4 Football Fields

Once again the students jumped right out of bed at 5:30 a.m. Parents, remember that for when they get back home! After a breakfast of pancakes and pineapple, we began our 1-hour drive to Vallecillo. We found the villagers hard at work. It didn’t take the missioners long to grab the pick-axes and shovels and start working on the trenches. The students were undaunted by roots and large rocks. They chopped and dug through anything and everything. They also spent much time working on their Spanish with the Hondurans. The final result for today was a trench measuring 4 football fields in length, 18 inches deep, and a foot wide. We all felt good about our accomplishments.


On Saturday the villagers had requested that we have Mass in their church, since they very seldom get to have Mass. When we reached the church, which is where we also eat lunch, the lady had prepared our lunch to eat before Mass. The students felt very awkward about eating in front of the villagers who were waiting for Mass. We had to encourage them to eat something, and then everyone filled a tortilla and fed the crowd. The students commented at junta tonight that it was similar to the loaves and fishes. Mass was bilingual. The Hondurans sang loudly and energetically. We noticed even the dogs like to come to Mass in Honduras.

The excitement in the compound this afternoon involved the boys catching a fairly good-sized iguana. After scaring Tacha and a few girls, they released it in the park. We ate a typical Honduran meal of eggs, rice, refried beans, and tortillas.

Tomorrow promises to be a challenging day. We’ll dig trenches and then install cement floors into two homes of some extremely poor people who have dirt floors. There will be some sore muscles tomorrow.

Sam Ahlers – At this point in the trip I definitely wish I paid attention in Spanish class, but I still love talking and playing soccer with the kids. Everything here is great. Everyone is welcoming and happy. I hope all is well in Sioux City, and Happy Birthday, Jack.

Steve Swalve – Nick & Bob, Not to worry. The girls are working just as hard as the boys, even your sister. I have pictures. Enjoying myself. Life is peaceful. Connie: Wish you were here. You would really love the kids. Love, Steve

Fr. Cosgrove – Your children worked very hard today. We had Mass up in the mountain today and a wonderful meal. We shall be putting a cement floor into two homes here in Esquias. That means they will be working even harder on Tuesday and Wednesday. The student have made a very fine impression on the people and especially the children they have worked with. It is a joy to be with and work and pray.

Megan Tentinger – I miss you Mom and Dad. I haven’t gotten burned yet. Love you.

Becca Swalve – Constance, if you read this text Taylor, Linden, and Haley, Hi from me. Miss you all! Loving all of the kids so much. I want to bring them all back to Guardian Angel. Love, Becca

Greg Probst –Dear Dad, Please send tractor.

Mary Klein – Jim, Michelle, Nathan, and Emily, We are doing great and so glad we came! We dug four football fields long of trench today. I even used a pick-axe for re

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