ABNER DANIEL IS 1 YEARS OLD!!

On November 28th, while we were in Tegus, the big boy turned 1. Susana was all excited to sing Happy Birthday multiple times throughout the day. She loved blowing out the candle with him two. These two are fun to watch, but that little stinker in both of them is starting to come out more and more. Lord, have mercy on this mommy! Some of Abney's favorite things to do right now are play with big sister Susana and papi, walk around mommy while she is cooking, watch baby signing time, and swing outside. He has 8 teeth and is getting his first molar. He is blowing kisses, givingbig wet ones too, and starting to sign. He loves to dance, though he is still a little stiff. We love our Abney!

NO NEED FOR WORDS...

GOD'S BEAUTY!

I think that sometimes WE let life get to busy to stop and enjoy the beauty of God around us. Those of you who have grown kids, reflect back and wonder where their childhood went. Daily I have to remind myself that our children will not be small forever and making the most out of each day is important. We live like 9 blocks from the port where the boats come and go to the bay islands, and Susana loves to throw rocks into the water. After 10 days of rain, we were finally able to go and enjoy the sunshine. God's beauty is never ceasing.

MOMENTS A PARENT LOVES...

The other day I was still preparing dinner for everyone else, when I told Susana to sit down and start eating. When I turned around, this is how I found her. She loves to pray! And to worship! One day I was doing dishes and when I looked to see what she was doing, I found her literally face down laying on the floor worshipping to a song her daddy had written. It's moments like these that make the times of disciplining fade away.

LOOK WHO IS WALKING...

November 7th was the big day for the big boy! Just three weeks before his 1st birthday, he got brave and decided to go for it. We cheered him on. Big sister Susana is loving it/not loving that her baby brother is walking. He can get her now! :o)

PROPER TIMING!

You know, I created this blog in order to continue to share the Lord's faithfulness in our lives, and I realize how poor of job I have been doing. The Lord works in our lives DAILY and His name desires to be glorified, so I will try and do better at making His realness known. Lately, we have been experiencing a time of "testing" in the area of our finances. I told Abner this morning, that I feel like this testing is mine, I know that it's both of ours, but I am a little weaker in this area. In simply ways, HE HAS PROVIDED! We went by a used clothing store a couple weeks ago, and I thought, I need to stop by there and look for jeans. In that same week, a friend from church brought a bag of clothes to give to the girls in the neighborhood, then she said, there are some jeans in there for you also. THREE PAIRS! God is good! The other day we were out of snack food for the kids, the next day, the neighbor brought a bag of cookies and said that they were for Abner Daniel. God is faithful! We stopped by a friend's house to take showers, since the neighborhood didn't have water for 4 days, and she loaded us up with meals for four days. It's in these little things that I see our faithful Father. Psalm 145:15 states, "The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the PROPER TIME." The Lord is so faithful to us as His children and He is teaching me this more every day. My heart is humbled by His faithfulness!

YOUTH CAMP...

This past weekend we took 7 youth from La Ceiba, to meet up with over 170 others from the association of Camino Nuevo. The theme of the camp was against the flow and there we many activities that challenged the youth to be different from the world and to live their lives for Christ 100%. The kids and I were not going to go, but having 6 of the 7 youth from our church that went females, we decided that to go for it. The kids did great! Susana didn't want to come home. You can imagine her and Abner Daniel being the only small children amongst 170 youth, she got a little attention, and she loved it. Since being in the U.S., Susana has transitioned into this little social butterfly saying hello to everyone. Anyway, I realized how much I am so out of the world of the youth. They were talking about a MSN type thing here called Hi-5, and I thought that they were talking about the children's program. I never thought that this day would come, but I realized that it has. Just wanted to share a little clip from the worship time with the youth...I love the way Hondurans worships the Lord, even in the heat and mugginess, we love to dance.

MINISTRY WISE...

What have we been up to ministry wise...a couple weeks ago we had another baptism, where three of the members from our home group were baptized. I love baptisms! I was baptized two days after being saved and I love the way that it is used as a public testimony of our faith in Jesus Christ. Sarah, Gaby, and Hatie were the three baptized. Gaby was one who we were praying for salvation for not long ago. God is good!!

My buddies hair cut....

I have been watching Abner Daniel's hair grow rapidly in the last couple months. It got to the point of going over his ears and it started bothering me. So, I started the hair cut there. A couple days later the rest of the hair got trimmed, a couple days after that, the bangs. He is one handsome dude if I do say so myself. His first hair cut at nine months.

ABNER AND I....

Well, we are doing well. Lots of lack of time alone together hinder our communication in a lot of ways, but it has been good to have just our family in our house these last couple weeks and Abner and I have been able to spend some much needed time together as well. I truly have a loving husband, who I praise the Lord for. I know that he loves God, loves me, and loves our children, what more could I ask for.

SUSANA...THE BIG GIRL..USES THE POTTY!

Susana will be 27 months on the 31st, and is starting to talk ALOT more. She is speaking a mix between english and spanish. It's cute. Her newest accomplishment is yesterday and today she has been using the big girl potty, with only one accident so far. She is loving the praise and the skittles that she gets every time she goes. She really is growing way to fast, but truly is developing into a silly, creative, loving little girl. She has had a couple hard months with illness, cuts, etc., but praise the Lord God has pulled her through.

ABNER DANIEL...

Our little buddy will be nine months tomorrow. He has three teeth, all on the bottom and the fourth is coming in. He is a little cruiser in her walker and is only wanting to be standing up. He's a happy little guy, who we are praying will begin sleeping in his crib SOON! After all the craziness over the last couple months, some bad habits have been formed. As I type, he is on the guest bed, which works for now, but once he becomes more mobile the crib will be necessary. He is a joy.

TIME WITH THE BRODINES...

You can read more about their time here at http://www.mattbrodine.com/.

TIME IN THE U.S.

This was a blessed time with my family and friends...if you want to see more pictures you can go to, abnerarevalo@shutterfly.com, there are tons.

OPPS, FORGOT ABNER'S BIRTHDAY...

ABNER'S FAMILY REUNION...

WHERE HAVE WE BEEN!!!

I know, I know...we have been lost! I tell people that since June 14th, life has been like a blur. We picked the Brodine family up from the airport on the 14th, Abner's family reunion started on the 15th, we left for the U.S. on the 23rd, returned on July 7th, had a few days to ourselves before the Brodine family moved back to our house for 5 weeks. Last weekend, we took them to Lidia's uncle´s house, and we are trying to get back into somewhat of a normal routine over here. The last night that Lidia and her family were here, her and I laid on the floor together in the midst of all of their lugguge and we came to the conclusion that our time together deserved a gold medal. We were blessed with their stay, we learned from each other, we laughed together, cried together, and grew together, but there were some hard times too. Just imagine, 4 kiddos under 2, with four parents. YIKES! We made it though and were blessed! Here comes some pictures....

FAMILY FUN DAYS..

Mondays are our family fun days, the days we try to have 'off' and spend as a family. This Monday we went swimming, this was Abner Daniel's first time in a big pool and he loved it. Susana loves the water also and had a blast today as usual. After swimming, we went to KFC for some twisters, and for Susana to be able to play awhile in the kids area. Well, now that she is the big two she is getting a little braver wanting to adventure up higher in the play area to where the slides are. She was brave and quite the little climber, but eventually got stuck on a net and couldn't climb by herself anymore. Soooo...someone had to go after her, and that someone ended up being me. Hilarious! Here is this 31 year old mom climbing in between padded walls to get her child, but the best part is still to come. I decided since I had went that far I might as well, enjoy the tub slide as well, so down we went Susana and I together. Abner watched as the two of us climbed out of the slide and just shook his head. To me...it was fun! Never too old to play!

BRODINE FAMILY...

For those of you who haven't met Lidia, and her family, you don't know how dear they are to me. Lidia and I met through a mutual friend during the time that the Lord had seperated Abner and I for the 3 1/2 years. Lidia was in the `desert´with me, waiting for Matt (now her husband) whom the Lord had seperated her from as well after a time of dating. Matt and Lidia were married a year before Abner and I, and now have two beautiful little girls Rebekah, who is three months older than Susana and Esther who was born in April. I write about the Brodines now, because we are excited about their approaching arrival to Honduras. Lidia is a Honduran, and they desire to spend some time here for Matt to be able to learn more spanish as well as being able for them to spend more time with her family. They are planning on staying with us here in La Ceiba, for the first two months and then will be in another city for the remaining two months. Please pray for the Brodines as they continue to walk by faith through this four month journey that the Lord has them on starting June 14th. Pray for our time together with all these babies, Abner Daniel will be the prince in the midst of three princesses. Pray for God's plan to be lived out while they are here. We are so looking forward to this time, thanks for your prayers.

THE BIG GIRL TURNS 2 ...

Susana turned two day...or as she would say,`dos´, (two in spanish) but she pronounces it with the s and just shows her pointer finger. Too cute! We woke her up this morning sernating her with Happy Birthday and she loved when anyone would call and sing to her. The we got ready for a little party that we had for her, and this mommy decided that it's not so much fun having a party on the day of your child's birthday, because you are too busy getting ready for it, that you hardly have time to spend with them. We all had fun though. She favorite gift was her new tricycle...I haven't taken a picture yet, but will soon. I reflected today on what a joy Susana truly is to our family. She has a great personality, full of life and laughter. We are blessed with Susanita, and are grateful to the Lord for another year of life that we celebrated today. God is good!

6 Months!

I am a big boy now! I have two teeth, am eating lots of foods, and turned 6 months yesterday. Mommy put me in my big sisters old walker today and I LOVED IT!! My big sister Susana thought that it was fun to twirl me around in it and I giggled and giggled and giggled with her. Life is great as long as mommy is around, but when she leaves the room I cry. Just wanted to say I am a big boy now at 6 months.

MONTHLY SUPPORT NEEDS...

Since last August, we have moved into a new house, were blessed with a new truck, and have had a new baby. All have been incredible blessings, yet with all these new additions a new budget is needed as well. As we have looked over our budget, as well as the support that is coming in, we are looking at an increase of $550.00 of monthly support. Therefore, we are trusting the Lord for new supporters with willing hearts to support us as we continue serving the Lord here in Honduras. Some people have asked us if we have considered getting connected with a mission’s agency in the U.S., and the answer is yes, we have considered this, but we do not believe that the Lord desires this for us at this time. So, we continue to walk by faith trusting that He knows our needs and will provide according to His perfect plan. If the Lord is leading you to begin supporting us monthly, or as a one-time gift, please send it to the address below. Your prayers are crucial, please keep praying! Since writing this in our last newsletter, the Lord has raised up a $50.00 support, only $500.00 more to go. Will God use you? Send any support to Abner & Kelley Arevalo, 1428 S. Oak, Freeport, IL 61032.

MOTHER'S DAY!!!

Happy be-lated Mother's Day to all you mothers out there. I am famous for be-lated birthday greetings, so I might as well continue with the be-lated mother's day greetings as well. You know, being a mom is one of the most rewarding, challenging, draining, exciting journey that I have ever been on. My mother's day didn't start out the best as I woke up with diareah and vomiting, and spent most of the day weak and drained, but as I looked at Susana and Abner Daniel throughout that day, remembering it was because of them that I was included in the day's celebration, I truly was humbled once again that the Lord has entrusted these two little beings into our care. Just wanted to praise the Lord for His help and grace in this calling of motherhood.

I'M BACK...

I'm back...it has been over a month I think since I have last blogged, but things over here have been good. God is good! A little update, we were in Tegus this last weekend for my friend Patty's wedding. The Lord placed Patty in my life the year that my brother died and her mom died. Patty has been a great friend and congrats once again to her and David. I was the maid of honor in her wedding and will be remembered always on that day as I am sure that I was captured by the camera MANY times fixing her dress. While we were in Tegus, Abner Daniel spouted his first two teeth. We also started some solids with him and he is loving it, though I don't know who is loving it more, him or Susana. Susana loves that her baby brother is starting to do things that she does. She loves hugging him, dancing with him, and making him laugh. No one can make him laugh like Susana can. Susana fell down 7 steps at grandpa and grandma Arevalo's house, but praise the Lord she wasn't hurt to bad, but she returned with yet another owie on her nose. We praise the Lord for His protections. Susana's personality continues to develop more and more and the best word to describe her at this point it FUN. She is just a silly, lively little girl with lots of energy. Abner and I are doing well also, praise the Lord, here is just a little update.

APRIL 12, 1995

On April 12th, I celebrated 13 years in Christ. I was saved on the 12th, at the age of 18, and was baptized on the 14th at Mrytle Beach. As I reflected on that day of salvation, it brought such joy knowing that I was a sinner, but have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ. I have heard many comment lately about how the Lord has done so much for them, and they would be fools not to serve Him, which is good, yet the Lord has reminded me that we must not only serve Him for the things that He does for us, but for who HE is! I am so far from knowing my Savior, I realize daily how little I do know if Him. My prayer is simple...Lord, let me know you more! I praise Him for the 13 years He has given me in Him. I have await the day that I can say that I have lived in Christ more than without Him...only 5 more years to go.

THEIR FIRST BRIGADE...

A couple weeks ago we got a phone call from one of our friend's mom, Tiane, who lives in Tegus. Tiana was here in La Ceiba, with another couple doing a medical brigade and wanted to know if we could help translate. When we asked her what neighborhood she was in, we couldn't believe that the Lord had brought her to our very own neighborhood and she was just 4 blocks away. Abner spent much of the afternoon translating for the doctor who was there, and the kids and I went and helped out once they were up from their naps. It was a blessing to see the Lord bring these gringos to our neighborhood and the free meds and vitamins that were given in order to bless the people here. This was a week before we started a home group at our house and had 18 of these same neighbors come. We see that people are hungry here for the Word of God. Help us pray for our neighborhood. Susana loved hanging out with the kids at the brigade sight and has become quite popular amongst the little kids in the neigborhood.

THE BULLET....

Many have asked about the bullet, well...here is the story. It was before Abner left for Argentina. Susana and I had been up for awhile and Abner was still lying in bed. Susana and I went to her room to play and all of a sudden we heard a BOOM, a boom like glass shattering. I grabbed Susana and went to our bedroom where I found Abner looking around also. We noticed that there was a hole in the curtain that Abner was sleeping under, and found pieces of the bullet on the floor at the end of the bed. A bullet at went through the screen, the glass, the curtain, and praise the Lord no one was hurt, just glass splitters were found around Abner's head. It was a really random thing because we have a swamp area behind our house, so the bullet had to come through all the trees, which had to have slowed it down. Abner was looking to see if it had hit the wall and stuck, but it didn't so it didn't come very fast. I really believe that the enemy was trying to use this to bring fear before Abner left for Argentina, knowing that I was going to be home alone. We didn't share this with anyone at the time, because we didn't want to worry my parents, but they know and now so do you. God is faithful in His protection!

FINISHED WALL...GOD IS SO FAITHFUL!!

Praise the Lord, we have a finished wall! Back in November, the Lord laid it on my sister's heart to ask her church to help us raise the money that we needed in order to build a wall around our house to keep the cow, horses, etc. out of our yard. This was before a bullet went flying through our window and we found out that there are baby crocodiles in the swamp area behind our house. When first thinking about this wall, we thought that it would cost us around $1800.00 or maybe around $2000.00. The church that my sister attends was working on a well project for Africa at the time, so they contributed what they could, but then the Lord prompted by sister to contact our extended family to see if they would be willing to help. We have a very big family, lots of aunts and uncles, and cousins with very generous hearts. Our family pulled together, along with several other individuals outside the family, and the Lord raised up over $5000.00 to build and complete the wall. The love of Christ was felt through each person who gave and we are very grateful! Each time we sit on our front porch and look out through the metal gates, we are reminded of what an awesome God that we serve and how faithful He is to provide. Thanks to all who gave to make this happen. We love you all!

HOY NO CIRCULA....

What does it mean...literally it means today no circulating, but in other terms this...In attempts to help with the issue of a lack of combustible here in Honduras, the government has passed a law that each car owner must select a day out of the week where they cannot drive their vehicle from 6:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. We chose Tuesday, therefore we have a little sticker in our window and if we are caught driving on Tuesdays, starting on Monday, we will be fined, unless of course it is an emergency or a holiday. So...if you need us, Tuesday is now a great day to find us, because we will be home. Not many people are happy about this new law, but it's one of those things that we just wait and see what happens.

PRAY FOR POOPS...

My dad had a little accident on Wednesday. He had a big tree taken down in their back yard last weekend, and he has been shredding the brush and cutting up the wood. Well mom went home to help him and they had just taken a break, and he started using the chain saw again. Mom heard the saw turn off, and she asked him what was wrong. He said that the chain saw just cut his foot. They took a look at it and headed for the ER. He almost cut off his big toe. It was cut half way through it, and cut a tendon a little bit too. He has 8 stitches and his toes are really swollen, and is in some pain. We were blessed that he didn't loose a toe or more. We have been praying for his safety, and we feel that the Lord did spare his toe. Pray for healing and no infection. Thanks!

THE BIG BOY!

Abner Daniel will be 4 months on Friday and still remains a very happy, content little guy. Well, I shouldn't say ¨little,¨ he is getting to be a big boy. There is something about Abner Daniel that reminds me so much of my brother Cory. There is something in his looks, but I think that I am also seeing it in his personality too. I think that the Lord allows me to see whatever it is I see in Abner Daniel, in order to remind me of the good things that He saw in my brother. I know that my brother would have loved being an uncle to these two little ones, as well as to Teagan and Grady.