SHINE! HONDURAS

Dayana

2011-12-21T16:10:00.000-08:00

Dayana is the quiet girl of the group. She doesn't giggle all the time like Claudy or love to chat like Escarleth. But she loves kisses me on the cheek and gives me a hug.

Dayana loves sitting on my lap and telling me about school or about a good grade she got. She doesn't brag but is searching for my approval. She plays hard to get when you first know her, but you will adore her once you get to know her loving nature.

You won't meet a better speller; she and Jose came in first and second in their class spelling bee. She loves to play Uno, Thumbs-up-7-up or really any game I'll play with her.

Dayana day dreams like no child I have ever seen. I often have to call her name to bring her back to reality and her homework. She snaps out of the dream, simple smiles and sluggishly returns to her homework.

I love her dearly, and I hope you'll want to make her Christmas special. Check out this entry on how to do so. We had our Christmas event last night, but we could still use any donation you can give us.

Thank you for caring about our special kids this holiday season. Blessings!

Sponsor Claudy for Christmas

2011-12-20T14:06:00.000-08:00

Claudy at their Christmas play

If you have never met Claudy, I hope one day you're able to. She's a ham and a half. I love her and her sweet smiles and innocent giggles. She mothers the rest of the tutoring kids to death, and it's hilarious to watch. It's clear she loves deeply.

I took the kids to lunch the other day, and we all had a lot of fun. While the other kids were playing, Claudy quietly came up behind me and called my name.

"Michael..." Claudy said.

"Yes, sweetie?" I said, turning my head. Then I felt her arms wrap around my neck.

She kissed my cheek softly and said, "Thank you, Michael."

I LOVED that moment with her. She acts very mature sometimes for an eight year old, and I felt so proud of her unprompted appreciation.

I hope you will consider giving this beautifully sweet girl a special Christmas, both for her and her family. See this previous entry for details on how to sponsor and what you would helping with. Thanks for caring for our kids and their families this Christmas. And we wish you a holiday as blessed as ours!

Sponsor Jose for Christmas

2011-12-18T12:29:00.000-08:00

Jose is one of our four kids in our tutoring program, for those of you who haven't had the pleasure. He's such an awesome kid. He loves soccer like pretty much all Honduran boys, and he'll even have the patience to play with me. I'm terrible; so, obviously he's a pretty sweet kid.

He'll act shy and pretends he doesn't have an opinion about anything, but that's a lie. He'll talk your leg off and make silly jokes if you push the right buttons.

When we picked up trash a few weeks ago, he and I had a little competition going. I told him I would win, and he proceeded to spend the rest of the time going for any piece of trash I walked toward. He would watch for where I went and run to pick it up before me. He's definitely ornery, but he's got a great, big heart. He wants to make me and his parents proud.

Please consider sponsoring Jose and his family for Christmas; we want to make give them a special night. They deserve it. See this previous entry for more details on how to make that happen. And blessings to you and your family this Christmas, and thank you for blessing our Shine! ministry.

Help our Christmas Shine

2011-12-16T14:01:00.001-08:00

December with Shine includes all kinds of events to keep us busy. We'll have the usual activities, purchase a new car very soon, hopefully have the funds to find a few new kids to add to the program and celebrate Christmas with the wonderful kids in our program.

We want to do something special for our Shine kiddos for Christmas. We want to get each of the kids a gift, including the college students. We want to have a special lunch where we give them the gifts.

Most of all, we want to have a special event, where we include their families as well this year. If our goal for Shine is to create kids that grow up to change their world, we need as much involvement from their parents as possible.

So, we have a party planned for the kids and their parents. We're going to take the kids and their families to a nice dinner and enjoy some fun time together. Our two Shine college students, Michelle and Arnold, will be a part of the fun too, and so will our older student Mariela who is a Shine student but isn't a part of the tutoring program. Then we're all going to play putt-putt! I'm sure none of them have ever played mini-golf before; so, we thought it would be something different and fun for all the ages that will be there.

We're excited to spend some time with our kids and their families, away from school, our house and other responsibilities. Our kids are amazing, and their parents love them dearly. All our students have worked hard, and we're thrilled to give them all a special night.

We would love your help to make it happen. We need $100 for for each of the younger kids to sponsor them and their families for Christmas. Michelle and Arnold only need $20 each because they are already partially sponsored for Christmas, and Mariela is fully sponsored for Christmas. We are asking for a totally of $440 to give all of them, including five families and two college students, a special Christmas.

If you can help in any way, please let me know at michael@bchonduras.org. We will gladly except any donation you can make. Please make checks payable to Shine Honduras (as always donations are tax-deductible) and send them to:

Shine Honduras

3126 S. Boulevard #168

Edmond, OK 73013

Thank you for your love and support of our program. We are so grateful for your belief in our beautiful kids. Many blessings to you and your family this holiday season! And merry Christmas!

Picking up trash around the neighborhood

2011-12-10T16:22:00.001-08:00

The kids and I walked around our neighborhood picking up trash a few weeks ago. We have talked all month about service, and this was a concrete way to act on what we had talked about. They collected tons of trash with big smiles on their faces, and they competed to see who could pick up the most in the 30 we were outside. Jose kept stealing my trash.

Needless to say, I lost the competition, but I gained even more appreciation for these wonderful kids and their beautiful souls. They have huge hearts for helping others. They were tired by the end but happy to see their piles of trash.

Sweet conversations

2011-12-10T14:48:00.001-08:00

The kids and I have talked a lot about service this last month. I began videoing our afternoon a few weeks ago with the intention of asking the kiddos about what they did the previous weekend. I had encouraged them to draw a picture of them serving people and then act out that picture.

As always the kids surprised me with their sweet comments I never expected. Escarleth's comments about God seem well beyond her years. Sometimes I have to collect myself in order not to follow their responses with "Umm...." and a gulp.

Here's the continuation of the previous video. They are always so surprisingly willing to serve others. I hope they grow up to want to serve others to create change for the better in this world.

Little moments

2011-11-10T12:21:00.000-08:00

I took a video of the Shine kiddos, telling you why they like German and ALL the German words they know. They started talking about their German class during tutoring one day, and I thought you would want to hear them speak it a little. They can't form sentences as well, which is why we ended up with a grand list of words learned.....enjoy your German lesson! Plus, it's pretty to awesome to hear them speak a some of three languages!

Click here to watch the video!

Jose's birthday!

2011-11-03T16:53:00.000-07:00

Jose, one of our sweet Shine kiddos, turned 9 years old on Tuesday. We had to work on some math concepts, but we also wanted to do something special for his birthday. So...Amber and I decided to make caramel apples - a nod to Halloween and Jose's birthday!

The birthday boy got to make his apple first of course.

Doesn't he look thrilled? Jose is, one might say, the opposite of dramatic.

We had to tell him to smile. He's so funny but adorable, right?

Then beautiful Claudy went. She is certainly the opposite of Jose.

She used more Oreo's then could actually stick to the apple.

Next Escarleth stepped up to begin her creation.

Darwin patiently helped Dayana with her concoction. He's so wonderful with the kids,

waking up early to pick them up for school and taking them home every day.

Dayana is more reserved than the other girls. But once you get to know her,

she will love you with the purest sweetness.

Then they loaded on the toppings, Oreo's, chocolate chips, almonds, M & M's galore.

They seemed to really enjoy the fun activity. Even though I think they thought it was a bit strange at times, especially Jose, they were excited for the treat.

Especially Dayana.

And Claudy definitely enjoyed it too. It was a fun afternoon!

Happy birthday, handsome Jose!

A Shine Halloween!

2011-11-03T16:48:00.000-07:00

The kiddos had a costume party at school on Friday. Amber and I were at a retreat, but Darwin snapped some pictures. They kids were very excited about it. I wish I could have seen them in person. But these pictures are pretty great.

Escarleth looking gorgeous in her angel costume.

Dayana and Claudy with a friend at school.

Jose and Escarleth, my favorite picture by far!

Dayana makes a lovely queen for sure, and I think she may know it.
Look at that cute head tilt. She looks way too grown up!

Rosie joined in on the fun too. What a sweet little face.

The kids and family getting instructions for games.

I'm not sure what Escarleth is looking at, but she's very intent upon looking.

Couldn't find a cuter group. Hope you all had a good Halloween!

Starting out with Shine

2011-10-27T11:03:00.000-07:00

I have lived in Tegucigalpa for two weeks, and already I'm having so much fun with the Shine kids. We have worked on book reports, learned - relearned for me - math concepts like rounding and greater than or equal to, read together and played Hide-and-Go-Seek (sometimes you just need a break from homework).

For those of you who don't know, Bob and Amber have decided I will take over Shine under Amber's supervision for the next two years. I'm a graduate of Oklahoma Christian University, and I will spend the next two years living and working with Amber through the Helpers in Missions (HIM) program. I love Honduras, and I'm looking forward to finding new ways to grow Shine and help Amber in any way I can.

Next week I hope to put a picture post up and give you a better idea of how the kids are doing. Amber and I are off this evening to attend a women's retreat. So, I won't be able to update for a few days.

I can say now that the Shine kids are brilliant and are continuing to learn more and more every day. There English has improved greatly since I was last here in May of 2010.

Thank you for all each of you do for these wonderful kids. A world of opportunities are opening for them, and I can't wait to see how they use them. And I can't wait to watch them continue to learn and grow. Thank you.

Fun Times at KFC

2010-04-06T22:40:00.000-07:00

Just a few funs pics

Of the kids hanging out with Colonel Sanders

I´m not sure why Jose is kissing him

I love their sweet faces!!

Easter Eggs!!

2010-04-06T22:36:00.000-07:00

The kids were absolutely exhausted

But they really got into searching for their eggs, except Claudy, I´m not real sure what that little dance she´s doing is.

Sometimes I dabble in artistic photography

Jose won the hunt with 9 eggs!

Escarleth came in second. Her hair cracks me up. She had it in pigtails the day before and didn´t want to put it in a pony tail.

Sweet Dayana was about to fall asleep she was so exhausted

And Claudy could hardly hide her disappointment at not winning

Trying not to spill the eggs on the way home.

Everyone showing off their winnings

Painting Eggs

2010-04-06T22:22:00.000-07:00

I decided to impress our silly American customs on these sweet minds.

So we HAD to paint eggs for Easter

It was a little messy

But a lot of fun

The kids really got into it.

And were REALLY excited when I told them they could mix the colors if they wanted to.

We could have taken these pics all night

But these two were the best.

Giving Back

2010-04-06T17:17:00.000-07:00

During Holy Week, the kids were off of school and we decided it would be a great time to introduce them to lives of service that we hope will spill over into all aspects of their life.

So we decided to make cookies for the fire and police men of Tegucigalpa

The kids had a great time making cookies

And were really excited about visiting police and firemen

Our first stop was the main fire station for the city. The kids were really shy at first.

But the firemen loved it.

Climbing up into the fire truck at the fire station in La Vega (right next to Baxter)

They were sooo excited to be in the big truck

Fireman Jose, The girls were afraid to wear the clothes.

The kids with the head fireman. He had lots of fun showing them around

Fireman Darwin saving Escarleth

The police can´t have their picture taken in Honduras but here they are with the police truck.

In total we visited three different places and put a lot of smiles on a lot of faces. The kids also got an up close and personal look at some of the people serving in their communities. We hope to do this once a month from now on and show appreciation for a very under appreciated profession in Honduras.

Bounce House

2010-04-06T17:04:00.000-07:00

The other day the kids finished their homework early so we decided to blow up the little bounce house I have in the garage.

It was a huge hit, even if the pictures are a little blurry

Claudy on the slide

Dayana sweating but grinning from ear to ear

Jose stopped playing soccer in the bounce house to take this picture. He was a little impatient.

They all had a blast.

Science Project

2010-02-20T22:01:00.000-08:00

The kids have been learning about dinosaurs at school for a while and on Friday they had to make models of the dinosaurs they´ve been learning about. I think the results were pretty impressive. They were pretty proud of them as well.

Escarleth

Dayana

Claudy

Jose

Down at the River

2010-02-20T21:57:00.000-08:00

On Friday, the Shine! kids didn´t have much homework at all so we decided to take them down to the river and just have some fun there. It was a blast. We made a little biosphere in a bottle for a bunch of snails and tadpoles and we´re hoping to grow frogs (´we´ll see how that goes :) ). Here are some pics from that day. I had a hard time picking my favorites and there are more on facebook.

Look at all the minnows!

Tadpole hunting with Alli

Off on an adventure with Mackenzie

Jose contemplating life over a mini can of Pepsi

Escarleth, I have a thing for reflections in the water!

Escarleth and Dayana

Too Cute!

"Jose, look up!"

Claudy HATES to have her picture taken, this was her attempt at being happy about it.

Dayana

Some serious tadpole hunting

Best Friends

After a Hard Week

2010-02-15T09:13:00.000-08:00

After a hard week full of homework, writing sentances, doing three digit addidtion and subtraction problems, memorizing spelling words we decided it was time for a reward so we stopped by the mall after we picked up the kids and had a treat. It was really fun for them and for us! They loved picking out two flavors of whatever kind of ice cream they wanted.

The kids are doing great. They are learning what to expect in their new school and are catching on quickly. The kids are sweet and have good families who are there every day after tutoring to walk them home. Escarleth's mom makes sure that Escarleth gives us a piece of candy and a hug every day when we finish.

Modeling their new backpacks

2010-01-22T09:47:00.000-08:00

The kids finally got their new backpacks on Wednesday. They were so excited. Here are a few pictures from tutoring and the girls modeling their backpacks. By the time I remembered to get my camera back out Jose had already left but I´ll try to catch him with his backpack next week.

I think this one is my favorite. They are so cute!

1st Test

2010-01-08T21:22:00.000-08:00

While Will and Rachel and I are in the states Darwin is helping the Shine! kids get started with their schooling. Everyday after school we talk and he gives me updates on how the kids are doing both at school and at tutoring. Today they had their first test. Little Jose had the highest grade in the class with a 98. Claudy and Escarleth both had grades in the 90's as well. Dayana is struggling a little bit but is going to be able to retake the test on Monday. Darwin is working with her to make sure she's prepared. Claudy, the youngest of the bunch, has already begun to read in English. Darwin is very proud of his little pupils and as excited as we are about their success. Keep checking back for updates on their struggles and successes.

Getting Ready for School

2010-01-01T16:22:00.000-08:00

We got to pick out 4 backpacks for our excited kids. Rachel's mom is a seamstress and beautifully stiched each kid's name on their very own backpack.

School starts January 5th.

Meet Our New Kids

2009-12-22T20:32:00.000-08:00

Jose Medardo Martinez Casco

Jose is a very quiet little boy, who at first meeting you would take to be very shy. In actuality he´s not shy at all and happy to chat about just about anything. He´s just a quiet kid with a quirky personality. On our shopping day he spent most of the play time playing soccer or going down the slides by himself. But every once in a while I would look over and he would be smiling from ear to ear and doing a little dance. It was ADORABLE. He´s a precious little guy who already seems to know when it´s time to get down to business and when it´s just time to get down :).

Dayana Iveth Flores Espinoza

I´ve known Dayana since she was a little bitty girl. Her dad is one of the leaders at Mateo Church of Christ and she´s one of those kids you just don´t forget very easily. Dayana is extremely shy at first. She has a difficult time warming up to you, but once she does, she´s a little chatter box. Because of our long standing friendship, Dyana and I didn´t have any trouble on our shopping day. She got in talking at the beginning of the day and got out talking at the end of it, with little time for a breath in between. Dyana is the only child of a single dad and a bit of princess, used to getting her own way. But she´s learned how to be a charmer and is an absolute joy to be around.

Claudy Mayerli Nolasco

Claudy seems to be the most mature of the group. She is a little bit more reserved than the other girls but also playful and kind. She has a set of lungs on her and could be heard screaming and laughing as they raced around the McDonald´s playplace. She carried her little teddy bear backpack full of essentials around with her everywhere and had a tissue whenever anyone needed one and pulled out hand santizer at lunch time. I think she´s going to be the momma of the group.

Escarleth Suyapa Juarez

Escarleth is a precious bundle of love. She ran up to me the very first time she met me with a huge grin on her face and a big hug around my knees. She made her way right into my heart. She is bubbly and sweet and eager to make peace whenever there is any tension with the other kids. She is a little starlet that loves to ham it up for the camera or anyone willing to watch her antics.

The whole crew posing in front of their new school.

Meet the Staff

2009-12-18T18:56:00.000-08:00

We are the people you will be partnering with when you decide to sponsor a child´s education and begin to shape the future of Honduras.

Bob and Kathy Elliott

Bob and Kathy Elliott are the founders and driving force behind Shine! They have been coming to Honduras for years and wanted to find a way to make a lasting difference in the lives of the children here. This program is the culmination of that dream.

Will and Rachel Antrikin

Will and Rachel Antrikin are the go-to-guys on the ground. They are in charge of all the day to day workings of the program and are running the after school program. They are also the primary contacts with the kids here in Honduras.

Holly Towers with Mariela

Holly Towers is a board member and advisor. She has been sponsoring Mariela´s schooling since kindergarten and almost all of that has been at Alitom School. Holly has allowed us to see the model in action and Mariela is our very successful first Shine! student.

Michael Mitchell and his wife Annalise

Michael Mitchell is a board member and largely in charge of publicity. Michael has a heart for this program despite never having visited Honduras and is excited to begin this adventure with us.

Holly and Amber

Amber Foster is a local missionary and is helping us get the program started. She has lived in Honduras for the past 6 years and knows a lot of the cultural issues involved in getting things done. She will also be working alongside Will and Rachel in an administrative and auxilary capacity. (Yes, I just wrote all of that in 3rd person. I will probably be doing most of the blogging as well).

We are all more than happy to answer any questions you might have. Just let us know at shinehonduras@gmail.com or post your comments and/or questions right here on the blog.

Welcome to Shine!

2009-12-18T18:23:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone! Thanks for stopping by the Shine! blogsite. Shine! is starting up right now and you can get in at the foundation of something that will definitely be changing the lives of many young children in Honduras. Shine! has been established to provide education to gifted students in Honduras that cannot otherwise afford this education. Each student in the program will be fully sponsored for their educational lives, as long as they maintain the standards of the program. The students will have individual sponsors and continued contact with that sponsor. We feel that the relationships these children will develop with us and their sponsors are as important as their education. These relationships will provide the building blocks for a life long commitment to Christ and continuing education.
We have evaluated several schools and chosen one that has a proven success rate. Alitom School is very excited about partnering with us to change the future of Honduras. I will blog more about the school soon. Each day after school and during the summer time, Shine! students will have tutoring/homework sessions. This time will also be spent developing lasting relationships with each other, the staff, and sponsors.
If you are interested in developing a relationship with a deserving child and partnering with us to give them the chance of a lifetime for only $250 a month please contact us at shinehonduras@gmail.com. We will also gladly accept one time donations or smaller monthly donations. Any amount will help better the lives of these wonderful kids. And the more sponsors we have the more kids we can have in the program.
I´m going to do my best to keep this blog updated with all the great things that are happening with Shine!. Keep checking back for exciting updates!