Helene, Honduras
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Sent: Thursday, July 1, 2010 8:45:27 PM
Subject: FINAL Helene Update
Sad to say that this will be the last email from Helene, but at the same time I know a lot of people are ready to be home. Yesterday was the last work day for us and in the afternoon we did the hike to the cross up on the hill overlooking Helene. It was beautiful from way up there and we were so high up that you could see ocean on all sides of the island. Once we were up by the cross we each took turns praying about islanders we had met throughout the trip. All in all I think we prayed for about twenty minutes or so and then we made our way back down. Today was a play day, and it was fun! After breakfast we all got in a boat and went to a beautiful place where there was a dock to jump off of. Then we split into three groups and one group at a time went out to a snorkeling spot where there were all different kinds of coral, and fish. Not to mention the fact that the water was crystal clear and the sun was out. After snorkeling we came back to the clinic and had lunch. After lunch a bunch of islanders who had stuff to sell came and set up tables,so we all walked around and bought stuff. Some people bought jewelry, wooden carvings, coconut candy, and some even got their hair braided. After we ate dinner we all met as a group and sat in a circle along with the Helene Team staff members. Everyone took turns and answered a series of questions about how they had encountered God these past two weeks and how they will live differently once they get back home. It was great to hear everyone's story and where they are in their journey with God, and I can't wait for everyone to share this experience with you all at home!
See you all at the aiport on Saturday. Our return flight from Houston to Portland is Continental flight 209 arriving in Portland at 11:03pm on Saturday night, July 3rd. We can't wait to see you all!
Team Sunset
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Sent: Tuesday, June 29, 2010 7:11:29 PM
It was a hot one today in Helene. We started out the day with a breakfast of french toast, fruit, sausage and beans. We then split up into our different jobs for the day with some going to sports camp, others to visitations, and the rest to construction, clean up and helping out in the school. We saw some major progress today in the pews that we have been working on since we got here. They are fully built and have two coats of purple paint on them. And today they were carried down to the dock and put into boats and carried up to the church on the north side of the island. Now all thats left to do is put on a third coat and then they are ready to be used! Most of the group went swimming today and a couple people got a little bit red... let's just say we arent as immune to the sun as the islanders are, but don't worry it will probably be better by the time we see you. It has been clear enough the past couple of nights to see the stars and we really can see a lot of them down here, especially up on the roof of the building on the prayer deck. Tomorrow should be fun because in the afternoon we are going to be hiking up to the top of one of the hills where there is a giant wooden cross. You can see the cross from where we are at the the clinic and we are excited to see it up close. Hope the weather at home isn't too rainy and we will see you all soon!
Team Sunset
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Date: Sun, 27 Jun 2010 20:41:55 -0700
We had an interesting day down here yesterday. We were supposed to go on a jungle hike and then for a swim, but due to weather our plans changed. Instead, we stayed around the clinic and did some work. Half of us painted some pews we built for one of the churches and the other half replaced the screens on the windows. Today we went to Church in the morning and came back for lunch. After lunch those who wanted to, headed out in long pants and long sleeves to go on the rescheduled jungle hike. We hiked through the jungle and even climbed about 65ft down into a cave. Those who didn't go hiking went swimming over on the North side of the island. For dinner we went down to a restaurant that is built over the water for a traditional island meal. It consisted of rice, beans, fish and plantains. Tonight we went to the Pentecostal Church and enjoyed worshipping and watching some of the young girls dance during one of the songs. Today we also said goodbye to Dr. Frank, a dentist who came in on the same flight as us, but only could stay for a week. He is a really sweet man from North Carolina, and we were sad to say goodbye to him and his accent. We miss you all!
Team Sunset
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Date: Sun, 27 Jun 2010 09:44:09 -0700
Dear Parents and Friends.
Here's some stats from our first week! 10 wooden pews have been built. They are 10 feet long and weight at lease 150 lbs. each. The four teams have lead 10 sports camps in the various villages, they lead 5 VBS " Kid's Clubs", cleaned up @ one and a half miles of trash on the trails and public spaces, gone on five visitation trips to islander's houses and prayed for them, lead 6 devotions times, given their testimonies in three church services, designed and lead a YP (Young Peoples) worship for the islanders. Mike has preached in two of the churches. He is scheduled to preached again tonight.
The inside story is just as good. The students have been great. They are on task and ready of each of our scheduled activities. They have been very open to trying new experiences. It I ask any student to do me a favor, they do it immediately (without giving me the look). There are many cultural and Clinic rules they have to follow. They quick understand and fully cooperate. They go to bed on time. Some fall asleep early, well at least in the guys room. There is a visiting dentist at the Clinic this week. He has pulled me aside on two occasions to tell me how highly he thinks of these kids. Just to assure you the students have not taken to walking on water, you should see their rooms. Some things don't change.
This week there has been no injures. Since we have been around power tools and nails, that's a big PRAISE GOD for me. There has been some with stomach issues. One gal has a sore throat. Each day, the Clinic RN checks on any students we may bring to her attention. As we wait on the porch for our lunch or dinner, we have a game of who has the most bug bite, or missed a spot with their sunscreen. I think I have won the award for the sweatiest t shirt on two occasions.
Each night we have a ritual of the SERVE necklace. This goes to the student who has displayed an extra measure of service. Each night it has been a huge challenge to pick one students since they all are doing the right stuff. So far, Diana, Abby, Brandon, Tyler, Kris, and Emily have been awarded this honor.
The adult leaders are having a blast. They have been leading their teams well. They now get to see their students blossom after years of investing into them. In spite of lifting luggage and pews, Mike and I are doing well with our shoulder and back concerns.
It is a delight to hear the island kids call out our names as we move though the various villages on our work projects. I bet each of our students knows 10-12 islanders names.
A light rain started on Friday morning.. This storm called Alex is passing over us. Last night it rained hard. Today, on Saturday, it is back to a light rain. This storm has changed our weekend plans but that's life in Helene. The report is for a dryer day on Sunday.
Allie Roth told me, " Dad, this is an exceptional group of kids". It took me two days to fully appreciate her wisdom on this matter. It is indeed a high privilege to serve with your children in Helene.
Please keep praying for use. This team has the potential to do more good and impact more islanders lives than the previous nine past Team Sunset. These students really have the vision and heart!
blessed in Helene,
Scott Griffith
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Date: Thu, 24 Jun 2010 22:31:49 -0700
Hey Brah!
This is Kris and Diana and here is a brief rundown of the most recent event here in Helene. Last night half of the team of girls (those staying in the bunkhouse) had an "incident." They were getting read for bed and out came the termites. They covered the outside walls and started making their way inside. Some of us didn't sleep too well after that. Woke up to some clouds this morning but eventually it turned out to be a fairly suny day. After the work was done today we all headed over to a plae called Rocky Point where there is a nice beach to swim and a dock. The water ws really clear and we could see sea urchins and blue crab. Dinner was delicious as usual,and we had ham, mac and cheese--which was AMAZING, candied yams and coconut bread. After dinner we planned what we are going todo tomorrow night, which is lead a Youth Praise Night at the Methodist Church. We are going to be leading worship, playing the Bible verse game, and asking kids questions about people/events in the Bible. Tonight we were able to watch a lightning storm from the prayer deck up on top of the clinic. It was another great day in Helene!
Team Sunset
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Date: Wed, 23 Jun 2010 20:16:23 -0700
Hey everyone,
Last night after a full day of work we had a movie night here at th clinic and a ton of islanders came to watch The Blindside with us. It was great, and felt like being at a drive in movie being outdoors and all. Another full and hot day of cleaning up garbage, visiting islanders, building pews for a local church, running sports camps, etc. We've got a few sun burns, but still no injuries or illness to speak of... To cool down most of the group went for a brief afternoon swim in the sea today, then after dinner we went to the Church of God Pentecost for an evening worship service. Some of the group says theyre eating better here than they do at home...please don't take offense, I think they are just trying to say that the food is surprisingly good...and I'm guessing the chocolate cake helped tonight! :) We're all pretty wiped out from another long day, so it's off to bed for the night. The group staying out back in the bunk house is in for a surprise...a family of tarantulas lives out back and one of our leaders just stumbled upon them...guessing we'll hear a few screams before long! Cheers to another great day of this adventure we call Helene!
Team Sunset
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Date: Mon, 21 Jun 2010 20:48:34 -0700
Today was our first full day of work on the island, and again it was a hot one! We split up by groups and had various activities and ministries around the island. From all that I heard today, the blue group working on the Habitat for Helene project, building pews for one of the local churches, absolutely did a great job! They stuck it out in the heat, and worked hard all day! The group who ran sports camps had a ton of fun today too.
Overall, it seems that the entire group is really starting to find themselves and their place on the island. You should be proud of your kids, I know I certainly am. They're being bold, stepping out in faith, loving on the people in a really beautiful way. Tonight's activity was game night, where a good 30-40 children and teens came to the clinic to play cards, Uno, dominoes and spoons. And with the evening finally cooling down, it was a very entertaining and relaxing evening.
Perhaps one of the best surprises on the trip so far has been the delicious food we've been blessed with...I think I speak for everyone when I say it is way better than we anticipated! So far we've been able to indulge in some fresh off the tree mangos, and bananas...so much sweeter and more delicious than anything I've ever tasted in the states. Larry has promised to get me some fresh avocados so that Kristen and I can whip up some guacamole for the team in a few days. It is okay for you to be jealous :)
Well, your next update will be written by some of the kids! Stay tuned. Thanks for praying for us. We miss you all!
Team Sunset
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Date: Sun, 20 Jun 2010 21:58:57 -0700
WOW! What a fun day! Sunday's are a bit different in Helene than they are in Oregon. Boy did we get our "church" on today! :)
After a great breakfast and the recognition that it was going to be super hot and humid day today, the group split in half and attended two different worship services...one at the Church of God Universal on the North Side (where Mike got to preach! and I mean "preach" if you know what I'm sayin') and the other at the Methodist Church next to the clinic we call home. After lunch, we took advantage of some swimming in the sea on the North Side which was refreshing and lovely...no sun burns even! After several hours swimming, we came back for dinner, and...more church, again at the Methodist Church...and again, one of the most lively, spirit-filled, fun nights of worship I can remember...where Mike got to preach again! So, yes, if you're wondering what we did today, we ate, went to church, ate, swam, ate, went to church... :) And now, time to retire to our sweltering hot, extremely humid sleeping quarters to try to get some rest before our first "real" day of work around the island tomorrow.
We also would all like to wish our dads a Happy Father's Day! We wish we were there to celebrate with you...or rather that you were here to celebrate with us! Love and miss you all!
Team Sunset
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Date: Sat, 19 Jun 2010 20:43:52 -0700
Hey everyone!
We've arrived safe and sound and are settled in here in Helene. Such a beautiful place. We're all a bit tired and ready to try to rest for the night, looking forward to what is in store for us tomorrow. It's hot and humid but not unbearable, and a nice afternoon storm and rain cooled things down for the night. We're thankful for that for sure! Not too much to update you on as of yet, but I knew you would want to know we have arrived and are safe. Thank you for praying for the team, and expect to hear from us soon! We love you all!
Team Sunset