El Corazon de Cristo
So we're out here in Talonga with half the squad (about 30) at Gracie's. Gracie's ministry has us doing a lot of construction and house work. We work long days and get tired in the evenings easily, but here we have dorms. The food is good and has variety. Gracie has been in Honduras for 8 years and she's the sheriff round these parts. One of the first things she did in her ministry was build the broken down police post across the street. A bunch of police show up at her house and from there she got in to the police work and tried to get rid of some of the corruption. And just the other day she had a police training day where she tested the lower ranks. But she would go in her truck, armed, with a bunch of armed police and bust into homes and save victims of sexual abuse or abuse. It's legit. Chris Easter and I were like that's awesome, we want to go on a raid. She has some amazing stories. But it's not an easy life. As I said before there's corruption and people have order for her to be assassinated a few times so occasionally she'll have to close up shop. She's the sheriff here and everyone knows who she is. Her property is a safe place where sometimes police will pull up and jump out of a truck and drop off a kid and then leave. She runs the place with her husband Poppy Lee and he is sooo nice (as is Gracie) and is more of a behind the scenes guy, but loves doing work. So hopefully this gives you a little idea of who I work for/with.
This last week a lot of our construction work has been working on draining the water in her property because it's a high security property with concrete walls and security cameras. Because if it rains hard enough her house floods. We are also working on building more rooms on the second floor. We have also been taking care of 3 babies because some teenage moms live here and there are 3 little boys that are great, but their moms left Gracie's in the night. And there are 3 cerebral palsy girls and some staff. It's not a very big place, but we manage to fit everyone.
I'll keep you posted. We get to go to the pool tomorrow for our day off.
Random thought of the week: "Does 'Dora the Explorer' teach Spanish speaking kids English, since she teaches English speaking kids Spanish?" Also enjoy peanut butter while you have it.
Go Jamie!!! I’m so happy you have a blog! And I can’t wait to see what God has in store for you!!
Wow Jamie. What an adventure – how fantastic to meet someone like Gracie and Poppy Lee. How sad to have to do raids – truly she is rescuing the broken for Jesus. I will pray for her safety as she fights for those who are unable to get free.
I see that God has already blessed you with some new and interesting people on this trip. Their love for Him is evident in what they do in their life and I hope they leave an impression on you and your choices for what you do in your life. This sounds just amazing! God bless Jamie. Praying for you!
I’m excited to see that you are “stoked”…Go, Jamie, Go!….OK, so now the parent part of me kicks in – BUT be careful! Anyone that has decided to make death threats and partake in sexual abuse has decided against Truth and Compassion…they’re wired differently, something you shouldn’t forget. Praying for your growth and safety.
Wow, Jamie! Gracie and her husband sound like great people with a great mission. So glad you get to meet them and work with them. I’ll be praying for safety,for you as you serve. Thanks for writing and letting us know how to pray.
And I’ll have some peanut butter for you when you get back.
That’s awesome! And you’re only a few weeks in…I just can’t imagine how many stories and adventures you’ll have by the time you come back home! I’m already looking forward to hearing them all in person! Thank you so much for keeping us posted — it helps to know how to pray — and it helps to feel like we’re staying connected. God bless you!!!
I think you will have enough info. in your blog for an exciting book by the time you get back. Just wanted to remind you that we are praying for you. Enjoy!