UPDATE: After returning to the states, I graduated from Virginia Theological Seminary, and was ordained to the Sacred order of the Priesthood on 8/1/12. I now serve as the Associate for Young Adults Ministries and Pastoral Care at Saint Michael and All Angels in Dallas, TX (http://www.saintmichael.org/). In addition to my regular duties, I occassionly join our deacon at the homeless church he started in downtown Dallas. Your support on this journey has been amazing. Thank you!!
FOLLOW-UP: Want to see for yourself the amazing things Our Little Roses does? Just watch this video: http://www.vimeo.com/11249644. The segment was filmed by the mother of one of my housemates when she visited us. You’ll see shots of the girls, the home, and the school, as well as hear Heather, one of the young women who grew up at Our Little Roses and is now in university, tell her story.
Honduras...my home for a year (well, 10 months)
I arrived in Honduras on August 13, 2009 and was there until June 11, 2010. I volunteered in a bilingual school that is an extension of a home for abandoned and abused girls located in San Pedro Sula called "Our Little Roses" soon (www.ourlittleroses.org). About two-thirds of the girls attend schools throughout the city. Another third attend "Holy Family", a school that accepts applications from both boys and girls in the community. I taught 7th & 8th grade Math English, Spelling & Literature (all in English), as well as led the short, daily chapel service.
You can email me at brendajsol@gmail.com or find me on facebook: facebook.com/brendajsol.
OUR LITTLE ROSES: Before I left for Honduras, I met with the founder of Our Little Roses (www.ourlittleroses.org), Diana Frade. The home houses 60+/- girls who would otherwise be on the streets without food, shelter or love. After teaching, I spend an hour or so at the OLR home tutoring the girls who study at Holy Family. The girls love visitors and learning new hobbies, so plan to visit soon!
"LITTLE ROSES" STAR QUILT My mother donated her time & talent for my mission trip by creating this "Little Roses" Star Quilt. The "real" winners in this raffle are the girls at the OLR home. Due to your generous support, I am well on my way to achieving my financial goals. THANK YOU! The winner of the beautiful quilt, is Pat Will (a good friend of my mother's in Wolf Point, MT)! Congratulations, Pat!!
INTERNSHIP: I spent the 2008-2009 school-year learning about parish ministry and liturgy at St. Stephen's Parish in Seattle, WA with The Rev. Janet Campbell.
SEMINARY: In the process of becoming an Episcopal Priest, I completed some of the Masters of Divinity course-work at the School of Theology & Ministry at Seattle University. In the fall of 2010, I began a two-year program to complete my degree at Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, VA.
OUR LITTLE ROSES Although the girls in the OLR home are well-supplied by donations of clothing, books and toys from people in the states, they continue to need financial support. These funds go directly toward their food, housing and educational expenses. Having been here for 10 months, I can assure you, every penny is well-spent. Thank you for your support! Visit their webiste to contribute: http://www.ourlittleroses.org/help.htm
