Trying Times
Our last weeks in Honduras are not what we had expected. Since returning from Guatemala, we have been involved in work of the ministry with the intention to return to Canada on April 2nd. That plan has been scuttled. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to gain momentum, this post is being written under an isolation curfew and uncertainty about how long we will be forced to stay here. More on that at the end of the post.

One of the events we had wanted to experience while here is the monthly meeting that Pastor Victor holds for all of the K-6 sponsored families. It is an opportunity for SOH staff to encourage them and see how they are doing. The whole family comes out to one of the schools and Pastor Victor opens with a devotional. Then letters and gifts from sponsors are handed out and any pictures that need to be taken for sponsors are snapped. Since sponsorship funds are able to provide a small food hamper for the family each month, next was the grouping of families to collect their bags of staples. Meanwhile, parents bring school uniform items and receipts for Victor to authorize payment for school-related purchases. It was fun to view the crowd of maybe 150-200 gather together to receive the gifts and special moments that come courtesy of their Canadian sponsors.

Basic necessities

Back in December, Rick was trained to be able to run eyeglasses clinics and distribute glasses at a very affordable cost of $5 CAD. A not-for-profit out of Maryland started Global Vision 20-20 with a state-of-the-art system that can provide prescription and reading glasses of high quality at a low price for those who couldn't otherwise afford them. Rick's plan is to do some more training when we get back to Canada so he can eventually train locals to do the clinics in their own countries. We brought the glasses kit down to Honduras to hopefully do a small clinic or two to bless some of the older folks that most need them. On March 11th, we did offer a clinic in Buena Vista community; 23 people attended and we were able to help 18. This is a ministry opportunity that would work well with a church missions team to come and do a week-long clinic and train local pastors or ministry staff so they can continue to provide glasses to those in need. If you are reading this and want to know more, contact Rick.  

 

Doing an eye test

 

Choice of tortoise shell, black or blue

Cheryl has not been very busy during her time here, but has been able to provide some consulting to Schools of Hope (SOH) on English language teaching to improve their program going forward. She has also had a few Skype conversations with a friend of another Global Worker in Haiti who is looking for advice and support for his English classes there. Cheryl is also collaborating with another pastor/GW in LAC region to formalize a curriculum he has developed for young adults in Canada. 

Rick has been working with the leadership of the ministry to evaluate ministry strategy, effectiveness, and plans for the future. SOH continues to grow and it is important to stay within the scope of the vision and be able to support and sustain operations. The leadership team has a balanced skill set and has been working together well. In fact, they will celebrate ten years of ministry in August. It is clear to us that the work they do makes a significant impact on the lives of kids who are sponsored, on the health of families who benefit from the nutrition and water filter programs, and on many families in District 8 whose communities receive funding and other resources for special projects.

Workshop for Bible teachers

COVID-19: We have watched the reactions of the world and at home in Canada and Saskatoon over the past two weeks and wow, what an emotional ride! The approach of the Government of Honduras has been to undertake severe measures in an attempt to keep the virus from gaining any hold in the country. When there was only 1 case in each of the biggest cities, they shut down all schools in the whole country (March 12). Since that time, measures have escalated daily to the current point where we sit alone in the office/team house under imposed isolation. All non-essential public services, businesses and workplaces are closed, including supermarkets. There is a 24/7 curfew which confines everyone to their homes. Police and military check/question all vehicles or pedestrians on the roads. We spent several days frantically re-booking cancelled flights but even these are now cancelled and we are unable to contact airlines. We have sent emails to every Canadian gov't agency possible, including our MP. We have been informed that authorities are working with governments and airlines to bring Canadians home, but all we can do is wait. We feel safe and comfortable, although frustrated, inconvenienced, and bored. This isn't much different than many of you, but since we are not in our own home, cannot speak the language, are unfamiliar with government tactics, have completed our work here, and must rely on others for help, we feel an urgency to get home as soon as possible. We did undertake a bit of an adventure on the morning of the 19th as the curfew was lifted for grocery shopping from 7-4 only. We walked to the closest supermarket and stood in a line of masked shoppers for almost two hours, guarded by a soldier across the street. Only Rick could go in, he was handed latex gloves, his temperature was taken, and he got the groceries in ten minutes. Military and police seem to be managing things well, bringing calm and strength to the local people.  

Line up for groceries

                                          

How grateful are we for the Internet and the ability to face time with our family and friends? And how blessed and privileged are we for friends here and our family back home who are doing everything they can to help get us home? You know the answer to that one. We would appreciate your prayers and welcome all emails and offers to Zoom with us!  

Much love,

R & C

Cheryl's new normal - who woulda
thunk it?