Loaves and Fishes

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

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!

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!

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

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

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

Welcome to the Blog!

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