March 2026 Newsletter

Dear Friends and Family,

I hope you are all well! It’s hard to believe we are already two months into the new year! 

The last time I wrote was in October and there are two of the points from that update that I would like to touch on. The first is about Mario’s cousin, Wendy. I had asked for prayer and support for her as she was preparing for a surgery. Praise God, it all went well, there was the necessary provision, and she is now completely recovered and back to being involved in the areas she loves to serve in! We are so blessed to have her back, especially in our church’s youth ministry as she is the main leader in that ministry. The other point I want to give an update on is about the road project that Mario, as community “presidente” has been working hard to make happen. There have been many challenges along the way, and then in the end of November we had our presidential elections for the country of Honduras and it was complete chaos, so all construction was put on hold until just last week. The company is back now and has picked up where it left off. Much of Mario’s time is spent overseeing, coordinating, and helping make possible all the work the construction company is doing. It is a ton of work for Mario, but he does it with joy and love for this community. Every day is a new challenge, and he is able to handle each one with wisdom and patience. It is an honor for me to see his faithfulness in all of it, and his servant-heart toward this community. Please pray for him to be strengthened and that all he does would be for God’s glory and as a light to each person he comes in contact with. He is in a unique (and, I believe, God-given) position that allows him to be a light and influence to the community as a whole. It requires much sacrifice, but he views it as a form of ministry and does it all with excellence! 

I continue to focus my attention on my roles as mother, wife, and friend, and within the church continue to be involved in much of the administration and behind-the-scenes, as well as help lead in the youth ministry. Last week, our church’s worship team leader asked to take a season of rest, and I was placed as the new leader. This is completely outside of my comfort zone, but I’m excited for this role. I do ask for prayer in it! Aside from specifically church-related ministry, I’ve had many opportunities to host– between book studies, lots of dinners for our youth and our leadership teams, groups that are part of Mario's community work, discipleship, and just friends who need encouragement, a hug, and a good cup of coffee. I am so thankful to have the space for this, as well as to be available to do it. It truly is such a privilege, and one that I don't take lightly. Thank you for the support that makes it possible. Since last I wrote, we also received visitors! Some friends from Cody came down to visit La Venta, and one stayed for over three weeks. It was such a treat for me and we had such a fun time having her. My parents also came down to visit last month, and that always proves to be a blessing and encouragement to us. We love having people down, and I am always saying that our cottage is available anytime – I really do mean it!!

Over the last few months, we have been able to finish with all the projects that needed to be done in our cafe space, including replacing the roof, getting the machine changed, some painting projects, and we were even able to install a generator! These things have all proven to be essential for much of our hosting, and they have all been put to very good use. However, we have still been unable to reopen the cafe… Local food businesses and such here in La Venta are typically open on weekends, and during the week people would only come in the evenings. It has proven to be more challenging than I had anticipated to find the time to reopen. Almost every evening of the week is taken up with a church or other ministry-related activity, and especially the weekends are typically full. Every week that I have been planning to open one evening, something else has come up within ministry, or one of my kids has gotten sick, or some other such thing. I’m currently trying to determine if it’s something I have to redesign, or simply accept that this isn’t the season for it. I am thankful that at least the resources that we have because of having our cafe (the lovely, ample space; an espresso machine; plenty of tables and chairs; fun board + yard games; a generator for when the power goes out; etc.) have proven to be such a blessing and a tool that I take full advantage of throughout the week as I host. 

Prayer Requests:

• Mario’s position as the “presidente” of La Venta - wisdom; protection; that he would be a light to everyone he comes in contact with.

• My new role as worship team leader - specifically for good stewardship in this position, wisdom as I implement some changes within the team, and, above all, that all of the work that I put into it, as well as the rest of the team, would truly come from a place of genuine worship.

• For our youth! We so desire to see them fully surrender their lives to the Lord. 

  
  

Thank you for your prayers, for your encouragement, and for your support. I truly don’t have the words to express the difference it makes for us. We are eternally grateful! 

“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” 2 Corinthians 13:14

Katie 

*youth night in our cafe space -- end of the year dinner + gift exchange + game night