2023 Team

2023 Team
The 2023 Team

Monday, April 18, 2011

4 Football Fields

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Greg Probst –Dear Dad, Please send tractor.

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

HEY EVERYONE, WE LOVE COMMENTS FROM HOME!

16 comments:

  1. That is amazing! But I'm not surprised. You all are so strong, physically and emotionally. Many hands make light work. I look forward to reading your post every night. I continue to pray for good health and strength. Nick and friends, so proud of you all.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I am guessing that it was Pete and Sam who scared everyone with the iguana. I love reading your blogs and comments. Of course it brings tears to my eyes picturing you all so far away. Love you!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Nick, Happy Birthday!!! Love surrounds you, celebrate!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sounds great guys, keep up the wonderful work you are doing! Hey Sam, how's Kyle:) Just like you, our hotel in the desert is going to be without power for 8 hours tonight! We love you, Kyle. Ps take lots of pictures

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Rebecca!! Miss you and love ya!! -Taylor

    ReplyDelete
  6. If ya'll want Tacha to really scream, find a frog and suprise her with that. Wow!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Love this blog!! To see the pictures and read your stories make us feel a little bit apart of your experience. As I write this it is snowing!!
    Love and miss you Steve and Becca.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Miss you Ash! sounds like everything is going great! So Proud of the work you guys are doing! Believe it or not IT'S SNOWING HERE! Cant wait to see you! <3 The Family (especially Leah because i typing this)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Happy Birthday Nick! Snowing and raining just like it was 18 years ago, the day you were born. Have a great celebration today. Thinking of you and missing you. MOM and Dad.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Miss you Megan too. So nice to have these blogs Someone said last night pay it forward and thats exactly what all you are doing Love Mom and Dad

    ReplyDelete
  11. Mary and Matt - we miss you! Enjoy the warm (or hot)weather there. It is 1:00p.m. here and it is only 34 with snow on the ground. Sounds like you're having a great experience. Keep up the good work. We are praying for all of you. Love, Jim, Michelle, Nathan & Emily

    ReplyDelete
  12. To Linda R. and mission team,
    Whoa, what a great job you are doing on digging the trenches. Our prayers and thoughts continue to be with you as you are being the wonderful missionaries from NW Iowa, we are proud of you all. May God bless you and your work you are doing each day. Blessings to you during this Holy Week.
    Gretch and your friends at Community Bank

    ReplyDelete
  13. Love to you all. It sounds like things are going great. Both our track meets have been called because of snow!!! I would love to hear from my boys. Miss and Love you Joe and Eric! We are so proud of you.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Joe L.- Miyah asked me last night, "Did Joe finish bringing water to the kids yet, cause I miss him" I reassured her that you were all working hard to do so and that you would be home soon:) These blogs are so great! Amazed at all you are doing, what an amazing experience and a profound impact you are having on Honduras . Miss you and can't wait to see you soon! ~Andrea

    ReplyDelete
  15. Greetings Mitchel! Sounds like you are working hard and having a great time. We are very proud of everyone. Derek, Allie, Devin, Cayla, Leah, Grandpa and Grandma Jungers all say "hello". Pictures sent through the blog are awesome! Dad is wondering how your scouting skill are doing?? Ha Ha. Praying for you and the group every night! Love Mom and Dad

    ReplyDelete
  16. Sr. Juanita, this past week I visited with Mark De Palma at St.Patrick's Guild in St.Paul MN. Mark is very interested in pursuing the Baptismal garment idea with your former students. I sent Mark one of the embroider clothes I bought at the sewing school. Here is Mark information 1554 Randolph Ave. St.Paul. MN 55105. 651-690-1506
    www.stpatricksguild.com. Please send me your address again in Omaha. Please know of my prayers for you missionaries. Keep up the good work living charity and justice in your lives.

    Fr.Mark

    ReplyDelete