What do you Crave?

The needle sharp claws dig into my hand as I try to handle the little fuzz ball with care. The medicine dropper seems as large as a baseball bat in the miniature mouth of the newborn kitten. Meows rise and fall in pitch and intensity as the belly of this little babe goes from empty to plump and full. Over the next few minutes, the cries turn to purrs and soon all six furry kittens are peacefully sleeping.

Three weeks ago our cat, Yamaranguila, gave birth to six adorable kittens. One week ago the momma cat disappeared, never to return to her group of helpless babies. So, armed with medicine droppers filled with warm milk, we have taken over as “the momma cat” for these six orphaned kittens.

As I was slowing squeezing drops of milk into one of the tiny calicos, I took note of how desperately the kitten stretched its neck out to reach the dropper and devour the milk. The calico wiggled and squirmed, trying to keep hold of the dropper even as I tried to pull it out of its mouth in order to fill it with more milk. I continued filling the dropper and she continued emptying it of its nourishing contents, until warm milk was trickling down its little chin, soaking the knee of my jeans. Belly full, she nestled down inside the cardboard box and fell asleep.

I pondered how this small creature was yearning, craving the feeling of a satisfied tummy. She would not rest until she had drunk fully and deeply, then completely content, the calico rested. I then thought of myself…what do I crave, what do I long for...with what do I yearn to be filled?

To be honest, some days I crave chocolate! Other days I yearn for a quiet place to which to retreat. But, deep down inside, truly what I most long to be filled with is my Savior’s presence! I crave Jesus! I want His Spirit to so in-fill me that His character and words spill over and run down my chin! I want my appetite to be satisfied by His truth and grace. Then, with my spiritual tummy full and bulging, I want to rest in the warmth of His love. I don’t want to be a kitten…I just want to be like one…a relatively small creature, dependent on Someone bigger, who finds her contentment in One place…the Presence of my Lord.

“Taste and see that the Lord is good;” -Ps 34:8
“How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”-Ps 119:103

Crave Jesus today! Ask Him to fill you up then rest in His love.
ps- Anybody want a kitty?

Ministry among the Honduran Military

In the Fall of 2010, Valerie was invited to create and teach an ESL class for a group of 34 Honduran military officers. Through the class, contacts were created and doors were opened for sharing of the Gospel and ministry to these men who are in training for leadership roles within their nation. Of the 34 officers who participated in the 8 week intensive language class, 18 of the officers earned their diplomas.

Two Boys in our Foundation Casa de Luz children's ministry program

Valerie assisting two of our young boys who participate in our children's ministry program through Foundation Casa de Luz. Ed and Valerie are board members for, and missionaries serving with, Foundation Casa de Luz, a foundation dedicated to helping families and communities be stronger, healthier, and Christ-centered.

Last year, with the help of friends in several states in the U.S., we were able to assist a baby girl named Jenesis Valeria to receive much needed medical care. Jenesis was diagnosed with Spina Bifida and was in need of several exams and assistance from a pediatric neurosurgeon. Thanks to several families who gave genersously, Jenesis received the care she needed and continues to grow and has begun to explore her environment by crawling. We are still praying she will be able to walk before her second birthday. Thank you to those of you who made a real difference in the life of a real little girl with very real medical needs.

The Family Christmas 2010

We are blessed to have two biological sons, one adorable adopted daughter, 4 daughters of our heart.

Christmas 2010

Local Wildlife

Ed is pictured here with a snake, measuring over seven feet long, which he killed right outside of our back door. We like nature, but this is ridiculous! No thanks, this clash with local wildlife left us a bit "rattled".

Building for Eternity: Ed works with Volunteers from the U.S.

Each year, Ed works alongside volunteers who come from the U.S. to assist us in our mission work in the country of Honduras. Ed plans the construction projects, purchases materials for those projects, and then leads these volunteers in executing a variety of projects from repairs on child care facilites, to pouring cement floors for families living in poverty, to constructing wooden shelving for use in ESL classrooms. Volunteers do not need special construction giftings because Ed is able to guide, lead, and direct the groups of volunteers. To find our how to donate a week of your life to something of eternal significance, just contact Ed at this email address: edvalschubert@yahoo.com