A Lesson from a 3-year old.

The much needed blog that I told people about.

Monday morning I went to go take a shower because we were having some people come visit and well I needed one. Tatiana was in the house with Rhonda and I because she wanted to be and we were just getting things straightened up for the family coming so we let her come in. When I left Tatiana and Rhonda, Tatiana was coloring and I believe Rhonda was cleaning. Well the next thing I know, which was when I was washing my hair, I hear Tatiana yelling my name and banging on the bathroom door, while saying things in Spanish that I didn’t quite understand. I got “Nicole”, “no” and “Rhonda” out of everything she said. I was like what? Where’s Rhonda? After a few minutes (I had to wash the soap out of my hair as best I could) I opened the door and yelled to Rhonda to see what was going on and what she was saying. I then discovered that Rhonda had locked herself out of the house and Tatiana couldn’t get the door opened for her. I went to rescue Rhonda in my towel, soaking wet. It was so funny and awkward. Tatiana is so cute. I had to laugh. Who would have thought that a three year old was smart enough to go get the other person out of the shower to unlock the door. Rhonda never told her to go get me, she just did. Let’s say Tatiana got a nice chocolate muffin and toast for her reward.

We have a little problem here, when it gets hot the lovely ugly nasty bugs love to invite themselves into our house. Well Monday was just another day to find another lovely ugly nasty bug. Tatiana was at the table coloring still and she got to see the excitement of bug killing from Rhonda and I, which is very exciting. Well after we killed the bug we had to chase down for a while. Tatiana kept saying, something to the extent that a bugs was there. Well I looked where she was pointing and it looked like to she was pointing a Rhonda’s ipod wall chargers so I just said no there’s no bug. Well soon after I got on the computer and Tatiana was still saying that there was a bug. I turned around to see and sure enough, another bug. I couldn’t see it from the angle I was at when standing, I had to take a seat to see it. We killed the bug thanks to Tatiana and she was all smiles when we told her good job. So here’s a little lesson. Some may see something but others may not because they’re looking at things from a different “angle.” And keep being persistent, never quit, never give up, just keep going until you reached your goal, not matter how hard it is, just press on.

Hope you enjoyed. Until next time.

Note to Self.

Note to Self…

* Don’t touch the red burner…

* Rhonda will try to burn you with the pretty red burner.

* Don’t use a thin wet dish towel as a hot pad.

* Don’t smell anything Nicole says to smell.

* Don’t talk to creepy guys with kids…scary

* Sit guy-girl, guy-girl next time we go out.

* Lock all doors while driving in Honduras.

* Watch all pedestrians; they will walk out in front of the fast moving vehicles.

* Close your eyes and pray when a car is coming at you head on...only when in the passenger's seat. (It happens quite frequently)

* Make sure all the boys are wearing underwear BEFORE asking them to try on swim trucks.

* Grab keys before you walk out the door.

* A 3-year old cannot open the door after you locked yourself out.

* When a 3-year old is screaming at you when you are in the shower, it means Rhonda locked herself out again.

* Don’t leave your hair down or you will get a nice little surprise.

* When taking Photos “Cheese” works way better than “Queso.”

* Mr. Darcy…ahh.

* Don’t eat the nasty meatballs they try to feed you...disgusting

* Make sure no one is looking when you shove the tortilla in your pocket….Guilty.

* The tortillas had six mice in them.

* When eating the nasty food with the kids, just smile and nod like everything is great because ALL eyes are on you.

* Pull all the rocks out of the beans before you cook them.

* Once you start making cookies, you can’t stop.

* Homework time can be a nightmare!

* Bribe the kids with things, it goes a whole lot better…(too bad we don’t do this often)

* Just Ignore Rhonda when she is speaking to you in Spanish.

* When Rhonda gets the roach spray out, open ALL doors and windows.

* If a guy says “hello” to you in English, don’t say “creepy guy” right in front on him, he might understand.

* Never assume someone doesn’t speak English.

* Don’t ask Rhonda how much the extremely hot guy understands in front of him...because he understands.

* The dogs do not understand English.

* You smell Cristian before you see him. (Be prepared)

* Watch all windows…Cristian will scare the mess out of you through those very windows, at least once every weekend.

* Make sure you are fully dressed and prepared for when the guy comes knocking on the door in the morning.

* You cannot find a one piece swimsuit in Honduras.

* Tom and Jerry is the best cartoon to watch in Spanish, they don’t talk.

* Don’t’ let your only words at the dinner table be “Road Runner!”

* The bugs come out at night and the fly swatter becomes your best friend.

* Don’t give metal cans to the kids unless you want to put band aids on all of them.

* There’s a new adventure here every day.

* If there’s a puddle of wetness in the middle of the boy’s room, DO NOT step in it…it’s not water.

* Always have toilet paper with you, because most of the time you won’t find any in public bathrooms.

* Past 10 o’clock everything becomes funny.

* When Rhonda has a large metal spoon in her hand, run, it hurts when she drops it on your toe.

* Translate everything in your head; people may think you’re crazy if you say it out loud.

* The roosters do not know time, so don’t let them be your alarm clock.

* La Luz (the light) is the best ever! When the first one comes on, the second is soon to follow.

* Luisa Rocks!

* Why do we always look for the gringos?

* Don’t make eye contact!

* If Maynor has a green mouth, it's because he got into the play-dough again.

* Things are super quiet when “Papi” is in the kitchen.

* When talking about bootlegged movies, don’t let “Bootlegged” be the only words you whisper. Someone will ask “why is she red?” and you will turn a whole other shade of red.

* “Why do you talk with your mouth closed?” I don’t know…(later on that night) It’s because I’m nervous.

* Stop your “note to self” list before 10 o’clock.

* I am completely totally in love with this place (:

Adventures.

I have a lot to say but so little time. This past week was wonderful, filled with adventures and fun times with the kids. I’m a little more adjusted and I’m able to communicate a lot better than my first day here. I’m making progress and my Spanish is only going to get even better, which is very exciting for me! These kids are amazing. I know I say that like all the time but it’s so true. If only you could spend even only one day with them, you would see how great and loving they are. This week God has given me several scriptures, which apply to me in many ways and it’s amazing. God has showed me so much, and I know that I’m only going to get more out of this experience. Being here has opened my heart up to a whole different kind of love, it’s a little hard to explain though. I have gained so much confidence being here too! Which is a big step for me. Saturday we had one of the girls fall and break her arm. (Jazmin, age 6) She’s doing a whole lot better, which makes me super excited. This girl is so sweet, she’s so loving. The first night was a rough one for her. She is in the house with Rhonda and I because she’s not really supposed to move her arm at all. In 10 days they are going to take her back to the doctor to determine if she will need a operation. We’re praying not, it’s super expensive and they don’t really have the finances to do it. We’re praying against the operation. Plus it would mean a longer recovery time for Jazmin, which wouldn’t go very well for her. But she’s in the house with us, and she’s in the room right next to mine. The first night I tried my best to keep a ear open to her calling me, which if I didn’t hear Rhonda did, so it worked out fine. I woke up the next morning to her calling me. I thought something was wrong but it turns out she was just asking me if she could go to the bathroom. I laughed it was so cute. She then called me again and asked me for water. She’s so cute! She’ll probably be in the house for a while. Please keep her in your prayers, she’s on medicine constantly because of the pain, it’s a really bad break.

Sunday I went to church. Since Jazmin broke her arm Rhonda stayed home with her. So I went Jorge and Rosa (the directors). Jorge speaks a little English and Rosa doesn’t speak any. I was a little nervous about going with them without my trusty translator (Rhonda) but I told them Saturday night I wanted to go and I really wanted to. I took the adventure and went with them. The church is great! It’s a Spanish speaking church but they have words for the worship on the screen so I’m about to (try) sing along and then they have parts of the message on the screen so I’m able to write it down and translate it later. Jorge said he was very surprised that I was taking notes, and he told his son and Rhonda about it. I was a little embarrassed but I get embarrassed easily. After church we met up with Cristian, Michel, and Louisa for lunch, a Ruby Tuesday, which is an American restaurant. It was good. Again I don’t speak much Spanish and Jorge and Michel speak a little, so it was interesting. They asked questions, I answered. I can’t believe how calm I was, being with people I didn’t really know and had met only a week before. It is totally God. I feel so comfortable around them, and it’s amazing. I belong, that’s how I feel. It’s nice. These people are amazing. I remember at lunch Jorge asked me, first in Spanish then English, why I didn’t talk more. He likes to test me to see how much I know and to help teach me more words in Spanish. I just told him I liked to watch and listen. We shared many laughs together, and really it will only get better the longer I stay. I’ll tell you already I’m going to miss these people. But that’s later on this is now. Going off with them was not something I would have done in the States. Rhonda says I’ll be doing a lot of things here that I wouldn’t ever imagine doing over in the States. And It’s true. I see a lot of things here that no one would ever see in the States. The differences are great.

I’m living one day at a time, trying to give these children all the love they deserve and glorify God. My goal right now: Do what God tells me whole heartedly, with everything in me. My life a little summed up right now is: Growing, Learning, changing, maturing, and gaining the confidence I should have had a long time ago. It feels great! I really feel like I belong. (:
There are a lot of stories to tell but not enough time. I know I can write a lot. I’m sorry. I hope you enjoy. Thank you so much for your prayers and support. They mean so much to me. If God places it upon your heart to help me with financial support, you may send it to the address listed below. Thank you so much. Until next time.

Nicole Marcantel
1509 Burton
Orange, TX 77630.

More Pictures.

There's a limit to the pictures so here's a few more.

Just Pictures for Right Now.

Here are some pictures. It's a small update, but here you go. Everything is going great. I have so much to write to you, but I haven't found the time. So in the mean time, enjoy some pictures. If you want to see more feel free to visit my facebook. If not stay tuned for the upcoming attractions. Until next time.

















"Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart."
Psalms 37:4

The First Eating Experience.

Hola.
i can not tell you how great it is here. There are times when I do nothing and it drives my crazy. There are times when the kids are talking to me and it frustrates me because I can't understand them, but everything is so amazing. These kids are great really I wish you could meet them all. They are so lovable. It's great having this opportunity to just love on the ones that haven't felt much love in their lives. Some, if not all, of these kids have heartbreaking stories. One day I'll tell you about them. I can't tell you how much God's hand has been in this trip. From start and until fin sh. I haven't really figured out why He has me here, maybe besides loving on these kids, but I know that God has a plan and He knows exactly why I am here. I know that I am taking this time to heal, to grow and mature and to figure out who exactly I am in Christ. And honestly, I'm learning a lot. It's quite amazing. (: I do love it here.

Here's my general schedule/the Kids:
5:15 AM - wake up and get the kids ready for school.
6:30 AM - Get the kids into devotion time.
7:00 AM - Breakfast for the kids.
7:30 AM - Send kids to school
7:20 Am through 9:30 AM - Break time.(eat breakfast, wash and such)
9:30 AM - Be outside for Recess.
10:00 AM - send kids back into school.(Tues. & Thurs. helping in school with Rhonda)
12:00 PM - kids out of school.
12:30ish. - lunch
1:00ish. - HOMEWORK. ugh. lol
2:30ish - the kids put up their Laundry.
4:30 PM - Devotion time.
5:00 PM - Supper.
After that it's break time. Or I think some kids do chores. They play until a light comes on and then they go and watch TV.
9:00 PM - BEDTIME!
START OVER!

It's fun. Homework time is probably the worst for the kids. Some of them do great with homework others not so great. I try and help out the best I can but since I don't speak much Spanish, it's a little hard. There are more things in the schedule and I'm sure I'm going to get even busier. Which is fine by me. I like work and staying busy. (most of the time)

So Tuesday was my first day to eat lunch with the kids. I skipped Monday because it was left over soup that was not so good looking. But I ate with them for lunch they had spaghetti and tortias. (which is at every meal) Okay for those that kind of know me and have seen me eat, I don't eat much. Well Suyapa, the cook/worker here, gave me a gigantic plate full of the spaghetti, this spaghetti doesn't really taste like the stuff in the states but it was still good. It was SO much though! In this culture it's very rude to not eat all the food on your plate so I ate it all plus three tortias. i was so full! Rhonda and I laugh at it now. Rhonda told her that i don't eat much and she did a face, oh i can't explain her face I would have to show you and I can't really do that. We laugh about it. It was funny. Along with the food was interesting juice. I drank most of it until i discovered all the seeds at the bottom of the rather large cup. Rhonda said to start dishing it out to some of the kids around me, so I did. (: Let's say by the end of the meal I was gaging because I had eaten so much. It was funny. At least had someone by me cheering me on. Thanks Rhonda. What was weird that while I ate I was very much watched by the other workers. It felt awkward but I made it through. They were watching to see what my reactions would be, so I had to try and not show me gaging. Yesterday, the meal was rice, carrots, potatoes, meat and tortias, which was very good. And I like the juice too! I didn't give any to the kids this time. So I'm looking forward to what we are having today! It's a surprise! ek.


Here's a picture of Suyapa with Isaac and half of Sameul.

Well I wanted to share my first eating experience with you so here you go. If you have any questions or anything, feel free to ask or say! But Until next time.

Nicole.

Dogs and Chickens.

So I have a lot to write about but my brain isn't functioning to well. Too much Spanish. no not really. It's just on overload. Okay so something interesting...the dogs here, they have three. The don't understand ANY English. I thought it was funny. I'm so used to dogs because we have 50 at my mom's house so I call them all the time and I like to play with them. But when I called these dogs here they just sat there. I looked at Rhonda and I was like they don't understand English do they. She said no. and laughed. I laughed. I think it's funny. I never really thought about how the dogs understand language. It's weird.
Another thing are the chickens. They have NO concept of time. They start crowing or making their noise at 10:30 at night and then go all night. It's stupid and annoying. It's something we laugh about a lot. Anyways. I'm calling it a day on here. I'm tired and I want to go back out to the kids. I'll write more later. So Adios. Until next time.

Church and The Movies.

So today was the first Sunday of the month, so here it was communion Sunday. I got to go into town for church. We took four boys with us. Isaac, Alejandro, Manuel, Brayan. Church was great! it was an amazing experience taking communion there and in a different language. Even though I couldn’t understand what they were saying. The worship was WOW. It was beautiful. They had the words on the screen so I got to sing along as best as I could. The message was on “life and death are in the power of the tongue” I got to follow along in my Bible and follow the scriptures so the Pastor was talking about how powerful words can be. It was great. After church we took the boys out to eat. It was Me, Rhonda, Jorge, Rosa (Jorge’s wife), Michelle, Christian, Eduardo (one of the older boys who was going to school today), the four boys and, Luisa (one of the older girls who was going to live with Christian and Michelle to cook and clean for them while they are in school). Christian and Michelle go to college in Tagucigalpa, which is a 45 min. drive from Dadasko, so they live in the city Sunday night through Thursday. Thursday they come back to Dadasko ( I might have spelled that wrong. sorry). But we went out to eat to Chili’s, yea I know. Chili’s in Honduras. I got to eat Texas Cheese Fries. Lol I think it’s funny. There are so many American fast food places here. Like everywhere, it’s crazy! To see the boy’s faces was amazing. Some of them might not have ever gotten to do something like that so it was a real treat. After lunch Rhonda and I took the boys to a movie, which it was some of their FIRST time to ever go to one. We watch Toy Story in 3D and in Spanish. It’s was interesting for me, but I wish you could see their faces when they were there and see how they looked with their 3D glasses on. I do have pictures of the 3D glasses though. When we were walking to the movie place which is on the third story of the mall here, the boys asked me if I ever saw any movies before. I said yes and then they said which ones? I told them a lot and I named a few. It’s heartbreak some of these kids have never gotten to experience going to a movie place and eating popcorn and candy while drinking an soda, yet us American experience at least a few times a month. These kids are a little older too. We take so much for granted, and just seeing these kid’s faces and how they acted with excitement about something I have done hundreds of times, really made me think. It’s crazy. But after the movie we took the kids to Ice cream they got to pick two flavors and their smiles were huge! It’s was wonderful. And once again it’s something Americans have like every night. It’s working on me, it all makes me really think. Spending the day with these boys was a great way to get to know them better. You have Brayan and Manuel, who are the two adventurous ones out of the four and keep testing the boundaries, and then Alejandro, and Isaac who stayed close and listened better. These kids are sneaky, when Rhonda would leave me with them, they would look at me and smile. Then they would test the boundaries with me. It’s so funny because I knew what they were doing so I shook my head and smiled back and when they tried something I would say aqui, which is here in Spanish. They would sort of listen and laugh. We’re getting to know each other still but it makes me laugh that they do that and it wasn’t the first time. The whole group of kids “tested” the boundaries with me yesterday when we were about to hand out school supplies. The day ended well. We got home and all the kids greeted us, they are now having their free time probably watching TV outside Jorge’s casa. We’ll be getting them to bed soon because school starts tomorrow, we have to wake up at 5:30! It’s going to be great! So I’m out. 5:30 comes early! Thank you for your prayers and support! I love you all! Because of your support, you’re helping make this experience happen for me. Mucho Gracious. Until next time.

The Flight and The First Day.

Hola! I made it safely to Honduras. It is beautifully amazing. The plane ride was interesting. Ms. Nina dropped me off at the terminal. A guy took my bag and went to weigh them. One of my bags weighed 53.0 which the airport would charge me an extra $50, but I got to rearrange everything so that it didn’t go over the weight limit. It was nice. Then I took my bags and got my boarding pass. I got dropped off at the correct terminal so I didn’t have to go very far to find my gate, which was very nice. I waited around the gate them around 9:15 I boarded the plane. I was in seat 16E, which is a middle seat. I sat between two guys at first, one ended up moving, but they were not little guys! The one on my left was a heavy set big guy that didn’t speak English, and he snores pretty loud. The one on my right I believe was going to Honduras to do missions work, I didn’t talk to him really, but he read the newspaper. He was the one that got the window seat. But the pilot said if we saw an open seat that we could move so the guy on my right moved and I got the window seat! It was what I was hoping for and it was awkward sitting between two big men. I got to look out the window for takeoff, which wasn’t bad. It was amazing! The clouds are awesome when you’re up there! It was great! I loved it! Now the landing was a different story. I didn’t not like it much, when the pilot announced we were descending, my ears were hurting horribly. It hurt for over 30 min. and the pain was not very fun. But we landed and I got off the plane and went into the line to get my visa and go through costumes. It took a while for me to get my bags but I found them and I was able to go find Rhonda. My one of my bags did get searched but there was no problem with it. The most frustrating thing about the airport in Honduras was that NO ONE but the tourists spoke English. So the airport people would try to talk to me but I wouldn’t know what they were saying. It was frustrating for me. Anyways. I meet up with Rhonda right outside the airport, and she had Michelle and Christian with her, they are Jorge’s Children. We found Rhonda’s vehicle and Christian drove us to a pizza place, where we ate good but interesting pizza, nothing like something in the United States. We laughed a lot, even though I didn’t understand them much. It was fun. I felt comfortable and that’s not usually something I feel right off with new people.
The site in Honduras is nothing like I’ve ever seen. Some places aren’t exactly beautiful but it’s astonishing. It’s like mountains, or hill, and there are houses and stores kind of built into them. I’ll have to take some pictures and show you. There are a lot of hills. The driving is crazy, if a motorcycle can fit somewhere it will go there. It’s crazy. People pass other people all the time. We saw a bus that had to be lifted up because a car drove underneath it. The cars do not stop for people at all, even in a store parking lot. It’s the person’s job to watch out where they go or they will get ran over, I’m not kidding. It’s crazy. There was so much to take in while I was in the city. My brain was just on absorbed mood, because it would not think for anything. (: It was fascinating. The sight, the people, all of it was amazing. It’s hard to explain everything, but it was defiantly something everyone should experience. I could go on about this but I’m ready to move on to the children.
The children are great! I love them so much already. We arrived at the Hogar (house) and the children meet me when I got out of the car, with lots of hugs. Hola Nicole. Hola Nicole. We had groceries in the vehicle so some of the little boys helped unload everything and they grabbed my bags and brought them into the house. I walked around with Rhonda and the kids and immediately I was holding a little girl, Michelle, who I believe is four. I said Hola to everyone and then I got to sit down and talk with Jorge about some things. After that me, Rhonda, and Michelle, Jorge’s daughter, went to go prepare dinner. We had fun together. When dinner was ready Jorge, his wife and Christian came over and we ate and talked for while. It was really nice. Around 8:00 Rhonda, Michelle and I went to go check on the children who were watching TV. We ended up taking the little ones to bed. By the time we got them in bed everyone else was headed to bed also. They got to bed around 9. We got them ready for bed, or supervised them. (Or rather I watched while Michelle and Rhonda did the work, I’m still observing things) We said goodnight. When we were just about to leave we heard Buenos Noche Nicole! It was awesome. My heart melted. I said good night to them in Spanish or rather I tried. And one time I said it but I stumbled over the words, and the kids I was telling goodnight to, smiled at me and said goodnight in English! Lol I laughed. After that me, Michelle and Rhonda went back to Rhonda’s house and had tea and watch “He’s just not that into you” with Spanish subtitles. We went to bed late, and then I woke up at 8:00 got dressed then went to see the children at breakfast. I was greeted nicely, and then we took the younger girls to the showers, and got them dressed ready for today. Right now its lunch time, the children are eating right now. We have a group coming out later today to do some activity with the kids. But as of right now it’s pretty laid back.
I’m learning the schedule right now, and trying to get a grip on the Spanish. It’s so frustrating not being able to understand them. I had one girl talking to me and I couldn’t understand her so she repeated what it was to Rhonda and Rhonda said she wanted me to sing to her in English, because they love it. So with Rhonda’s help, we sang Jesus loves me in English. I’m still learning names, I know the younger girls names more than anyone else, and that’s because they want to be held a lot. The boy’s names I don’t know as much, I know a few of the older girl’s names, but I’ve been here a day so I’m still learning. Everything has a Spanish accent to it, so what the names are in English are pronounced differently in Spanish. She I feel a little dumb trying to speak with a Spanish accent. It just seems weird. I’m not used to it. I am catching on to something. Some conversations I can follow others one it’s a little bit challenging.
School is starting this week, so I’ll be waking up at 5:30 to get the children up and ready for school. They have morning devotion before breakfast, they will then go to breakfast and then off to school which is right here anyways, so they don’t go anywhere. They will have a hour recess break which I’ll be outside watching them play on the playground and then they’ll go back to school until 12 which is lunch time. They have homework, chores, another devotion time, break time, and I believe something else. I’m not sure Rhonda gave me a run down on things at breakfast. I’ll get the schedule written down soon, then I’ll know for sure. I’m not too sure of what I’ll be doing. I’m along for the ride. I’ll do whatever they tell me to. The first week or so is a little test run. I’m just seeing how things run and trying to adjust and get used to everything. It’s fun. I do not want to be away from Rhonda much right now because I’m not entirely sure of what to do and I need a translator. I’m praying I catch on quickly. I need to brush up on my colors in Spanish because I’ll be helping some of the children with their homework which is learning colors. I just have to get used to actually using my Spanish. It’s going to get better the more I’m here. I know it will. That about sums everything up, I know that there is probably so much more I can say but I really want to go be with the kids. Plus I already wrote two pages. (To be continued)






(Continued)
I’m back. I have just about finished my first full day. The kids right now have their free time which will last until bed time. We just finished dinner and then I helped clean up the kitchen. It was great. A group came to do a program with the children. They arrived and unloaded the van then we went into the school building and they had a program thing. I don’t really know because I couldn’t understand what they were saying, but it was great watching the kids. I had at least one on my lap the whole time. After the program we went outside and played a game. We got in a circle and Heidi, one of the girls from the group gave us a word which was either rooster or chicken but in Spanish. I was a rooster, we then had to get in the line with the other “roosters” or “Chicken” and squat down and touch the person in front of us. (The instructions were in Spanish so the whole time I was looking at Rhonda because she had to translate for me. It was funny) We then had to walk while squatting down and go to the finish line. The roosters won, but not really with my help. I took that time to pick up one of the smaller girls. Rhonda was laughing at me. We then played another game, but I didn’t have my translator because she was taking a child to the bathroom. The instructions were of course in Spanish so I tried my best to follow what Heidi was saying but I couldn’t really understand her. But I caught on, she called at a number and everyone ran to each other and got in a group of that number. It’s a game I’ve played before. It was funny. I was standing there with one of the little one (Jazmine) not really playing but Heidi called out the number 9 and we had a bunch of people come running towards us to get in a group. Let’s say they nearly knocked us over and I was laughing my head off. It was great! We then went back into the school building to eat cake for the second time that day, and enjoy a glass of chocolate milk. I didn’t eat or drink at that time. I had to go spray on the bug spray because of the mosquitoes and bugs. Then it was dinner time. And soon it will be bedtime and I’ll go help tuck them in. Tomorrow is church! I can’t wait. It’s going to be a great experience. I’m so looking forward to it. I’m going to go now, we’re about to eat dinner ourselves and I’m tired. It’s been a fun full first day! Love you all. Thank you for your prayers and support. I look forward to tell you more in the next few months. I wish you could meet the children, they’re truly amazing, and they will steal your heart as soon as you see them. I just want to be able to give them all the love that I can. It’s great! This experience is going to change my life and the way I look at things from now on. Until next time.

All Set.

So I am set and ready to go now. I have everything together and packed. Super excited! I can not wait! A little nervous about the whole airport thing and flying by myself but I know I'm well protected. God's got my back. Like always. :) I will be waking up at like 4 in the morning! Not really looking forward to that part but it's all worth it. And I will be leaving the house by 5:30am. The plane takes off at 9:15. I have to be there before that though. All of the airport rule things. Goodness.

I'm looking forward to this fun amazing experience. I can't wait to meet the children! I have some surprises for them and I can't wait to see their faces when they get them! It's going to be great! I'm still working on my Spanish but I know I'll pick more up when I'm actually around it all the time. I'm going to come back speaking Spanish!! lol Exciting! Not only will come back speaking Spanish but I plan on coming back having learned a lot of things. I know that I am going to grow out of this. Heck. Mine and God's relationship has gotten even stronger and deeper than before. It's amazing. It feels so great too! I know that I have developed more confidence in myself, something that I never really had before. And for me, it's exciting. I'm finding my place, and figuring out where God wants me and the person He has really made me to be. I'm finding myself in Him. :) It's wonderful. I feel so different and it's a good different. Thanks to my friends who have pushed me to strive to become different and not live in my old ways, which I can say were not that healthy for me. It's been a challenging transformation but it's happening and I can say it feels wonderful. I have had less stress than ever before. I'm able to relax more in different situation. I've learned whats good/healthy for me and whats not. It's nice. :) I know I've came a long way and I know that I have a even longer way to go. But that's really the joy of it. Being about to learn from the challenges and being prepared for the greater things God has for us. Letting God have complete control and going along for the ride of your life. The rides with God are interesting, some fun but some not so much fun. lol But it's great and everything is going to be worth it in the end.

Well, I'm ending now. I have to triple check everything. Thank you for your prayers and support. God Bless.

Until Next Time.
Nicole.

P. Daniel Rose “Grace for the Journey”

Luke 9:1-6

Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Disciples
"1 One day Jesus called together his twelve disciples and gave them power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal all diseases. 2 Then he sent them out to tell everyone about the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 3 “Take nothing for your journey,” he instructed them. “Don’t take a walking stick, a traveler’s bag, food, money, or even a change of clothes. 4 Wherever you go, stay in the same house until you leave town. 5 And if a town refuses to welcome you, shake its dust from your feet as you leave to show that you have abandoned those people to their fate.”
6 So they began their circuit of the villages, preaching the Good News and healing the sick."

• God sent the disciples out with power and authority, and He gives us all the same.
• It’s not if we will provide for ourselves, it’s if we have enough trust in God.
• God has not called us to run from the darkness but to it with the Light in our hands.
• If you go on a journey with God then He will supply all of your needs and take care of you.
• Expect and depend on God.
• If we bring God’s power and authority to His people then we must also live in His power and authority.

I liked this message a lot. It was speaking right to me. It’s another thing that God has done for me. It’s crazy! He has equipped me, and has prepared me for this. I know that everything that I have gone through has prepared me for the things God wants to do through me. Even the things I hated at the time, the things that I didn’t think I would make it through.

As it gets closer to my departure day, I can’t really say I’m scared because honestly, I’m not. I know that God is taking care of me. I can say though I am getting anxious, a little nervous about the plane ride. I’m flying by myself and it’s my first time to fly. It’s a little scary. I know it will be fine though, and I know that I better get used to it because I’m going to be doing a lot of traveling in my life. I am so excited to see the children. I am so excited to be able to experience this, and I’m looking forward to the growth I’m going to get out of it all. It’s exciting, thrilling really! I’m telling you I never would have guessed I would be flying to Honduras. The plans are all together, and they have all came together in a two week period, which is unbelievable for me because I had such a struggle for the India trips. I can see God’s hand in this, and it’s truly amazing. It’s a great story of how Faithful and Great God is!

I do have to say that although it’s amazing and I can’t wait. I do miss camp. Maybe not so much of some things, but I miss my friends, my roommates, and I miss being busy. It has been a struggle for me in the last few weeks. It’s been a hard transition from being at camp and being around the people I love so much, who have become like family. To moving, coming to Orange, with a few friends, and not being busy. It’s been hard. And really the enemy has used it against me many times during the last month. I know that in the next few months I won’t think much about it, I’ll be too busy with the amazing children! But it’s a little nerve wrecking to think about coming back. I don’t really know where I’m going or what I’m doing when I come back. It’s been on my mind, but really I have come up with zero answers for those questions. I keep asking God but I don’t get much about that stuff. I know that He’s taking care of me though, and I know that I can rely on Him completely. It doesn’t take the question away though, maybe it should. I know that I’m trusting Him. I know that I’m stepping out on faith and giving Him everything that I have. And I’m so looking forward to the growth that I’m about to experience in my life. It’s excited! Anyways. I’m asking for your prayers in this. Thank you for your prayers and support.

God Bless. Until next time.
Nicole.