Rachel's Blog

Change of plans

rachelinhonduras — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 23:34:38 +0000

After the military coup and the tension and uncertainty going on in Honduras right now, Buckner and Show Hope made the decision to postpone our trip until August 1st (returning on the 8th). I’m sad that I won’t get to see the kids as soon as I had hoped for, but I’m peaceful about the decision. I’m the type of person who doesn’t like to be out of control. At first I wanted to say to Honduras (and even to Buckner and Show Hope) “Do you think you can stop me from going? Haha, I’d like to see you try!” BUT, after some of the things that are happening and realizing that we could bring negative or unwanted attention to the kids as a large group of foreigners from a country opposing the newly implemented government, I have to say that I think the decision was probably the right one. All of the people on this trip felt called to go and all of us have such a heart for orphans, for these orphans. Buckner said they were considering re-routing us to Guatemala or another country where they have programs in place. They also said that our group may have to be split up to join groups already planned for another place. I did NOT want this to happen. I would absolutely love to visit Guatemala, but not right now. I know there’s a reason I was so pulled to Honduras and to this particular trip (even if I don’t know what that reason is yet). I really care about our group leader and my teammates and didn’t want to be separated from them or sent to another location. I have to wait 1 more month, but I’m definitely willing to do that. I’m so happy that we’ll all be going to Honduras together and that we know we have a purpose there now. I have 1 month to continue planning and preparing for this trip and I’m going to use the time wisely. Hopefully I can learn some more Spanish by then! This could be a blessing in disguise I hope things settle down by then and life can get back to normal for everyone down there. If you want to read up on what exactly has been happening, check out: http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=7953572

In the meantime, please keep my team in your prayers and especially keep the orphans of Honduras in your prayers because right now all missions trips are canceled or postponed. Below are a few pictures I stole from my group leader, Ronne

Bridgette, a preemie baby at the orphanage

Some big girls from the orphanage

2 of Nueva Esperanza's adorable kids

Items for the children

rachelinhonduras — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 14:54:20 +0000

I’m collecting items for the children at Nueva Esperanza. Some of these items I’m responsible for collecting and some others are just fun ideas for the children. I’ve created a facebook event page with more information: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=94413204123#/event.php?eid=94413204123

The orphanage desperately needs diapers, baby wipes, and diaper rash cream. So if you could pick up even one of these items and give it to me to bring, it would be much appreciated.

Here’s a list of things I’m still trying to gather:

For babies:
Diapers
Diaper rash cream
Bibs
Baby toys
Baby wipes

For kids:
Toys like frisbees, yoyos, jump ropes, marbles, jacks, balls
Games like chess, checkers, small games like you find at dollar stores
Puzzles
Soccer ball (not inflated yet)
Inflation needles
Ball pump
Long balloons for making balloon animals
Balloon animal pump
Bubbles

For learning:
Spanish children’s books (Spanish Bibles are good too)
Developmental toys and games

For crafts:
Packs of colored pencils
A hole puncher
Decorations like sequins, stickers, feathers etc.
Pony beads
Coloring books

Of course, if you have anything else that you would like to give, that is also welcomed. If you want directions to my home, school, or work, or if you want me to meet you give me a call at (443)254-6527. Hope to hear from you soon!

Photo from http://www.buckner.org/enews/index.php/2008/12/new-hope-for-orphans/

I’m in shock!

rachelinhonduras — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:46:27 +0000

Just yesterday I received an email from Susan at Buckner telling me some great news. So far I’ve made 2 big payments for this trip and received a few generous donations, but I’ve just been unable to come up with enough. I still needed quite a bit more actually and was worried that I wouldn’t be able to go to Honduras because of that. Well Susan told me that one of the girls on this trip had raised above and beyond what she needed to and decided she wanted to use the money to help someone else who wasn’t able to raise enough. The balance of my trip was paid in full! I’m so happy, I can’t stop smiling! I can’t believe how kind this person is. I don’t know which person it is, but I’m so thankful to them. She could have kept that money or used it for herself for a later trip, but chose to help someone else experience this trip and help the children. It really means so much to me. I’ve said from the beginning that I knew immediately when I read about the trip that I was supposed to go. I felt in my heart that there was something pulling me to Honduras and to this particular trip. Every single thing fell right into place except for the money. Now that has been taken care of too. I really know I’m supposed to be going and God definitely provided by laying so much generosity on my teammates heart. I’ll be paying this forward in Honduras and afterwords. This was the best gift I’ve ever gotten…

Thank you to my dear, anonymous teammate

Here’s a picture of 2 girls at Nueva Esperanza on their brand new playground last month

Photo from http://www.reddot100x.com/where-weve-been/honduras/san-pedro-sula-may-2009/

A new playground!

rachelinhonduras — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 12:16:54 +0000

http://www.reddot100x.com/where-weve-been/honduras/san-pedro-sula-may-2009

This is so good!

Hopeful kids

rachelinhonduras — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 12:14:13 +0000

Here’s a new article on Nueva Esperanza: http://www.buckner.org/enews/index.php/2008/12/new-hope-for-orphans/

The real Nueva Esperanza

rachelinhonduras — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 01:13:11 +0000

If you want to know a little about orphanages in Honduras, including Nueva Esperanza, this is a great article: http://www.buckner.org/enews/index.php/2008/04/honduras-needs-us-now/

Please read!

Alternative

rachelinhonduras — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 01:10:33 +0000

Here’s another way you can help me get to Honduras-http://donate.bucknerfoundation.org/netcommunity/rachel

This is my page through Buckner International where you can donate online. All money goes directly to my trip.

Please share this blog or my Buckner page with anyone you know who might be interested or be able to help!

So so so close!

rachelinhonduras — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:08:27 +0000

It’s exactly 1 month until I arrive in Honduras! I’m extremely excited. I’ll be volunteering in an orphanage in San Pedro Sula called Nueva Esperanza(“New Hope” in English) which is home to about 120 kids. I’m going with Show Hope who is partnering with Buckner International. I absolutely can’t wait to get there! I’ll be in Honduras from July 4th-11th and even though that’s not a very long time, I believe it’s enough to reach out to children and show them love. I also have a strong feeling that I’m going to learn a lot on this trip. I’ve wanted to volunteer in an orphanage ever since I visited my first orphanage in China when my family adopted my brother from there. Everything fell into place so perfectly for this trip and at exactly the best time. The only thing that isn’t in place yet is the funding. This trip is going to cost about $1,700 total which includes round trip airfare, all meals, in country transportation, activities, and accommodations. But…I just don’t have enough yet. Actually, I’m pretty far from having enough. If anyone is able to offer something to help this trip happen, I’m asking for you to help. In addition to the trip costs, I have to still buy orphanage donations for the children and the activities we’re going to be doing with them. Even $5 brings me one step closer to San Pedro Sula and it’s many beautiful, but needy children. I’m listing my address at the end of this blog in case anyone can send a check or money to help me. If you would like to call me to find out more, my cell phone # is (443)254-6527. Or you can contact my trip coordinator through Buckner, Julie Schiefer jschiefer@buckner.org

Finally, I just want to share 3 videos with you.

These 2 videos were created by Show Hope. They don’t specifically feature Honduras, but show just how important each and every child in this world is and how important it is that we help. It’s the whole purpose of this organization and myself to bring love and hope to the world’s orphans.

Show Hope Video 1:

Show Hope Video 2:

This last video features mission trips in Guatemala and Honduras through Buckner International. Towards the end of the video you can actually see Nueva Esperanza, the orphanage I’ll be working with!

Thanks for reading everyone. Please consider donating whatever you can and also, consider helping these children by volunteering, praying, sponsoring!

My address:

695 S. Maurice St.

York, PA 17404