Greetings from Sunny Tegucigalpa

The past few days have been an exericise in flexibility, which is one of the foundational rules of mission trips.  We travelled back to Tegucigalpa Sunday night because of the torrential rains from Tropical Storm Agatha.  After church on Sunday, we rode across the bridge into town.  This is the river which flows from Tegucigalpa and flooded during Hurricane Mitch.  The river was up more than half way to the top of the bridge at that point.

The rains continued throughout the afternoon.  About 4:30, Ophelio, a Honduran Baptist Men employee, came to the house to tell us that the river was expected to come over the banks before midnight.  After prayer and assessment, we decided the best plan was to evacuate to higher ground.  By 5:30, we had moved everything up off the floor to the highest closests and headed out of town.

After we stopped for the night, we heard from Ophelio that the water had come out of the banks and into the park, a block away from the house.  Water never came up to the house, but there was a lot of flooding.
Monday morning, we drove the remaining distance to the mission house in Tegucigapla.  The rain was continuing, and we knew that the water could rise.  In addition, the roads to the village would be impassable.  We were glad to be safe, but had heavy hearts that we did not have the chance to say "Good Bye".

Monday, God provided a much needed sabbatical rest for the group.  By mid day, the rain ceased and we were able to walk about, rest and relax.  Our evening devotion reminded us that alough our plans for our mission had changed, God still had plans for us.

This morning, Tuesday, we had a team meeting and learned that we will be returning home on Wednesday, a day early.  Mike and Ginger need to return to Choluteca to set up the house again for the next group.  Our leaving early will allow them the time they need to prepare.  We had the opportunity to visit a village called "Valley of the Angels".  We had lunch at a typical Honduran restaurant which was absolutely delicious!

This mission has been an exciting, challenging, joyful, sad and triumphant life changing experience.  For many of the team members, this has been their first mission experience.  I have a strong suspicion that God is just beginning to utilize the talents and gifts assembled this week.  We cherish your continued prayers as we travel and seek God's plans for us next.


Grace & Peace,
Brian