At the Airport!!! Honduras Bound!

In only a few hours we will be hopping onto a plane: Ariel, Kourtney, Ashley, BeBe, Angela, Brandi, Jessica, Lydia and Katrina. In only a few hours, we will be taken out of our comfort zones, asked to do things we would normally never volunteer to do, serve in humility along side people we do not know, eat foods we've never tasted and share with those whom the world overlooks and has forgotten. We will be called to love, give, be compassionate and operate in obedience. In only a few hours, our lives will never be the same. Even now, I stand with my plane ticket in my hand. My heart is racing and I keep reminding myself to breath. The reality of our mission is sinking in, inside each of us and we know that there is no turning back.

Honduras is a place with lots of hopelessness. Crime, sex trafficking, drugs, gangs and disease are among the top concerns leading towards a high mortality rate within this country. Children are abandoned, villages are destroyed, communities collapse under poor government funding and natural disasters. There is no money, little education and not enough volunteers or supporters. Yet, we know, even in such a situation as this, our God is still in control and in His loving kindness, He has opened the door to allow His love to shine through! It is only in this way that hope can be shared amongst the people of Honduras and where there is hope, there can be change!

There is no telling and no limit to what God can do in the lives of anyone who simply desires more of Him. Sometimes, we think that we have to get things right, or have a little more time to have our fun. Sometimes, we confuse God's love with our ability or we think that we aren't good enough to make a difference. The truth is, all it really takes is only a few hours and a willing heart. The powerful love of God isn't anything we earn and it definitely isn't something that we can prepare for. But, if we are willing, He can do more for us in only a few hours, than we can do for him in a lifetime of years!

As we carry our bags and head toward the airport this morning, I want to be sure and thank EVERYONE who supported us! Anyone who donated money, items or their time and prayers- THANK YOU! There is no telling how your measure of love will impact those we are going to serve. We are so excited and geeked with great expectation for what the Lord will do! We know that this opportunity is only a small comparison of the Missionaries who have dedicated their lives to loving and serving, but we are so honored for the opportunity to work alongside them and make a difference; not just for the world, but for God's Kingdom!

It is my deepest desire that we come back with stories to tell, hope to share and love to lead us in even more amazing opportunities! Please continue to pray for us. Our journey is only beginning and we anticipate all that Christ will accomplish within us!

Thank you all, and see you soon!

~Pearls

Boxes Full of Love

Every year, around this time, millions of churches, families and homes participate in filling and wrapping shoe boxes full of Christmas gifts for children around the world. These boxes are then donated to Operation Christmas Child, through Samaritan's Purse. This year, Pearls of Hope was among the many who supported such a beautiful and worthy cause. Together, we stuffed toys and hygiene items for a special child in a country or village that we will probably never know about. Our "Shoe Box" party was super fun! We made hot chocolate and cookies, ordered a pizza and laughed along to the sounds of Christmas music and packaging tape!

It was an impactful experience and opportunity to give, not only tangible gifts that we bought, but also extend eternal love and the message of Jesus to a special child and family!

Operation Christmas Child is a beautiful organization, that provides aids to children and their families, internationally. Samaritan’s Purse works in more than 100 countries around the world. International headquarters are in our home state of North Carolina, with additional U.S. facilities in Charlotte and North Wilkesboro, N.C. Affiliate offices are in Australia, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Hong Kong, Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Field offices are located in some 20 countries across five continents.

Samaritan’s Purse seeks to specialize in emergency relief, shelter, water and sanitation, food and nutrition, medical care and public health, HIV/AIDS, and community-based livestock and livelihood projects.The organization aims at service for the church worldwide to propagate "the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ".

We are honored to play a small role in this years shoe box collection. If you feel impressed upon to get involved, we strongly encourage  you to do so! Please visit http://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/ to see how you and your church/group can also get involved in this amazing program and outreach opportunity!

Don't Stop Giving!

~Pearls