Demonstration on making chocolate bars

Where do cocoa beans start to form and mature?

In a pod attached to the trunk of a tree.

 

 

Uncovering the cocoa bean from a mature pod.

We're ready for the demonstration.

The cocoa beans are dried and than ground.

Phyllis trying the grinding process.

The end result is a chocolate paste.

A few more ingredients are added. 

Sugar is needed for sweetening.

More rigorous grinding was needed.

The faster the grinding the better the flavor!

Than the paste is ready to put into a mold.

The molds were put into the freezer 

to firm the chocolate for eating.

The finished product ready for our enjoyment.

Central American Missionary Retreat

We chose a quiet spot by the ocean for our retreat.

 

The children enjoyed the pool.

Galen found a moment to read and meditate on God's Word.

Our speakers, Rich and Rachel Deeds,

led us to ponder about our current relationship

with God and others in our lives.

Our God heals us from the wounds of our past

freeing us to minister to others in wholeness.

 We bonded closely as a team during our free times together.
Our Central American Mission Team

The Nofzinger Family and Katie Rutt

returned to Honduras by boat.

An excursion to Davis Falls

It was a rough ride requiring a four wheel drive

on a dirt road usually used only by tractors.

Some trees had fallen on the road.

We forded the river seven times.

Then we had an hour to walk on a rough trail.

Some places required a helping hand.
Dennis and Jeannie Hess from our home church in PA
courageously joined us on this difficult excursion.

Our reward!

The Rupert Family enjoyed a swim below the falls.

Others enjoyed a quiet moment to reflect

We captured a picture of the Rupert Family

Trip to Guatemala

Larry and Helen Leaman journeyed with us.  

We enjoyed birding with them.

We visited with Frederico and Marta

and their boys Dennis and Josue