Culture Training
Since I have returned from the States in January, I have been thinking a lot about last year at this time. Last year I was in Antigua, Guatemala learning Spanish. Since then I have learned a lot. One of the most challenging things is learning about the culture. One of the reasons for this is there is not school to teach you what is acceptable and what is not. Even simple things can be frustrating. For example, our hand signal for “leave” actually means “come here” in Honduras. So, if you are quietly trying to tell a child to leave a room, they will think you are saying, “Come here.”
So, when you realize that you have become a part of their culture and lives it is really exciting. I realized this when the Hondurans started asking me to go places with them where no other “gringos” would be and I did not feel awkward in these places. I actually felt relaxed and at home. Then one Saturday night at the jóvenes church service Clara asked me to do the Bible reading. I was very honored to be asked to do that but I have never read the Bible out loud in Spanish before so I was a little nervous too. The Hondurans have asked me to sing at church services before but never to be an actual participant in the service. I realized that I have become an important part of their lives and culture as they have become in mine.
New Teacher and Still Looking
We have a new teacher at Faith Home this year named Celenia. Celenia is teaching 1st and 2nd grade. She is very qualified teacher and is doing an exceptional job with our children. Nadia decided to leave Faith Home because she wanted to continue her education so Rosy decided to take her place. This leaves the 3rd and 4th grade classroom without a teacher. I am currently filling in for this position but I cannot do this much longer since I have other responsibilities falling at the wayside. It is very difficult to find a qualified bilingual teacher. Please pray that God will send the right person to us to be the 3rd and 4th grade teacher.
New Programs
We
have begun an honor roll program this year. It is for the children that
make a 75 percent or higher overall average on their report cards. In
Honduras, teachers, children and parents think that a 60 is a good grade
because it is passing. I have tried to get the children to shoot for a
higher grade but they do not understand that 60 is not a good grade. So to
encourage them even more I began this program. I am starting out with a 75
percent overall average and then next year I will raise the standard to 80
percent overall average. Fourteen children in grades 3 – 6 made the Honor
Roll this Bimester. They are 6th grade :Doris, Ingrid,
Elizabeth, Ericka 5th grade: Henry 4th
grade: Ariel, Brenda, Kency, Rahem, Erick 3rd grade:
Iris, Eder, Bessy and Ana Elsi
Transition Time
Transitioning from one chapter of life to another is never easy but it is necessary for growth to continue. This time at Faith Home is no different. Saying goodbye to each face and personality has not been easy for anyone here but as time goes on it will get easier. Prayer and relying on God is the only way any of us will get through this but with God’s help we can do anything. One thing that strengthens me is hearing Honduran brothers and sisters pray for all of the Faith Home missionaries.
Right now is a vital time for Faith Home. Please pray for all the house parents, children and missionaries. Pray for health, safety, strength, patience and peace.
Julia Phillips
Julia Phillips is a member of the Enfield, Illinois General Baptist Church. She served as a Sunday School teacher, Bible School teacher, and song leader. She attended Oakland City University, where she was the women's Bible study leader and Student Christian Association discipleship team leader.