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Mi casa es su casa.
En Dios nos tienemos un casa por siempre.
Mi corizone es triste este noche.
Yo no tengo mi familia y mis amigos conmigo ahora.
Yo pienco Dios tiene un mission en mi vida.
Yo estoy aqui en Honduras por un razo’n esta muy importante.
Yo soy un vesel de Dios en este vida.
Yo tengo fe’
Yo tengo esperanza.
Yo tengo alegria.
Solamente en El Senor.
Mi casa por siempre conmigo Jesus Cristo.

Home
My house is your house.
In God we have a house forever.
My heart is sad this night.
I don't have mi family and friends with me now.
I think God has a mission in my life.
I am here in Honduras for a reason that is very important.
I am a vessel of God in this life.
I have faith.
I have hope.
I have joy.
Only in the Lord.
My house forever is with Jesus Christ with me.

Yo escriba' este poema porque yo estrano todos hoy.
I wrote this poem because I miss everyone today.

Paz de Dios con ustedes porsiempre.
Rev. Valerie

Change in my life translated

Today Holy Family we had a festival for the celibration of the traditions of Honduras. I gave a prayer in Spanish for the first time infront of alot of people. I think the Holy Spirit is walking with me here. I called my friends from my seminary tongiht. I have so much love from my freinds. I like also the people that I work with. They are kind and sincer. This past Wednesday I had chaple with my students and the girls from the home. Both services went well for everyone. The students in my 9th grade class said they like the service also. Step by Step is my wisdom and truth. For everyone today is the birthday of my brother. He is 28 years old. Thank you everyone for everything. Your sister in Jesus Christ. I gave my second Eucharist in Spainsh the last Wednesday. It was so so its has possiblities in my life and the lives of the girls of the home. Peace of God be with you. Rev. Val Miller

Cambio en mi vida Change in my life

Hoy Holy Family nosotros tienemos fiesta por la celibration de traditionioes de Honduras. Yo doy un oriencion en epsanol por la primira tiempo enfronte mucho gentes. Yo pienco La Epseritu Santo esta comindo conmigo mi trabaja aqui. Yo llame' mis amgios de mi siminario este noche. Yo tengo mucho amor de mis amigos. Me gusta mucho tambien la gente trabaja conmigo. Ellos estan muy amable y sincero con son corizones y palabras. El pesado Miercoles yo tuve capilla con mis estudiantes y las chicas de hugar. Mismo servicios fueren muy buien para todos. Las estudienates de mi clases en grado 9th dicen son las gustan este servico. Paso y Paso es mi sabidurian y verdad. Por todos hoy es la compleanos de mi hiermano!! El tiene 28 anos (enya included above the n yet not visably) Gracias todos para todo. Tu hiermana y Jesus Cristo Yo doy mi seguna Eucharistica en Epsanol el pasdo Miercoles. Este fue mas O menos Este tiene posiblementes en las vidas de yo y las chicas en la hugar. Paz de Dios con ustedes. Rev. Val

Chapel Charibs

Hoy fui especial para me, proque las chicas de hugar pequenas rosas auydame prepara por el servicio manana. Yo espero el servico manana es buien por los estudiantes. Yo no tuve un buien dia en mi clase. Mis estudiantes tuvieron problemas con aprendando. Ellos tuvieron sus pre examins por spelling. Yo niecito que trabajar con ellos mas. En el grado de 7th ellos no trabjaron hoy tambien. La mesa sente dos veces durante clase. Los estudiantes en 7th grado no fuieron buien en la clase. Yo no se este problema comigo mi ensenanza? Pero ahor estoy escuchando la muscia de Bob Marley estar feliz. Yo niecito que esta como Jesus con los ninos en mis clases pero 'el es un hijo de Dios los chichos estari'an buieno por Jesus verdad? "En Dios pondre' mi esperanza y todavia lo alabare'" Salmo 42:5
Muchos Gracias por sus orienciones hoy.
La Reverenda Val

Today was speicial for me because the girls from the home Our Little Roses helped me prepare for the service tomorrow. I hope the service tomorrow is good for the students. I did not have a good day in class today. My students had promblems with learning. They had thier pre tests for spelling. I need to work with them more. The 7th graders they did not work today also. The table fell twice during class. The students in the 7th grade were not good in class. I don't know what the problem is with my teaching? But right now I am listening to the music of Bob Marley. I am happy. I need to be like Jesus with my kids in my class but he is the son of God The kids would listen to Jesus Yes? of course " In God place your hope" Psalm 42:5
Thank you so much for your prayers.
The Reverend Val

Este Noche

Hoy yo habla' en espanol enfronte las ninas de pequenas rosas. En la escuela los estudinantes quieran participar en el servicio las miercioles y las ninas de pequenas roase ellas les gustan participar en el servicion los miercioles en la noche. Yo estoy agradicio por este oportunidad en mi vida. Yo se' El Esperitu Santo se conmigo por siempre. Las clases hoy fuieran muy biuen para mi y los estudiantes de grado 9th y 6th por clases layando y spelling (no se' en espanol) Un difirente typo es mi hermanos boda a su novia es un mes lejos! Yo estoy feliz sobre la boda en Novembre. Mi suieno por las ninas en el hugar de pequenas rosas este ellas discubriri'an son almas por vida y Dios. Yo soy un vaso de Dios este es primira cosa en mi vada ahora. En mi vida ahora vivire' por mis suienos solamente! En el pasado yo vive' por ultra personas , que ellos pensamentan de yo? y ahora no cuidado nada cuando este sombre ultras perosnas opinion sobre yo. Cuano este sobre mi trabaja es difirente yo quiero opinions profesionales. Este noche el servico fue buieno con las ninas de pequenas rosas. Yo estoy ir dormindo este noche con sonrisa en mi cara. Gracias mis amigos y familia y diferente personas en mi vida. Paz de Dios con ustedes.
Reverenda. Val

Today I spoke in Spanish infront of the girls of Little Roses. In school the students wanted to participate in the service on Wednesdays and the girls of little roses they would like to pariciapte in the services on Wednesday nights. I am thankful for this opportunity in my ls niife. I think the Holy Spirit is with me forever. the classes today were very good for me and the students of 9th and 6th grade. For a diffrenent topic my brother and his fieiance's weeding is one month away! I am happy about the wedding in November. My dream for the girls in the home of little roses is that they discover thier souls for life and God. I am a vesel of God this is the first thing in my life now. In my life now I live for my dreams only. In the past I lived for other peoples oppions of me. and now I don't care about anything when its about another person oppion of me. When it's about my work it's diffrent I want professinal opinions. Tongiht the service was good with the girls. I am going to sleep this night with a smile on my face. Thank you my friends, family and different people in my life.
Peace of God with all of you.
Rev. Val

Rained Out

Today we had no school due to the amount of rain we have been having. I spent my day cleaning my room and studying spanish. I had my first offical phone converstation with The Rev. Rosa Anglica in Spanish. Needless to say it was difficult yet we got that we would be meeting this Friday at 3pm in the her office at the catherderal. I am wondering how this will workout yet I am hoping on the best and the Holy Spirit to help me with my Spanish. I am really trying to put the pedal to the metal when it comes to learning Spanish. Maybe my next blog will be bilingual? I had Spanish class today. We are now into complex sentecnes like If you say so we will leave immediately Conditional sentences wow are they hard. I thik the translation into this: Si dices que si, Nos saliriamos ahora! Change in topic. I joined a gym yesterday and worked out. Wow I feel great and I hope to join a boxing class yet I will be the only female wow don't know how that will work itself out. This weekend I hope to go to Copan and visit the Mayan ruins. I think it will be an awesome experince. I am so very excited.
Thank you for all your prayers of support.
Paz de Dios,
Valerie Miller

Prayer Keeps It Real

I have found time after time that prayer is what keeps it real for me. There has been so many shifts of existence and change in my life. Yet, I can feel with those shifts comes the growth of spirit. I had the honor of giving communion to my bishop, Bishop Leo Frade. Bishop Frade came down to Honduras with Diana Frade also my boss and many wonder clergy spouse from the diocese of South East FL. It has been wondeful sharing the great minstry here with Our Little Roses and Holy Family School. I keep on learning and growing into my ministry. My priniciple Ms. Evelyn has been working closly with me about improving the chaple service. I am so excited of what things await in the experience of being here. Thank you for all your prayers and thoughts they mean so much to me.
The Rev. Val Miller

It's my B-day

I have had a great day thus far. There has been so many wishes of love and happyness. I am so over joyed. I have high hope for the future and I am ready to live more of life!! Paz de Dios Val

My 30th Birthday tomorrow PARTY!!

Well tomorrow is a big day for me I turn 30 yep that's right 30! I am excited. I had a friend tell me that I was going to cry on my 30th birthday. Today I feel thankful that most likely I will see my birthday and I am over joyed that I have lived through so much and continue explore what life has to offer. No tears today. I am also so happy that my new house mates are going to bake me a strawberry cake yummy! I am also going out to diner with them. I don't know where? I am so very happy that my aunt Valerie will be flying down tomorrow to spend some time with me in celebration and catching up. I really do miss so many people right now and wish I could be celebrating either in FL or up north in Boston at EDS with great friends. I am so grateful for being able to have lived in community throughout my life with so many kinds of people. I can't wait for what the next ten years and what God will make manifest in my life. We all go through heart ache, pain, loss, grief yet it's the times of joy and laughter those moments that connect us to the deeply felt audience of God. God is with us in our tragedies yet life is a celebration. I decide to take a positive attitude about aging...it happens...I cam so tiered of women kicking the crap out of their self-esteems to look like flipping Barbee, hello people she is a plastic doll with an ill proportion body. This journey continues to be looking within to the deep part of the soul and letting the love of God be my spirit Cosmo! The Madonna de Guadalupe is my Cosmo girl! Mother Teresa you name the ladies of faith and they are truly of pure beauty. I can only aspire to drop the superficial and embrace the real the raw of beauty. I say to myself Welcome to 30!! I love what God created in you !!!
Thank you for your prayers of love and support you all are with me tomorrow as I celebrate my 30th in Honduras ROCK ON !!!
Paz de Dios ....join the Fiesta !!!
Val

The Kindness of Strangers

I know that I wrote about my awesome experience of Independence day in Honduras. Here is a photo of the family who took care of the volunteer group and friends for a weekend. I am finding that Honduras continues to be a place of deep healing and an abundence of great things. I am still struggling with my teaching and ministry yet I keep reminding myself that this is my first out there in the world of ministry and mission. Hospitality seems to be the central heart of everyone I have met here in Honduras. I have stepped out of my honeymoon phase and continue to grow. I am doing my best to breathe, and savior every moment. My Spanish is growing paso y paso, step by step. I continue to keep on praying in Spanish because I feel that it's a language of my heart. Now it's winter in Honduras and today it rained like cats and dogs. Speaking of dogs I had a very sad encounter with one today. When I came home from school I was opening our gate and notices to my surprise a little dog sitting in our entry way area. He was a little fella he had pieces of his hair missing and had pick patches and blood on his skin. he had big brown eyes looking up at me. He was all wet because of the rain. I called out to my house mate in doors to come help me with the dog. I was worried that the dog was really ill. I opened the gate and the dog let me walk pass by him. He went running out into the street. A man who came up to sale water tried to throw a rock at the dog but I said NO ESTA BUIEN ! No it's alright No! As the dog ran away he looked behind at me like ,"What happen I had a dry safe place.....??" My house mate said we could have called a vet yet I was thinking well what then is going to happen to the dog we can't take it in? I was telling my house mate how badly I felt about the dog. She then launches into how there are social justice issues around the care of animals and that next time I will have choice when it comes to the care of animals. I am sure she meant well yet I took the comment as an insult. I love animals! I was a vegetarian for years and I have a pet of my own that my family takes care of. I am still processing the whole experience of the day. I think we truly live our lives when we are kind to strangers and have warm open hospitality from the heart. I have a place in my heart for children, animals and the rest of humanity. I will continue to pray for the little dog I found today that he finds shelter and something to eat. I was warned in my mission conference that the poverty would get to the heart of me...and that I should make sure not to get stuck there in the feeling of not being able to do anything to fix it. Yet serving Christ is not about fixing people, situations and governments it's about living out kindness to all you meet. I think today I tried my best to live out kindness to the dog, I talked to the dog with an open prayer before I open the gate. Kindness what a blessing in the middle of the storms of life.

Gracias Todo,

The Rev. Val Miller

Culture Shock 101

Well the other night at dinner I had a surprise in my meal a pair of chicken feet...yes, that's right chicken feet. I guess this is something many Hondurans enjoy. I asked some of the girl if they would like my two chicken feet to eat and they gladly took them off my plate. I reached down with my hands to pass the little chicken feet and chills ran down my spine due to fright not love. However, I smiled and passed those feet onward to a happy camper. I am ready to call Vegetarian International and get myself set up back to being a vegetarian. No really I am...gosh some tofu sounds great to me right now. Yet, I hate to be too rude I had to draw the line of exploration when it came to the chicken feet. I am a woman who will try anything once yet not feet yuck! Other wise the meals have been great. I am having a better week. Today the principle and I have been working on how to improve the chapel service so that it can be a more likable experience for all. I am open to any growth at this point and I hope to always be open to growth in the future as a minister. Thank you agian everyone for all your prayers and thoughts. I pray for all of you as well.
Paz de Dios,
Valerie Miller

God Knows what God's Doing!

In other words God is God! Dios es Dios, This was the main point that I got from the preacher at Buen Pastor cathedral this morning ( Good Shepard) What a very good point it's in deed ! I have found myself thankful for where God has lead me throughout my life. Some paths have been harder to turn upon than others. Yet, I have to keep on trusting in God's time in all things in my life. I continue to work on staying present to my experience here in Honduras. I see my ministry growing as I discover self within the presence of the mystery that is life. This path to get to where I am now in Honduras was not made without some sacrifice in my choice. I think in most of our moves throughout our lives whatever our choices may look like they are never made with an easy decision no not at all. Mission ministry is so awesome and I love what I am doing even with all the challenges I enjoy each moment. Laughter, prayers from friends, family and supporters are truly helping me. I won't however go without saying that there have been plenty of times I have been homesick yet I keep hearing that's normal..so guess I am right were I need to be...emotions are all over the place sometimes yet I know Dios es Dios. Amen Thank you Peace & Love The Rev. Valerie Miller

Dia de Awesome!!!

Today taught me alot about life. I had a great day teaching students. I felt today I was on top of my game for some reason. Wow, if only everyday could be like this I would be as great as Jesus. Yet, again I guess Jesus did have his days when his message was not getting across to everyone. My days are now about living in each moment. I finaly had another great achievement I got money exchanged at the bank with my travelers checks all by myself..( speaking Spanish !!) I am a big kid now...!! I got a pair of cute workout shoes. I am going to the gym with my friend Ashly and then going to a convent with Karla & Ashly to be in community with some wonderful godly ladies. I am going to join my community after I take some time to practice some Spanish.
Peace,
The Rev. Valerie Miller

Poem: Quiet Is This Night

Quiet Is This Night

Quiet is this night.

Sitting in the light of nothing.

The willows dance in my spirit.

You are silent Lord with space unknown.

Cradle me Holy Spirit in the Shadow of self.

It is the whispers that are so loud in my soul.

The time alone is solemn in it's newness.

A language known yet foreign tosses me about.

My head longs to take in each word like honey from a pot.

My roots keep me strong with a new people a new land.

My ancestors reach out to me calling me home again.

Celtic roots are my trunk as I branch out to the quietness of silent space.

No material things are ever needed for the feeling is real.

The feelings are real as each breath I breathe in a place of healing.

The quietness kills the demons with the help of my Lord God.

The Lord God who never leaves this woman...this woman once more.

The evolution has started..this is my life the evolution of lovers who have come and gone.

The evolution of the quiet, once a scared woman in her cocoon.

I am always a larva, a butterfly I am in the quiet with God, Amen

- By: The Rev. Valerie Miller 9/18/08

A Poem: The Creek

The Creek

The water washes over you.

The streams of life carry you own ward to the unknown.

The mystery of the murky deep pushes you forward.

The rocks that hurt your feet with each step are like the relationships that teach you the biggest lessons. The creeks, rivers and the seas are dying as we go on trying to live up to a dream. A dream that says more is better, bigger is best, greed is gentle instead of genocide. The creek calls us now to awaken us to anew way to care for all nature's needs. The Holy Creator, nature, & humanity weeps for the pain of war, hunger and destruction. Praying for it to be washed clean.

Dia de Independencia

The last few days have been the mixture of celebration and deep contemplation. I had the honor of spending two days out on a farm in the middle of the mountains of Honduras. I stayed with a family who had the hospitality of saints. I had such an enjoyable time. Monday was the independence day of the Honduran people. There had been political word that there was to be anti American protest on Independence day yet thanks be to God there was not. Yet, a piece of me is starting to see even more clearly why other people in nations around the world just might have hateful thoughts towards the Untied States. We have been less than peaceful, respectful in honoring other countries customs, faith traditions, and languages. I am sorry we are not the greatest nation in the world and please we need to let go of the ancient Israelite theology that God has hand picked us as blessed above all others. We have stomped on the backs of our fellow humans in third world countries such as Honduras. Yet, relations with the United States and Honduras has improved greatly. I have experienced such love and respect from so many Hondurans. When I need some correction in my Spanish people are there with a polite smile and encouraging words. I am also realizing my privilege that is handed over to me as a white American even if I want it or not it's there. I keep praying to God that my eyes stay open to what I see with the poverty in Honduras and remembering the US and the poor there as well. The age old question still remains...When will we all be free to truly breathe, to truly live without oppression of others? Idealistic No, this is not an idealistic concept because the praxis of liberation theology...the liberating of all! This is the force that helps myself and others get up in the morning and know we are striving to live in our sin and sainthood to do something better in liberating others, to be teachers and to be taught by others so we can all truly live. The Rev. Valerie Miller

Needing some grace for a moment

Wow, I have not written in a while yet much has been going on. The last week I got a treat of getting to know my fellow faculty at Holy Family better. We had a gathering at a lake called La Gloria. It was so breath taking to see its beauty. There was a rickety old bridge over the lake. I walked across it enjoying every moment of peace. I looked out upon the mountains falling into the lake with the authority of creator. I sat by the pool conversing, in my Spanglish, with a gentleman and his baby boy Douglas who was all grins and dimples. Little Douglas put a smile on my face all day. I am glad I held this experience in mind because I had a harder day with my students today. I am searching for a better way to teach the bible. Yet once I quiz the students on what we have read they are biblical wizards...??? I guess they do listen more than I realize. I am starting to see that there needs to be a balance between my American ideals of the classroom. I also have to keep reminding myself that teaching has never been my real gift being a pastor ,others have seen in me as my gift, hence God calling me to be a priest. I keep believing that God has a bigger plan when it comes to my students and myself studying the wisdom of the bible together. So I am keeping my thinking cap on tightly...any suggestions out there??? Blessings of Peace and Love, Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers!
The Rev. Valerie Miller

A Peaceful Rest Within

I have written before of the struggle of fully settling into my life here in Honduras. I am each day awakening to new discoveries of self and most importantly culture. I again am learning that in Honduran culture it's common for children to talk about class information as the teacher is talking to the class. I am trying to be open to this new way of being a teacher. It's hard work..! I think in time this will works itself out yet not without some effort on my part. I really enjoy what I am teaching and my students are smart, funny, sweethearts, yet the older ones are teenagers...not my cup of tea however I have a feeling they will teach me about life. I am making some changes such as, I will no longer be having religion class in the chapel. I think it would be better to have a more familiar setting such as a classroom. I really want the students to dig deep into the bible into the rich soil of wisdom. I am also thankful that I will be given more time to prep for classes and chapel as well. I am really wanting the Lord to set a fire of inspiration in worship for the students. I am only a teacher God is the true one of wisdom and grace. I am a vessel as a priest, teacher, and mentor...Oh, my prayer continues to be that I may be open to all that awaits me and grow, grow, grow into what God wants and needs me to be...myself..yet open to the EVOLUTION OF LIFE!!! -Amen

First Eucharist Rocked !

Yesterday I had the honor to be a vessel of Holy Eucharist at Holy Family School. I was so excited. My children's sermon went well also. I am hoping that next week I can form a kid friendly worship with Communion. The teachers and students had no papers to follow the service so each prayer I chose carefully and had everyone repeat the prayers together. The service had some type of order thanks to the BCP Book of Common Prayer even in the middle of chaos, Thanks Be to God. I see that I have a path ahead of me in being a vessel in guiding children to a greater knowledge of our Lord. The students are being my teachers as well in being who God created them to be. I keep smiling, laughing and trying to be still. Being still seems to be the most difficult for me. Yet, where I am in Honduras life has presented this evolution of slowing way way way down and being with self and with community. American life is way too fast. I don't know what to do with all this room to breathe, think and truly feel everything. Yet, I know it's what God has called me to. I am staying open to the experience. I am realizing the urgency of finding a spiritual director. It has been two weeks and I continue to speak Spanish out side the school. I hope to start classes soon. I am going to try to go over vocab tonight. Peace Be Upon You all ...Blessings of Love and Peace, The Rev. Valerie Miller

First Eucharist Tomorrow

Today went well with teaching I felt as if I was centered. I am enjoying what I am doing. My colleagues and I were saying that the last two days have felt like it has been ten years. I went to the little tienda (Store) tonight to buy bread and grape juice for communion. I don't want little 7 year old tipsy..and running around the school all day..yet it's really because I was not able to get to the grocery store today to buy wine. I had a little taste of home I got a SNICKERS BAR yum mm...I also had a brave moment..I sang in front of the whole entire school..wow yet it felt right and natural, plus nobody ran out of the chapel screaming either. I was working on teaching a song. I just take it one day at a time. I had fun teaching 6th grade spelling, the students are awesome. I am still having problems with the teens popping attitudes yet that's to be expected. Thank you again for all your prayers I need them..patience love are what my prayers are for.
Peace,
Rev. Val

First Day of Teaching

Today was my first day of teaching at Holy Family. I enjoyed the over all experience. The students are open to learning of course they wanted to test their limits. The older students wanted to test my limit too far so later on in the week they will be getting a test a pop quiz that is in social studies. The students I think will be a great group to work in especially with my religion classes. All I have to say is I am so sleepy. Thank you for all your prayers they are truly helping me out in this new adventure in ministry.
Peace & Joy,
Rev. Val Miller

I Start Teaching

Today I had a bast with my friend Dianna and her family & friends. We traveled to a town called Amor..that's right love. Well we went to a really old Spanish fort and to an awesome water park. I swam in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Honduras. As I floated I looked upon the mountains and homes resting within the hills. I was so in love at that moment with being present in this experience. I want to give thanks to my friend Dianna and her family for their hospitality today. I have now completed my lesson plans for the year and the week for school. I start tomorrow...Dios Mio Lord Help me! Yet, I am happy and looking forward to a great year. I need to finish up my role list for my 5th graders and tuck myself into bed for the night. ... hopefully a restful night and pleasant dreams. I continue to pray for all my friends and family. I am also praying for each days experience I am so grateful for this honor of being here.
Peace,
The Rev. Valerie Miller

The search of self

Today I started to realize that I am starting a search of self. I know that I need to fully emabrace my experience here. To be an open vessel of God resting in each moment. This is a once in a life time experience. I am already loving each day as it arise anew. I have to be honest that a part of me is sad in leaving people, places etc behind yet I know I have found a world of new places, and people who will be my teachers. I have had many teachers before...the world is my teacher and everyones face is the embrace of God. The night is quiet as I lie there with myself. Thoughts rush through my head of conversations long gone. The quiet is almost ghostly..this reaching internal is real. I was told before I traveled that a missionaries best friend is prayer...prayer continues to connect you to why you are there..whever there may be..Prayer awakes the deeper issues within that make you human to begain. Prayer helps you let go of unrealist expectations..prayer lets you see the broken human in us all. Prayer for me is being blunt with God no holding back with angelic tongues yet being real in the search for self...EVOLVING ....

Preporation por mis clases praximo semana

Today I finally got in the chaple. Wow, it's so beautiful I was in total awe. There was a humbleness and an honor in knowing that I will be the care taker of the chaple and priest in charge of worship. I got right to work looking through old boxes full of ancient stoles that smelled like my grandmothers house in South Carolina. I reorganized everything. Placing all the laturgical garb with its matching laturgical colors in a cabinant. I cleaned out votive candles replacing them with new ones. I was glad to discover a guitar, too bad I can't play to save my life. I started organizing chairs in perfect order behind the pews. Now I can respect the wisdom of my laturgics professor The Rev. Rick McCall of EDS we so often found him rearanging the chairs in chaple, now I know why. Thank you Rick ! I found the most beautiful chasiable with the famous print of two hands exchanging flowers. I will be sure to wear that next Wednesday when I celibrate my first mass at Holy Family with the students. I made sure all the BCP (Books of Common Prayer) were in order. Now, I am in the process of preparing for my religion classees grades k-9. I am also the home room teacher for the 5th grade. I have met serval of my 5th graders some of them are at OLR(Our Little Roses). One 5th graders face lit up when she found out that I was her home room teacher. My heart was warmed in that awesome experience. My prayer is that I can be myself and be the best teacher I can. I really want to be a vessel to help the youth grow into faith filled people even in a hurting world. I also hope to start Compline or Completas with the girls from OLR. I start Spanish classes soon and continue to practice eucharistic prayer A in Spanish it's getting better little by little paso y paso , step by step. Gracias Todos,
Thank you everyone,
Valerie

An observant Sundy

I went to church with the girls today to the cathederal. It was wonderful worshiping in Spanish. I felt right at home with the service. It was a blessing getting a chance to see the girls sing their hearts out with the hymms. On the way home on the bus I only chated some with the girls sitting next to me. I mostly watched the girls in conversation and play on the bus. We had lunch after we arrived at the home. I made sure I took good care of myself today and I just got done taking a nap. At the volunteer house we have a group meeting and dinner to discuss how living together in a community will flow throughout the year. I am hoping to take Spanish classes soon in order to learn more Spanish as I continue speaking it with the girls and other Hondurans. I really know that this is where I am meant to start my ministry. Today during the Eucharist at the cathederal Buien Pastral I started to cry twice. I am realizing once agian that this was a big leap of faith yet a leap that had to happen and only my the grace of God it did.
Paz de Dios,
Valerie

Settling in to Honduras

Today I met with the principle of Holy Family. I think I am really going to enjoy working as a chaplin and religion teacher this year. I decided to teach my religion classes in the chaple in order to try and connect the worship to the study of religon and faith. The school has a list of values that I will use as my base line for my instruction for each grade level. I also will be the home room teacher for the 5th grade class teaching them as well. I will be helping assit a class on social studies 7, 8,9th graders. I realize also that I will have to change what I am wearing for clergy shirts so that I may not drop dead from the heat...hace calor mucho aqui. I knew it was going to be warm yet the black clergy shirts from England don't cut it yet they will have to work for now. I am glad I am spending some down time writting. Today my fellow colluges and I will be going shoping at the super market again. I am on the out look for flowing skirts to wear with my clergy shirts for work...I am sure one is wondering why the connection between the supper market and skirs? The one I went to yesterday had everything it was like a Walmart Latino style. I had a great time hanging out with the girls watching TV. The girls were watching the MTV Lation version. I am worried about what body images they are seeing on the music videos. I know that it's way to early in getting to know not only the girls and also the Latino culture as an anglo I have no place to judge. Yet, as time passes and trust is hopefully established I hope to open discussions about body image for teens. I think this is a vital part of mission to work with youth to see themseleves a beautiful in the eyes of God.
Paz de Dios,
Valerie

Estoy Aqui

Yesterday night I arrived in Honduras around 8 o clock US time. I was greeted by all the volunteers from Our Little Roses Ministries. It was wonderful to see all their smiling faces greeting me. I has a warm welcome indeed. I got settled in after watching TV with some of the other teachers/voluteers. I made sure all my stuff was put in its place and well orgainized. So of you that know me from seminary would be rather surprised. at the orgainzation by the normal shape my room was always in. I have managed to achive a clean room thus far , however the real question is can I keep it that way? I fell asleep fast and slept like a baby in a place I feel I have known forever. I woke up this morning around 7 Honduran time so in US time I slept in, good for me I needed some rest. Today I got the honor of spending quality time with many of girls at Our Little Roses. I really started to use may Spanish in converstation with many of the girls. I am really excited about teaching some of the girls and learning more about who each girl is and how God has gifted all of them. I got to watch a soccer game this afternoon where the older girls creamed the boys from a local school....VAMOS CHICAS !!!!! (GO GIRLS!) I am glad I am open to laughing at myself because I think the girls get humor already out of my attempts of Spanish. I have been practicing my out of my Spanish Book of Common Prayer. I realize after the second or third time if I go as slow as turtle I can sound like I was born in Honduras and have been speeking Spanish fluently my whole life. Yet, if I want to keep the attention of boys and girls ranging from five year olds on up I better speed it up a bit. Yet, pracitce make perfecto so I have heared. I even went to the grocery store and purchased items and even asked two people where the water was and then the ham with out being misunderstood GRACIAS DIOS ! I know this is going to be awesome. I must breathe & believe and be me.
The shell must break before the bird can fly...help me God to be open to what awaits me, humbal me in placing my trust in all your ways. Amen
Paz de Dios,
Valerie

1 mas dia !!!

Today is Wednesday. I am all packed with my two suitcases that are placed in my parent's living room. I will be taking a gray hound bus over to the east coast of Florida to visit with friends of mine before tomorrow. At this point I am asking Jesus just to get me down to Honduras! I am so so very excited right now. I wish I could be beamed down to Honduras like on Star Track yet I have to travel like the rest of the human population via plane. I wrote my community at seminary at EDS with my contact information. It has been great getting really positive wise words from various students and faculty to carry with me. Right now I feel like a fully grown butterfly out of her cocoon I can't stay but I got to go. EDS for me was a place of deep growth and development as a person and a minister. It was wonderful being able to be ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Steven Charleston on behalf of Bishop Leo Frade of the diocese of southeast FL at EDS with my family and friends standing in solidarity and celebration with me. I will always cherish my ordination day.
yo estoy feliz!!! I am so happy!!
Paz de Dios, peace of God,
Val Miller

Dos Dias Mas

Well, today I am completing my packing. There is some part of me that is in the middle of ending and beginning. There is letting go, as well as moving forward. Yet, I am excited because I know that the career as a chaplain/priest for the chicas/ muchachas at Our Little Roses and the students at Holy Family is going to be more than I ever dreamed of awesomeness! This is a sacrifice in saying goodbye to what I have known before, as well as friends & family members. Yet, it's more of a joy than a sacrifice because with God all things are truly possible to those who wait on God's way instead of ones own. I am so happy & glad that I have truly been able to hear God calling me to Honduras. If I had chosen another path I would not be following where my heart is and my truest self.
I will finish packing..and getting the last details squared away.
PAZ DE DIOS AMIGOS Y FAMILIA,
Valerie

Tres Dias Mas

Well, I got some time to spare this morning to write. I have about ten million things on my mind right now! I know for sure I have to start packing my things for example, I am placing my clothes from a larger suitcase to a smaller bag for my trip to Honduras. I want a lighter load. I think there is some kind of metaphor in that last statement. I have a deep suspicion that I will be lightning my load on many things known and unknown that hold me from the growth God is calling me towards.
Right now I am also thinking about the wonderful YASC (young adult service core) missionaries and non Youth yet Adult missionaries that I got to know at the start of June for our two week World Mission Conference. I know I have been a snail about getting all the details in order with the trip...sorry...! All of you are in my prayers as your journeys have started or are starting...blessings be upon you.
I spoke with a friend of mine that is so excited about my going to Honduras. We will have lunch on Wednesday to catch up on each of our summer experiences and the work we will be involved with in ministry this year. Wow, I am realizing how vital good friends really are, the support is needed. It has been wonderful catching up with friends while I have been FL and converstations with friends else where. (thanks for listening to what's been on my heart)
I want to take this time also to apologize for not including Church of the Good Shepard in my list of parishes that have lifted me up in my ministry formation, please know that I Cherish the growth and love that is present at CGS!!!
Thank you again friends & family in Christ Jesus ( & other awesome faith traditions),
Rev. Val Miller

Voy a Honduras 4 dias mas

Today, I spoke at St. Philip's Episcopal Church in Coral Gables FL in both the English and Spanish services. I am very excited about what awaits me in the future. I know that the Lord has always been with me through out my life...so God is opening up doors that I will enter into and never be the same. The verse in a hymn I of course can't remember the title of goes something like this.."If I call upon your name will you follow me and never be the same." Oh, how this verse is speaking to my whole being right now.
I can say I have no reservations about what I am about to do because God's soft voice has been pushing me forward over many years resting in my dreams. It was in 2000 that I first visited Honduras at twenty years old with St. Hilary's Episcopal Church youth group from Fort Myers FL (GO CRADLE CHURCH !) It was this visit that God spoke to me letting me know that I would be returning some day to be a part of missionary work in Honduras for some length of time. I remember before this trip telling my family that I knew that this particular trip would change my life forever. Here I am today a newly ordained priest, I am still in awe with the feeling of jumping into the Lord's arms, I know God will catch me..so that I may do the work God has called me to.
I will be teaching Christian formation at Holy Family grades K-12. I also will be the chaplain for Our Little Roses Home for Girls. OLR is a place where girls of all ages are able to grow into empowered women. I am so excited that God has placed me as one vessel of many teachers & staff to be a part of this awesome mission of hope.
I am opening a new door yet I charish the one I walked out of....I will hold all my friends, family, ( San Lucas, St. Gregory's, St.Philip's, St. Hilary's )and the support of so many..in my heart and soul. I hope this blog can be one filled with my prayers and yours as well. I would not be where I am today without my God given angels in my life that have always reminded me how to fly...whenever I thought I could not...Thank You, Muchas Gracias Todos!
Peace & Love,
Rev. Val Miller