Change seems to be our status quo...

and you'll see why in a moment.

For the last few months we've been sensing change. First, we've seen on the horizon that the full-time projects we've been mostly involved with and needed for here in Honduras either winding down or being completed. This, coupled with the increased cost of living and traveling for us to be here working in Honduras, has led us to feel that our time here would be coming to a close.

To begin with we assumed that meant our time in serving as 'on the field' missionaries would be finished also. In some sense there was great sadness for us in this as we've come to realize what a privilege it has been and is to live a life of service in this way, but we're also wanting to hold OUR plans very lightly so that God's plans are served through us. We have begun the process of looking for work in the USA. As we have been praying, searching for jobs, and seeking council from 'wise' friends, we were presented with an opportunity as we make our trek back to the states.

****I will tell you that when you pray for direction and God's best sometimes it's a quiet answer....but sometimes it's beyond your wildest dreams.****

Our friends in Oaxaca, Jim and Jamie Loker, have asked if we would consider helping them with some projects in their ministry. I'm going to copy you on a note that they sent on our behalf, because they explain their ministry and hopes for our part in it better than I can.

The focus of our ministry is providing materials for non-literate, unreached people groups. So far we have ministered in more than 40 different language areas of Oaxaca, recording audio New Testaments and dubbing the Jesus movie into as many languages as possible. We partner very closely with Wycliffe Bible Translators, who produce the written translations. At this point we have a sense of urgency to reach the remaining people groups with the gospel message in the only way they can understand it - in their own language, and in an audio form. We have been praying for more workers for the harvest here.

That's where the Hayes’ come in. We have asked Alan if he might consider stopping in Oaxaca on his way back to the U.S. to serve with us as a recording technician. The first step would be to get his family settled here close to us in the little Zapotec town of Mitla (half-way between Tlacochahuaya and Tlauitoltepec if you are searching for it on a map, haha). This will be a very healthy, supportive environment for both Faith and the kids after the recent uncertainties of living in Honduras. Alan himself will possibly need to travel to a village to set up a make-shift recording studio where he will work with a local Oaxacan recordist to produce an entire dramatized New Testament on a device called a Proclaimer. Ideally Alan will be busy recording, editing, publishing, and finally distributing these audio Bibles to small listening groups that will hopefully become new churches.

Amazing isn't it? Just when we thought we were done - another chance to serve. For how long, we don't know but we're excited all the same.

We are planning on leaving Honduras at the end of this month. Most of the projects that Alan is needed for are either finished or finishing by then and we would like to have our family settled (now...what is that again???) by Christmas.

Of course, if you remember that is right about the time the new elections should be happening. We're continuing to watch the 'scene' and would appreciate prayers for wisdom in our timing.

So, the process of culling things, mentally packing and all that is happening. My mind is in several places and languages all at once. Civil War time period for the kids' school, Honduran politics, needs and packing, food because everyone still wants to eat each day, and finishing well here.

We never said this would be a boring adventure. I think we've made good on that promise.

Faith