learning from experience

Then you will learn from your own experience how [God's] ways will really satisfy you.

Romans 12:2b (The Living Bible)

It's great, uplifting, rejuvenating to read of what God has done in others' lives, how he has renewed them, brought them out of pits of despair, taught them great things, worked through them to bless others. But it is even more gratifying, more inspirational when we see the work God has done in our own lives through the years.

"...from your own experience..." I don't believe this is a "once and done" thing. This is a continuous walking, learning, stretching thing. It is because of my own experience through the years that I can testify to "how his ways will really satisfy."

When I take the time to reflect, my own story of God's grace in this redeemed sinner's life can be my inspiration for today and tomorrow. And it can be used to help others, if I choose to share it.

"Jesus, Jesus, how I trust him!

How I've proved him o'er and o'er!

Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!

Oh, for grace to trust him more!"

small rodent or insect?

This is actually a type of caterpillar. After asking various people what it might be, we were finally told that it is called a "gusano pollo". We found out it can be very dangerous and even fatal for small children and the elderly. Touching it causes a reaction that requires medical care. We found it very interesting, but we thank God that no one touched it by accident!!

helping out at El Ayudante

Harlan and I recently celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary. We left our kids with Beth, Tristan, Sigel and Maddie Mohagen for the night and went to San Pedro Sula. On our way back we stayed a night at El Ayudante, the project where the Mohagens are managers, and helped out for a day.

Who stole the purple cabbage?

What'chu lookin' at? It's been a lo-o-ong day!

tamalitos de elote

Harlan had planted some of the local corn, the corn that when mature is what is ground up to make corn tortillas (well, after it is also cooked with lime!). It is a very hard corn kernel when it is mature.

While the corn is still young and (a little more) tender, however, you can use it to make tamalitos, as well as other things.

It is a somewhat long process (as is almost anything done with fresh corn because of the whole husking, cleaning, etc...) and not one that will likely be repeated in this Horst household, but the end result was good!

The liquified corn, butter, milk, sugar and salt mixture is placed in a pocket made using the inner corn husks and then cooked in some water on the stove until it is solid. Best eaten with mantequilla (latin american sour cream). Que rico!

Angelica turns 14! (a while ago on Sept 11th :)

Birthday gifts and boxes from the States are always a highlight. Thank you to everyone who remembers our birthdays. You help make us feel special.

Of course, always plenty of help to open boxes... we want to make sure it's done right :)

An "artistic" shot from the photographer...

...and the trees came tumbling down.

TREE # 1

TREE #2

a view from the other end of the tree so you can see some of the other things it could

have fallen on... :) our house is off to the right of the picture as well.

...and then this is how you go from tree to 2x4s!