where to next? Part II

As many of you may know, I have been in Honduras for 2.5+ years. My first commitment was 1 year in the SALT program and then I took a 2 year assignment with a different MCC partner in Santa Rosa de Copan. In case you were keeping track, that 2 years is up in July. So, many people have asked me--what's next?

A few months ago, I was approached about taking an interim assignment with MCC and staying in Honduras awhile longer, but moving (again!) to another city. This time to San Pedro Sula, the big, bad city, according to all Hondurans not from San Pedro! But I felt that God was opening a door, extending a new challenge my way, and after a lot of prayer, discussion, deliberation, etc, I accepted the position.

So, as of July 1st I will be the Interim country representative for MCC in Honduras! The contract is for 6 months, with the possibility of extending up to one year if they do not find new country reps soon. I will be packing up and moving to San Pedro in June, with the hopes of having a few weeks to settle in, have some more training with the current reps, and then start in July.

I am really honored that they chose me for this position and believe in my potential to fill some very big shoes and take on some very big responsibilities! Many days I wonder if I am up to the task, but I know that I will learn a lot and it will be great experience for whatever comes down the road.

Of course with any transition, there is always anxiety and nervousness about all the "new" to come. I have already learned my way around 2 cities and built a network of friends and "family" in these two very different parts of Honduras. To start again from scratch in a new place is a bit daunting. Also, knowing that it is short term (but not a clearly defined time) adds its own layer of difficulty.

Many also ask, "but what about Henry???!!!???" :) Well, he is definitely still in the picture, and he is very supportive of this new role, recognizing what a great opportunity this is for me. The plan is to take turns visiting each other on the weekends, but we will have to see how it works with our respective schedules and responsibilities. We know it will be a big change from living in the same town to being 3 hours apart, but we are both willing to make it work.

So for now, this is what I know, and this is what is next. I will get to go home at the very end of June and into July, mostly to attend some leadership training with MCC in Akron, PA...but also to meet my nephew who is arriving soon!! Very excited about that. As always, I appreciate your continued prayers and support as I wrap up my time in Santa Rosa and look ahead to all the challenges and changes of moving to San Pedro in the very near future!

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 :)