Some of you may know that Allen's parents were missionaries, and that he lived in the Philippines and Malaysia between the ages of 6 and 15. Jim and Blanche did some traditional missionary work, and also worked as teachers in the boarding school which Allen and his brothers attended.
In 2001, in moving to Honduras to do mission work, Allen became a second generation missionary. At that time, we had no idea how our children would respond to being uprooted from the US, and taken to live in a third world country. Happily, they have thrived, and all of the children have been a huge help in our work here.
Now, the children are starting to take on ministry work of their own! Russell, along with the young men in his church Bible study group, have collected donated clothing from here in town, to deliver to poor villages in the mountains. Today Kirstin and Bethany left to spend several days helping in a nearby orphanage. We're so proud of how the children have "caught the vision" of serving those around them.
Russell, at 18, is of course thinking about his future, and making plans for additional education and for his future career. At this time, his desire is to continue to work as a missionary here in Honduras, possibly eventually taking over from Allen to continue the ministries we have started in Lempira. He is already much more prepared and better trained than Allen and I were, when we moved to Honduras, as he is already fluent in Spanish, and he is able to exist comfortably within this culture. He knows the country, and already knows so much about how to accomplish things here and how to relate to the people. He is hoping to take some additional Bible training courses, either spending a short time in the states or taking advantage of the internet courses available, to help him in his preparations for working as a missionary.
I am thrilled that my kids have not only adapted to life here, and embraced the ministry work, but have come to love Honduras enough to choose to continue living here as adults. Because of David's unique situation, we are unable to travel from Honduras as an intact family. Many missionary families move back to the US to live, during the years when their older children are transitioning back to living in the states, but this option is not available to us. So, it's a blessing that, at least so far, the family hasn't been torn apart by distance!
3 comments:
Wow, Trish, you're incredibly blessed, very few families can say this. I hope that your kids will continue running the race.
Trish, this is what I want for my children and especially for my little Josiah who is already on the way and will be born in Costa Rica in June. Any practical advise you have will be greatly appreciated. When I have doubts and questions you may hear from me as I do not know many families like yours. All I know have returned to the states for their kids like you said. What a blessing to me to know there are others doing what is in my heart to do and that they are being blessed by God.
I miss you guys! (((hugs)))
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