Another Goodbye

In the past year, Team La Ceiba has added two babies to our sum of children, said goodbye to a precious family of four, added a sweet Honduran family of 5 as well as a single Honduran lawyer AND accepted another MTW missionary who will join us after itinerating.  We now say adios to Shannon Innes de Ordonez and her family.  We are sad to see them go but excited to see what is in store for them!   I've said it before, missionaries are no strangers to people coming and going!  How bittersweet! 

Shannon and her family

Shannon moved to La Ceiba with a burden for the vast teen mom population and started a precious ministry by opening a home for single mothers in 2011.  Puerta de Esperanza, (or Door of Hope) intentionally houses up to four moms and their babies.  Here they can learn to be moms, finish schooling, work or gain career skills, budget, cook, and care for their home.  Beyond practical life skills, these young ladies have been exposed to Godly living and loving.  Shannon has come along side many young moms and shared the good news of Jesus Christ.  She has cared for these young women who have been abused, rejected, and abandoned and shown them that their worth is in their identity in Christ. It has been a joy to see the Lord soften hearts and change lives through this ministry and through His willing instrument, Shannon. Well done, good and faithful servant!

Puerta de Esperanza family from 2011-2017

Friday, we had a "despedida" or going away party for the Ordonez family. Our team alongside almost all of the former and current single moms in the  Puerta de Esperanza house celebrated and said goodbye to Shannon.  Lots of fun, food, and laughs mixed with some stories, tears, and hugs made for a lovely day.  

Pray for: *the Ordonez's transition to the States

               *for the transition/changes for the young moms as Shannon leaves

               *Alma Villanueva, the current director of Puerta de Esperanza