Francis Seivert greets assessment team in Montaña de la Flor

Monday, February 8, 2010

Sunday Meeting

I hope all of you Gehlen Missioners learned lots at Sunday's meeting. Seivert had a LOT to talk about, and I know that sometimes all that information can overwhelm you. Don't be afraid to stop in either of our classrooms and ask any other questions you have. Those of you who can't stop into our rooms - I hope you feel free to call or email.

Everything is falling into place for our trip. The 'junta' booklets are ready. The t-shirts look great. I still have a little work to do on our crosses, but they will be ready soon.

It would be smart to begin packing your black bag. You'll be surprised at just how fast the big day will arrive. Having your bag ready will take a little of that pressure off you on those last few days before we leave. I know the teachers are going to want your schoolwork done, and your families may want to spend a little extra time with you.

Keep the packet handy that Seivert went through at the meeting. I like to keep it open to the list of items I need to pack. Then I can check them off as I put them into the bag. Feel free to throw in a deck of cards, a magazine, or a small puzzle book to fill some of that time on the plane. BUT, we really would like you to leave the ipods, mp3 players, video games, cell phones, etc., at home. Let's try to experience as much of the Honduran lifestyle as possible. While we are in Honduras, we will try to keep you as busy as we can. That way you won't miss those items at all!

It would also be smart to bring along a couple writing utensils and a small notebook, especially if you would like to journal about your personal experiences. You are going to meet some wonderful people; see things you have never seen before. Upon your return to the States, others may ask about your mission trip. At that time you'll find a journal quite helpful.

Are you counting down the days? From this moment we have 45 days, 13 hours, and 10 minutes until we are on the ground in Honduras!

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Second Tailgate

Hi All,

We had a great turn-out for our second tailgate. Thanks a bunch to Julie and Barry for ALL their hard work. Having done the tailgates last year, I know all the behind-the-scenes work that has to get done for one of these. Please thank them when you see them, missioners. Because of their efforts, the Gehlen Catholic Student missioners have their motel rooms in Omaha covered, the meal paid for in Omaha on March 25, and a bit left over to help with some of our water project expenses. AND, the meal was delicious. Thanks to Scooters and many, many others who donated product for the tailgate.

Our meeting is set for Sunday, Feb. 7, in Seivert's room. We will walk you through everything from packing your bag to packing day to returning from Honduras. Bring any questions you have to that meeting, and we'll make sure they get answered. That meeting always gets me pumped up because we'll talk about preparations for our trip, traveling days to and from Honduras, what you as missioners can expect in Honduras, as well as all the little things we've learned from our previous mission trips that will help make this an awesome trip for everyone.

Missioners should have finished all shots required by now - or do so quickly. It wouldn't hurt to contact your doctor for your chloroquine (malaria) prescription. That'll just be one less thing to worry about later.

48 days, 14 hours, 27 minutes until we're on the ground in Tegucigalpa!