Yesterday began with news none of us wanted to hear-- "You girls might want to consider going home". With the political situation still unclear here in Honduras, and with Zelaya returning to the country on Saturday, there is a two-day window for guaranteed easy travel. The Rumbaughs presented the idea to us and insisted that we consult our parents on what they thought about the situation. They were simply unsure of how easy it will be to get out of the country in a few weeks. Dad instantly told me to come home, and I was naturally upset. Something was unsettled in me-- I felt like there was still more I needed to do here. Mom also said I should come home, but after talking with Mrs. Rumbaugh about the fact that the situation isn't urgent Mom changed her mind, and Dads as well, to which I am most grateful. Deyni and Delmi were here yesterday during all of this, and were sitting patiently on the porch wondering who could stay and who had to go. I went out and told them my parents said I could stay, and they screamed and clapped and were so excited. It was a great feeling. But soon, it looked as though everyone else would also be leaving. A giant pit accumulated in my stomach (no, not from the kidney stone, which praise the Lord I passed on Tuesday afternoon after going to the hospital) and I prayed and prayed that God would show me what to do. To stay here by myself or to go just because everyone else was too. I didn't want to be here alone and I prayed that God would show me clearly if He wanted me to stay. Two seconds later, Natalie's dad Skypes her and says they've changed their mind-- she can stay as well. Thank you Lord. When we are faithless, He always remains faithful.
So here I sit, after seeing off Liz, Julia, and Chris as they left for San Pedro Sula this morning. Three great friends that I love a lot and will miss dearly. And yet there's a reason I'm still sitting here. There's a reason Natalie's out in Rio Esteban today with Dr. Don. He still has work for us to do here. We all have different mission fields. God chose this one for us for now. And although parents, family, friends, and this entire country may fear for what is going to happen to Honduras in the next couple weeks, Psalm 12 gives me hope and peace.
"Because of the oppression of the weak and the groaning of the needy, I will now arise", says the LORD. "I will protect them from those who malign them." And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times. O LORD, you will keep us safe and protect us from such people forever."
While yesterday was an emotional roller coaster for all of us, we were able to spend one last night, all six of us, enjoying the beauty of God's creation and trusting in His plans for our lives. Liz got baptised last night in the ocean. A ton of people came and we all stood in a circle and I played Your Love Is Strong on the guitar. 
What a beautiful song to capture what every single one of us was feeling at that moment. "Why should I worry? Why should I freak out? God knows what I need". Then Dr. Don carried Liz out into the ocean as a symbol of her committment to Christ and His Kingdom. Beautiful. The rest of the night was spent enjoying delicious food (which I could finally eat!), making cookies, friendship necklaces (at Chris's dismay) and sitting under the stars, reflecting on the ways God has revealed Himself here. I count it as an incredible blessing to have been able to sit outside last night with Liz, Natalie, Julia, Chris, and Amy and sing It Is Well With My Soul at 1:30am. I think God was smiling.
What a beautiful song to capture what every single one of us was feeling at that moment. "Why should I worry? Why should I freak out? God knows what I need". Then Dr. Don carried Liz out into the ocean as a symbol of her committment to Christ and His Kingdom. Beautiful. The rest of the night was spent enjoying delicious food (which I could finally eat!), making cookies, friendship necklaces (at Chris's dismay) and sitting under the stars, reflecting on the ways God has revealed Himself here. I count it as an incredible blessing to have been able to sit outside last night with Liz, Natalie, Julia, Chris, and Amy and sing It Is Well With My Soul at 1:30am. I think God was smiling.So today starts something new. We're unsure of what lies ahead for Honduras, whether we'll have gasoline or food in a couple weeks, whether Zelaya's return will cause the UN to send in troops, or whether Loma de Luz will have the funds to operate. But we pray God's sovereignty over every part. He has a plan and it's exciting to be part of it. Maybe He needs us to add a few more praises in Heaven before He's done with us.
Pray for this country, for safety, for travel, and for hearts.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11En Cristo,
Lauren
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