Hi All,
Good day yesterday into Esquias. Very ill little boy. We saw him yesterday afternoon. Today we had a long day of bumpy travel to Vallecillo. Made a deal for next year's water project. Then drove to La Florida to check the water project. Everything is fine. Next we visited El Junco to check their water project. Things are okay but they need a little work after the heavy rains. Visited numerous sick people along the way that are being helped by Mission Honduras LeMars. Look forward to putting up more information tomorrow. We have awesome photos. We will try to blog or email tomorrow.
Carolyn
Francis Seivert greets assessment team in Montaña de la Flor
Showing posts with label student. Show all posts
Showing posts with label student. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Thursday, July 1, 2010
On Our Way
Hey Everyone,
We left Le Mars around 9 a.m. enroute to the Omaha Airport. Francis likes to go through security early and Seivert likes to wait until the last minute. Linda and I stayed 'middle of the road.' We all went through security without a hitch; however, Linda got the experience of the full body scan. There is just NO privacy anymore.
Our airplane was a small one. We experienced a few bumps, but altogether, it was a pretty uneventful ride. We were in the Houston Airport, picked up our luggage, and were waiting for the hotel shuttle before 5. After settling into the Country Inn & Suites, we all walked down the block for some beverages. It's cloudy and extremely humid here in Houston. We noted that the temperature was a bit cooler than last year, and I'm pretty sure it's a lot cooler than what we'll be experiencing in Honduras the rest of our trip.
While waiting for our shuttle at the airport, we all met a newly ordained priest from Kentucky. Before leaving on the shuttle, Seivert had told him all about our mission trips - both student and medical. We left him with a business card with hopes that he will be checking our websites.
After resting tonight, we'll head for the airport at 6:30 a.m. Our flight leaves for Tegucigalpa leaves after 9. Sr. Val will meet us at the airport. It will be great to see her again and to spend some time with her. She has a wealth of Honduran experience and will be our translator throughout the trip.
Ah, you may be interested in knowing that Seivert gave us quite a history lesson as we relaxed this evening. Thus, I'm pretty sure we can already call this a 'work' trip because Linda and I worked very hard at learning our Texas history tonight. Seriously, the real work begins the minute we step foot on Honduran soil. We can hardly wait.
I promise to keep you updated to the best of my ability - as long as I can find a computer with internet. Please keep all of us, as well as those we hope to help, in your thoughts and prayers over the next week.
Hasta luego,
Carolyn
We left Le Mars around 9 a.m. enroute to the Omaha Airport. Francis likes to go through security early and Seivert likes to wait until the last minute. Linda and I stayed 'middle of the road.' We all went through security without a hitch; however, Linda got the experience of the full body scan. There is just NO privacy anymore.
Our airplane was a small one. We experienced a few bumps, but altogether, it was a pretty uneventful ride. We were in the Houston Airport, picked up our luggage, and were waiting for the hotel shuttle before 5. After settling into the Country Inn & Suites, we all walked down the block for some beverages. It's cloudy and extremely humid here in Houston. We noted that the temperature was a bit cooler than last year, and I'm pretty sure it's a lot cooler than what we'll be experiencing in Honduras the rest of our trip.
While waiting for our shuttle at the airport, we all met a newly ordained priest from Kentucky. Before leaving on the shuttle, Seivert had told him all about our mission trips - both student and medical. We left him with a business card with hopes that he will be checking our websites.
After resting tonight, we'll head for the airport at 6:30 a.m. Our flight leaves for Tegucigalpa leaves after 9. Sr. Val will meet us at the airport. It will be great to see her again and to spend some time with her. She has a wealth of Honduran experience and will be our translator throughout the trip.
Ah, you may be interested in knowing that Seivert gave us quite a history lesson as we relaxed this evening. Thus, I'm pretty sure we can already call this a 'work' trip because Linda and I worked very hard at learning our Texas history tonight. Seriously, the real work begins the minute we step foot on Honduran soil. We can hardly wait.
I promise to keep you updated to the best of my ability - as long as I can find a computer with internet. Please keep all of us, as well as those we hope to help, in your thoughts and prayers over the next week.
Hasta luego,
Carolyn
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Seivert from Gehlen Sunday 1:10 P.M.
Good afternoon from Gehlen. Just spoke with my brother Francis. The Springfield team was a few minutes from their visit at the malnutrition center in Sulaco. Am writing this blog in advance of Merica's tonight because of the photo I have posted here. The Gehlen student team named her the 'stick lady.' Like the Gehlen group on their way to Sulaco the Springfield team just had their emotional encounter with the lady. I will let Merica tell the story when she returns tonight. When she does, the picture is posted here.Richard Seivert
Gehlen Catholic Mission Honduras
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Thursday, April 8
Hi All,
Unfortunately, the internet is not working in Esquias, so Merica has shared lots with me and I will do my best to give you everything that is going on in Honduras with our newest missioners.
The missioners had a great day. They brought a load of school supplies to the small school in La Florida. They had the sweetest little teacher there, and everyone had a chance to visit with the teacher and the students.
The 107 degree temperature didn't slow our missioners down. They carried bags of sand up the mountainside where the Honduran men are building the water tank of bricks and cement. Everyone was excited to do the work, knowing the difference clean water is going to make in the lives of the people of La Florida. The missioners were awed with the work ethic of Alex & Max. They worked hard at digging trenches today. There just was no 'quit' in them. The adults are extremely proud of all the missioners, but these two young men have been a head above when it comes to working hard.
Mary had a little trouble with dehydration. She got down some gatorade and Francis fixed her up with some rehydration salts in her water. That heat can zap you before you realize it, so I know Francis will make sure she gets fixed up and back to work soon.
On the way up the mountain this morning, Carlos, the bus driver, picked up a man and his young baby. They were glad to help him when they heard he was taking the baby to the doctor.
The missioners took along a couple small bags of ball caps for the workers today. They loved them and immediately began to wear them. It was a blast to see how excited they became over such a simple gift. The girls also took the opportunity to remind everyone to eat just a little less so they could hand out the left-over food to the villagers. The girls enjoyed seeing the pleasure everyone got from sharing food together.
Merica discovered a lot of the children from El Junco were hanging around La Florida. They remembered many of the missioners from last year's trip, especially Merica, and wanted to join this year's missioners in La Florida. Merica admitted she felt just a little guilty when she heard they'd skipped school today to join the missioners, but they did pitch in and dig trenches with the missioners.
Due to the extreme heat, some of the missioners discovered that some of the trees were dripping little bits of moisture and they were enjoying the coolness of it. However, when they discovered that the little bits of water they were exeperiencing was locust pee, they soon cleared out of those areas. Right now the country is full of locusts. They buzz so loud in the late afternoons that it sounds like loud buzz saws all around you. The children like to chase the missioners with the locusts because many of the missioners scream when they see a huge locust in front of their faces or clinging to their arm.
On the return trip to Esquias, the bus became stuck. They figured it must be because of the weight in the back of the bus. So everyone told Kaitlin to move to the front, and sure enough, the bus was able to get out when Kaitlin moved to the front of the bus! I guess even a little person can make a difference.
Once the missioners were back in Esquias, they headed for the little store and purchased some ice cream. It was delicious and a great way to cool off. They also spent a little time in the park with some children.
Coach White: All the soccer girls want you to know they are NOT sore.
Bob Becker had a few problems today. It seems like trouble followed him all around the compound today. The cement bench broke while he was sitting on it. And when he tried to improve the clotheslines after he'd washed his clothes in the pila, that also broke. Bob was afraid to touch anything after that.
Merica sends a big hug to her family at home. All the missioners want everyone to know that they are doing great, loving their mission trip, and making the most of their opportunity.
Please continue to pray for our missioners in Honduras. They will have amazing stories for you upon their return to Missouri.
(Carolyn substitute blogging for Merica today.)
Unfortunately, the internet is not working in Esquias, so Merica has shared lots with me and I will do my best to give you everything that is going on in Honduras with our newest missioners.
The missioners had a great day. They brought a load of school supplies to the small school in La Florida. They had the sweetest little teacher there, and everyone had a chance to visit with the teacher and the students.
The 107 degree temperature didn't slow our missioners down. They carried bags of sand up the mountainside where the Honduran men are building the water tank of bricks and cement. Everyone was excited to do the work, knowing the difference clean water is going to make in the lives of the people of La Florida. The missioners were awed with the work ethic of Alex & Max. They worked hard at digging trenches today. There just was no 'quit' in them. The adults are extremely proud of all the missioners, but these two young men have been a head above when it comes to working hard.
Mary had a little trouble with dehydration. She got down some gatorade and Francis fixed her up with some rehydration salts in her water. That heat can zap you before you realize it, so I know Francis will make sure she gets fixed up and back to work soon.
On the way up the mountain this morning, Carlos, the bus driver, picked up a man and his young baby. They were glad to help him when they heard he was taking the baby to the doctor.
The missioners took along a couple small bags of ball caps for the workers today. They loved them and immediately began to wear them. It was a blast to see how excited they became over such a simple gift. The girls also took the opportunity to remind everyone to eat just a little less so they could hand out the left-over food to the villagers. The girls enjoyed seeing the pleasure everyone got from sharing food together.
Merica discovered a lot of the children from El Junco were hanging around La Florida. They remembered many of the missioners from last year's trip, especially Merica, and wanted to join this year's missioners in La Florida. Merica admitted she felt just a little guilty when she heard they'd skipped school today to join the missioners, but they did pitch in and dig trenches with the missioners.
Due to the extreme heat, some of the missioners discovered that some of the trees were dripping little bits of moisture and they were enjoying the coolness of it. However, when they discovered that the little bits of water they were exeperiencing was locust pee, they soon cleared out of those areas. Right now the country is full of locusts. They buzz so loud in the late afternoons that it sounds like loud buzz saws all around you. The children like to chase the missioners with the locusts because many of the missioners scream when they see a huge locust in front of their faces or clinging to their arm.
On the return trip to Esquias, the bus became stuck. They figured it must be because of the weight in the back of the bus. So everyone told Kaitlin to move to the front, and sure enough, the bus was able to get out when Kaitlin moved to the front of the bus! I guess even a little person can make a difference.
Once the missioners were back in Esquias, they headed for the little store and purchased some ice cream. It was delicious and a great way to cool off. They also spent a little time in the park with some children.
Coach White: All the soccer girls want you to know they are NOT sore.
Bob Becker had a few problems today. It seems like trouble followed him all around the compound today. The cement bench broke while he was sitting on it. And when he tried to improve the clotheslines after he'd washed his clothes in the pila, that also broke. Bob was afraid to touch anything after that.
Merica sends a big hug to her family at home. All the missioners want everyone to know that they are doing great, loving their mission trip, and making the most of their opportunity.
Please continue to pray for our missioners in Honduras. They will have amazing stories for you upon their return to Missouri.
(Carolyn substitute blogging for Merica today.)
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Springfield Catholic Team Arrives in Esquias
This is Carolyn Bickford blogging for the Springfield Catholic Mission Team. Obviously, they are unable to get to the internet tonight, so I will do it for them.
The time in Honduras is now 6:12 p.m., which makes it 7:12 p.m. here in Iowa.
The team stopped in the village of El Guante as they drove from Tegucigalpa to their home base of Esquias. It gave them an opportunity to tour the clinic built by Mission Honduras LeMars and local villagers in 2002-2003. They enjoyed looking at the scenery and seeing various birds along the way. It was a nice drive, though bumpy once they got to the gravel road.
The team arrived safely in Esquias at around 4 o'clock U.S. time. Seivert has been in touch with them by phone multiple times. All team members are fine. As soon as the team arrived, they unloaded their bags (all arrived) and got set up in the dorms. They were pleasantly surprised to find such nice accommodations. The girls were really excited when they found a note left by the girls from the Gehlen Catholic Mission Honduras team. The note welcomed them to their mission and told the Springfield girls how much their mission trip has impacted their lives already. It also gave them a list of do's and don't's to help them with their mission experience. It made the Springfield team feel right at home.
Though Tacha had told them supper would be at 5, she rang the bell early. After supper they walked down to the park where they discovered some young boys. It gave them a chance to play a little frisbee with them.
Merica planned to have their 'junta' meeting at 8 to go over the chore list and the tips she has for them. She would like them to retire early and get some rest because it has been a long day. Many of them were up at 3:15 a.m. She wants to make sure they stay healthy by staying hydrated and well-rested.
I hope you find these blogs as helpful as the Gehlen group did. Seivert and I will make sure the blog gets updated if Merica is unable to get to the internet.
Best of luck, Springfield Catholic Mission Team! You are going to have the experience of a lifetime!!
The time in Honduras is now 6:12 p.m., which makes it 7:12 p.m. here in Iowa.
The team stopped in the village of El Guante as they drove from Tegucigalpa to their home base of Esquias. It gave them an opportunity to tour the clinic built by Mission Honduras LeMars and local villagers in 2002-2003. They enjoyed looking at the scenery and seeing various birds along the way. It was a nice drive, though bumpy once they got to the gravel road.
The team arrived safely in Esquias at around 4 o'clock U.S. time. Seivert has been in touch with them by phone multiple times. All team members are fine. As soon as the team arrived, they unloaded their bags (all arrived) and got set up in the dorms. They were pleasantly surprised to find such nice accommodations. The girls were really excited when they found a note left by the girls from the Gehlen Catholic Mission Honduras team. The note welcomed them to their mission and told the Springfield girls how much their mission trip has impacted their lives already. It also gave them a list of do's and don't's to help them with their mission experience. It made the Springfield team feel right at home.
Though Tacha had told them supper would be at 5, she rang the bell early. After supper they walked down to the park where they discovered some young boys. It gave them a chance to play a little frisbee with them.
Merica planned to have their 'junta' meeting at 8 to go over the chore list and the tips she has for them. She would like them to retire early and get some rest because it has been a long day. Many of them were up at 3:15 a.m. She wants to make sure they stay healthy by staying hydrated and well-rested.
I hope you find these blogs as helpful as the Gehlen group did. Seivert and I will make sure the blog gets updated if Merica is unable to get to the internet.
Best of luck, Springfield Catholic Mission Team! You are going to have the experience of a lifetime!!
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Our Honduras Mission Ends
This morning began at 4:30 a.m. Miguel had purchased one of those cow horns in Valley of the Angels on our shopping day, and he thought he should test it before returning to the U.S. Thus, at 4:30 A.M. all of the guys gathered just outside the girls' dorm window for the blasting of the horn. I have to admit that it was hilarious to hear all those girls jumping quickly out of bed at that hour. It was definitely the fastest they ever climbed out of bed any of the mornings in Honduras.
Though Tacha was told she didn't need to make breakfast for us, she wanted to be there. She, Sylvia, and Noriela made us a final breakfast of pancakes. We all removed the sheets from our beds, did last minute cleaning up, and Fr. Cosgrove did our final prayer before boarding the bus.
There was a cheer when we drove off that gravel/dirt road for the last time. Except for the speed bumps, the ride into Teguc was fairly smooth. We did have one check-point to contend with, but Carlos finally got us through.
At the airport everyone had a chance to look at the shops and purchase something to eat. Many of them headed for McDonald's.
Our plane from Tegucigalpa into Houston was right on time. We had a couple minor glitches getting through immigration and customs, but we made it to our gate in plenty of time. Everyone had time to grab a snack and restroom break before boarding our flight for Omaha. We had already discussed how we would disembark in Omaha as a team. Wearing our mission shirts, we exited the plane last and went up the ramp together to meet our welcoming committee. It was wonderful to see all those faces waiting to meet us. There were lots of hugs and both tearful greetings for their families and friends and tearful good-byes to their mission teammates, especially those from schools other than Gehlen.
It was an amazing trip - a life-changing event for all. Thanks for everyone for reading this blog. I hope you will check out the website in the coming weeks so you can see all the photos and the story that Seivert will write for us.
Finally, thanks to the students and my fellow chaperones. It was wonderful working with all of you. Special thanks to Francis Seivert for having everything ready for us upon our arrival and getting us around safely in Honduras.
Most of all, thank you to Richard Seivert, without whom NONE of this would have been possible for any of us. He puts in countless hours of work preparing for these trips and continues to work on the trip even while it is happening. And then he even does the work required to wrap it up. On top of that, he never gets to actually join us in Honduras and participate with the missioners. So Seivert, though we might forget to tell you in person, I hope you know we all appreciate the opportunity you gave to us!
Though Tacha was told she didn't need to make breakfast for us, she wanted to be there. She, Sylvia, and Noriela made us a final breakfast of pancakes. We all removed the sheets from our beds, did last minute cleaning up, and Fr. Cosgrove did our final prayer before boarding the bus.
There was a cheer when we drove off that gravel/dirt road for the last time. Except for the speed bumps, the ride into Teguc was fairly smooth. We did have one check-point to contend with, but Carlos finally got us through.
At the airport everyone had a chance to look at the shops and purchase something to eat. Many of them headed for McDonald's.
Our plane from Tegucigalpa into Houston was right on time. We had a couple minor glitches getting through immigration and customs, but we made it to our gate in plenty of time. Everyone had time to grab a snack and restroom break before boarding our flight for Omaha. We had already discussed how we would disembark in Omaha as a team. Wearing our mission shirts, we exited the plane last and went up the ramp together to meet our welcoming committee. It was wonderful to see all those faces waiting to meet us. There were lots of hugs and both tearful greetings for their families and friends and tearful good-byes to their mission teammates, especially those from schools other than Gehlen.
It was an amazing trip - a life-changing event for all. Thanks for everyone for reading this blog. I hope you will check out the website in the coming weeks so you can see all the photos and the story that Seivert will write for us.
Finally, thanks to the students and my fellow chaperones. It was wonderful working with all of you. Special thanks to Francis Seivert for having everything ready for us upon our arrival and getting us around safely in Honduras.
Most of all, thank you to Richard Seivert, without whom NONE of this would have been possible for any of us. He puts in countless hours of work preparing for these trips and continues to work on the trip even while it is happening. And then he even does the work required to wrap it up. On top of that, he never gets to actually join us in Honduras and participate with the missioners. So Seivert, though we might forget to tell you in person, I hope you know we all appreciate the opportunity you gave to us!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Farewell to La Florida
Everyone rose a little sad this morning, knowing it would be our last day in the village of La Florida. Tacha and the other cooks made french toast for breakfast. We loaded the 39 and a few extra bags to take to La Florida. That meant we all had to squish into the bus, but we did not mind today.
We spent a couple hours digging more trenches and laying some pipe. Some people even starting covering the pipe. They still have close to three weeks of work to complete the water project. We only got to be a small part of it.
At ten we stopped working to have a small celebration. The leader of the water project for the community, the president of La Florida, the paternoster, the leader of the village women, Angel, and I gave speeches. I basically read in Spanish the speech that Seivert had written. I made only minor adjustments to it. I am going to put it here in its entirety. For our blog readers, I will write the English version only.
´
(Today I would like to read a message to all of you from Richard Seivert, Director of Gehlen Catholic Mission Honduras & Mission Honduras LeMars, and me. Please excuse my poor Spanish.
To the wonderful people of La Florida, Comayagua, Honduras, Central America.
Greetings from Gehlen Catholic Mission Honduras, Le Mars, Iowa, U.S.A.
On behalf of our team and our families, friends, schools, churches, clubs, and communities, Gehlen Catholic Mission Honduras says THANK YOU to the wonderful people of La Florida.
Thanks you for welcoming all of us into your life through this water project. The kindness and love yopu have extended to each of us has been felt in the homes of hundreds throughout our communities in the U.S. Make no mistake: the bond that has been forged between the people of La Florida and our team is strong, and Gehlen Catholic Mission Honduras will continue to help you in whatever way we can.
Special thanks to the president and committee of La Florida that has given our group the change to work side by side with you - two countries - all Americans.
Special thanks to Angel Paz, Francis Seivert, and Julio Rivera for their prepatory work for this team. Thanks to the Rotary Club of the central U.S. along with International Rotary for their trust, faith in Mission Honduras LeMars, and belief in this project - their financial support has made this possible. Thank you to Fr. Bonilla, Tacha Alverado, and the wonderful people of Esquias for their support and hospitality - we always know our teams are taken care of. Also thanks to Carlos for driving us safely each day.
We have one other request for you. As our team leaves Honduras tomorrow and returns to our homes in the U.S., we ask you to welcome the next group of young people from Springfield Catholic School of Springfield, Missouri. Please welcome them into your lives like you have our group.
On behalf of our team and our families, Gehlen Catholic Mission Honduras, and Mission Honduras LeMars, we promise to pray for you and your entire community. May the bond that has been created in the ground of La Florida between our two peoples, last forever. God bless all of you.)
The villagers surprised our birthday three with two cakes and a happy birthday song in English. We all got to eat cake and drink soda. The cake was delicious.
The weather was quite cooperative this morning. It was in the nineties by the time we returned to Esquias. We now have cloud cover with possible rain on the way, but we are hoping for nice weather to take our group photo in twenty minutes. After that, we hope they get lots of rain because it is sorely needed.
We are celebrating an Easter vigil mass here in the compound at 5 p.m. We will try to have our meeting after that. We have lots to process tonight to get ready for our return. Supper of hamburgers is planned for 7. If needed, we will meet again. We are also trying to prepare for our return. A pile of our clothes, shoes, and other items is piling up next to me in the salon.
Tomorrow we will rise around four forty-five, eat a little, and load the bus. By six we should be on our way to the airport. The plane leaves around noon and we should be in Omaha around eight. We are anxious to see our families there and at home.
I will write the final blog upon my return to Le Mars that will wrap up our trip. As soon as possible I will get done with the new trip on our website. That page will include up to 250 photos from our mission trip. All missioners will also write a reflection which I will put together into a reflection book for them. Finally, I will create the PowerPoint presentation for our mission trip and we will set a time when we can all come together to view it on the large screen. I look forward to that day.
Please read our final entry on Monday. Thanks for being with us through this blog,. Look for the Springfield trip to start shortly after.
We spent a couple hours digging more trenches and laying some pipe. Some people even starting covering the pipe. They still have close to three weeks of work to complete the water project. We only got to be a small part of it.
At ten we stopped working to have a small celebration. The leader of the water project for the community, the president of La Florida, the paternoster, the leader of the village women, Angel, and I gave speeches. I basically read in Spanish the speech that Seivert had written. I made only minor adjustments to it. I am going to put it here in its entirety. For our blog readers, I will write the English version only.
´
(Today I would like to read a message to all of you from Richard Seivert, Director of Gehlen Catholic Mission Honduras & Mission Honduras LeMars, and me. Please excuse my poor Spanish.
To the wonderful people of La Florida, Comayagua, Honduras, Central America.
Greetings from Gehlen Catholic Mission Honduras, Le Mars, Iowa, U.S.A.
On behalf of our team and our families, friends, schools, churches, clubs, and communities, Gehlen Catholic Mission Honduras says THANK YOU to the wonderful people of La Florida.
Thanks you for welcoming all of us into your life through this water project. The kindness and love yopu have extended to each of us has been felt in the homes of hundreds throughout our communities in the U.S. Make no mistake: the bond that has been forged between the people of La Florida and our team is strong, and Gehlen Catholic Mission Honduras will continue to help you in whatever way we can.
Special thanks to the president and committee of La Florida that has given our group the change to work side by side with you - two countries - all Americans.
Special thanks to Angel Paz, Francis Seivert, and Julio Rivera for their prepatory work for this team. Thanks to the Rotary Club of the central U.S. along with International Rotary for their trust, faith in Mission Honduras LeMars, and belief in this project - their financial support has made this possible. Thank you to Fr. Bonilla, Tacha Alverado, and the wonderful people of Esquias for their support and hospitality - we always know our teams are taken care of. Also thanks to Carlos for driving us safely each day.
We have one other request for you. As our team leaves Honduras tomorrow and returns to our homes in the U.S., we ask you to welcome the next group of young people from Springfield Catholic School of Springfield, Missouri. Please welcome them into your lives like you have our group.
On behalf of our team and our families, Gehlen Catholic Mission Honduras, and Mission Honduras LeMars, we promise to pray for you and your entire community. May the bond that has been created in the ground of La Florida between our two peoples, last forever. God bless all of you.)
The villagers surprised our birthday three with two cakes and a happy birthday song in English. We all got to eat cake and drink soda. The cake was delicious.
The weather was quite cooperative this morning. It was in the nineties by the time we returned to Esquias. We now have cloud cover with possible rain on the way, but we are hoping for nice weather to take our group photo in twenty minutes. After that, we hope they get lots of rain because it is sorely needed.
We are celebrating an Easter vigil mass here in the compound at 5 p.m. We will try to have our meeting after that. We have lots to process tonight to get ready for our return. Supper of hamburgers is planned for 7. If needed, we will meet again. We are also trying to prepare for our return. A pile of our clothes, shoes, and other items is piling up next to me in the salon.
Tomorrow we will rise around four forty-five, eat a little, and load the bus. By six we should be on our way to the airport. The plane leaves around noon and we should be in Omaha around eight. We are anxious to see our families there and at home.
I will write the final blog upon my return to Le Mars that will wrap up our trip. As soon as possible I will get done with the new trip on our website. That page will include up to 250 photos from our mission trip. All missioners will also write a reflection which I will put together into a reflection book for them. Finally, I will create the PowerPoint presentation for our mission trip and we will set a time when we can all come together to view it on the large screen. I look forward to that day.
Please read our final entry on Monday. Thanks for being with us through this blog,. Look for the Springfield trip to start shortly after.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Good Friday
Students had been told last night that they could sleep in until seven thirty this morning. We were on our own for breakfast to give the cooks a morning off. Would you believe that they were pretty much out of bed by six thirty. Parents, you might want to keep that in mind when you have them back home. They can get up quite early.
At eight thirty we headed for the opposite side of Esquias to join the Stations of the Cross procession. That was to begin at nine. As we awaited the nine a.m. start of the Stations, we searched for shade wherever we could find it because it was already quite hot. As we progressed, it got even hotter. Our liters of gatorade were polished off quickly.
The procession proved to be one of the most interesting we have witnessed. The children were dressed in robes and soldier outfits as well as Mary, Veronica, Simon, Pontious Pilate and, of course, Jesus. Jesus was portrayed by a teenager. As Jesus carried his cross, he was whipped, mocked, and had rocks made of tin foil thrown at him. They placed a crown of thorns made from vines upon his head. They had smeared tomato paste,ketchup on him for blood, which looked pretty realistic. When his face was wiped, it revealed Jesus face on it. When he was nailed to the cross, they actually nailed in the nails and then tied his arms to the cross and he grasped the nails. They also had the two robbers who were side by side with him on their crosses. They gave him the sponge with vinegar. When we returned to church, Jesus was wrapped in a burial cloth and placed in the prepared tomb. As well as that performance this is the way the Stations worked.}
Around the village of Esquias various houses decorated a table outdoors with a white cloth, flowers, palms, candles, etc. They placed the Station which usually hangs in the church on that table. The procession begins at one of those homes. There are readings, prayers, songs, and ending prayers. Then we processed to the next house, following Jesus as he carried his cross. As we walked, we sang different songs. Then we would stop at the next Station and do the songs, readings, and prayers for that one. After thirteen Stations we had been participating for three hours. The last Station took place in the church and only took fifteen minutes. They then had the benediction for those who wished to stay. We had to leave. All of that took place in mostly sunlight. As soon as we returned to the compound, I checked the thermometer. It read ninety five in the shade and when I moved it into partial sunlight, it shot to the top of the thermometer, which is 120. With this kind of heat, we are having great difficulty staying hydrated. We had originally planned to play soccer with the local youth this afternoon, but the chaperones quickly nixed that idea. Our bodies needed to stay out of the sun. The soccer field is all sunlight.
Our lunch consisted of tilapia, fried bananas, and melon. This tilapia is gutted, floured, and fried head and all. That makes for some interesting facial expressions when the missioners enter the dining room for their Good Friday meal. The tilapia is delicious if you can handle having that eyeball staring at you. Many rested afterward. Then we filled our gift bags.
Each person received one or two bags to fill for a family from La Florida.Francis Seivert had found the amount of people in each family and listed the boys and girls ages. The bags were filled with shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, school supplies, toys, clothes, sandals, etc. We prepared thirty nine bags to be distributed tomorrow on our final work day in La Florida..It will be an emotional day for all of us. We also have a stack of books in Spanish from our Book Fair that we will present to the school there.
After supper but before our nightly meeting, we are hoping to go to the park for a while. We hope it will allow us to cool off a bit in the little breeze there is.
Here in the compound our water supply has been sporadic. More than once people have been caught in the shower with no water to rinse with. We have never lost electricity though. The toilets do not always flush properly either. So we then carry buckets of water from the pila to pour into them.
Every year our group brings their own clothes, towels, and sheets to use in the compound. We go home much lighter because we go home with only the clothes we are wearing. Everything else is left here to be used where needed. We leave shirts, shoes, our extra hygiene materials, sheets, lotions, etc.We leave flashlights, batteries, towels, you get the idea. We pretty much carry home the souvenirs for ourselves and our families. Most importantly, we all return with a greater appreciation for all that we have been blessed with, and I do not mean just stuff. We all realize how much our faith and families make a difference in our lives. We ALL return better people because of our mission trip to Honduras.
At eight thirty we headed for the opposite side of Esquias to join the Stations of the Cross procession. That was to begin at nine. As we awaited the nine a.m. start of the Stations, we searched for shade wherever we could find it because it was already quite hot. As we progressed, it got even hotter. Our liters of gatorade were polished off quickly.
The procession proved to be one of the most interesting we have witnessed. The children were dressed in robes and soldier outfits as well as Mary, Veronica, Simon, Pontious Pilate and, of course, Jesus. Jesus was portrayed by a teenager. As Jesus carried his cross, he was whipped, mocked, and had rocks made of tin foil thrown at him. They placed a crown of thorns made from vines upon his head. They had smeared tomato paste,ketchup on him for blood, which looked pretty realistic. When his face was wiped, it revealed Jesus face on it. When he was nailed to the cross, they actually nailed in the nails and then tied his arms to the cross and he grasped the nails. They also had the two robbers who were side by side with him on their crosses. They gave him the sponge with vinegar. When we returned to church, Jesus was wrapped in a burial cloth and placed in the prepared tomb. As well as that performance this is the way the Stations worked.}
Around the village of Esquias various houses decorated a table outdoors with a white cloth, flowers, palms, candles, etc. They placed the Station which usually hangs in the church on that table. The procession begins at one of those homes. There are readings, prayers, songs, and ending prayers. Then we processed to the next house, following Jesus as he carried his cross. As we walked, we sang different songs. Then we would stop at the next Station and do the songs, readings, and prayers for that one. After thirteen Stations we had been participating for three hours. The last Station took place in the church and only took fifteen minutes. They then had the benediction for those who wished to stay. We had to leave. All of that took place in mostly sunlight. As soon as we returned to the compound, I checked the thermometer. It read ninety five in the shade and when I moved it into partial sunlight, it shot to the top of the thermometer, which is 120. With this kind of heat, we are having great difficulty staying hydrated. We had originally planned to play soccer with the local youth this afternoon, but the chaperones quickly nixed that idea. Our bodies needed to stay out of the sun. The soccer field is all sunlight.
Our lunch consisted of tilapia, fried bananas, and melon. This tilapia is gutted, floured, and fried head and all. That makes for some interesting facial expressions when the missioners enter the dining room for their Good Friday meal. The tilapia is delicious if you can handle having that eyeball staring at you. Many rested afterward. Then we filled our gift bags.
Each person received one or two bags to fill for a family from La Florida.Francis Seivert had found the amount of people in each family and listed the boys and girls ages. The bags were filled with shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, school supplies, toys, clothes, sandals, etc. We prepared thirty nine bags to be distributed tomorrow on our final work day in La Florida..It will be an emotional day for all of us. We also have a stack of books in Spanish from our Book Fair that we will present to the school there.
After supper but before our nightly meeting, we are hoping to go to the park for a while. We hope it will allow us to cool off a bit in the little breeze there is.
Here in the compound our water supply has been sporadic. More than once people have been caught in the shower with no water to rinse with. We have never lost electricity though. The toilets do not always flush properly either. So we then carry buckets of water from the pila to pour into them.
Every year our group brings their own clothes, towels, and sheets to use in the compound. We go home much lighter because we go home with only the clothes we are wearing. Everything else is left here to be used where needed. We leave shirts, shoes, our extra hygiene materials, sheets, lotions, etc.We leave flashlights, batteries, towels, you get the idea. We pretty much carry home the souvenirs for ourselves and our families. Most importantly, we all return with a greater appreciation for all that we have been blessed with, and I do not mean just stuff. We all realize how much our faith and families make a difference in our lives. We ALL return better people because of our mission trip to Honduras.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Shop Til You Drop
I am running a bit late tonight. We returned to Esquias from Valley of the Angels at four thirty. Then I had a few items to take care of before I could blog. It is now five thirty here, six thirty in Iowa.
All the missioners had a great time on our tourist day. We have chosen Valley of the Angels for our shopping day because of a few reasons. It is a beautiful drive, it is much easier to get around in that village instead of the huge city of Tegucigalpa, and it is much safer for all. They have lots of shops with items made by local artisans. The students were given two hours to shop. Some of the male chaperones were not too excited about that, but afterwards stated that it was not too bad. I saw lots of t+shirts, beaded items, machetes, etc.
At noon we ate a lunch of pizza at a local place. Everyone agreed that it was delicious. Then many went next door to purchase ice cream. The weather was pleasant, so it was great for all.
On the was to Valley of the Angels we made a quick stop in El Guante. For those of you who do not know, the mission teams originally stayed in El Guante. We also have a clinic there which was built by Mission Honduras LeMars. We walked down to the clinic and I explained the background of it to everyone.
At this time most of us are doing a little relaxing or writing in our junta booklets, which are our journals. Supper will be served soon. Mass tonight is at seven. Fr. Cosgrove will say some in English and have Miguel translate. Five of our guys will have their feet washed.
Tomorrow we will participate in the Stations of the Cross. It is a very unique celebration that I will describe in detail tomorrow. We also p´lan to put together our gift bags and ´play a little soccer. There is not much time left on our mission.
Oh yes, I wanted to let you know that our hour and twenty minute drive to La Florida is approximately sixteen miles in length. That lets you know the type of roads we travel and the speed at which we drive.
As Seivert told you, the money that Heelan started has grown. Today we met with our friend Marny, who met us in Valley of the Angels. Francis asked her to price high chairs for the malnutrition center and to prepare to buy food for Montaña de la Flor. They will take care of everything next week. Thank you to those who have added money to our small amount. It is going to make a big difference in some very desperate lives.
We feel your prayers as we continue our mission. Though we took a break today, we have not lost sight of our real purpose in being here.
Stay tuned for further updates.
All the missioners had a great time on our tourist day. We have chosen Valley of the Angels for our shopping day because of a few reasons. It is a beautiful drive, it is much easier to get around in that village instead of the huge city of Tegucigalpa, and it is much safer for all. They have lots of shops with items made by local artisans. The students were given two hours to shop. Some of the male chaperones were not too excited about that, but afterwards stated that it was not too bad. I saw lots of t+shirts, beaded items, machetes, etc.
At noon we ate a lunch of pizza at a local place. Everyone agreed that it was delicious. Then many went next door to purchase ice cream. The weather was pleasant, so it was great for all.
On the was to Valley of the Angels we made a quick stop in El Guante. For those of you who do not know, the mission teams originally stayed in El Guante. We also have a clinic there which was built by Mission Honduras LeMars. We walked down to the clinic and I explained the background of it to everyone.
At this time most of us are doing a little relaxing or writing in our junta booklets, which are our journals. Supper will be served soon. Mass tonight is at seven. Fr. Cosgrove will say some in English and have Miguel translate. Five of our guys will have their feet washed.
Tomorrow we will participate in the Stations of the Cross. It is a very unique celebration that I will describe in detail tomorrow. We also p´lan to put together our gift bags and ´play a little soccer. There is not much time left on our mission.
Oh yes, I wanted to let you know that our hour and twenty minute drive to La Florida is approximately sixteen miles in length. That lets you know the type of roads we travel and the speed at which we drive.
As Seivert told you, the money that Heelan started has grown. Today we met with our friend Marny, who met us in Valley of the Angels. Francis asked her to price high chairs for the malnutrition center and to prepare to buy food for Montaña de la Flor. They will take care of everything next week. Thank you to those who have added money to our small amount. It is going to make a big difference in some very desperate lives.
We feel your prayers as we continue our mission. Though we took a break today, we have not lost sight of our real purpose in being here.
Stay tuned for further updates.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Another Scorcher in La Florida
This morning we had a special treat - las mañanitas - which is a morning birthday wake-up. We celebrated the three birthdays for Drew, Sarah L., and Sam by waking everyone at 5 a.m. with singing and a man playing the concertina. We dragged them out of bed as quickly as possi ble, which was not fast at all. They all groaned about losing that extra thirty minutes of sleep, but I know it will be a neat memory for them later. Many of them scrambled for their beds as soon as the three songs were over. This evening will have a bit more music and a big cake at 6. That will be a real treat for everyone.
When we put the thermometer in the sun today, it went to the top. That was 120 degrees, but it was only 92 in the shade. We have been pushing them to drink to their limits and beyond. Tomorrow will be a good break from work. Three days of hard labor is tough on everyone. Today a group of people finished carrying the bricks to the top of the mountain. Everyone else dug trenches and shoveled out dirt. We made a lot of progress, we felt. Our trench is just a few feet short of the top of the mountain.
As soon as we finished, all missioners and villagers of La Florida posed for our group photo. That allows us to print out the photos with a small camera printer we keep in Esquias so we can leave a booklet of photos with our friends in the village. As I type this, Linda is printing photos for our 100 picture booklet. We will present that booklet to the villagers at our little celebration on Saturday, our final work day.
You might wonder what we do when we are not working in La Florida. Well, we do need a little time to just rest and possibly siesta. We sort the goods we brought for others. Some people do laundry. That is a bit more difficult than throwing it in the washing machine. You use something called a pila, pronounced pee-la. It looks like a big vat of water with a cement scrub board on either side. You wet the clothes and scrub a cylinder shaped bar of laundry soap onto the piece of clothing. Then the real fun begins. You scrub and you scrub and then scrub some more. If there is a Honduran around, they typically laugh or take over at that time. If you are alone, you finally rinse by scooping water out of the pila and wrining the clothing by hand. Then you hang it on the line. The heat dries the clothes in a few hours, even if it was dripping wet. If a Honduran helped with the laundry, the white shirt is white. If not, the white shirt is usually a tannish color. We all do our best at laundry, though.
The students all have chores to do at the compound. They vary from dusting the pop bottles and stocking the fridge to emptying the waste baskets next to the toilets. You see, we are not allowed to put paper into the toilets, so that job is one that is avoided. They also refill water jugs from the five-gallon jug, sweep the floors, wash tables, set up for our nightly meeting, and clean sinks. In the evenings we head for the park and have a meeting
Gotta go. The battery is almost dead.
When we put the thermometer in the sun today, it went to the top. That was 120 degrees, but it was only 92 in the shade. We have been pushing them to drink to their limits and beyond. Tomorrow will be a good break from work. Three days of hard labor is tough on everyone. Today a group of people finished carrying the bricks to the top of the mountain. Everyone else dug trenches and shoveled out dirt. We made a lot of progress, we felt. Our trench is just a few feet short of the top of the mountain.
As soon as we finished, all missioners and villagers of La Florida posed for our group photo. That allows us to print out the photos with a small camera printer we keep in Esquias so we can leave a booklet of photos with our friends in the village. As I type this, Linda is printing photos for our 100 picture booklet. We will present that booklet to the villagers at our little celebration on Saturday, our final work day.
You might wonder what we do when we are not working in La Florida. Well, we do need a little time to just rest and possibly siesta. We sort the goods we brought for others. Some people do laundry. That is a bit more difficult than throwing it in the washing machine. You use something called a pila, pronounced pee-la. It looks like a big vat of water with a cement scrub board on either side. You wet the clothes and scrub a cylinder shaped bar of laundry soap onto the piece of clothing. Then the real fun begins. You scrub and you scrub and then scrub some more. If there is a Honduran around, they typically laugh or take over at that time. If you are alone, you finally rinse by scooping water out of the pila and wrining the clothing by hand. Then you hang it on the line. The heat dries the clothes in a few hours, even if it was dripping wet. If a Honduran helped with the laundry, the white shirt is white. If not, the white shirt is usually a tannish color. We all do our best at laundry, though.
The students all have chores to do at the compound. They vary from dusting the pop bottles and stocking the fridge to emptying the waste baskets next to the toilets. You see, we are not allowed to put paper into the toilets, so that job is one that is avoided. They also refill water jugs from the five-gallon jug, sweep the floors, wash tables, set up for our nightly meeting, and clean sinks. In the evenings we head for the park and have a meeting
Gotta go. The battery is almost dead.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
In the Trenches
We were up again at 5:30. Breakfast was french toast and papaya. Everyone seemed to have slept well. I have to admit that I get a little joy out of waking those girls at 5:30. You should hear the groans when I announce that the light will be going on momentarily.
Leah seems to be feeling a bit better. I put her in charge of playing with the little girls and taking lots of photos today. She was also in charge of supervising water bottles and sunglasses. It helped her to feel a part of what we are doing.
We did not have to carry bags of cement, sand, or bricks anywhere today. There were some Honduran men that took over the task of hauling bags of cement and sand. I also saw one burro making that trip multiple times. We began digging trenches. Almost everyone had a chance to try their hand at using the pick-ax. That task pretty much fell to the men after a bit. The rest of us helped by shoveling out the trenches when the guys needed to rest for a bit. Cole kept breaking handles on his pick-ax, so we all had a chance to watch the Hondurans make new handles.
I noticed a lot more conversations going on today. The students recognize each other and call each other by name now. There are lots of hugs when we arrive and when we leave. The villagers are at work on the water tank. I have been told that the water tank will hold five thousand gallons of water and they are making it of brick and concrete. They were also working at the water collection site today. That is harder to explain. They had a cement water-holding tank already. They are building another support with that. Inside that cement holding tank, they have dug deeper to catch the spring water properly, cemented the spots that allowed water to leak out and placed pipes inside it. Rather ingenious, I think. The motor will set atop that.
Some of the village ladies cooked lunch again for us. All of their meals have been delicious. Today we had pieces of chicken, rice, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and tortillas. Then we invited all who wished to join us to mass on the soccer field. Some of the villagers went home to quickly clean up. We had no choice and attended mass in our filthy clothes. Part of the mass was in English, and Sr. Juanita translated the sermon and latter part of the mass. Tony played the guitar and we sang some of the songs Mrs. Klein had assembled for us.
On our return drive we picked up a group of Hondurans who were waiting for a ride to Esquias. They climbed on top of the bus to ride. In one village sister pointed out the white flowers, called Isota I think, that people chop up and put into their eggs for flavoring and iron. Miss Rogers expressed a desire to have some. Carlos, our bus driver, asked a local villager walking by if we could have one and he assented. So one of our friendly hitchhikers climbed the tree and cut it off for us. We will let you know how it tastes.
At this time everyone is taking their showers. An extra person always goes along to the showers with the girls and they coordinate turning on the water. They are very careful to not go over their sixty-second of shower allotment time. Perhaps we´ll go to the park this evening and then begin preparing the gift bags for the village families.
Tomorrow we will have another work day in La Florida. Once again Angel has told me we will be digging trenches. Today we were extremely fortunate. Though my thermometer has disappeared, we felt the temerature was around the mid-seventies. I am sure it won´t last, but it sure was nice today. We did not need to escape the heat as much while we worked. We had cloud cover most of the work time and many were hoping for rain, but it never materialized.
It seems many of you are reading the blogs. Please feel free to post comments for us. I will pass them along as I can.
I cannot remember if I reported another item the group voted upon. Julio had mentioned that there is absolutely NO food in Montana de la Flor. He is very worried about it. We also know some Kids Against Hunger food is going to be shipped soon. But we are afraid some may die before it can arrive. Thus the group also voted to purchase some bags of rice, beans, and corn (used for tortillas) to take to the mountain so the people have some food, little as it is, to sustain them until the KAH food arrives. We hope it can make a difference.
Leah seems to be feeling a bit better. I put her in charge of playing with the little girls and taking lots of photos today. She was also in charge of supervising water bottles and sunglasses. It helped her to feel a part of what we are doing.
We did not have to carry bags of cement, sand, or bricks anywhere today. There were some Honduran men that took over the task of hauling bags of cement and sand. I also saw one burro making that trip multiple times. We began digging trenches. Almost everyone had a chance to try their hand at using the pick-ax. That task pretty much fell to the men after a bit. The rest of us helped by shoveling out the trenches when the guys needed to rest for a bit. Cole kept breaking handles on his pick-ax, so we all had a chance to watch the Hondurans make new handles.
I noticed a lot more conversations going on today. The students recognize each other and call each other by name now. There are lots of hugs when we arrive and when we leave. The villagers are at work on the water tank. I have been told that the water tank will hold five thousand gallons of water and they are making it of brick and concrete. They were also working at the water collection site today. That is harder to explain. They had a cement water-holding tank already. They are building another support with that. Inside that cement holding tank, they have dug deeper to catch the spring water properly, cemented the spots that allowed water to leak out and placed pipes inside it. Rather ingenious, I think. The motor will set atop that.
Some of the village ladies cooked lunch again for us. All of their meals have been delicious. Today we had pieces of chicken, rice, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and tortillas. Then we invited all who wished to join us to mass on the soccer field. Some of the villagers went home to quickly clean up. We had no choice and attended mass in our filthy clothes. Part of the mass was in English, and Sr. Juanita translated the sermon and latter part of the mass. Tony played the guitar and we sang some of the songs Mrs. Klein had assembled for us.
On our return drive we picked up a group of Hondurans who were waiting for a ride to Esquias. They climbed on top of the bus to ride. In one village sister pointed out the white flowers, called Isota I think, that people chop up and put into their eggs for flavoring and iron. Miss Rogers expressed a desire to have some. Carlos, our bus driver, asked a local villager walking by if we could have one and he assented. So one of our friendly hitchhikers climbed the tree and cut it off for us. We will let you know how it tastes.
At this time everyone is taking their showers. An extra person always goes along to the showers with the girls and they coordinate turning on the water. They are very careful to not go over their sixty-second of shower allotment time. Perhaps we´ll go to the park this evening and then begin preparing the gift bags for the village families.
Tomorrow we will have another work day in La Florida. Once again Angel has told me we will be digging trenches. Today we were extremely fortunate. Though my thermometer has disappeared, we felt the temerature was around the mid-seventies. I am sure it won´t last, but it sure was nice today. We did not need to escape the heat as much while we worked. We had cloud cover most of the work time and many were hoping for rain, but it never materialized.
It seems many of you are reading the blogs. Please feel free to post comments for us. I will pass them along as I can.
I cannot remember if I reported another item the group voted upon. Julio had mentioned that there is absolutely NO food in Montana de la Flor. He is very worried about it. We also know some Kids Against Hunger food is going to be shipped soon. But we are afraid some may die before it can arrive. Thus the group also voted to purchase some bags of rice, beans, and corn (used for tortillas) to take to the mountain so the people have some food, little as it is, to sustain them until the KAH food arrives. We hope it can make a difference.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Palm Sunday and Second Work Day
Since we returned so late Sunday night, I am writing both days together. It will be a long one. Just for your information, Sam has admitted that she has not missed texting too much but it has been somewhat difficult. She thinks there will be a major withdrawal on Saturday or Sunday.
Our day began at six with a breakfast of oatmeal. Then we all dress in our church clothes and walked to the other side of Esquias. There was a young man dressed as Jesus and lots of children dressed in robes with long palms like in Jesus`time. Padre Bonilla began the procession by blessing all our palms. Then Jesus said a few words and they helped him mount the burro. We walked through the town singing and occasionally someone would shout in Spanish Vive Jesu Cristo and everyone would shout Vive. Once we were in the church, we had our regular mass. Of course, that would be the regular mass for Honduras. For those of you who have not experienced that, there is a lot of movement. Children going to various people so it is hard to tell to whom they belong. There could also be dogs joining us for a bit. The characters from the procession sat behind the altar and at one point a young boy decided to visit one of his friends. Then he returned to his seat. The sign of peace is chaotic but fun. Everyone goes all over church hugging each other. The little ones go up to the priest and give them hugs. At the end of mass there is usually a big discussion about which day and at one time the next service will be. All of that lasted around an hour and a half or more. Padre Bonilla then met with Sr. Juanita, Miguel, and me as well as his church committee. We both expressed our gratitude for each other. I for allowing us to stay in Esquias with out students every year. He said how much he admires our students and adults for sacrificing and coming to his country to help the Hondurans. He hopes that we are able to participate in more church activities during our stay.
We loaded the bus and truck and started on our way to Sulaco where the malnutrition center is located. It was a hot and bumpy ride. Those of us who were riding with Julio in the truck finally decided to wait for the bus when it did not seem to be with us. We discovered they had had a flat tire, so we sat on the side of the road to wait for them. It was at that time that a lady I will call the stick lady from now on came walking around the corner of the road. She was carrying a huge load of sticks to use for cooking. She stopped a bit to rest then continued up the hill. When she spotted us, she threw the sticks aside and continued toward our vehicle. The first thing she said was a comment to Miguel, something like his mother had fed him too much milk. She talked with Julio for a bit. I guessed she was asking for money. With Julio`s permission I gave her some money to use for food. She commented that it would be enough for ten days of rice. Julio warned her of an approaching bus, so she went to retrieve her sticks. She carried half of them up the hill to a house we had not noticed. It looked like long sticks pounded into the ground to stay upright. It was not very big, maybe as big as a large bathroom for us. The roof was scraps of boards and tin. After she deposited her firewood in the yard, she crossed the road to purchase rice from the neighbor. It left us quite thankful for our own homes and food.
By then the bus caught up to us and we finished the drive to Sulaco. At the malnutrition center we were met with eleven small children standing on the porch. One of them called Poppy to Tim, and sister said it was rare that they received a visit from a man and he thought it was his dad. The team went right to the children and patiently awaited until the children would come to them. All of the missioners hearts were touched for these poor children who are quite sick. The team voted to spend sixty percent of the money they brought along from donations to purchase new high chairs and possibly cribs for the center. They are badly in need of many other items, but our money will not fund all of it. We had brought some shoes and sandals with us. When the little children saw them, they all gathered around to get new shoes. They wanted to wear them right away. The students discoverd that the elastic that connected the sandals fascinated the children, so they put the elastic on the little kids arms for bracelets. After that all the children became attached to the missioners. Our group discussed how something as minute as a piece of elastic became special to these little ones who have pretty much nothing. As I knew it would be, it was very difficult to get everyone to leave. Some of them cried, both missioners and children, on our part knowing they will probably never see them again and we hope they can return to good health.
We stopped at Dulce`s house for our lunch of tortillas and peanut butter and jelly. The bus needed to get a tire repaired. Then we began the long bumpy ride back to Esquias. We had gotten a late start, so our supper was late last night. The park was rather active so we hung around the compound. Some sang songs while Tony played the guitar. Some sat and talked in various spots in the compound. This group of missioners has been one of the most willing to volunteer to help out and they seem to be bonding quite quickly. It is fun to watch the friendships forming in this group. They are also finding lots of friends in La Florida.
We arose at five-thirty this morning, Monday, and ate our breakfast of eggs, watermelon, and pineapple. Then it was back to work in La Florida. It was a balmy ninety-two at the village today. Now that we are back in Esquias, we have discovered it is over 110 degrees in the sun. Just a bit toasty.
The group prayed that no sand and rocks were left to carry and that prayer was answered. However, there were approximately 1,400 bricks to be carried up down the road and then up the mountainside. We carried from two to ten bricks apiece to the first deposit site. Of course, it was Cole carrying the ten. Then we formed an assembly like of missioners and Hondurans to pass the bricks up to the second collection site. After a couple breaks, we reformed the line to start at the second site. The men tossed their bricks and then we women and children handed them up the rest of the way. Francis suggested at one break that we each carry a load up instead. After trying that once, we again formed the assembly line. We all discovered it is much easier to breathe on a mountainside at 4,000 feet above sea level while standing still and handing bricks to each other than to carry them up individually. The Honduran men continue to work at the dam site. There is a spring that comes from the mountainside and they are working to make the water collection site.
Now for our next problem- we have 92 ninety-five pound bags of cement that need to be moved up that same mountainside. We will see what they can devise to do such a job because I know that I am not carrying a 95-pound bag of cement anywhere!!! Angel, the Honduran man in charge of our water projects, said we will be able to begin digging trenches tomorrow. We also plan to celebrate a mass with the villagers tomorrow. They have no church so we will use the school instead. We hope to practice some music tonight in preparation. The villagers of La Florida have invited the neighboring village of El Junco, the site of last year`s water project, to join us for mass.
Well, that about does it in a nutshell. It is so hard to share everything that is happening here. Bruce said every student should have an opportunity to do mission work like this. Just to see the poverty is such an eye-opener for everyone. It is also surprising to see how enterprising they can be - making needed items out of whatever they can find. And we find everyone of them so welcoming to us. I can already foresee some tearful good-byes on Sunday.
Continue to pray for the success of our mission trip - both for the villagers of La Florida and in the hearts of each missioner.
Our day began at six with a breakfast of oatmeal. Then we all dress in our church clothes and walked to the other side of Esquias. There was a young man dressed as Jesus and lots of children dressed in robes with long palms like in Jesus`time. Padre Bonilla began the procession by blessing all our palms. Then Jesus said a few words and they helped him mount the burro. We walked through the town singing and occasionally someone would shout in Spanish Vive Jesu Cristo and everyone would shout Vive. Once we were in the church, we had our regular mass. Of course, that would be the regular mass for Honduras. For those of you who have not experienced that, there is a lot of movement. Children going to various people so it is hard to tell to whom they belong. There could also be dogs joining us for a bit. The characters from the procession sat behind the altar and at one point a young boy decided to visit one of his friends. Then he returned to his seat. The sign of peace is chaotic but fun. Everyone goes all over church hugging each other. The little ones go up to the priest and give them hugs. At the end of mass there is usually a big discussion about which day and at one time the next service will be. All of that lasted around an hour and a half or more. Padre Bonilla then met with Sr. Juanita, Miguel, and me as well as his church committee. We both expressed our gratitude for each other. I for allowing us to stay in Esquias with out students every year. He said how much he admires our students and adults for sacrificing and coming to his country to help the Hondurans. He hopes that we are able to participate in more church activities during our stay.
We loaded the bus and truck and started on our way to Sulaco where the malnutrition center is located. It was a hot and bumpy ride. Those of us who were riding with Julio in the truck finally decided to wait for the bus when it did not seem to be with us. We discovered they had had a flat tire, so we sat on the side of the road to wait for them. It was at that time that a lady I will call the stick lady from now on came walking around the corner of the road. She was carrying a huge load of sticks to use for cooking. She stopped a bit to rest then continued up the hill. When she spotted us, she threw the sticks aside and continued toward our vehicle. The first thing she said was a comment to Miguel, something like his mother had fed him too much milk. She talked with Julio for a bit. I guessed she was asking for money. With Julio`s permission I gave her some money to use for food. She commented that it would be enough for ten days of rice. Julio warned her of an approaching bus, so she went to retrieve her sticks. She carried half of them up the hill to a house we had not noticed. It looked like long sticks pounded into the ground to stay upright. It was not very big, maybe as big as a large bathroom for us. The roof was scraps of boards and tin. After she deposited her firewood in the yard, she crossed the road to purchase rice from the neighbor. It left us quite thankful for our own homes and food.
By then the bus caught up to us and we finished the drive to Sulaco. At the malnutrition center we were met with eleven small children standing on the porch. One of them called Poppy to Tim, and sister said it was rare that they received a visit from a man and he thought it was his dad. The team went right to the children and patiently awaited until the children would come to them. All of the missioners hearts were touched for these poor children who are quite sick. The team voted to spend sixty percent of the money they brought along from donations to purchase new high chairs and possibly cribs for the center. They are badly in need of many other items, but our money will not fund all of it. We had brought some shoes and sandals with us. When the little children saw them, they all gathered around to get new shoes. They wanted to wear them right away. The students discoverd that the elastic that connected the sandals fascinated the children, so they put the elastic on the little kids arms for bracelets. After that all the children became attached to the missioners. Our group discussed how something as minute as a piece of elastic became special to these little ones who have pretty much nothing. As I knew it would be, it was very difficult to get everyone to leave. Some of them cried, both missioners and children, on our part knowing they will probably never see them again and we hope they can return to good health.
We stopped at Dulce`s house for our lunch of tortillas and peanut butter and jelly. The bus needed to get a tire repaired. Then we began the long bumpy ride back to Esquias. We had gotten a late start, so our supper was late last night. The park was rather active so we hung around the compound. Some sang songs while Tony played the guitar. Some sat and talked in various spots in the compound. This group of missioners has been one of the most willing to volunteer to help out and they seem to be bonding quite quickly. It is fun to watch the friendships forming in this group. They are also finding lots of friends in La Florida.
We arose at five-thirty this morning, Monday, and ate our breakfast of eggs, watermelon, and pineapple. Then it was back to work in La Florida. It was a balmy ninety-two at the village today. Now that we are back in Esquias, we have discovered it is over 110 degrees in the sun. Just a bit toasty.
The group prayed that no sand and rocks were left to carry and that prayer was answered. However, there were approximately 1,400 bricks to be carried up down the road and then up the mountainside. We carried from two to ten bricks apiece to the first deposit site. Of course, it was Cole carrying the ten. Then we formed an assembly like of missioners and Hondurans to pass the bricks up to the second collection site. After a couple breaks, we reformed the line to start at the second site. The men tossed their bricks and then we women and children handed them up the rest of the way. Francis suggested at one break that we each carry a load up instead. After trying that once, we again formed the assembly line. We all discovered it is much easier to breathe on a mountainside at 4,000 feet above sea level while standing still and handing bricks to each other than to carry them up individually. The Honduran men continue to work at the dam site. There is a spring that comes from the mountainside and they are working to make the water collection site.
Now for our next problem- we have 92 ninety-five pound bags of cement that need to be moved up that same mountainside. We will see what they can devise to do such a job because I know that I am not carrying a 95-pound bag of cement anywhere!!! Angel, the Honduran man in charge of our water projects, said we will be able to begin digging trenches tomorrow. We also plan to celebrate a mass with the villagers tomorrow. They have no church so we will use the school instead. We hope to practice some music tonight in preparation. The villagers of La Florida have invited the neighboring village of El Junco, the site of last year`s water project, to join us for mass.
Well, that about does it in a nutshell. It is so hard to share everything that is happening here. Bruce said every student should have an opportunity to do mission work like this. Just to see the poverty is such an eye-opener for everyone. It is also surprising to see how enterprising they can be - making needed items out of whatever they can find. And we find everyone of them so welcoming to us. I can already foresee some tearful good-byes on Sunday.
Continue to pray for the success of our mission trip - both for the villagers of La Florida and in the hearts of each missioner.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
First Day in La Florida
I will apologize in advance for typos. I am using a Spanish keyboard and it has already taken me 20 minutes just to get to this point. Please bear with me.
We began our day, well some of us, at four fifteen a.m. because someone forgot to change her clock to Honduran time. Everyone else was awakened at five thirty for a breakfast of pancakes, bananas, and fresh squeeze orange juice. Students did their chores after that and we were soon on our way to the village.
We had decided at junta the night before to do our initial prayer service as the cross dedicated to Mary Ellen Kellen Seivert in El Junco, last year`s water project. Fr. Cosgrove did a great job with it. The village of La Florida was all assembled and waiting for us when we arrived. The village leaders and Angel give a little welcome, and I thanked them for allowing us to help them. Angel divided the students into two groups and the work began. By the way, Miguel did a super job of translating in both languages!
I know last year`s missioners will love hearing what I have to say next, this year`s work is not as difficult. There are mountains to climb, but they are not nearly so difficult nor steep. We carried rocks in both directions. One group carried bags of sand downward to where they will make the water collection site. After that sand was gone, they pulled rocks out of the creek bed and stacked them in preparation for dam building. The other group carried rocks and sand up the mountain to where the platform for the water tank will be built.
The missioners were great about trying to talk to the villagers. It was not long before practically every missioner, both young and old, had a trail of Honduran children working alongside them or trailing behind them. It looked like a mother duck with her ducklings.
We saw a few villagers from El Junco who came by to say hello. Alvin was the first to show up.
We ate chicken, rice, and tortillas which was cooked by the ladies there. Then we visited with everyone for a bit before climbing onto the bus for our return trip. That trip was a little noisier than the one on the way there. I think they all know they have made friends with these villagers. The people of La Florida are very hospitable and friendly. I can already foresee a tearful goodbye when we leave.
This afternoon we rested a bit and then tackled the chore of emptying the bags of the supplies we packed last Sunday. We are still short the ten bags but hope to fetch them soon. Liam, Pat, and Bruce are being very good sports about it. The unpacking went quickly. Everyone pitched in to make short work of that job. When I left the compound to do this blog, most of them were in the courtyard visiting or playing cards. Some were taking their first shower of the trip, while being teased about possibly running out of water by some of the men.
I will try to blog tomorrow after our trip to the malnutrition center. Oh yes, I almost forgot. We took along a thermometer so we would know the heat we were enduring. Today it was one hundred nine degrees in the sun and ninety two degrees in the shade. Most of our time was spent in the sun. Our rest breaks were in as much shade as we could find.
Everyone is healthy and starting to mix together with their fellow missioners. I believe they are forging some strong friendships through their common mission in Honduras. I look forward to keeping you abreast of the news.
We began our day, well some of us, at four fifteen a.m. because someone forgot to change her clock to Honduran time. Everyone else was awakened at five thirty for a breakfast of pancakes, bananas, and fresh squeeze orange juice. Students did their chores after that and we were soon on our way to the village.
We had decided at junta the night before to do our initial prayer service as the cross dedicated to Mary Ellen Kellen Seivert in El Junco, last year`s water project. Fr. Cosgrove did a great job with it. The village of La Florida was all assembled and waiting for us when we arrived. The village leaders and Angel give a little welcome, and I thanked them for allowing us to help them. Angel divided the students into two groups and the work began. By the way, Miguel did a super job of translating in both languages!
I know last year`s missioners will love hearing what I have to say next, this year`s work is not as difficult. There are mountains to climb, but they are not nearly so difficult nor steep. We carried rocks in both directions. One group carried bags of sand downward to where they will make the water collection site. After that sand was gone, they pulled rocks out of the creek bed and stacked them in preparation for dam building. The other group carried rocks and sand up the mountain to where the platform for the water tank will be built.
The missioners were great about trying to talk to the villagers. It was not long before practically every missioner, both young and old, had a trail of Honduran children working alongside them or trailing behind them. It looked like a mother duck with her ducklings.
We saw a few villagers from El Junco who came by to say hello. Alvin was the first to show up.
We ate chicken, rice, and tortillas which was cooked by the ladies there. Then we visited with everyone for a bit before climbing onto the bus for our return trip. That trip was a little noisier than the one on the way there. I think they all know they have made friends with these villagers. The people of La Florida are very hospitable and friendly. I can already foresee a tearful goodbye when we leave.
This afternoon we rested a bit and then tackled the chore of emptying the bags of the supplies we packed last Sunday. We are still short the ten bags but hope to fetch them soon. Liam, Pat, and Bruce are being very good sports about it. The unpacking went quickly. Everyone pitched in to make short work of that job. When I left the compound to do this blog, most of them were in the courtyard visiting or playing cards. Some were taking their first shower of the trip, while being teased about possibly running out of water by some of the men.
I will try to blog tomorrow after our trip to the malnutrition center. Oh yes, I almost forgot. We took along a thermometer so we would know the heat we were enduring. Today it was one hundred nine degrees in the sun and ninety two degrees in the shade. Most of our time was spent in the sun. Our rest breaks were in as much shade as we could find.
Everyone is healthy and starting to mix together with their fellow missioners. I believe they are forging some strong friendships through their common mission in Honduras. I look forward to keeping you abreast of the news.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Our Mission Begins
Time until we are in Honduras: 13 hours, 50 minutes
What a gorgeous Send-Off ceremony Seivert put on this afternoon! Everyone who was there had to get some sense of the importance of our mission - bringing clean water to the village of La Florida. Sara sang beautifully. Watching the kindergarten group carry in the cross and the senior and junior students bringing in the rest of those bags and placing them around the cross was quite touching to me. In fact, I was so entranced by what was happening in the moment, that I forgot I was to start the group moving our bags inward to the cross. It was just a super beginning to our mission.
We've have since loaded the bags onto the trailer and ridden the bus to Omaha. We ate supper at the Golden Corral, eating American for the last time until our return to the States.
After returning to the hotel, Seivert had a meeting to go over all the last-minute details of our trip. There are so many things to remember, but we always seem to pull it off. The students have been polite and attentive. I look forward to working with them over the next ten days.
We all have 3 a.m. wake-up calls. That call is going to come very soon. We'll be at the airport by 4 and in the air by 6. (Aaron is watching to make sure I make no errors.) Hopefully, there will be someplace I can blog tomorrow, but if not, a call to Seivert will have to suffice. He will carry on the blog for us.
Please keep all of us in your prayers.
What a gorgeous Send-Off ceremony Seivert put on this afternoon! Everyone who was there had to get some sense of the importance of our mission - bringing clean water to the village of La Florida. Sara sang beautifully. Watching the kindergarten group carry in the cross and the senior and junior students bringing in the rest of those bags and placing them around the cross was quite touching to me. In fact, I was so entranced by what was happening in the moment, that I forgot I was to start the group moving our bags inward to the cross. It was just a super beginning to our mission.
We've have since loaded the bags onto the trailer and ridden the bus to Omaha. We ate supper at the Golden Corral, eating American for the last time until our return to the States.
After returning to the hotel, Seivert had a meeting to go over all the last-minute details of our trip. There are so many things to remember, but we always seem to pull it off. The students have been polite and attentive. I look forward to working with them over the next ten days.
We all have 3 a.m. wake-up calls. That call is going to come very soon. We'll be at the airport by 4 and in the air by 6. (Aaron is watching to make sure I make no errors.) Hopefully, there will be someplace I can blog tomorrow, but if not, a call to Seivert will have to suffice. He will carry on the blog for us.
Please keep all of us in your prayers.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Last Night at Home - for a bit
Time until we are in Honduras: 1 day, 12 hours, 33 minutes, 29 seconds
Holy cow! We'll be on the ground in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, probably gathering our bags in just 37 hours! It seemed like forever until we reached Send-Off Day, and now it's just around the corner. I know I'll have trouble sleeping tonight; I can hardly control my excitement. I also can hardly wait to see the difference this trip will make for you.
Francis has been quite busy during his time in Honduras. With the help of our Honduran friends, he has everything ready for our arrival at our 'home away from home' in Esquias.
Tomorrow I ask that you totally immerse yourself in the beautiful Send-Off ceremony that Seivert has spent weeks preparing. Really listen to what he has to say, tune in and focus on the words of the music selected just for the Send-Off (including our 2010 mission theme song), look at all the photos on the 2009 Student PowerPoint presentation, and pray for everyone involved - both Honduran and American. I have to admit that it will be the best Send-Off ceremony I've ever attended - and I've attended quite a few of them. ALL the missioners will be present but Francis, since he is already in Honduras.
Remember to leave your electronic devices with your parents when we head for the bus after the Send-Off. Our hope is that you will spend the time without those earpieces connected to your head socializing, meditating, and truly seeing the world around you.
I hope you spent a little extra time with your family tonight. Students, thank your parents for allowing you this 'chance of a lifetime' experience. I'll see you at the Send-Off.
Holy cow! We'll be on the ground in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, probably gathering our bags in just 37 hours! It seemed like forever until we reached Send-Off Day, and now it's just around the corner. I know I'll have trouble sleeping tonight; I can hardly control my excitement. I also can hardly wait to see the difference this trip will make for you.
Francis has been quite busy during his time in Honduras. With the help of our Honduran friends, he has everything ready for our arrival at our 'home away from home' in Esquias.
Tomorrow I ask that you totally immerse yourself in the beautiful Send-Off ceremony that Seivert has spent weeks preparing. Really listen to what he has to say, tune in and focus on the words of the music selected just for the Send-Off (including our 2010 mission theme song), look at all the photos on the 2009 Student PowerPoint presentation, and pray for everyone involved - both Honduran and American. I have to admit that it will be the best Send-Off ceremony I've ever attended - and I've attended quite a few of them. ALL the missioners will be present but Francis, since he is already in Honduras.
Remember to leave your electronic devices with your parents when we head for the bus after the Send-Off. Our hope is that you will spend the time without those earpieces connected to your head socializing, meditating, and truly seeing the world around you.
I hope you spent a little extra time with your family tonight. Students, thank your parents for allowing you this 'chance of a lifetime' experience. I'll see you at the Send-Off.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Last-Minute Preparations
Time until we're in Honduras: 2 days, 11 hours, 30 minutes, 37 seconds
I know we are all doing our last-minute projects for school, home, or work. Try to take a little time each day to just BE. Let some of that stress you are most likely experiencing drain out of you so you can enjoy the anticipation of this mission trip.
One item that could be useful, if you can get it into your carry-on, is a good English/Spanish dictionary. Don't forget to put your work outfit into your carry-on, as well as any items you will need in the hotel on Thursday night.
Think ahead to what you would like to get out of your time in Honduras. Set some personal goals you would like to accomplish. Think of ways to use your Spanish. Maybe you could learn a few new Spanish words or phrases each day. Shake someone's hand. Smile - it works in any language. Be open to a new culture and try to absorb as much as you possibly can. Teach a Honduran a few words of English. Interact with as many people as possible. You won't regret it.
I know we are all doing our last-minute projects for school, home, or work. Try to take a little time each day to just BE. Let some of that stress you are most likely experiencing drain out of you so you can enjoy the anticipation of this mission trip.
One item that could be useful, if you can get it into your carry-on, is a good English/Spanish dictionary. Don't forget to put your work outfit into your carry-on, as well as any items you will need in the hotel on Thursday night.
Think ahead to what you would like to get out of your time in Honduras. Set some personal goals you would like to accomplish. Think of ways to use your Spanish. Maybe you could learn a few new Spanish words or phrases each day. Shake someone's hand. Smile - it works in any language. Be open to a new culture and try to absorb as much as you possibly can. Teach a Honduran a few words of English. Interact with as many people as possible. You won't regret it.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Past Missioner Shares Her Thanks
Time until we are in Honduras: 3 days, 19 hours, 3 minutes, 49 seconds
If you are like me, thinking of our mission trip is monopolizing my time. It is hard to concentrate on little else at this time. One thing I'm going to do to make sure it's my best mission trip yet it is to get some good rest this week. There is nothing worse than being sick when you are gone from home, and it would be even worse when you are trying to do mission work and can't because of illness.
Quite often Seivert and I receive notes from past missioners with thoughts and memories of their time in Honduras. We received permission from one of last year's missioners to share her letter in our blog. She does a beautiful job of sharing what her mission trip meant to her. Here is her letter:
Mrs. Bickford and Mr. Seivert,
This is Caitlin Ascherl! I hope this letter finds you very well. It is the end of Spring Break here at Saint Mary's and everyone is returning back to class. As the weather starts getting warmer and smelling more and more like spring, I can't help but begin to think of Honduras and everyone with the mission. You know how different seasons have different smells, well this past week it has really been smelling like spring here in Indiana and for me the smell of spring and rain has become directly related to Mission Honduras. Certain smells, whether it is food, clothes or rain, trigger different memories of Honduras. I wanted to let you know that I was thinking of you and praying for you all as you soon will be leaving on another trip. I will be lighting a candle at the grotto for you, for a safe and inspired trip.
I was looking at the website today and saw that you now have a blog up! This made me smile.
I am so happy for all of the students that are getting to experience and travel to do something that will truly impact the lives of others, and one another, in ways that I am still discovering. When I traveled to Honduras, I knew what I was doing was important but I wonder if I had any idea what an impact I was actually having. Even after not been in Honduras for two years I continue to learn and grow from the experiences I gained in the country.
Lately I have been thinking a lot about Solidarity. Along with our actual mission, standing in solidarity, was one of the greatest things we did. The time we spent in Esquias and the two other villages with the people was such an important part of what we did. Standing in solidarity with other human beings, who spoke a different language, who had different backgrounds, needs and general understands is so amazing to think about.
I don't know how often you are thanked for all of the time and dedication you put into the programs but I want to thank you! What you did for us and continue to do for students and the people of Honduras is awesome. You offered us the opportunity to help and grow from one another, which is a wonderful and beautiful gift. Through sharing your gifts, dozens of students, myself included, have been able to share theirs. The two trips I took to Honduras, have been the most important work I have done.
Again I hope this finds you well and I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you and praying for you. Take care!
Caitlin Ascherl
If you are like me, thinking of our mission trip is monopolizing my time. It is hard to concentrate on little else at this time. One thing I'm going to do to make sure it's my best mission trip yet it is to get some good rest this week. There is nothing worse than being sick when you are gone from home, and it would be even worse when you are trying to do mission work and can't because of illness.
Quite often Seivert and I receive notes from past missioners with thoughts and memories of their time in Honduras. We received permission from one of last year's missioners to share her letter in our blog. She does a beautiful job of sharing what her mission trip meant to her. Here is her letter:
Mrs. Bickford and Mr. Seivert,
This is Caitlin Ascherl! I hope this letter finds you very well. It is the end of Spring Break here at Saint Mary's and everyone is returning back to class. As the weather starts getting warmer and smelling more and more like spring, I can't help but begin to think of Honduras and everyone with the mission. You know how different seasons have different smells, well this past week it has really been smelling like spring here in Indiana and for me the smell of spring and rain has become directly related to Mission Honduras. Certain smells, whether it is food, clothes or rain, trigger different memories of Honduras. I wanted to let you know that I was thinking of you and praying for you all as you soon will be leaving on another trip. I will be lighting a candle at the grotto for you, for a safe and inspired trip.
I was looking at the website today and saw that you now have a blog up! This made me smile.
I am so happy for all of the students that are getting to experience and travel to do something that will truly impact the lives of others, and one another, in ways that I am still discovering. When I traveled to Honduras, I knew what I was doing was important but I wonder if I had any idea what an impact I was actually having. Even after not been in Honduras for two years I continue to learn and grow from the experiences I gained in the country.
Lately I have been thinking a lot about Solidarity. Along with our actual mission, standing in solidarity, was one of the greatest things we did. The time we spent in Esquias and the two other villages with the people was such an important part of what we did. Standing in solidarity with other human beings, who spoke a different language, who had different backgrounds, needs and general understands is so amazing to think about.
I don't know how often you are thanked for all of the time and dedication you put into the programs but I want to thank you! What you did for us and continue to do for students and the people of Honduras is awesome. You offered us the opportunity to help and grow from one another, which is a wonderful and beautiful gift. Through sharing your gifts, dozens of students, myself included, have been able to share theirs. The two trips I took to Honduras, have been the most important work I have done.
Again I hope this finds you well and I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you and praying for you. Take care!
Caitlin Ascherl
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!
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!
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!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Our First Blog
Hi everyone,
This is my first foray into blogging. I hope to keep it fairly simple until I know what I am really doing, but I'm pretty excited about it.
Hey missioners, do you realize that from this exact time (January 24, 2010, at 5:02 p.m.) we have exactly 60 days, 19 hours, and twenty minutes until we are on the ground in Honduras! I hope you are as excited as I am. We are going to have a wonderful mission trip to bring much needed clean water to the village of La Florida.
I'm also excited because we are going to have the opportunity to drive past the cross, dedicated to their sister Mary Ellen Kellen, that Mr. Seivert and Francis helped place into the ground in El Junco this past June. I have a feeling some of those same villagers will be helping us in La Florida during our water project.
If you know anyone who would like to keep track of us during our mission trip, please let them know this site. I will try to post updates every time something happens. However, remind them that the internet in Esquias is not always reliable so they should be patient.
I will see all of you soon at our upcoming meeting - Sunday, February 7, at 1 p.m., in Mr. Seivert's room at Gehlen. Seivert will pass along much useful information, and I will also be available to hand out my words of wisdom.
Don't forget our upcoming tailgate on Tuesday, February 2, at 5 - 8 p.m. We'll be serving delicious pork burgers, beans, chips, and a bar. Come with an appetite.
You will receive your bags soon so you can practice packing. Seivert will give you some information about that, but you can already refer to your packet to read about what you should pack.
Carolyn Bickford
This is my first foray into blogging. I hope to keep it fairly simple until I know what I am really doing, but I'm pretty excited about it.
Hey missioners, do you realize that from this exact time (January 24, 2010, at 5:02 p.m.) we have exactly 60 days, 19 hours, and twenty minutes until we are on the ground in Honduras! I hope you are as excited as I am. We are going to have a wonderful mission trip to bring much needed clean water to the village of La Florida.
I'm also excited because we are going to have the opportunity to drive past the cross, dedicated to their sister Mary Ellen Kellen, that Mr. Seivert and Francis helped place into the ground in El Junco this past June. I have a feeling some of those same villagers will be helping us in La Florida during our water project.
If you know anyone who would like to keep track of us during our mission trip, please let them know this site. I will try to post updates every time something happens. However, remind them that the internet in Esquias is not always reliable so they should be patient.
I will see all of you soon at our upcoming meeting - Sunday, February 7, at 1 p.m., in Mr. Seivert's room at Gehlen. Seivert will pass along much useful information, and I will also be available to hand out my words of wisdom.
Don't forget our upcoming tailgate on Tuesday, February 2, at 5 - 8 p.m. We'll be serving delicious pork burgers, beans, chips, and a bar. Come with an appetite.
You will receive your bags soon so you can practice packing. Seivert will give you some information about that, but you can already refer to your packet to read about what you should pack.
Carolyn Bickford
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)