Easter

Easter is not celebrated in Honduras the way it is in the United States.  It’s actually kind of depressing because there are very little Easter decorations to be found and nothing out of the ordinary happens on Easter Sunday – no dressy clothes, no programs, no Easter songs, and many times no sermon in regards to Easter.  The big celebration takes place during the week with the highlight being on Friday.  The schools are closed the whole week, which is referred to as “Holy Week.”  The businesses usually are closed on Thursday and Friday, with mostly everything shut down on Friday, even the bus routes.  People usually aren’t being too “holy” though. Many of them head for the beach or drink the weekend away with what they stashed up before “Holy Week” since the stores are forbidden to sell liquor during this week.  The Catholics make such a big deal about it with processions in the streets and other forms of celebrating, that it seems like the evangelicals shy away from doing too much for fear of being associated with the Catholics.   So, we try to focus on the reason for the season in our hearts and in our home.  I’m just glad that the story, as we know it, didn’t end on Friday.   Our hope and reason for living is because SUNDAY CAME – the day our Lord triumphed over the grave!    Also, although Easter bunnies and eggs are a fun, traditional part of the Easter season, we know that the real celebration is in the remembrance of Christ’s sacrificial love for us.

To have a little fun with the kids, we did incorporate a little of “tradition” into our celebrating.  I actually did find some plastic eggs and candy in a couple of the stores.  My mom had gotten stuff on the clearance rack after Easter last year and had brought them to us, so we had a few “traditional” items.   Hannah enjoyed hunting eggs around our yard, and Daniel toddled after her shaking the eggs that she found.  They both enjoyed their Easter baskets and the few items we put in them.

On Sunday we listened to a church service online to be able to feel like we were part of an Easter service.  Then we opted out of going to our regular church and instead went to an non denominational English church that we attend once in awhile.  My heart was thrilled to be able to join in worship with them as they sang most of the hymns of resurrection.   We were also able to take part in their communion service.  This helped us to feel like it was Resurrection Day after all.

It’s good to know, though, that no matter how the day is celebrated, you can know 365 days of the year that our Lord is alive!  Because He lives we CAN face tomorrow!

And she’s off – 40 eggs to find!

“Um – which one was I supposed to find – the egg or Princess’ ball????”

The two cutest kids in the world! (Mommy pride!)

Mommy’s little Princess

A rare sight – Daniel in a suit.  Only possible because the English church has air conditioning. He looked so adorable!

Thank you God for our family! (Four of us, soon to be Five)