2023 Team

2023 Team
The 2023 Team

Sunday, March 23, 2014

The Importance of Water

Saturday began at 6 a.m. Our breakfast of pancakes, oranges, and mangos was consumed at 6:30; then the groups took off for work. Since there were no students in school today, Linda kept a paint crew to do the green layer on the bottom of the school building. The rest of the missioners were split between the two building projects. Much progress was made at both sites. The upper crew got the roof on but did not do any painting. The lower crew did not get the roof on but did get some painting done. Thus, I’d say they’re pretty even on their progress.
We agreed that today’s lunch was our favorite: enchiladas with tomatoes, cabbage, and cheese. There were many happy people when we got to have a twenty-minute siesta after lunch.
The afternoon chores consisted of the paint crew finishing their green base. The rest of us strung crosses that we’ll distribute to the Santa Teresa students on our last day. Our table definitely strung many more crosses than the men’s tables.
Fr. Patricio, the head of the schools, celebrated Mass in the compound at 3. He took the opportunity to welcome our group and to point out how important it is to do service, like we are doing.
Marta then did a laundry lesson for the students so they could clean some of their clothes using the pila. Some of the girls generously offered to do laundry for the boys. Unfortunately, Kyle will have to get his laundry off the basketball hoop in the morning. Even a few of guys did laundry for some others. It’s hard to believe they actually enjoyed doing laundry
Many of the boys played soccer before we had supper. Supper consisted of grilled beef and pork on tortillas with pico de gallo. We have definitely been fed well.
As we talked during tonight’s junta, quite a few missioners expressed the difficulty we were having not giving the Honduran children our water, and how important water is. It is quite apparent in this region where we are working because they have to buy their water – not just drinking water. Water trucks drive through the area all day long selling water. Some of it is just river water that they use for laundry or making cement. We also have had to purchase all the water we are using, so we try to conserve as much as possible. We take so much for granted. Now that we are witnessing what happens in a country with a shortage of water, we can start appreciating what we do have and not waste our precious commodities.
The students are having a wonderful time without their electronic devices. They’re getting the chance to really talk to each other and play together in simple ways. It’ll be interesting to see if that continues once they return to the States.
Here are the latest missioner messages:
Randy and Sadie: Hello everyone back home! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM! We hope you are having a great day, and Presley is treating you well! Everything here is going pretty good so far besides some minor details. The first day Randy ripped a hole in his work pants so he just fixed them up with some duct tape; they are still holding strong on Saturday. Yesterday I realized hammers and I do not get along well! So I got moved to mixing cement instead. We finally got juice, but we had to jerry rig it and steal juice from the neighbor’s house.  We are guessing Tim and Julie got engaged! Tell everyone Hello from us and we miss them all.  Also tell Ali that baby needs to stay in until Friday. That’s the first day that works for us. ;) By the way Jake, Bruce misses you!


Megan & Patrick: Hello, family? Anyone there?! Why have we not heard from you guys lately? J We love and miss you guys (even though Patrick has not said it. I think he does anyways) and would LOVE to hear from you guys! The days are passing faster than ever, and I am learning the meaning of Honduran time! That will definitely not help out with my senioritis, at all! Anyway, we only have 6 days left here, and I am not sure how I feel about that yet. I miss you guys, yet I don’t want to leave here! #yahoo #omaha
PS. Patrick found out that Iowa lost…some words were said.


Rebecca Feller: Hello mother and I guess Les, I love and miss you tons. Umm do you know where the Senior Trip is and if I am going? Also Mother I just want to let you know that I am surviving off tortillas and peanut butter. I somewhat know how to do laundry but doesn’t mean I am going to do it at home just yet. And last but not least please have cheeseballs for me when I get to Omaha. Can’t wait to see you, Cathy, and Lyns. Love you very much and I miss you tons! Kisses!

Dave & Janet Klein:  Hi everyone, we are having a great mission.  Dave has been helping build the home, and I am doing many things – pictures and helping with other projects as needed.  We are seeing another part of Honduras – the school children have been a lot of fun giving a lot of hugs and very high energy.  During the day the children are all over in the grounds. Recess is total chaos.  Hope everything is going well at home.  Hello to all the students at Emmetsburg Catholic.  

Brady Heying: Hi mom and dad. The trip is going great. First off, I wish I could say that it doesn’t surprise me that Iowa lost. We have been doing a lot of work in the past couple days. Linda has been taking advantage of being my aunt and used it as a power to use against me. I told her I was going tell grandma on her if she didn’t start to be nice to me! Anyways, I have to shower and get ready for bed now. Goodbye, I will see you soon.

Caroline Ascherl: It’s been so great to hear from everyone! Mom and Connor, I hope you are making it okay without me there.  Thank you so much for all the prayers. Connor don’t lie, I know you miss me.J Caitlin you were completely right about everything on this trip. I have so much to do when I get back, and I don’t even care! Dad, I wish I could tell you that I’m a pro at the building sites, but I’m pretty lost on everything. Patrick has good instructions though, and he’s been keeping an eye on me just for you, Mom! Spanish Class, I would just like to let you all know that what we are learning IS RELEVANT! Mrs. Wrather, you would be proud of my speaking. I think I deserve a 5 for speaking points because I am doing GRRRRREAT! Also Happy Belated Birthday, Stefan, I hope it was great, and I can’t wait to see you! I have so much to tell all of you and I can’t wait to see you.J I think about you all. Good night!

Kelly Full: I am not sure how to greet my parents because everyone has used up all the clever ones. Hi Tony and Kristine. I miss you guys a whole heck of a lot, and I can’t wait to see you both even if I have to wait a little bit longer to see you mommy. I’ve been thinking about you guys a lot while working these past few days and all of the important lessons you have taught me to prepare myself for the future, and I’m sad to say it took me so long to realize this was a gift instead of an annoyance. Thank you for instilling in me a good work ethic and a sense of responsibility. Say hi to everyone at home for me, Rosalie Kris Emily Emilio Riley Grandma Gabriel and Lucia. I’m having a blast here, but I’m also counting down the days until I get to see you again. Dad, I might bring a mutt home.






27 comments:

  1. Hi everyone! Wow, sounds like you are all working hard and accomplishing a lot! We are all very proud of you back home hearing about the progress and your daily activities. Gpa/dad Kellen asks daily about how things are going. He is doing good and when I got there last night was eating with the family by the table, so that is good to see! I was a little concerned reading the blog the other day when no one noticed you were gone Alex, not even your father...haha...I know you can take care of yourself, but just know I would've missed you :) Everyone back here says a big hello and continues to pray for the whole team as you are there making a difference! Love and miss you both :)

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  2. Hola everyone! Amazing how much you are accomplishing....what a bunch of hard workers! Kyle - I hope the girls made it very difficult on you, that's what you get for not doing your OWN laundry :) Karson misses you alot....has gone into your room several times looking for you. He got mad at me the other night while playing cars because I took "Uncle Cow's" race car. We are still working on him saying Kyle....but as of right now you are still Cow. Haley is excited to have a conversation with you when you get back. So if you have time...I would suggest you get a student to tutor you in spanish. She is expecting you to speak fluently when you get back. :) So proud of all of you....and know that as much as you are changing their lives....they are changing yours too :)

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  3. Hi Miranda and team! It sounds like you are making progress on everything. Great job. We had a full day of volleyball yesterday. Chloe's team did good. Olivia had to buy you something:) Dad says hi and says he is going to enjoy the TV basement this week but misses you. All the girls say hi, they love you and miss you. So glad you are getting this opportunity though. Hopefully your camera is working and you are getting pictures. Another cold day so enjoy the warmth. Tons of love and prayers your way!

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  4. Hey Emily! Hope you are having a lot of fun down there and learning a lot. It sounds like you are getting a lot done and working hard. Great Job! Can't wait for you to get back and tell me all about your trip and what you have learned. Katie and Billy both say hi and hope that you are having a great time! How was washing clothes by hand? If you want when you get back you can come wash my laundry for me :) Love the pictures of you on the blog. Mom and Dad say hi, but they are having difficulty positing but they are doing well and are keeping Sally well taken care of for you. Keep working hard, have fun, stay safe, and take lots of pictures for me. Love you lots- Catherine

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  5. Adam, We are enjoying seeing pictures of you every day, but it doesn't look like you are wearing your sunscreen. We entered your bracket into the NCAA pool, but it wasn't the one with Iowa vs. Iowa State in the final game. Since Patrick knew that Iowa lost on Wednesday night, we were assuming that you did too. It looks like the team is making great progress and that everyone is eating well. The watermelon posts are making my mouth water, and I can't wait to eat some this summer. We can't wait to see you on Friday!!! Continue having fun and working hard!!!

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  6. Thank you Adam and Corey for the birthday wishes!!!

    Love, Mom and Dad

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  7. Hello to everyone. Rebecca, the United States put a ban on Cheeseballs so there will be none when you come back... HA HA... Cathy and Lyns says hi and thanks for the shout out. Also, I am leaving all the laundry for you to do when you get back so you can show me how to do it. Your room hasn't been cleaned yet but I still have a week to work on it. Grandma and Grandpa say hi and hope you are having fun. It has been quiet around here without you. Bella will sometimes look up the stairs to see if you are coming down. Senior trip. Yes you are going if you want to. Please let me know. I have Daisy checking to see if you work those days. If you do, we can get someone to work for you. We are having supper up at Grandmas tonight so we will all say an extra prayer for you. Keep us in your prayers... I am glad this is a great experience for you and can't wait to hear about it. Keep working hard.... Love ya and Miss you.

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  8. Dad(Jim) and Michelle, I miss you both. Michelle: We did really good at state volleyball. We made it into the gold tournament! The first round we had to play Kingsley, but we beat them in 3 games. The next round we lost. :( I love the notes you made for me. Can't wait till you get home! Dad: Guess what? I get to sleep in your spot! Ha Ha! The notes you made for mom are cool. Love you both! -Emily P.S. Mom says hi!

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  9. Hi Colton & All - I'm sure Fr. Richter wouldn't mind if I shared a quote he used yesterday at Eric's services. I hope you and the whole team will experience this - Someone walks into your life, leaves a footprint on your heart and changes your life forever! Hope all is well!
    Love & Miss you, Mom Dad Conor Carson Caden

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  10. Hey Kennedy! Looks like you're getting some sun ;) Missed you at dance yesterday and had to practice our duet by myself which was pretty sad. Can't wait until you get back! I got some funny stories to tell ya!

    Hope everyone is doing good! Miss you guys!

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  11. mariah, good news! Flounder is still alive. I miss you. I love you. from: Cole

    " The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others". I hope all of you are taking the time to reflect on your experience daily and determine how it has made a difference in you and how it will continue to impact you once you get home. Who knows, maybe some of you will decide to go on another mission trip in the years to come. This blog site is great. We love hearing about your daily adventures, how hard you are working, and that you have some down time to spend with each other.

    Mariah, it is quiet around here without you. I have enjoyed looking through pictures of you growing up this weekend, trying to get ready for graduation. There are some real cute ones and some real funny ones! We all miss you and are counting the days until we get to see you. We love you! Dad, Mom, Megan, Lucas, and Cole (& Sophie).

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  12. Hope you are all having another good day! Corey, we miss you & love you! Madelyn was here some of the weekend. She was kind of fussy so I think she missed you too! ;) Love you!!! A message for Rebecca, grandpa & grandma Feller say hi! She is having trouble commenting so asked me to say hi for them! Sounds like you have a good group! Will keep praying that the rest of the trip goes well & everyone stays healthy! Can't wait until Friday!

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  13. Thanks for keeping an eye on Caroline, she does have a history of disappearing and she might blend in too well with her dark hair and excellent use of the Spanish language. You are all doing great work and its fun to watch the progress on the blog. You should come out here to DC and teach our govt leaders a lesson on servant leadership and how to work together. Keep doing God's work and God Bless you all. Joe

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  14. We love you and miss you! We pray for you everyday and wait patiently for a word to our Church History or Christian Living classes, but so far...nothing! Mrs. Henrich has dedicated her time in Eucharistic Adoration to your health and safety. It's hard to believe we won't see you for another week! Continue doing God's work and know we are very proud of you all! Blessings! Mrs. Henrich and her students

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  15. Hey there Patrick...We miss you and hope that you are doing well. Everyday we continue to pray for everyone's safety and good health. Sounds like you are all keeping very busy and doing great things. The ISU game was pretty exciting today, the final score was ISU 85 UNC 83. They will play UConn next and I am not sure when that game will be. You should be very proud of me watching these games when I really have no clue about basketball...:) Stay safe and healthy out there!

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  16. Hello miss Kennedy we imagine you were one of the burnt ones We love you keep working hard we saw you doing laundry and building the house we were pleasantly surprised lol love you tons mom and dad

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  17. To Dan and mission team: I enjoy reading the blog daily. It is fun to follow your adventures in Honduras. All is well here, that is if you like snow as we are to get some overnight. It is Spring correct? :) Dan, I have watched a lot of great basketball games this weekend. ISU won at the buzzer to put them in the Sweet Sixteen. Creighton is also playing this evening. I haven't seen Hurley since Friday as Elen text she has dog duty. I can tell he misses you. He has enjoyed his walks; although Friday's walk seemed more like a race and you can guess who won, ha! I enjoy your daily notes. Be safe and I pray for you all daily. Keep up the great work!
    ~Marilyn

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  18. Hey, Brady! It is great to be able to follow you and your group in Honduras. Grandma Harmelink was struggling with figuring out how to sign in for comments so she enlisted help :) We all want you to know we are thinking of you and want to wish you good luck in trying to get Linda in trouble....we doubt that will work out very well for you! Be safe, enjoy your time. Blessings to you and your group in the work you are doing to change lives!

    Much love,
    Aunt Cristi (and Grandpa and Grandma Harmelink!)
    Go ISU!

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  19. Hello Missioners....we continue to pray for all of you, your continued safety and the work that you are doing. Friday will be here soon. Cherish these moments/days as God works through you to help others; and as He works through others to help you. Hi Patrick and Megan! We love and miss you lots. Megan, Kinnick spent the weekend with Nancy and John but he went right to your bed as soon as we got home :) Patrck, sorry about the Hawks losing. The team that beat them is in the Sweet 16. We've been watching a lot of basketball. It's fun cheering for the underdogs. ISU had a great game. They'll be moving on. Iowa does have a wrestler who is a national champion though. Brady, Sydney and Ryan all say hi and they miss you. They're thinking that it will be hard to see you go off to college in the fall. We're all looking forward to hearing of your adventures. We have LOTS of quesitons for you. Hugs and kisses, D M B S R K

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  20. Hi Megan and Patrick, It sounds like you're having a really good time! It seems like you're working hard but still having fun, which is good. I hope you continue to enjoy yourselves. I am keeping you in my prayers! Love, Taleen

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  21. Brady, I figured it out! We want you to know you are in our prayers daily. We are watching LOTS of basketball. Take care, stay safe and well. Love G & G

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  22. Wow, there are a lot of comments on here today - your junta may last into the wee hours! It's good to have technology for things like this - when we're far away from each other, but you're also learning that it's good to have NO technology for times when you're together - so that you can really focus on each other! And that's your digital citizenship lesson for the day! :-)
    Kelly: You continue to amaze us! We love you! Dad says he hopes you're working hard and getting to see a lot of new things. He says he had a good fishing trip - and don't bring a mutt home.
    Brady: You know you could offer to do Linda's wash - no telling what might happen!

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  23. Adam, hey it's dad. According to the pictures it seems things are going well. Sounds like you guys have been eating like Royalty. Maybe you didn't need to get used to peanut butter. IA State won a thriller today. I was actually jumping up and down cheering for them. Unfortunately as I type this, Creighton is down by 27. Another bracket buster for me. We are praying for the entire team. Keep working hard. Can't wait to hear the stories you will bring home with you. God Bless you all. Love you.

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  24. Greetings Honduras Mission Team ~ We truly enjoy reading about each day's activities and the work you are all accomplishing. We are praying for the teams good health, safety and energy to continue your mission. The blog has been a delight to read each day, thank you all for sharing. While you are making a difference in the lives of the Honduras families you are with they are making a difference in your lives as well, which is a beautiful gift you are giving each other. Caroline we miss your smile and laughter here at home. We hope you have a great week! Love you much.

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  25. To my brother Kelly with the least amount of words and the biggest heart...I love you, I am proud of you, I am praying for you and your work. May this trip continue to be an experience of a lifetime, may you never be the same, and may you serve Him always! Love, your sister Rosalie

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  26. Hello Kelly. I have not been following the blogging activities until the last two days. I heard you did a shout out so I read your post. You are a good man doing good work. Keep your heart open to the presence of God in all you do and let him use you well. I look forward to hearing about your trip. -Kristopher

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  27. I just checked in as I forgot to check this until now but glad it has gone well! We all miss you and the boys have lots to fill you in on on the game you have missed. Hopefully you are home so you can catch the game tomorrow night! Travel safely back tomorrow! Pat's sister Sherri

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