Message From R. Seivert

Dear Gehlen Students and Chaperones,

Greetings from a 'still' cold LeMars and northwest Iowa. I have been reading all of the blogs each day and watching the weather patterns crossing the deep south and wondering if you will accomplish all your jobs assigned. My sense is with the leaders and students you have on this team you will finish early and do much more - typical Gehlen work mentality.

Frank returned from Honduras last Monday evening with all kinds of news. One big piece of information important for you and the team from St. Thomas More is that the water project in Las Uvas began last Monday. Both Angel Paz and Julio Rivera are working the project along with the people and children of Las Uvas.  You might not be there but know that it was your hearts, hands, and hard work that paid for these wonderful people to be able to have clean drinkable water for the first time in their lives. While in Mississippi helping others you are still having an impact in the daily health of so many children 2,400 miles away.  You are doing two monumental things in your young life in two different places on this planet with the same feeling and intensity that the Gospels proclaim we all must have. A few years ago at one of our send-off celebrations in the gym I said that Jesus was the first missioner - that God sent his only son to go and do as he wanted him to do. Today you are following in that same path and I only hope your work for Honduras and Mississippi will make a lasting difference in your future lives. I often tell others I didn't really start living until I started helping others on a daily basis. Being a servant to others is one of the most important and powerful jobs that our faith calls each of us to - each and every day.

Keep up the great work Gehlen Catholic Mission Honduras / Mississippi and continue to strive to help others along the way.

I know that many of the Heelan families are also reading the daily blogs from you. Frank also told me that the two houses paid for by the Heelan team and program are under construction. It will ultimately be good to see photos of both the water project in Las Uvas and the 2 new homes in New Capital.

Take Care,
Richard Seivert