Brownings in Balfate: February 2012

We Face It

We hope this finds you well and looking forward to spring wherever you are. If you’ve ever read Little Britches by Ralph Moody (which we highly recommend if you haven’t), you’ll remember toward the end when the family comes to the realization that it won’t be possible for them to stay on their Colorado homestead. The father tells his son, “Partner, we might as well look it right in the face.” That’s kind of how we feel right now.

Safety and security in Honduras have been questionable for years, and while conditions have deteriorated in the past year, we always proceeded with confidence, knowing that God wanted us here. However, last fall, God revealed to us that it was going to get too dangerous here and He wasn’t going to protect us any longer. We prayed really hard for the next four months, asking God to show us something to the contrary, but He continued to confirm the warning. (Of course, this is the very condensed version of the story, so please send me an email if you are interested in all the details - yznil1@yahoo.com.)

So, after much prayer and confirmation, we are planning to leave Honduras in April and move to California. While we are very sad to be leaving an amazing ministry, amazing friends, and a lifestyle we love, we are very much at peace, knowing that God’s plans are infinitely better than our own. In Exodus 33:14-15, Moses needed to hear from God that it really was His plan to continue with Israel into the Promised Land.  The Lord said “‘I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest – everything will be fine for you.’ Then Moses said, ‘If you don’t personally go with us, don’t make us leave this place.’” We feel like we are leaving under God’s clear direction and with the promise of His presence. There is excitement and expectation any time God gives a clear directive, so we are looking forward to what He has planned.

And Just When Things Were Getting Good…

Last winter, money was donated to the Children’s Centre for a much needed expansion. The current building, designed for 24 kids, is stuffed full of 30-some kids, ranging in age from newborns to teens. Directors Iain and Liz Mackenzie turn away kids every week for lack of space and funding. Now, separate housing for teen boys and teen girls in family-style housing is underway. Josh loves this kind of construction (i.e. the kind where there are money, materials, and signed contracts - all at the same time!), so he is sad to have to leave at the start of such a great project.

Luis and Angel  in front of their future family-style home. 

One Last Chemistry Class

I have taught chemistry to three different groups of missionary kids over the past 6 years, and it’s so much fun every time! I am going to miss my students!

Rebekah, Sarah, and Sydney

Little Browning Girls

A couple little vignettes to give you an idea what the Browning girls are up to these days:

Guildy: After Josh read Old Yeller to the girls, Guildy was sorely disappointed in the ending, so she made up her own happier version. She loves writing her own books, usually based on some story she has heard or read. Our favorite is The Titanic Answer Book, neatly bound in blue construction paper and carefully illustrated.

Hadley: She recently declared, “This doll’s name is Hatshepsut.” A few days earlier we had read about this notable female Egyptian pharaoh, but I had no idea Hadley was even listening! She wiggles and moves constantly, but that doesn’t mean she isn’t learning.

Talby: Aside from an excellent mastery of the words “no” and “Hadley,” the English language is still pretty elusive for Talby, but she is trying her hardest. In lieu of words, we get a lot of pointing and babbling, which generally gets the job done. She watches diligently until someone leaves the screen door unlocked, then bolts out into the yard to explore. It’s fun to watch her world expand!

Prayer Requests

A few specific things to be praying for:

• Our transition back into life in the U.S.
• God’s continued blessing, favor, and protection on Hospital Loma de Luz, its staff, and missionaries
• Effectiveness of all the hospital’s ministries
• Hospital finances

In Closing

Thank you for all the ways you have supported us and Loma de Luz!

Blessings,

Josh, Linzy, Guildy, Hadley, and Talby