About Trina Baron

http://chadandtrinabaron.com

Posts by Trina Baron:

The Voice of Truth

By trina in Personal Reflections 8 Comments

A Good Song

Chad and Asher had just left for church when I started to do the dishes last night. I didn’t go because I was feeling sick, like usual. I usually like to listen to music while doing this, so I went to youtube and found the song, “Voice of Truth,” by Casting Crowns. I have heard this song many times before, but as I was listening to the chorus, still washing dishes, I literally began to weep.

“And the voice of truth tells me a different story, the voice of truth says do not be afraid. The voice of truth says this is for my glory. Out of all the voices calling out to me, I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth.”

The part I began to weep on was the part I bolded, “The voice of truth says this is for my glory.” I just couldn’t get that out of my head. I thought to myself, if every struggle, every trial, every difficulty we ever go through is for HIS glory, doesn’t that make it all worth it? Easy? Absolutely not. But worth it? Absolutely yes. I pictured my struggles bringing Him glory and I just couldn’t stop crying. Let me say that again, my struggles, your struggles, bring Him glory.

Discouragement

I’ll share a little about why this was such a huge impact on me last night. These past few weeks have been very difficult for me. I have been extremely sick with this pregnancy, unable to really do much of anything. I have felt more discouraged and defeated in the past month than I ever remember feeling. I have felt like a horrible mother for letting Asher sit in front of the tv while I lay on the couch, unable to hardly move. I have felt like a horrible wife for not being able to clean, cook, or even make the bed each day. I feel completely disconnected from the ministry, rarely going to church and not visiting the mothers at the hospital. And I hate it when I have to make a trip to the bathroom to throw up, locking the door behind me, only to have Asher screaming and banging on the door for mommy to come out. He knows what I do in there and he gets very concerned about me, always asking, “What’s wrong honey?”

Why?

So yes, it’s been a difficult month. Don’t get me wrong. I am beyond the moon excited for this baby; and nothing amazes me more than the miracle that is the creation of a baby. I know many women would give anything to feel sick if it meant they could carry a child themselves. My heart breaks for them. Which is why I am very thankful that God chose to bless us with a second child. I also know that God teaches us lessons throughout our lives, many times through a trial. And why does He do this? Because He loves us and wants whats best for us. But also because it is all for His glory. And knowing this, knowing that my God is glorified through my struggles makes it all worth it.

 

I Can’t Imagine

By trina in Personal Reflections 8 Comments

A Different Perspective

Going to the maternity ward these days gives me somewhat of a different perspective, now that I am pregnant myself. When entering each room and visiting the mothers and their babies, the phrase, “I can’t even imagine,” seems to come to my mind a lot. I would like to share those ‘can’t imagine’ moments with you to give you a glimpse into the lives of some of these women. Some might be a little graphic, but this is their life.

The Can’t Imagine’s

I can’t imagine giving birth in a room with five other women, who are also giving birth. I can’t imagine giving birth in a hospital where my Dr. might be a medical student (not a real Dr.). I can’t imagine, after just having my baby, being brought to a room where there are again 5 other women. I can’t imagine not having my husband by my side with me during labor. I can’t imagine not having even one loved one come to visit me. I can’t imagine laying in a bed with my own blood soaked sheets. I can’t imagine the excruciating pain of a C-section, the terrible pain afterwards, and no pain meds. I can’t imagine using a sheet as underwear, especially after just giving birth. I can’t imagine losing a baby after delivery, and then being placed in a room where 5 other women are cuddling theirs. I can’t imagine leaving the hospital, still in pain from the delivery, and having to catch a taxi or sit on a bus full of people in the smothering heat. I CAN’T IMAGINE.

Planting Seeds

My last visit to the hospital was just this morning. I almost didn’t go because of the morning sickness I’ve been having. And I didn’t know how the hospital smells and sights would make me feel. But God wanted to me go. Each time I visit the hospital, there is usually one or two girls that strike a chord within my heart. Today there was a girl who looked no older than 15 years old. She was laying horizontal in her bed with a full bed pan laying next to her. One of the nurses came in to draw her blood. I could see the fear in her eyes as that needle was about to make its way in her arm, so I grabbed her hand and let her squeeze. I left her with this one message that I hope plants a seed: “There is a KING in the heavens and you are HIS princess. Jesus loves you.” And this I CAN imagine.

More Goodbye’s

By trina in Personal Reflections 2 Comments

Goodbye's are never fun.

More Visitors

Having visitors in our home always reminds us how much we love hello’s and how much we hate goodbye’s, especially when it’s family. We had the wonderful blessing of having Chad’s whole family visit us during spring break. This was an extra 8 people, making that 11 total, all in the same house. It was a busy week as we tried to show them as much of the ministry as we could, as well as some sightseeing, in such a short amount of time. But it was a good week. And one that none of us will ever forget.

Servant’s Hearts

For our 3 nieces and 1 nephew (between the ages of 7-14), it was their first time out of the country. Their eyes were opened to the drastic differences from the Honduran culture to their own. But they handled it all so well. It was clear to see their servants hearts as they made sandwiches for the kids on the street, as they wrapped bundles for the moms and babies at the hospital, and as they handed out toothbrushes and toothpaste to the kids at the orphanage. It was beautiful to see them truly being the hands and feet of Jesus.

Welcome to Honduras!

Exciting News to Share

We also were very blessed to have the family here for another reason. We got to share the wonderful news of our pregnancy (due December 4th)! It’s very difficult to share such great news with loved ones from so far away. So we were excited to have some family here to share in our excitement with hugs and congratulations. If you look at the picture to your right, you will notice the sign that I am holding. This is how we told Chad’s family.

40 Years

Chad’s parents celebrated their 40th anniversary in February. This family trip was a celebration of just that. We are so thankful that they chose to take the family here and for all the money that they put into this trip. We will cherish the memories made and the time spent together. Thank you Jim and Laurie!

Grandpa and Grandma with their 5 grandkids.

 

A Sacrifice

By trina in Personal Reflections 1 Comment

All so happy to be together again!

They’re Gone

My parents just left today, and we are sad. It was so great spending time with them, showing them the ministry, and especially watching them bond with Asher. We couldn’t be more grateful for the time and money they spent to come see us. It’s times like this that we never take for granted, and we truly do treasure.

Time Spent

We were fortunate to be able to show them most of the ministry and what we do. We went to the Feeding Centers, the Maternity Ward, and mom even braved the streets! We also took them to see some of the more beautiful parts of Honduras, including the statue of Jesus (El Picacho), and a little tourist town known as Valley of Angles. But I think what they really enjoyed the most was just spending time with their grandson, and who can blame them!

Asher loved to walk hand in hand with his Papa and Nana.

Sacrifice

So saying goodbye was not, and never is, easy. It’s a huge sacrifice for all three of us, and it…is…hard. Sometimes I just wish we lived back in Lynden so we could see each other whenever we wanted. And it’s difficult to watch Asher bond so much with his grandparents and then have to turn around and say goodbye once again.

Hello’s Are Good

But God never said it was going to be easy. We knew there would be many sacrifices that we would have to make along the way. And even though it is very hard to be without your loved ones, we are still confident that this is where God has called us for this season of our life. So while saying goodbye is never any fun, we always look forward to the many sweet hello’s.

A Little R & R

By trina in Personal Reflections, Stories from Honduras 2 Comments

Yes, the sand really is that white, and the water really is that turquoise.

We Need a Break

Chad and I have been waiting for the day when we could just take a break. Anyone who has worked or currently works in ministry knows the meaning of overload. So working in full time ministry definitely takes a toll on you. We told ourselves that moving here and being missionaries meant that we had to take breaks, at least every few months. We received this wise advice from many who had worked in full time missions, and we fully planned on giving ourselves a little R&R when needed. But time gets away from you, and before you know it 6 months have gone by and you are completely burned out.

Out for dinner one night with our friends.

An Island Getaway

Well, God chose to recently bless us with a much needed getaway. The three of us, along with two other missionary couple friends (a total of 9 of us), spent a long weekend on the island of Roatan, which is a short 1 hour flight from Tegucigalpa. We have always heard about Roatan and how beautiful it is, and we have always wanted to go there but just never had the chance. So when our friends John and Rebecca told us they were going and invited us along, we jumped at the opportunity for a little vacation.

DOLPHINS!

Recharged and Rejuvenated

We had a wonderful time. We swam in the beautiful blue ocean. We went snorkeling. And we even got to spend some time with dolphins! This little getaway also gave us the chance to get recharged and rejuvenated for our next season of ministry. We couldn’t be more grateful for that time away.

On a boat ride to see the dolphins!

Baby in a Bag

By trina in Stories from Honduras 2 Comments

Red Cross workers assisting the baby girl found in a plastic bag.

Sad News

I sometimes refrain from reading the newspapers here, for the sole purpose of not being able to stomach the horrific photos or handle the depressing stories. One story this past week, along with the tragic fires, read: ‘Baby is Abandoned in the Capital.’ As I read this story, my heart sank; and I didn’t know whether to be more mad or sad.

Miracle Baby

Not far from where we live a baby was found in a plastic bag, alive. Neighbors in the surrounding area had been hearing a baby cry and when they went to check it out, they saw movement in a plastic bag. When opened, they found a baby girl fully clothed, wrapped in a blanket, with a bottle laying next to her. The paramedics noticed that the umbilical cord was still attached, although it had been badly cut. They quickly rushed the little miracle to the hospital. From there, she will be brought to the INFHA (Child and Family Services of Honduras), where she will be raised in an orphanage, with no mom and no dad.

The Mother

When I first read this story, I had so much anger for the mother of that child. How on earth could anyone abandoned their baby? And not just abandoned by leaving her at the hospital or on a doorstep, but by throwing her in a bag and tossing her in the dump. But as I thought more about this mother, I actually began to pray for her. What if she was 13 years old and scared out of her mind? What if she was a young women who was raped and that rape resulted in a pregnancy? What if she was extremely poor and knew that there was no way she could provide for this child? I know none of these reasons excuse the action that was taken in “getting rid of” a precious child. But it does mean that she needs prayer and she needs Jesus.

 

Do What You Love For Those You Love

By trina in Personal Reflections, Stories from Honduras 9 Comments

Michelle and Shuanny making some treats at Monday night Bible Study.

Baking + Young Women

I love to bake. I love the young women in my church. How do you put those two together? I bake for the young women in our church! Every Monday night at church is Bible Study night where the men and women break off into separate groups. Every Monday night, I come with some sort of baked good in hand. And every Monday night, I see wide eyes and a bunch of smiling faces, excited to take part in some deliciousness!

What’s Baking?

Now I am not saying that I am the world’s greatest baker. Although I sometimes wish I was an employee at Cake Boss. But when you live in a place where baking is unheard of in the home, you can see why a cupcake gets the crowd going. I remember the first time I brought treats to Bible Study, almost everyone asked me if I made “these.” It was only chocolate chip cookies! But it’s something so foreign to them, so they couldn’t believe that I had made them myself. I really give my mother all the credit. After all, there weren’t many days when we would come home from school and NOT find a black bottom cupcake, peanut butter blossom, or a monster cookie sitting on the counter, waiting to be devoured!

A Better Life

Silly Kensi, enjoying her treats!

Last week at church, I had a conversation with 22 year old Kensi, who asked me when I was going to give baking classes at church. Many of the girls and women keep asking me this same question. But Kensi’s reasoning is what touched my heart. She wants to learn how to bake so she can sell the baked goods on the street and make money to support herself and her 2 year old son (she currently is a hot dog vender on the streets). To think that I could be a part of that puts a joy inside my heart.

A Dream

God has put it on my heart to start some baking classes at church. This obviously involves time and money, so I am just in the thought process of it all; but I am excited nonetheless. Our church already has a kitchen in the upstairs, but it just needs some TLC. We will need a couple of stoves, cooking utensils, and your key baking ingredients. But I know that God will provide. So please pray with me to make this dream a reality and to help these young women help themselves and their families.

Would You Go To Church?

By trina in Personal Reflections, Stories from Honduras 3 Comments

Here are some of the kids that don't miss a service. Can you pick out the white kid? :)

How many of us can say that when we were between the ages of 6 and 15, we would have  gone to church without our parents, just because we wanted to be there?

There is a group of kids who come every Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to our church services, without their parents. Many of them are siblings and they live in the apartment building next to our church. Some of the kids even have baby siblings that they take care of and bring along with them. Just this past Sunday, I saw a 9 year old girl sitting on the steps in our church, holding her baby sister who was sleeping. And where are the parents? They are in their apartment while their children attend church.

I am reminded of the verse in Luke (18:17), where it says, “Truly I tell you, anyone who  will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” When I think of this verse, I think of these children. They know how to receive the kingdom of God, and we can all learn a thing or two from these precious ones.

These children have taught me so much. They’re not forced to attend church. They could be doing tons of other things during those 4 days a week that we have church service. But they choose to be there. They want to go. They love to come and hear God’s word. So yes, I do believe that receiving the kingdom of God like a little child is the way to go.

A New Year

By trina in Personal Reflections 1 Comment

As it says in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “…the old has gone, the new has come.” I look at this in terms of the new year. 2011 is in the past. And while it was a very difficult year, it is gone. But the new is here and we are excited to see what God has in store for us and for the ministry. I know it is 12 days past the start of the new year, but I wanted to share some of the goals that both Chad and I have on our hearts for 2012.

Speaking Spanish

Chad and Carlitos have become best buds and Chad loves practicing his Spanish with him.

We both have one major desire and that is to speak and understand this language fluently. It has been one of our biggest struggles since being here, and we continue to struggle with it daily. It’s true that we have both come a very long way in our communicating with others. But we are definitely not at the level that we so badly desire. We have developed some amazing friendships with people in our church. But what we truly desire is to deepen those relationships by speaking into their lives, and that’s hard to do when you don’t speak the same language! So one goal we both have is to improve our Spanish language skills.

ONE of Trina’s Goals

My small group girls from church, when we threw a baby shower for some ladies in the church.

Since moving here, my passion has been working with troubled teenage girls, mainly those from the Eagle’s Nest. But since we closed down the girls home, God has laid it on my heart to work with the girls in our church, ranging from ages 5-18. They may or may not have been physically or sexually abused, but they all nonetheless come from hard places. I have developed a special bond with these girls and I look forward to receiving their hugs at church. So one goal of mine is to further these relationships and speak into the lives of these young girls.

ONE of Chad’s Goals

Chad continues to pray, plan, and prepare for what has been on his heart the most: Our Boy’s Home. And God is continuing to open doors for this part of our ministry. Chad recently met with a Honduran business man, who God just placed right in front of us, who owns a beautiful piece of property outside of the city. He wants the property to be used for ministry and for farming, which is exactly what we were praying for. There is still a lot that needs to be planned and processed and decided, but we continue to pray and are hopeful that this goal will soon be accomplished.

More Thanks

Thank you for your continued support, thoughts, and prayers. This year wouldn’t be possible without the love and support that you continue to lavish on us. We thank God for you daily. Happy New Year!

Our Christmas Update

By trina in Stories from Honduras No Comments

Tiffany and Elisa receiving their gifts at church.

We apologize for the lack of blog posts lately. We have been a bit busy, as most of you all have, with the Christmas season. But we wanted to update you on how our past month has gone and what we have been up to.

Chad

Chad was very busy with the child sponsorship program. Each child wrote a message and colored a picture for their sponsors. Chad had the long task of translating each letter, uploading the letter to send as an email, and mailing the letters to their sponsors. He was also busy at each of the Christmas programs, videotaping of all the children receiving their one gift for Christmas.

Decorating cookies at the church Christmas party!

Trina

Trina was busy with a lot of ministry stuff as well. Her and Kimberli helped wrap a ton of presents for the kids in the Feeding Centers and in our church. She threw a baby shower for two women in our church, along with a Christmas party for the all the ladies in the church too. During the Christmas party, Trina was moved to tears when one of the ladies hugged her and told her, “Thank you Trina. This is a night we will never forget.” Her and Kimberli also wrapped many baby bundles to bring to the hospital for the new mothers and babies. We are still in need of blankets to bring, but hope to make it to the hospital soon.

Kimberli with the gifts for her siblings.

Kimberli

Kimberli left early Christmas Eve morning to spend the day with her family. We wanted to bless Kimberli’s family with some Christmas gifts too, since they would probably not receive anything. Earlier in the month, we bought a huge bale of clothes to be able to bless others that were in need. Kimberli went through the clothes and picked out an outfit for each of her 6 siblings. And with her giving heart, she took each of her stuffed animals and gave them to her siblings as well. So with the gifts and a smile, her and Chad left early in the morning to go to her grandparents house. To say that she was excited is an understatement. We can always tell when she is excited about something because she is such a chatterbox. She talked Chad’s ear off the whole way to her grandparents house!

Playing UNO on Christmas Eve at the Baron house.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve was a special night. We had about 15 of our close friends, who are like family, over to our house for dinner. It was a feast! There was food, fun, and laughter, especially after watching Carlitos play UNO for the first time! While we definitely missed our own families, it was wonderful to be surrounded by those that we love and those that love us back! God has truly blessed us.

Thank You

So there you have it. That is what our month has looked like. We wanted to say thank you for all your prayers, love and support. While it was very difficult to be away from our families this Christmas, we still felt so loved from all of you from so far way. We are so grateful for those of you that have chosen to bless us this Christmas. Love to you all!

 

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