We have new classrooms! Well, not really, but it looks like it. We had a group that consists of different universities in Tegucigalpa come and help us fix up the Rock. Over the past few years, we have worked hard to construct three classrooms, a kitchen, bathroom, shower, and room above the kitchen. Each step takes time because groups usually come for one week at a time. This past month, this group helped us paint the classrooms, the bathroom and shower, put in electricity in the classrooms and bathroom, put new whiteboards in all the classrooms, and helped us fix up a garden area. They painted each classroom; then they put a mural, or painting on one of the walls. It has really added life to the rooms. The addition of electricity to the classrooms has made discipleship in the evenings possible. On Thursday night we have about 70-100 youth come to church (mostly boys) and with the newest addition of light, we have been pulling the girls out and started discipleship with them in the classrooms. Not only did this group bless us by painting and electricity, they also provided school supplies and educational materials for the teachers. At the end of the work week, they had a party for the kids and families. They brought food, cake, piñatas and had workshops for the parents. We are thankful for their help!
While the kids and families were celebrating that Saturday morning, the usual English classes did not happen. Instead, the English teachers, all girls, went to the house of one of the families in our church and helped build them a latrine. This family lives on the side of a mountain, and survives on selling tortillas. Irma, the mom, had tried to dig a latrine by herself a while back, but it was only 1 ½ feet deep. Our plan is to dig it 6 ft. deep. Hers quickly filled up and they have been going out in the woods. We are hoping in the future to help build a place for them to bucket bath/ shower that is covered and not an open cleft in the mountain. Karla, the older girl, turned 12 on that Saturday, so it was fun to give her this gift. Her brother Daniel attended the Rock school a few years ago, but not attends the regular public school since he is 8 years old and on grade level. Both of the children are sweet and caring, and their mother Irma is a hard worker and loving mother. We (the teachers) were discussing why Karla is so loving and sweet. In a neighborhood like this with so much abuse and neglect, kids, especially girls, grow up too fast. I think Karla is an example of the innocence we are trying to protect in this neighborhood, and I think our prayers and presence is pouring the love of Jesus into her. We were all burdened with how to guard her innocence in this violent society and community, and the answer was to continue showing her Jesus as much as we possibly can. Only God can do that work, it is our job to be available instruments.
Also, this past month, we have futbol (soccer) championships. Pastor Giovani and Aben have been working with a group of boys in a soccer league. On Thursdays, we meet for discipleship. Giovani is teaching the word and showing the boys how to find passages in Scripture. It has been great watching the number of boys grow.
Lastly, I have great news. I have mentioned David in a few of my newsletters. He has been back and forth with church and the street. Please continue to pray for him, but he told me that he is back in church. This is a huge answer to prayer, but I know it is a continual struggle living for God in poverty, when his street family can easily provide for him. 