EastLake goes to Honduras

Why don’t I always listen to God?

2009-05-19T14:16:00.000-07:00

I’ve been asking myself that question this week, because I am again totally and completely humbled by what God’s doing with me and with my friends.

I listened when God said, “Lead a team to Honduras.” And then I opened the Group catalog at EastLake this weekend and saw that ½ of the Honduras team are leading summer Groups…and for 3 of them, it’s their first time! Or maybe that two team members are signed up for fall Go! Groups, dispensing hope in other parts of the world. God is still working…from just one tiny step of obedience.

I listened when God said, “Invite her to your Activity Group.” And then, literally 3 minutes later, my friend (who is not into the baby Jesus or religion) signed up. How will her life change this summer by participating in a Group?

See, these stories are cool, but the scary part is the hundreds of seconds every day when I'm so busy, and NOT listening to God. The times when I ignore that still, small voice calling me, all in favor of loud music, a busy schedule, and a hectic social life. I claim to live a life that is bankrupt to Jesus, but as I honestly look around, I see savings accounts for myself all over the place – my friends, my family, my stuff, my job, my position. Which brings me back to the question, why don’t I always listen to God?

What would happen in my life if I made every effort to hear God’s voice and not my own?

If I put Jesus’ mission ahead of my ambition?

If I cared for the people who drive me crazy the way Christ cares for me?

If I listened to God’s voice and did whatever He asked.

Want to see Honduras?

2009-03-27T08:51:00.000-07:00

We've pulled together a little video of our trip - we'll be sharing this video on Sunday @ EastLakeCC.com - 9am, 11am, 5pm and 6:30pm. The team will also be sharing their personal stories live in the services. You don't want to miss it!

For now, enjoy!

2009-03-06T13:59:00.000-08:00

Honduras was amazing. it was incredible to have all of ones assumptions about life, and another way of living it, challenged. I went there with all these assumptions and guesses about what it would be like to be in their situation and instead I found that I was incorrect in nearly every case. for example, I thought that I would be unhappy to live in such a situation, such as houses like I saw; instead I found I adapted quickly and really enjoyed many things about their way of life; I might go as far to say that they are far superior in some ways to ours, like being thankful and content with what one has been blessed with. The children were all so wonderful as well and I will really miss them, especially little Denis Fernando and Gloria. they had so much responsibility for being so young and yet they had so much joy. we can learn a lot from them. I could probably go on forever but i don't really have the time so let me conclude with a quick list of events and then conclusion.

Events:
1. dangerous plane ride.
2. dangerous and incredibly fun truck rides.
3. chased by bull ( that was really a cow)
4. working extremely hard
5. making wonderful friends
6. life changing experiences

Conclusion:
you can find a way to go on a mission trip and you should, it will change your life for the better and draw you and others closer to Christ and an understanding his perfect love.

The Team!

2009-03-05T07:23:00.001-08:00

We have internet!

2009-02-27T15:55:00.001-08:00

We’re back in the hotel in Honduras. First internet in 5 days….I apologize for the delay in updates, but let me tell you…

Everything is more than I imagined….our living conditions are far worse than I imagined, the work is harder than I expected and the children are more lovable than I could have imagined. See, even though I should be prepared for this trip, it’s still so much more than I imagined.

I’m proud of this team. They have worked hard, they loved fully and they have been changed. See anyone can work hard – pouring concrete, building forms, attaching walls and screwing together metal braces. But it takes a willingness to allow the work to affect you. To get to know the person you are working alongside of….not just their name, but a little piece of their story. The team has done that and then some.

So, for the majority of our stay, we’ve been deep in Honduras….and by deep, I mean 6 hours in the back of a pick up truck far away from the city, on dirt road that would qualify as a decent hiking trail in the states. We had electricity – but that’s it. No running water, no internet…..oddly, cell phones (ah, the benefits of commercial competition – thanks Digi-Cell, Tigo and Claro for enabling cell service even in the more remote parts of Honduras in search of profit ☺). We took “showers” with buckets of cold water, we woke up at 3am with the roosters and we fell asleep exhausted every night. It’s certainly been an adventure….

The team will start posting to this blog with their personal stories in the next few days, but I thought I’d give you a taste of the adventure. While building cement forms, the team heard some commotion and watched as a bull, in the middle of a “branding” escaped. The locals tried to stop the bull, but unsuccessfully. Before they knew it, the bull was running directly toward the team, who was standing in a narrow alley – let’s just say, we learned that Tommy has a 6 foot vertical jump, Nathaniel would not have been a successful matador and Patrick has got speed! For the moms and significant others reading this, don’t worry – no one was injured!

To everyone who has financially and prayerfully supported the team – THANK YOU! Now, enough from me….team, let’s go – share your story!
-Jenn

And We're Off...

2009-02-16T14:18:00.001-08:00

Tomorrow morning at 6am the team will jump on the plane and head to Honduras! I'm bringing a laptop, and will do my best to keep you up to date with stories and photos from the trip.
Over the last couple of days, God has been teaching me a lot about surrender and preparation. It's a funny process, living with an attitude of surrender and preparation---you spend your life surrendering to God and what He's asking of you, then preparing to do what He's asking. But, at least for me, the thing I am preparing for becomes less important (in some ways) than the process of preparing and surrendering.

I know this trip will be incredible, and I know that, because God has transformed me in the process of preparing. And now, with the trip literally 24 hours away, I am feeling very called to surrender...my expectations, my pride in my own skills, even the team. I'm surrendering all of it to God and trusting that all this preparation had a significant purpose.

As a leader, I feel very humbled, and as a friend reminded me, "that's all the better - the more for God to glorify Himself!" That's what this entire trip is about - God and His glory. We are merely along for the ride....and I'm sure it'll be quite a ride.

While we are traveling and working, please continue to pray for the team. Pray for health, safety and the ability to complete all 36 latrines.

Can't wait to return and share stories of how God used us, changed us and changed some people we are excited to meet in Honduras

Honduras

2009-02-11T12:26:00.001-08:00

Typical Honduran Village Home:

Thank you everyone that donated all the great items for us to take to Honduras, last night we packed up all sorts of crates with great things for the kids and families of Honduras.

We are truly blessed to go on this magnificent journey.
-Nigel

Honduras Pictures

Honduras Pictues 2

Seriously?!?

2009-02-05T15:48:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post to note another crazy God moment. On a quick status call with our trip logistic coordinator and she just happens to mention that we received another anonymous $1,000 donation! WHAT?!?!

Then, jumped on a quick phone call with Jessica, who is one of the 5 ladies coming on the trip. Jessica has been coordinating donations and said she received a $500 donation to buy toys and supplies for the kids we'll meet down there!

I'm literally dumbfounded.

And, if I'm honest, I'm humbled....how is my daily life idea of God so small?

Loaves and Fishes

2009-02-05T00:49:00.000-08:00

There is a story in the Bible about how Jesus fed over 5,000 people with just five loaves of bread and two fish. The people have been following him for several days, they are hungry, out of food and in the wilderness. Jesus' friends are worried about the crowd and go to Jesus for help. He takes the food they had, and multiples it, feeding everyone present, with food left over.

Here's an excerpt from the story:

"He took the five loaves and two fish, lifted his face to heaven in prayer, blessed, broke, and gave the bread and fish to the disciples to hand out to the crowd. After the people had eaten their fill, twelve baskets of leftovers were gathered up."
-Luke 9 (The Message)

Although I haven't recently seen God multiply the contents of my refrigerator, I have seen that "loaves and fishes" reality in preparing for this trip.

In this week, we have raised $5,425 for the Honduras trip! This is incredible - not only because it's a tremendous amount of money to have raised in a few short days, but because of the way it has all happened. See, we raised the money because individual people decided to do something....to act on a crazy idea they had....to pitch in and help out in whatever way possible (share their home, their time, etc)...to do their part.

And actually, as I think about it, that's the crazy part of the "loaves and fishes" story in the Bible too. The "WOW" factor of the story is not that Jesus was able to multiply the food. Now, don't get me wrong, that multiplication of food to feed 5,000 hungry people is pretty dang cool. But, I believe Jesus is my Lord and Savior and that God is the creator of heaven and earth....so a bunch of bread and fish seems like a pretty light day on the job for a God with that kind of capacity.

No, the amazing thing about the story is not that Jesus multiplied "loaves and fishes", the amazing thing is that He used the disciples to do it! Seriously, go back to the top and re-read the story!

Jesus uses us!

He wants us to grow. To be changed. To participate in His work in this world. He wants us to take the talents, abilities, and resources we have and use them. God doesn't need us to accomplish His work in this world, but rather, He invites us to be involved. The real miracle of the story, in the Bible (and my own), is that God allowed the disciples (and me) to participate in what He was doing.

And this week, God allowed a ton of people to participate in His work by raising money for the Honduras team. Thank you to all of you who listened to God and did something. And thank you, God, for the being willing to use me.

God is Big

2009-01-27T21:59:00.000-08:00

Disclaimer: Writing on a blog is very intimidating. There are people in this world who are incredibly witty and articulate in their writing (Noel - I secretly hate you!), but alas, I am not one of them. So, if I am honest, posting on the blog is a bit nerve racking. However, I am sitting at my computer, so completely blown away by God, that I had to write something.

God is Big.

I know this is not a complex sentence or even a new idea - but it's the best set of words I can find to explain my feelings about God tonight. 18 months ago, I sat at the Medical Teams International auction and God gently told me, "You need to go on a trip." After 6 months of ignoring that subtle nudge, I signed up and in December 2007 I went to Mexico. It was incredible...I was invited back this year, but this time, I felt God tell me - "Now it's time for you to lead."

In 25 days, a team of people from EastLake will be traveling to Honduras to build 36 latrines in 5 days...and even as I write this sentence I am tempted to ask God if He's sure He meant me to lead this team. :) Then, I have days like today....where I am completely humbled and reminded that God is BIG and everything good about this trip (and my life) is coming directly from Him.

Here's a sample of how God is providing for the team (And literally, all of this happened today!!)

A new member signed up to go on the trip...a 17 year old kid who is pumped to go and serve with a team of people up to twice his age.
The new team member is filling the spots of two people who had to cancel their trip due to injury - which means we can still build the original number of latrines we were planning
A member of EastLake approached me and literally planned in one day a fundraiser for the trip that will raise between $4,000 - $5,000
I personally received three individual notes of support and encouragement for the trip

Pretty cool, uh?

I don't understand why I can experience God so clearly working in the planning and preparation for this trip and in the same day, I can grieve with friends who feel that God is totally absent. I honestly don't think I will understand, this side of eternity, why God can feel so present and so absent at the same time...but I know that regardless of how I am feeling, God is present, He is working and He loves us so much.

I believe God is my heavenly Father and I'm His kid...and as any parent will tell you - kids think their primary job is to ask for candy and the parents job is to decide when and how much candy is good for their kids. Well, I'm asking God for a lot of candy and right now and I feel like He's giving me so much that I might get a permanent sweet tooth...but that's not going to stop me from asking!

You are invited to join in asking God for more "candy". I'm praying for: safety for the team, for wisdom for me as the team leader, for the people in rural communities in Honduras who will be using the latrines.

If you are still reading this....Thanks.

Thank you for caring enough about this trip, the team and me to spend a few minutes reading this note.
-Jenn

Get Your Shots and Sleeping Bags!

2009-01-26T11:26:00.000-08:00

Hey All -

Three important reminders:

1. I would strongly encourage you to make an appointment at a Travel Medicine center to ensure you are all up to date on your vaccinations, etc. for traveling to Honduras! I went this morning and it took less than 30 minutes and I'm all ready to go! I went to the UW Travel Medical Clinic (206.598.4888). Give them a call and make an appointment! :)

2. Sleeping Bag - You're gonna need one!

3. Next Meeting: February 16th. Can't wait to see you then!

- Jenn

Things to Remember!

2009-01-20T14:00:00.000-08:00

Hey Team!

I can't believe we leave in just a few short weeks. I was reading through the logistics information and wanted to make sure everyone saw a few key details:

1. Each person should bring their own work gloves - leather work gloves are great and/or blue rubber gloves (which are good for pouring cement).
2. Each person should bring their own sleeping bag! We'll need it for the nights we are staying in the community.
3. Get Shots! Make sure to go to a Travel Health Center and get necessary shots: We recommend Hepatitis A and B as well as a Tetanus shot.
4. Bring toilet paper and hand sanitizer
5. Plan to carry your money and passport on your person at all times! Bring a money belt.

If you have any questions about any of these items - give me a call or drop me an email. I booked my appointment at the UW Travel Medical Center for next Monday to ensure all my vaccinations are up to speed!

See you on February 16th for our packing party!
Thanks - Jenn

CPR and Latrines

2009-01-14T22:26:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who attended the CPR class @ the Brekke's tonight. I'm happy to report that we raised over $575 for the Honduras team! That's fantastic!

I also learned about all the First Aid and medical supplies I need to bring for the team going on this crazy adventure. Thanks to all for your support of this trip and God's work in and through the lives of people...from Kirkland to Honduras.

-Jenn

Latrines

2009-01-12T14:50:00.000-08:00

It is my understanding(Nigel) that the latrines will look a bit similar to this, but not exactly:

Welcome to the Blog!

2009-01-06T11:41:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Honduras Team Blog!
This site is for everyone interested in learning about the Honduras mission trip and the awesome team who is going! You can check out some of our older posts to see how we've been preparing for the trip and check back to this site often to see updates on our plans and then updates during the adventure!

I'm pumped that we've got 18 people heading to Honduras to make a difference by building Latrines. If you don't know what a Latrine is...join the club! I'm working on finding a picture of one, but for now...I'll just explain. Latrines are basically big cement out-houses. We'll be providing the first restroom facilities these communities have ever seen. Pretty crazy, uh? Makes you re-think your next trip to the porcelain seat.... :)

Dennis, Judi, Jessica, Dani, Amber, KC, Justin, Heather, Nathaniel, Patrick, Jeff, Ian, Trevor, Tommy, Chris, Nigel and JR - I am so excited to head out on this adventure with you! Oh, and I want to know why you want to go...so start blogging! Share your story!

Lastly, several people have asked how they can support the team. There are three primary ways you can support us:

1. PRAY! Pray for the team - that final preparations will go smoothly, we will have safe travel and be safe while working. Pray for the community we will be working in and for - that lives will be changed...through toilets!

2. Donations! We are looking for kids toys, pencils, crayons, notebooks, etc. to take with us to share with the kids in the local communities. If you want to contribute these supplies, contact Jessica (v-jess@microsoft.com).

3. Financial Support: If you are interested in supporting the team financially, you can make checks payable to Medical Teams International and send them to:

Medical Teams International

C/O Emily Hill

PO Box 10

Portland, OR 97207

In the note portion of the check, please include: Honduras Trip ID #090221HOWK

What else do you want to know? Tell us and we'll do our best to answer!
-Jenn

Reminder: Group meeting Monday, January 5th

2008-12-30T07:24:00.000-08:00

Hey Y'all -

Just a reminder, our next group meeting is Monday, January 5th from 7-8pm. We're meeting at the Boulevard, in the common room (375 Kirkland Avenue).

When you arrive, you can call me on my mobile 206.356.3474 and I'll let you in. Please remember to bring your completed paperwork (application, etc.) if you haven't already turned it in!

Also, please bring some snacks to share!

Thanks - Jenn

Horse Back Riding

2008-12-23T14:24:00.000-08:00

I am up for horseback riding on the beach if anyone else would like to do that, it looks like a very beautiful place!

-Nigel

CPR makes money!

2008-12-23T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hey All -

Merry Christmas! I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday and time with family and friends! I know I'm getting super excited for Honduras! Is it February yet?

I wanted to let you know about another fundraiser. The Brekke's are hosting a CPR class at their home on Wednesday, January 14th. They will be accepting donations that evening for the Honduras team. If you want to invite people to the event, please email me (jennaaro@eastlakecc.com).

Just a reminder - our next group meeting is Monday, January 5th. See you then!

Thanks!
-Jenn

Hit the Beach!

2008-12-11T13:30:00.000-08:00

Hey Team!
We need to lock down on flights soon! That means - I need to know your after travel plans. Check your email, you should have recieved a note from Emily today with information on traveling here: http://www.lasrocasresort.com/resort.html One Word: AWESOME!

If you want to extend your trip please email me or Emily Hill this week.
Thanks - Jenn
jennaaro@eastlakecc.com

$1,000! Thanks Pub Crawl

2008-12-08T08:46:00.000-08:00

Hey Team -

I just wanted to let you know that due to the generosity of everyone who attended the pub crawl we were able to raise $1,000! I sent a check to Medical Teams this morning and that money will be applied evenly across all of our trip costs.

You should have also received your packets in the mail from Medical Teams this week. If you haven't yet received one, let me know: jennaaro@eastlakecc.com

Last thing....Save the Date: Monday, January 5th we're going to get together as a group to continue planning for the trip! Details to follow.

Thanks - Jenn

36 LATRINES BABY!

2008-12-01T13:17:00.000-08:00

Hey Team!

Two posts in one day - WOW! I am a geek :)

Just got confirmation that we will be building 36 Latrines! Get ready to work hard. I'm so excited.

-ja

It's Pub Crawl Time!

2008-12-01T08:56:00.000-08:00

Hey All -

I hope you had a great Thanksgiving! I know I did...and I ate WAY too much turkey!

This Saturday night is the Honduras Pub Crawl. I hope you are all planning on attending - it's going to be a blast! If you have any questions about the event, contact Vinny (vinnypasceri@hotmail.com). He's a ROCK STAR and has organized the whole thing!

Can't wait to see everyone on Saturday!
-Jenn

Apple Cup!

2008-11-23T07:57:00.000-08:00

Yo Team!

Well, I must say I was so bummed at the outcome of the Apple Cup game yesterday....but I was BLOWN AWAY at the amount we raised!!

We raised over $425 for Honduras! Great work team!

Thanks so everyone who came to hang out and invited their friends. Can't wait to see you all next month!
-Jenn

Hey Honduras Crew

2008-11-19T07:15:00.000-08:00

Thanks for a great meeting on Monday night. As a reminder, our last Group meeting is NEXT Monday (11/24) at 7:30pm at The Boulevard, Common Room. Tommy - You've got snacks!

If you haven't turned in your $100 deposit, please mail it directly to Medical Teams ASAP. Also, if you haven't completed your application, please do so online or print it out and mail it in.

Online application: http://www.medicalteams.org/site/PageServer?pagename=inv_vol_int
(We are a WORK TEAM)

Medical Teams Address (for mailing in deposit or applications)
C/O Emily Hill
PO Box 10
Portland, OR 97207

Medical Teams International Video.

2008-11-18T11:09:00.001-08:00

Great video MTI. We are now part of something very special. The video also has a song by one of my favorite artist's Xavier Rudd.
-Nigel

Medical Teams International

Let's raise some money!

2008-11-09T20:27:00.001-08:00

Hey Team -

This is a quick note to remind you to save the date for two awesome fundraisers we having coming up!

1. Apple Cup Party - November 22, 2008 @ The Wilde Rover in Kirkland
2. ECC Winter Wonder Crawl Fundrasier - December 6, 2008 @ downtown Seattle

You don't want to miss out on these fun evenings, or on the opportunity to invite your friends! So, start inviting!

See you all in a week!
-Jenn

Important - Medical Teams Forms to be complete

2008-10-23T16:16:00.001-07:00

Hey Team!

In order to get set up to recieve donations for your trip at Medical Teams International (MTI), each person needs to complete a volunteer application.

You can complete one online at: http://www.medicalteams.org/site/PageServer?pagename=inv_vol_app_int

Thanks. Can't wait to see everyone on Monday!
-Jenn

Honduras Travel Research

2008-10-22T17:13:00.000-07:00

Here are a few good Honduras travel information resources that I came across:

The State Department maintains general information on countries & travel information. Always a good place to start...
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1135.html

The CDC Traveler’s Health site for Honduras lists all the recommended vaccinations and has health related travel information for the region:
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationHonduras.aspx

I've found the SidewalkMystic.com site to have tons of useful travel tips covering food, culture, travel, and more. You should definitely read the travel packing, preparations, transportation, money, and safety sections.

Although a bit more of a commercial site, there is some Siguatepeque specific information on honduras.com.

Also, check out some videos from those who have done Honduras missions before on YouTube. Search for Honduras Mission, Siguatepeque Honduras Mission, or other variations.

Obtaining Birth Certificate in Washington State

2008-10-22T12:29:00.001-07:00

I dont have one, so you can order one through this site, you need this to get a passport.

http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehsphl/chs/issuing_co.htm

Honduras

2008-10-22T09:55:00.000-07:00

Jen, thanks so much for setting this up, it is awesome... Above is a map so we know where we are going. I tried to find some authentic Honduras type music but don't know much about that aspect of the culture yet, but when I find some information I will post it.

-Nigel

Tegucigalpa Airport

2008-10-20T23:20:00.000-07:00

So I started my Honduras research and came across some interesting factoids about the airport of all things:

Toncontin airport of Tegucigalpa, Honduras is considered to be one of the world's most dangerous airports due to the steep approach required, high elevation, short sloping runway and high terrain in very close proximity.

Obviously flying into such an airport is something everyone must do at least once in their life!

So, I thought we needed a blog...

2008-10-20T20:52:00.002-07:00

Hey Team -

Yes, yes...I know I am a geek, but I thought it would be fun to start a blog. That way we can all post pictures, videos, etc. as we research Honduras and plan for our trip. Also, we can use this as a method of communication while on the trip for friends and family at home.

I've given you all admin access, so start posting!
-Jenn

EastLake goes to Honduras

Why don’t I always listen to God?

Want to see Honduras?

The Team!

We have internet!

And We're Off...

Honduras

Honduras PicturesHonduras Pictues 2

Seriously?!?

Loaves and Fishes

God is Big

Get Your Shots and Sleeping Bags!

Things to Remember!

CPR and Latrines

Latrines

Welcome to the Blog!

Reminder: Group meeting Monday, January 5th

Horse Back Riding

CPR makes money!

Hit the Beach!

$1,000! Thanks Pub Crawl

36 LATRINES BABY!

It's Pub Crawl Time!

Apple Cup!

Hey Honduras Crew

Medical Teams International Video.

Let's raise some money!

Important - Medical Teams Forms to be complete

Honduras Travel Research

Obtaining Birth Certificate in Washington State

Honduras

Tegucigalpa Airport

So, I thought we needed a blog...

Honduras Pictures

Honduras Pictues 2