For some here in America, having “things” has become too ordinary. For example, clean running water, a water heater for showers, and sanitary food have all become expected. While some Americans sit around complaining that their food is too spicy or their shower too hot, other less privileged are only dreaming of having food or a warm shower. Here poses a question, would you be able to leave these “ordinary things” to do something extraordinary? The Hopkins family was called to leave the States to make God famous, which means they are also giving up all of the “necessities” above. Four weeks ago, the four Hopkins, Shannon, Kristi, Tyler, and Emma, left for Costa Rica to learn Spanish for their later journey to Gracias, Honduras.
The sadness of leaving Teague was overshadowed by the newness of their new home. After a week of walking 7.5 miles and going up and down 45 flights of stairs just to get to school and back, the newness had rubbed off.

            Because of the purpose of their journey however, they are remaining optimistic through their weekly travels and new frustrations of learning a new language. Mother and wife to the Hopkins family, Kristi, is in the more advanced class and Shannon, the Father and Husband, is in what he calls the step above the “I know nothing” class. The kids are also at school, for the younger child, Emma, this is her first year of school to ever attend. First born, Tyler, has been to school in America, and comparing American teachers to Porto Rican teachers Americans are more nurturing, but both get the teaching job done.

            On the weekends, Shannon and Kristi are allowed to “Skype” to catch a break from the stressful study periods they force themselves through during the week. Skype is an online video chat, which allows the family to see their friends and family across the border, allowing them to stay connected. Emma chose Polly Pockets and Barbie’s as her weekend relief, and of course the neighbor’s cat, who happens to be orange, her favorite color. The weekend privilege for Tyler is playing his “Game Boy” that he got for Christmas.

            However, when Tyler was asked what he thinks someone should bring with them on a journey like he is on, he did not suggest the game boy or the many robots he has. He simply said “Family”. Not only are the Hopkins learning new words in Spanish, they are learning the true definition of an English word; family. When the “newness” had worn away, the family bond became stronger. Shannon and Kristi have both become more understanding of their kids, and all four of them have grown in their faith. 

            Because they are not advanced enough in the new language the Hopkins are not attending church in Costa Rico. Instead they have a family Bible study together on Sundays and they have continued reading their Bible throughout the week. 
    In the state of optimism they are found in, Kristi has been opened to some what she calls “funnies”.

            “After the first week, Emma was not happy about school and made plans to ‘buy a guitar, start a band and move back to Teague.’”
    After a long week of studying for hard tests and learning to cook,

            “Tyler cleaned my room and made my bed for me and then left a note on the pillow.  He is incredibly sweet sometimes.”

    Preparing for a week of tests,
    “I was trying to study and Emma wanted my attention.  She finally climbed in my lap and said, “Mommy, study me.”  With such a sweet smile, I had no choice but to stop Spanish and study her.”

    Emma has half a day in Spanish and though she says she does not know Spanish she informed me that “I am beber.” Literally meaning “I am drink” but obviously meaning “I am thirsty.”

    After a fun Saturday at the park,
“Tyler appeared to be deep in thought on the way home from school one day so I said, “What’s on your mind Tyler?” “Maybe God made girls different than boys so that boys can have something to figure out.”’

The Hopkins have a blog through their ministry service which they update every few days about their adventures in Costa Rico. The URL address is http://isa61ministries.wordpress.com/ . Also, Tyler has been taking video footage about his experiences in his new home as a missionary and he will be sending them to Teague for the “Team Kids” church group to watch each Wednesday. So far Tyler has one video up and he is working on another. The videos can be found on YouTube under 61 Isaiah Ministries Hopkins in Honduras.

So far, one of the biggest struggles has been food. For example, cheese is about $15, cereal $7, goldfish $12, and hotdogs $10. This came as a surprise to Shannon and Kristi, but they are keeping their faith and remaining optimistic because they know that God will provide.