office to help with records, resources, grant-writing and possibly doing donor communication/promotion. I will likely assist with the community meetings and trainings, and in the future help start up a savings and/or loan program.

Reasons I'm EXCITED:

1. I really love Honduras, MCC Honduras, and am excited to stay longer and get to know even more of the country, people, language, etc.
2. The organization is small with 2 people running things right now. I really love the passion and faith of Ruth (director) and Oscar (assistant) and think I will have plenty of opportunities to explore my interests and use various gifts.
3. Getting to work with a grassroots organization and possibly starting a loan program is GREAT experience for the future.

Of course, there were reasons for hesitation in my decision:

• Leaving Tegucigalpa and moving to a new area means starting from scratch...having to learn a new area, build new relationships, etc. It also means leaving some great friends behind in Teguc.
• A 2 year commitment means I won't be seeing a lot of people in the states very often. Most importantly, my soon-to-arrive niece!
• Deciding if this is what the next step should be. Was this God opening a door or me trying to make my own way to stay in Honduras?

Thankfully, I had the opportunity to visit Santa Rosa in April and meet the director of ACDIM. We went to one of the communities where they are working and I helped with the meeting on my first day there. It was really great and I felt so excited and inspired by what they are doing there. Also, I love the town. Its so quaint and tranquil compared to where I live. Also, much safer, which is a great thing.

Since April I have felt very at peace about my interest and ultimately my decision in going to Santa Rosa. I am really looking forward to this opportunity to work and learn even longer in Honduras. The great thing is, a service worker for MCC, I don't need to raise more funds! Praise the Lord. I just ask each of you to go to your nearest MCC Relief Sale and eat lots of food (or buy a quilt!) to support the work that MCC is doing around the world.

I will still be returning to the States in July (25th I am free of responsibilities in Akron) and will be home til the first week of September! I hope with this amount of time I will be able to visit many of you (especially in Ohio and Pennsylvania) and catch up.

And...in case you were worried the blog was ending in July, there is good news! It may live on :)