Thanks for all the comments and letting me know you are out there. Wasn't real sure anyone was reading and, truth be told, it doesn't really matter as this blogging thing is more of an exercise in self discipline for me than anything else. I've never been one to stop and write things down but I am really enjoying this way of journaling and chronicling things that are going on in my life and mind.

A new group arrived here in Honduras today and we are all gearing up for what is surely going to be a very busy few weeks. The Mi Esperanza interns have taken on a special project they are calling "Extreme Makeover, Honduras Style." My wife has taken a fancy to a family of 6 ranging from age 18 to 9 (I think). Their father left over 8 years ago and their mother passed away in December. The oldest boy works and goes to school. He has the burden of caring for the family and providingfor their needs. Turns out they live in a TORCH house that was built at least 8 years ago. We are going to put on a new roof, put in a floor, and build them another building. It is really incredible to see how God is caring for this family and it is incredible to know that we can be used when this family has needed help the most. Please pray for Melvin and his siblings!


The flooding has destroyed the road back to the house so it will take a full day just to get the wood there and then another day, at least, to accomplish the work. This really is a great story. The first time a group from TORCH worked in this community (we think it was eight years ago) this family had been abandoned by the father and the mother was at a loss as to how she was going to provide. They had a piece of property, but the home was nothing to speak of and there were 6 children from 10 to infant. As the oldest boy now says, "God sent you to provide a home when it was most needed." The amazing thing it that the home is still in pretty good shape except for the roof and the need for a floor. As Lori got to know Melvin (pictured above) this year she got a chance to go and visit his home and that is when we realized that he lived in an older TORCH home. We also learned that his mother had recently passed away in December and that the children were on their own. The oldest boy again said, "God has sent you again when the need is the greatest." He works and goes to school, the oldest girl (16 0r 17) does most of the cooking and the rest of them do what they can to get things done. We are excited to be able to meet some of their basic needs of clothes and shelter and supplement their food supply. Pray that God give them all the strength and courage to continue to love and care for one another the way they have.