We are open!!

What a wonderful past few weeks we have had at the Made in Roatan shop!   It's been fun to have many repeat visitors come.  Great to catch up, grab a lunch at Miss Edana's (Muddah's Kitchen... yes that is by far the best local island food close to the cruise ship port!)

I want to say thanks to those of you who brought down clothes!   WOW!   And those of you who gave us wonderful, beautiful jewelry supplies and a plethora of beads!!!  DOUBLE WOW!   Thanks Jackie, Lynda, Sandy and Bill and the gang!   You blessed our socks off!

I apologize for all the rain lately but it is our rainy season.  I know it can be frustrating to have your excursions cancelled but I appreciate all the people we met the last week who braved the 'elements' and walked into our shop.  We love meeting all of you!

A note about our artists:  Christena is graduating from high school majoring in tourism.  We are excited to see what is 'next' for her.   Christy is graduating from grade six and the last exam she wrote she got 100%.   Pedro is finishing up school this week too.    Diana will be repeating grade 7 again next year due to the fact that she didn't have what was required for gym class and that she fell behind in several other classes.   I told her to tell us so we can  help because we are here for them.   With tears in her eyes she thanked me.

pedro and christena making jewelry at our home

A beautiful young girl came into the shop on Thursday and was interested in what we are doing.  I said, Well it is more then just a way to provide income for the families.  We are doing our best to keep the young artists in school, mentoring them with Christian values and encouraging them to believe that there is a future for them beyond poverty.   She wrapped her arms around me and with tears in her eyes said,  "I am where I am today because of a woman like you in my life.  I am happy to say that I just graduated from Law School.   Don't give up believing in these kids.   They need you in their life"    

We both cried.  Christena was in the shop that day and I know that she was impacted.  That is what it is all about:  loving someone enough to make a difference in their everyday life.  It really does have impact.

So thanks again for all the support you give us.
Continue to think of others.  I know you will be blessed as you do and the world will change around you.

I hope when you come that you have a beautiful turquoise blue sea day, feel the warmth of the winter sun on your shoulders and a true sense of His blessing on your days....

No ships in Coxen Hole

The Coxen Hole port is closed until October so what is happening with our little "Made in Roatan" shop???   Well we decided to close the shop since we didn't want the owners to have to continue to pay municipal taxes without any sales.  BUT if you are coming to Roatan, or have friends who are coming they can still see and purchase local made items.   We now have the things at our house.  You can email us at roatanbob@gmail.com or please call to set up an appt for view.   Bob 9849 0386.

Times are hard on the island so we appreciate the support we have recieved from mission teams, and visitors to the island.

A Heart that Gives is Blessed!

We meet hundreds and hundreds of different people every week in the Made in Roatan shop.  I want to share one story with you about a family we met.

It was back in November when a couple came in with their two twin teenage daughters.   We were able to share how our little non profit shop was able to help poor families on the island not only providing practical aid to them, but giving them a sense of purpose and pride in being able to work hard when many people do not work. It feels good to belong to something: and they belong not only in the Made in Roatan shop but in our hearts!  They were so impressed with Pedro and Victor's work and bought one of the boys bracelets.

Just as they were leaving the shop the father told me that he was planning on surprising the girls with another trip to Roatan but this time they were coming back to help the poor.  I told him that if he wanted that we could take them to Punta Gorda to see the village where Pedro and Victor live and they could bless the people out there.   We exchanged emails and they headed back to the cruise ship.

I am happy to say that after many emails back and forth we arranged to meet them at the Carnival Port of Mahogany Bay. They came walking up the ramp with two very large and heavy duffel bags loaded down  with flipflops, clothes, bags, school supplies and candy!!  They had originally told the girls  that they were going to ship the things down to Roatan and so the girls had asked for donations from their school but what they didn't know is that their dad had planned for them to HAND DELIVER them directly!  What a Christmas present that was!!!  We were SO happy to be the ones to take them out and show them the "Real Roatan"

So we started our drive up towards Punta Gorda with the warm sun on our shoulders, a soft breeze blowing and joy in our hearts.  It was a gorgeous day!   The sea at "The View" showed forth all her glory with brilliant turquoise waters against a royal blue sky!    I called my Christian friend, Miss Catherine and asked her to gather up people at the church and so when we arrived everyone was sitting patiently.  We started with the youngest ones first and gave them flipflops.  Most of the clothing was for teenagers and they were so happy to receive jeans, shorts and tshirts.

click to view LARGE

I spoke to one lady in Spanish and she thought it was increíble!!  I shared with her that many people come on the cruise ship for a vacation and they enjoy the beaches, tours, ziplining but this family decided to come again to 'give back' to Roatan.   It  WAS incredible!

   I kept thanking the Rowe Family over and over again for their generous hearts and their willingness to think of others instead of simply thinking of themselves.  I believe the whole Christian message could be summed up in the words "Do to OTHERS as you would have them do to you"   Luke 6:31


We also took them on a boat tour through the mangroves at Oakridge and even while we were there they were stopping the boat to give candy to the kids and the joy they had was indescribable!  

click to view LARGE

It was such a blessed day!

It was a day about OTHERS!

I remember the day when I first read this scripture:

"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others"

Phil 2:4

It was the beginning of a radical change in my thinking:   looking out for the interest of others.

  Not just looking out for myself, but OTHERS!   

Others, others, others..

oh  Jesus help us to love as You love and to see as You see, and to help as You help.

GREAT NEWS! YOU CAN SHOP ONLINE NOW!!

We have the beautiful opportunity to meet so many people through the Made In Roatan shop.   About a year ago we met the Estey family, friends of a friend.   We arranged for them to go out on a tour with Marquito and then we met up with them for lunch at the Cannibal Cafe.  You can read about our first initial meeting here.    As we sat around the table they were authentically interested in what we are doing here in Roatan and had many questions.   We exchanged email addresses and promised to stay in touch.

Kevin was very interested in helping us and we are happy to say that he put 'feet to his ideas' and has just launched the new MADE IN ROATAN ONLINE SHOP!

You can check out the website here!!    (www.made-in-roatan.com)

  Isn't that fantastic!   When we began to dialogue together I was impressed and amazed at his commitment to help and to build a website for us FREE OF CHARGE and to be the brains behind all the technical issues around making it work efficiently with PayPal and working out the shipping etc.   I cannot say THANK YOU enough!  Often I just get choked up thinking about his generosity, hard work and commitment to stand with us in helping the island people.   There ARE still good people out there and I thank the Lord for bringing them across our path to help in this way!

Hats off to you, Kevin!  I know that HE is going to bless you abundantly for your servant heart and willingness to GIVE in this way.

Please check out the  Made in Roatan Online Shop!

Christmas is just around the corner... what a way to get something special for someone you love from someone WE LOVE!   I know they will really appreciate your support, and your purchase will go a long way in helping them to buy adequate food and clothing for their families.

Blessings to each of you as you reach out from where ever you are into the hearts of the fine island folks of ROATAN!

Oneyda

I want to introduce you to Oneyda Gomez. She is our newest artist who is making jewelry in the shop.

She came into the shop about a month ago 'ooohhhing and ahhhing' about the jewelry and said (only in spanish) that she knows how to make jewelry and asked if she could work in the store. 

At first I admit I was tempted to say no we don't need anymore jewelry makers (which is true) 

but when I heard her story my 'mom heart' kicked into gear

and I knew we needed to do something to help her.

She has moved to the island from Tegucigalpa and is staying with friends.

She goes to school in the evenings and is without work (like many many other here)

She moved here on her own.  No family here.

She is not in contact with either her mom or her dad.  I don't know why.

She had been living with her brother and sister

and decided to come to Roatan to go to school and find work.

She is only 15 years old.

I can't even imagine what it must be like.

she is very personable and friendly and seems happy.

even though she is only here for a month it seems that many people on the street know her

and like her.

Last week the TV station came and wanted to do a story about the girls we are helping. 

Although Oneyda was nervous she did a good job.

If you look at the picture you will see a sign that says PRAY

That is what I am asking you to do:

please pray for her.

We are thankful for Him bringing her into our world.

She is faithful in coming to the shop weekly and working hard

and it is paying off for her.   On Wednesday she cleared over 60.00

in one day which is a good day's wage here on the island.

I wish my Spanish was better so I could talk to her more but I am 

trusting that He will continue to take care of her, help her to make good choices

here, and that she will develop into the beautiful young woman He created her to be

 

on a personal note, we had a group  called Roatan Alive! come to the island from Canada and the States

to bless the island.  

They ministered to over 1,400 young people here.  We were busy helping out with that

  Isn't that awesome?!

 

if you are wondering what we do in our spare time...

we go to west bay and enjoy the best snorkeling ever!

ahhhh!!!

A Fan of Mine

One of the things we love about the shop is that we never 

know what will happen in a day or who we will meet

This family came in and 

listened graciously 

to my endless stories about the artists, and their needs.

They bought several things which will help the people here on the island.

I appreciate the people that stay and ask questions and listen

and grow to understand the mission we have in trying to help the islanders

This family was one such family!

Tony, Kimbery, Brooks, Courtney and Jonathan from Texas

You may be wondering why they are holding a fan.

  Isn't the ship air conditioned??  Why would they want to buy a fan?  

Good questions.

I had Buddy, my budgie at the shop and I saw Tony standing looking at my bird.  (or so i thought)

I asked if he liked birds and he said.. um.. well I was really looking at your fan.

My fan??!

WHY?

Tony enjoys the sound and the coolness that a fan brings.

I told him he could buy one at the hardware shop down the road and he

kept saying,

"well what about that one?"

I replied, "well.. it's mine for the shop"

He didn't want to walk back and try to find another small fan

so yes I sold him my fan.

Strangest thing I ever sold in the shop!  

You just never know!

On a more personal note:

My previous blog was quite serious about the needs on the island

and I am so happy to tell you two great things that have happened since I wrote that.

The first thing is that a lady named Renee who knows Miss Peggy at Clinica Esperanza

was willing to take back over 1500.00 worth of stuff from the shop to sell in the States.

We are thrilled with this and I know it will help alot of people when she has the sale.

Someone said to me, Well can you trust her?  Do you think she will just take all the stuff?

You know what?  

There are still people who can be trusted in this world!

People who love to help and are willing to go the extra mile to make a difference

in someone's life.

So Renee.. thank you thank you.. a thousand thank you's

for your willingness to host an evening to share the vision about helping

the poor on Roatan.

I know He will bless YOU!

And another thing happened that is also very encouraging.

We got an email from a school teacher who was in the shop

the previous week who wants her class to sponsor a student for a year

and is willing to send down some jewelry supplies!

Isn't that awesome!!

God is good

I am posting some NEW THINGS in the shop

If you are coming to Roatan come in and check them out.

They won't last long!

Honduran jade with gold inlay made by Yourgin

Honduran Jade in many different colors and designs

a 5 strand necklace made by Kendi.. a work of art!

 

Here is a variety of the jewelry made by Christy and Angela.

As you can see several of them sold, and we are so thankful for that.

I am so thankful that we are able to provide the supplies for the girls to make this jewelry!

It is making such a difference in their current situation!

In fact on Wednesday, their Mom had to go to the Hospital with 

their little brother, and the medicine that he needed was exactly what had

sold in the shop so far

(we sold the same amount in the afternoon!) 

so we were able to take that to her and he was able to get

the care he needed.

Again, isn't God good?!  

Yes!

He cares about the people here so much and we thank you for partnering with us.

Times are Tough

Why are times tough here right now?  Well at the Coxen Hole port we are only getting one cruise ship a week.   That means vendors and tour guides have only 1 day a week to hopefully make some money to provide for their families. Times are really tough for many people here in Roatan.   Imagine if you could only work one day a week!!   Um.. yeah.   Tough times.


I went out with my camera on Wednesday (ship day) to take some photos.  One thing you will notice is a shortage of tourists buying and shopping at the shops around the port.

every person i spoke to said the same thing: it is so slow!
click on the photo to see large

I spoke to Jose, who makes beautiful silver jewelry, and he said,  "I am not looking to get rich, all I want is to feed my family".  So come off the ship and meander through the shops outside the port.    It is hard for us North Americans to grasp the concept of living day to day, hand to mouth.  If people don't sell anything or get a tour it truly affects them.


So why am I writing this blog??  I am here today to implore you:  PLEASE HELP!  Take a short walk outside the port and you will see the Methodist Market where they are over 20 different vendors inside selling their wares.  And continue walking along the street where you will see people hoping to make even ONE sale.  Or get your hair braided.  Or stop at a restaurant for local food (iguana anyone?!) or a nice cold drink.  Basically consider blessing the locals here and drop some of your money into their hands.

And please stop in the Make in Roatan shop so and let me know that you read this and I will thank you personally for your kindness and help.

  I am asking you to consider that if you spend money anywhere that it can mean a meal for a family.   Seriously.  During the slow season people are doing well if they get one meal a day.  It breaks my heart. We need your help during this slow season.  Tourism is our primary industry on the island so I thank you in advance for coming for your vacation.  I just want to share the need we face every summer when less ships come.   Please be generous!  Plan on it and I know you will be blessed as you think about helping out the families here that are trying to simply make it through this slow season.

Pedro showing off his latest creation!

 About a month ago a lady came into the shop and showed me a black quartz anklet that was all stretched.  She asked if there was anyone who could use the crystals to make some jewelry.  I thought it would be perfect for either Pedro or Victor to use to make their beautiful chain link jewelry.

   Didn't that turn out wonderful??!  

Thanks Connie for your generosity and kindness in giving to help out! 

  May you be blessed for thinking of others and taking action!

So to all you Norwegian Spirit Cruisers!   Thanks for coming to our island, thanks in advance for your support and help to those who are simply trying to make a living.  You make a difference!

God bless you today!

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in your power to do it.

Proverbs 3:27

jewelry lessons

About two months ago Bob came home with a couple of boxes of supplies for making jewelry:  beads, wire, findings, earring parts, strange looking tools, necklace fasteners.. you name it he had it.   I looked at him quizzically and he told me that our friend, who used to make jewelry was moving to the states and sold it to him.

Then I asked the BIG question:   What are we going to do with all that?

He said, "Oh we can help young island girls make jewelry and then they can, in turn help their families!"
"But Bob I don't know how to make jewelry!!"
He just smiled!  :-)

So I called Michele and asked for a crash course on jewelry making.   She came over one evening (yes I only got a 2 hour lesson) and taught me how to make the 'p loop'  (the what?!) and how to finish off necklaces, how to use the tools etc.  I admit, even now I am not very good at it but I am able to teach the girls and it is helping the families.

So that is what we are doing.   Below is a photo of some of the jewelry (there is LOTS more) and of course, the beautiful girls!

I want to introduce you to the girls 

Kendi Mendoza is 15 years old and she lives in the Colonia nearby where we live.  I got to know her about a year ago.   Her brother works for us as a gardener and he has been the sole provider for his family for the 2 years that they have been living here.   Their dad just got a job as a night watchman and we are so grateful.   Kendi is a delightful young girl.   She wasn't able to go to school since her family couldn't afford to put her in school so this year we registered her, got her books and supplies plus her uniform and now she is doing very well in school.   She is so smart!   I can attest to how quickly she has picked up the art of jewelry making and already we are seeing her creativity blossom!   Thank you for your support with this family!  I know they appreciate it so much.

  

Angela and Christy Webster are sisters who are 14 and 15 years old. 

We got to know them in February of this year when we found out, through a friend that the girls weren't able to go to school because the Mom couldn't afford to put them in school.   So Bob, bless his heart, jumped in the car, drove to their home and picked up the girls (and their brothers) and took them shopping for school supplies and uniforms.   They are so happy to be able to go to school.   We are grateful to the people who send us money so we can help the locals.  It is making a difference in their lives!   About a month ago their mom had her 8th (and last) baby.  Until she heals up she isn't able to work so we decided to teach the girls to make jewelry and sell it in the shop.  They have been very busy making earrings, bracelets and necklaces and we are so proud of them.

If you come into the shop, check out their work.   It really does help immensely in their lives as right now they have no source of income coming in. (their father is in jail)  I know they are months behind in paying for the rent, and are grateful for the food from friends and family. Every little bit helps!!  I can say this for certain:  HE takes care of them. You can read about them in my other blog.   You can read it here

God bless you all!

Happy Birthday to Andrew from Katy, Texas

the Made in Roatan shop is not a usual shop.

it is more then shopping!

it is a place where we have alot of fun together,

sharing stories, laughing, giving advise of what to see and do,

helping people find tours, and directing them to other great shops on the island.

sometimes i see a family and immediately i can tell they are special

such is the case with the Armstrong family from Katy, Texas.

their little boy walked in wearing the coolest sunglasses ever

I asked him if he was a super hero!

when he told me he was going to Gumbalimba Park i told

him to be careful around the monkeys because i know they love to 

snatch sunglasses!

Andrew is one of those no nonsense kind of kids that i love to meet!

His mom told me they were looking for something for his room and 

he walked straight up to a painting of a moray eel that Jackie had painted

and said,

"I want this one!"

Then later I asked if he wanted to hold my budgie, named Buddy

and he wasn't afraid one bit!

He held out his finger and he was comfortable holding my little

feathered friend.

Yesterday Andrew celebrated his 6th Birthday so i wanted to send

this out to wish him a wonderful Happy Birthday and a year

full of fun times, joy and many many blessings to his sweet little heart.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDREW!

and 

Buddy says 

Happy Birthday too!

Happy Birthday Andrew!

what's new!

pedro and victor have been very busy lately!

beautiful acrylic paintings by Jackie

a one of a kind jade necklace by yourgin

handwoven bracelets made by david

a shell necklace made by moi

a beautiful necklace set made by pedro

a beautiful pearl necklace by kendy

a lovely underwater scene painted by luma

Check out the video!

 TJ Lynch's Video of the shop

 Yesterday it was a beautiful seamless blue sky, the weather was warm (well probably hot for most visitors but warm to us), the sea was boasting her beautiful shades of aqua, deep blues and green and was beckoning many to cool off in her waters.

Where were we?  Well we were where we are every time there is a cruise ship in Coxen Hole:  the Made in Roatan Shop.  Bob was outside greeting and talking to tourists and I was inside telling people about our vision.   We were very excited because a lady from the states had sent us a parcel full of beads, wire, and accessories for Pedro and he was happily rummaging through the contents.   I forgot to take note of the name of the lady on the return address but I will get it from Pedro so I can adequately thank the person who was kind enough to put 'feet to her words' and give so generously to Pedro.   It was quite funny because the one thing that caught his eye was a very fancy glittery ladies watch. I thought he was taking it out to give to his Mom but I soon realized how wrong I was:  HE was wearing it!  I just laughed, shook my head and thought all that bling bling was definitely calling his name!!!

We had a visit from TJ Lynch from Buy Roatan and he did a feature on the store so you can view the
video. What is the most stressful thing for a person like myself?   When someone says, "Oh just tell us all about the store in 20 seconds!!"   WHAT!??  I don't say anything in 20 seconds so if it appears I am speaking fast:  I am!!!   Check it out!   :-)


But either way, I hope that when you come to the island, you will come and visit us and help support a local family and as well walk along the peaceful seasides.. leaving your footprints in the sand....and your quiet heart in the trade wind breezes....

a chance meeting with a fellow Atikokanite!!!

What a great day at the shop!   The sky was seamless ~~ a solid blue, the sea was calm and the breeze was sweet.  Another beautiful day on Roatan for sure.

The Epic made her Tuesday appearance.   See the chairs in the photo??  I saved a couple for you!

Several people asked me this question today:

Is it safe in Roatan?

Well we have been living here for almost 3 years without any problems.

I asked one person why they asked and they said he knows that the Mainland isn't safe and there is alot 

of crime there.

That's true.

But although Roatan is included as part of Honduras it is an island and it is very different from the Mainland.

For this I am thankful.

So don't worry when you come here!

Just relax, breathe deep that sweet sea air,

go and explore the island.

It is truly one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean.

Not only do we have pristine beaches with glorious shades of turquoise blues, we have  the most amazing snorkeling and diving!

 And the beauty and the views of the East Side of the island are spectacular!

This is taken while on the mangrove tour in Joneville!

How gorgeous is that??!

 (sally on the right)

One of the things I love about being in the shop is that
we get to meet so many wonderful people!
People always want to know where we were from in Canada
I told these ladies I was from North Western Ontario
and Sally said, Where?
When I told her I was from Atikokan, Ontario (ati-where??!!)
she was delighted to tell me that she lived there
from 1973 - 1982.
She used to curl with my Mom
(for those of you who don't know it curling is a sport!!)
and she lived very close to us.
Small world isn't it??!
We had a great time catching up!

We have some new things in the shop that I want you to see:

this is Adelina holding a handcarved boat that Yourgin made!

 

Here are some fish made by the Rusty Fish.

Aren't they so colorful and beautiful?!

I hope that when you come to Roatan you will enjoy

our island.

It is a special place and we are happy to share it with you.

someday soon, that  could be you walking and shopping!

Thanks for your help!

I am so grateful for those of you who helped out with donations for getting the kids 

'back to school'.   Our little donation bowl comes in so handy to meeting many of the needs on the island and I appreciate the generosity from many of you~

We were able to buy more shoes and supplies for the kids and I really appreciate your help in that!

These are some of the kids who received shoes at the Public  Library in French Harbour.  We connected up with Miss Joan who gave us shoe sizes of the kids who needed shoes in order to go to school.
Here is a link to my other blog if you want to see more photos and read about it

Back to School

We had a wonderful surprise visit at the shop last week. We are starting to get many repeat visits from people who have returned to the Island again.  Ed and Judy Lamb from Florida  cruised into Roatan on Jan 25th loaded down with pencils for the children of the island.   How kind!   We had a wonderful visit together catching up on news and appreciated seeing them again.

The Made in Roatan shop is more then a 'shopping experience'.  It is also a place to connect, to laugh, to listen to stories (yes I have ALOT of stories! *s*)  If you need help finding things, or you want a tour but are nervous we can help you find a tour.   Please see the island.. it is worth seeing.. so beautiful!

 

  I am sorry I don't have a photo of Judy and Ed,  but I didn't have my camera that day.   But it was a joy to see them again. Thank you, thank you, thank you!   I have been able to give many pencils to the kids on the street here and they were so happy. Believe me, it didn't take long before the 'word was out' that they could have free pencils.  I gave them the most colorful and beautiful ones! I also sent some to a teacher in Punta Gorda, a teacher up in the Colonia here in Sandy Bay  and on Monday when the classes start I am going to walk to the tiny school on the beach and bring some pencils to the teachers there.

the little school on the beach behind our house

Rusty Fish!!!

What's new at the shop?   

Well I know many of you enjoy the recycled rusty fish and Adam brought in some new frames, larger butterflies and some crosses.   If you go up to the top of this page and go to 'artists'
you can read more about the Rusty Fish and even watch a video which will give you a better idea of the whole process as well as how it helps many local people here on the island.

We are so happy to have our son David here for a few months!   He enjoys coming to the shop and helping us and as well we are excited that he will be here to help put together a Roatan Photo Book.  It is a big job and I am happy to have his editing advise.   I took a photo of him with Pedro, one of the artists in the shop.  They are enjoying listening to some music and having a good time together!

Also want to say thanks for reading my blog.  On Tuesday a very smiley happy Canadian woman

walked in the store, shook my hand and said "I am so happy to meet you.  I have been reading your blog and I want to meet the couple who are helping at the Made in Roatan Shop"

I stood there rather dumbfounded (I know very out of character for me!!)

We had such a wonderful visit together!

I asked if they were going to see the island at all and she said no, they just wanted

to come and spend money in the shops to help the locals.

OH JOY!

I told her that whatever they buy would be a blessing:

a meal, a drink, a bottled water from a pulperia, some souvenirs,

some artwork... 

it all helps~

They walked up and down the street shopping.

They came back into the shop several times,

met Pedro, met Bob, visited with us and each time

they bag was a little fuller and they'd have to go the cruise ship

to unload.

And.. they gave me a Canadian bag which I have to admit I gave to

Pedro to put all his jewelry making stuff in.

He loves it!!

So Cindy and Kevin, my wonderful new Canadian friends

BLESS YOUR HEARTS!!