The 600

News and Events

June 2011 Newsletter

Dear Family and Friends,

Well, May was quite a month! Since there was so much I thought I would include it in three categories: the difficulties, the joys and the future.

The Difficulties

While we are often the recipients of robbery and vandalism, this month has been more difficult in that it seems to be increasing and we have heard rumor that those who are stealing from us are some who are close to us. This is, of course, so much more painful than the frustration of continually repairing broken fences (literally) or the loss of crops or bought goods; it is wearing to our souls, but it also causes us to yearn for the Kingdom of God as we hunger for righteousness.

We had to travel to San Pedro Sula (a 7-hour round trip with an infant) twice in May to file Eva's US paperwork. What made this very difficult was that we were only missing one document when we went the first time, but learned this as the Consulate was closing, which necessitated another trip a week later. On the first trip, the bottles we were hoping to buy for our hot sauce were not in stock and our dog Latte died while we were gone. It was a tough trip.

I (Allison) have been pretty tired lately, but it was tough to know whether it is the normal nursing mother tired or not. In learning that my health was not at the ideal level, we changed things so I am able to rest (even more) and we are learning what is really important in how we use our time.

Larry wrote last month about his cooperative planting with Toyano, Luis and Agustin. The work has been tough but more difficult is that not all the men have shared the same vigor and vision in the work and have not always been faithful to their word to work.

The Joys

We wrote in the last newsletter that Gerson, the 14-year-old orphan who abruptly left home to go work had returned. While Gerson was gone, however, 12-year-old brother Walter felt his usefulness and capability. Additionally, just-turned-10 Jimmy was then required to become a young man instead of a boy as he started to haul firewood and do some of the more "heavy" work. With Gerson's return, we see a somewhat humbled Gerson who has re-enrolled in school and who seems to be enjoying being a boy again instead of working full-time. And Walter and Jimmy have retained their freedom and confidence in spite of their older brother's return.

We were able to participate in three afternoon sessions of counseling and inner healing with Julissa, Discipleship Group member who lives with us. God led her to healing of very painful and difficult experiences in her past. Praise God that he was able to use us and our broken pasts to lead her to himself the Healer and to encourage her in her pursuit of him.

Karla, another DG member who lives with us, invited two of her university classmates to spend the night at Campus with us. During dinner the conversation turned toward spiritual things. At one point, one of the friends said, "I just hate it when people say 'I'm saved.' You just can't be so sure of that!" That started a conversation that led to each of us who live at Campus sharing openly about our faith in Jesus and the confidence we have in his saving grace--including Joel! We pray for these two questioning friends that they too will find peace and restoration in Christ.

Eva has started to sleep more and gain weight at a better rate than last month. She has also made laughing and squealing part of her daily routine--often during dinner time. She has reached Mobility Level 1 as she turns completely over and can scoot a fairly good distance before she gives up. Tio (Uncle) Joel is a special friend for Eva and it is fun to see how they interact so well.

Each May a traveling carnival comes to La Ceiba with several fair rides. Unlike many things in this city it is a fun, clean and safe place for families. The DG members who live with us introduced them to us, and we had such fun that we went back and took the orphans. It was the first time those kids had been on any sort of "ride" and tears were only shed by one on the super-fast reverse rotating ferris wheel.

God has continued to bless Larry's teaching in the Discipleship Group meetings. The truths we are learning are getting solidified in the regular attenders' hearts and minds and are bearing fruit. We praise God constantly for this.

The Future

June and July are free months from classes for Karla and Julissa because of the way their university schedules worked out. The three of us have agreed to do a Bible studytogether and we look forward to deepening our friendship with one another and our love for God.

Two young people from the US are going to be spending part or all of their summers with us. We are really excited for Mary-Kate and Ben to be joining us for these months as we learn, serve and grow together in Christ.

Arriving the 30th of May is a Sustainable Tropical Agriculture class of university students from the US. We have hosted this group before (formerly from Gordon College) and are excited to share what we have learned of the beauty of God's original design for this earth and how we can replicate that in part.

In Las Mangas a non-profit organization has started a women's meeting for those in the community to start conversations regarding a potential cooperative micro-enterprise, their role as women in the community and other topics.

Praise the Lord for:


Pray the Lord for:


To, by and for the glory of the Lamb that was slain

Larry, for Allison and EVA

"Love never fails."