Praise the Lord that we are now in Honduras. We left the Orlando airport yesterday at 8:30am. Our friends, the Jaebs and Yates took us to the airport to see us off. It was a sad good bye, filled with many tears and hugs.
We had a connecting flight in Atlanta, Georgia, and had no problems in the airport and took off right on time. We arrived in San Pedro Sula, Honduras around 12:25pm (2:25pm ET). As we landed, Elijah started clapping and saying “Yay! We are in Honduras!” The whole plane started clapping with him. Again the Lord was gracious and we didn’t have problems getting through customs or obtaining our luggage. We then headed up the mountains to Siguatepeque and arrived at MEDA around 4:00pm.
The other missionary families, along with the seminary students were all outside waiting for us and gave us a warm greeting. It started raining as we were pulling into the MEDA property. All the students helped unload our luggage and placed it in our house. It ended up being one of the biggest rain storms they had in the last few months. Elijah was running around our house joyfully telling everyone, “It’s raining in our house!” Needless to say the roof will be the first priority in getting repaired. The Montoya family is living on the other side of the duplex and has the same problems. Within 15 minutes of arriving at MEDA the boys were playing soccer in the garage with their new friends.
Pastor Melvin and his family brought us a fruit basket to welcome us to Honduras. Pastor Melvin has been to our church in Florida a few times. One of the missionary families here at MEDA, the Donatos, had an amazing Honduran feast at their home last night to welcome us. The boys enjoyed their first taste of Honduran cuisine.
Our shipping container should arrive on September 28th; please pray for a safe arrival of our belongings. We made our first trip into town alone today to pick up groceries and other items. It was a great opportunity to practice our Spanish! We were pleasantly surprised at the variety of food available and found almost everything on our list. American brands are much more expensive, however, so we will be getting used to the local brands.
We will spend the next few days settling in and getting our house and the MEDA storage shed ready for our belongings. On Monday, we will jump right in with our Spanish studies. Christy and I each have our own tutor. The boys have already picked up quite a bit just playing with their friends.
Our family is extremely thankful to everyone who has made it possible for us to be here. Many of you have helped us in tremendous ways – may the Lord bless you for your service to Him.
Patterson Post 
September 21, 2007 at 2:22 pm
Mark,
It is Awesome to see what the Lord is doing. Thanks so much for taking the time to update us, we have a special interest in all that ya’ll are doing. Keep the pics coming, and have a cup of coffee for me.
Paul S.
September 21, 2007 at 2:35 pm
Mark and fam-
It’s great to get this pictorial update and it was a joy to speak with you by phone last night. We’re delighted that the transition has gone well thus far and will continue to pray for remaining details.
We missed you at our meeting last night–it seemed odd that you were not there. But we are also rejoicing that you are in such a strategic place of service. We know the Lord will bring multiplied blessing to all through this ministry partnership!
Take care, friends and keep the timely pictures coming. We love following your ministry!
Chris
September 22, 2007 at 3:03 pm
Mark and Christie, What a joy and a delight it was to read and look at the many pictures of your family. Thanks so much for the update and you are in our continued prayers. We love you.
Steve, Julie, Tyson and Paige
September 23, 2007 at 4:00 am
Great photos of the beginning of your adventure for Christ!
I’m looking forward to the updates to your blog and will be praying for all of you as you serve Him.
Blessings to you all….
Bonnie
September 23, 2007 at 5:38 pm
We missed you all this morning!! However, we are so thankful for your desire to serve the Lord in Honduras for His glory. Thanks for the great pictures and we look forward to many more. We love you.
Ken & Janet