2023 Team

2023 Team
The 2023 Team

Sunday, March 13, 2016

A Day Off

The team poses in Santa Lucia in front of the altar.

Fr. Doug concelebrates Mass.
This morning we rose earlier than usual because departure time to Santa Lucia was 7 p.m. Everyone had to get their passport holders from me so they could get their shopping money. Hopefully, the students did not spend all their money so they will have a little money on their return trip.

We had time to tour Santa Lucia before 9 a.m. (actually began at 9:12) Mass. The church was built from 1519-1520. The altar was sent from Spain and was placed in the church in 1572. They also have artifacts in the sacristy, like original Mass missalettes and lectionaries with dates from the 1700s. The priest was very welcoming and praised the group before and during the Mass.

After Mass we walked a few blocks (1/2 mile) downhill from the church to the oasis. Those who wished walked the trails through all the trees and shrubbery. Some of us visited. Bruce took a nap in the hammock. Marta had brought lunch, which she served along with her children. We had delicious bakery bread, ham, cheese, and chicken sandwiches; watermelon, and plantain chips.

We surprised Dave with a birthday cake. Everyone sang "Happy Birthday" to him in both English and Spanish. He was a good sport, even donning a sombrero while we sang to him. The cake was delicious - a combination of chocolate and vanilla.

Unfortunately, we had to walk uphill to get back to the buses, and they weren't parked as close as the church. I believer that trek was more like a mile. Of course, Francis will disagree, but he stayed with the buses so he did not get to experience the difficult breathing that some of us experienced. Some of us are hoping that all this exercise will fire us up to continue doing it at home.

We shopped in groups, but kept seeing each other anyway. The shops are basically two blocks and a city square. From what I heard at tonight's junta, everyone is pleased with their purchases.

The rest of the evening was spent playing soccer with the Hondurans, visiting, playing with the children that showed up in the compound, especially Victor, Daisy, Wendy, Paola, and Javier. Some of the missioners painted the Honduras girls' fingernails, and they showed them off. Now I know why I saw Daisy and Wendy jumping up and down and smiling when the bus pulled into the compound. Who knows how long they had been waiting for the missioners to return so they could spend time with them.

Tomorrow we are back at work. The houses and bunks must be finished so the roof can go on, the painting can be done, and the wiring must be installed. The students will finish teaching the classes they have not yet seen. And we begin distributing gift bags tomorrow morning. That should be an eye opener for all.

There was no time for the missioner's to blog tonight. We had a little internet trouble early. I will let them try again tomorrow.

22 comments:

  1. The church looks beautiful!. Grandma and Grandpa Hubert are following your blog and pictures. I showed Grandma and Grandpa Brenner it yesterday too. All of them are impressed on what you've all been able to do already. I love and miss you guys.

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  2. Finally a day off? Right? You all are doing a fantastic thing helping these people. Paris hope u didn't spend all your money in one place. Hope u had a good time. I accomplished another room cleaned for easter. The mud room. What a job. Back to work today for all of you. Paris You should be getting some good experience in Honduras that next week when u get home you'll think helping me clean the house will be a piece of cake.
    Oh your car window is fixed and a new muffler put on. So its ready for u. Only 4 days left. So make the most of it. I'm trying to clean at least one room a day this week offering it up for u guys.praying for all of u and a safe return home Friday. Stay safe love u and miss you. Ps. Oh I'll keep one room for u, paris, to clean, don't want u to be mad at me. Love ya mom

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  3. Finally a day off? Right? You all are doing a fantastic thing helping these people. Paris hope u didn't spend all your money in one place. Hope u had a good time. I accomplished another room cleaned for easter. The mud room. What a job. Back to work today for all of you. Paris You should be getting some good experience in Honduras that next week when u get home you'll think helping me clean the house will be a piece of cake.
    Oh your car window is fixed and a new muffler put on. So its ready for u. Only 4 days left. So make the most of it. I'm trying to clean at least one room a day this week offering it up for u guys.praying for all of u and a safe return home Friday. Stay safe love u and miss you. Ps. Oh I'll keep one room for u, paris, to clean, don't want u to be mad at me. Love ya mom

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  4. Sounds like you all had a wonderful day! No better way to start it than with Mass. Love hearing all about what you are doing, but a picture of all of you like today--priceless!

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  5. What a wonderful picture of everyone! So glad it was a great day! Work hard for them these last few days so they can enjoy their new house/bunk beds! Praying for everyone! Love and miss you Brayton!

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  6. Hello Cindy (and Brady) - I was able to catch up on the blog on our drive home from Sioux Falls yesterday. I read some parts aloud, so Blaine was able to hear what you were up too. The boys lost the Championship game to Bellevue but played hard, all the teams were really good so we were proud of them. Paige came to watch the game, so of course after the game Blaine teased her that they lost bc she was there! Paige showed your selfie pic to Blaine too. We got home around 6:30. I teased Blaine that maybe Tyten should come spend the week with him and Dean to keep some excitement in the house, he didn't think that was a good idea, I think he likes being the youngest! I can't wait to hear all your and Brady's experiences this weekend (over pie and coffee of course - lol). Your in our thoughts everyday and we continue to pray for everyone. Take care and see you soon, Angie
    p.s. - Rick is still waiting to see a pic of you in a tool belt and hammer in hand ;)

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  7. So proud of all of you! Continue to be the hands and feet of Christ to those you are serving, you are having an impact on their lives. Miss you!
    Mrs. H

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  8. Patrick - Talked with your mom and dad last night they want me to send their love. I think we are all anxious to have you home. Addi is doing her usual pouting and Drake is back at college, so things are really quiet now. Glad you guys had a day off yesterday, sounds like things are really coming along. Keep up the great work! Oh, I forgot to mention that Ruth says to make certain you visit her on Sunday! (you may be in hot water with her, I did my best to smooth it over for you :) ). Hope you are staying healthy...Continued prayers for everyone! Miss you tons!

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  9. Joe - Harry did not show up last night....so he is probably waiting until you can be with us!! Can't you just hear his voice :)
    1st track meet today at Dordt. Will be fun to see what shape everyone is in. Looking forward to seeing you Friday night!! Love ya!

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  10. Mr. Mac- Really enjoy seeing the pictures and hearing about your experiences. The Kuemper community is praying for you and your team. Have a safe trip back and have a good rest of the trip!

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  11. I have been lifting you all up in prayer.
    Julie Battern

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  12. By the way, I was able to get our printer to work with the computers again! Yeah me!-- well no not exactly. Yeah to the awesome guy at Brother Printers who patiently walked me through the process. I'm so excited!

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  13. Paris forgot to ask how your ankle is doing? Hope it is feeling better. Taking Jackson to speech right now. Can't wait to see u Friday night. Love u and miss u mom

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  14. Paris forgot to ask how your ankle is doing? Hope it is feeling better. Taking Jackson to speech right now. Can't wait to see u Friday night. Love u and miss u mom

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  15. I hope you got some time to relax yesterday! It sounds like you should have! Ali did let Barry and Lissa know you said congrats. Enjoy your last few days! It has gone by fast!
    Love and miss you!
    Love, mom

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  16. Cindy, Brady & Keaton
    We sure are enjoying your pictures and reading the Blog.. We can't wait to hear all about it. Today in CLT Class we had prayer partners. Micah and several others prayed for you guys. Just curious Cindy if you will be staying in the nursing field or changing over to be a carpenter now-- LOL.. Rod would hire you...
    Keaton & Brady actually have to say class without you boys is different. I think everyone is missing the jokes and etc...
    Have a good rest of the week.
    Prayers & Hugs
    Kris Schiltz

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  17. Well did not think I would be able to send you a message. Had written more then once but it would not send it! Your mother helped me today as you know me and computers Brayton 😳 I have followed along with every picture and blog. I am so glad you were able to experience this, as it is something you will always remember! Have been home bound the last two weeks, but am finally starting to feel better. Was so glad the sick germ did not attach to you before you left, and you'd be sick down there. Hearing the temperature, it probably wouldn't have lasted once you arrived!! Looking at the route you take to get you to and for does not look fun to me! My other thought is when you are mowing my yard, it will feel like no labor in comparison!! 😉 I am keeping everyone there in my prayers. A safe return home, and you already know that I love you bud. See you soon!! Grandma

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  18. Hi Carly, I've been thinking & praying for you!! So very proud you!! Hope you are doing well and can't wait to hear all your stories from the mission. I'm sure you've been a great help with building since you're your father's daughter. Love you!!

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  19. Scott: Em says she hopes you had a good day and she can't wait to see you Friday. She says she can't wait to beat Brayton at 21. It is tough to see the pictures coming in and posted from previous years of the hardships that the Honduran people endure. I am so glad that you are there each year to provide them with hope. Rejoice in the hope you give them (Romans 12:12) because hope is a rare thing in times of suffering.

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  20. Hi, Meghan Jean, what a beautiful OLD church. I am sure you enjoyed being able to attend Mass there. And shopping! What more could you want?! The day started out very foggy again but turned out to be beautiful. I took a long walk. Grandpa met your dad and Brady at the farm to get the tractor ready for field work. He said it was nice to see Charlie and she liked seeing them also. We hope your day was productive. We pray for all of you - that you are being blessed while being a blessing. Love and hugs and kisses!

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  21. Cindy and Brady, I have been reading the blogs and praying for you and your whole team. Tried posting a couple times hopefully ty will figure it out for me!! You all are doing amazing things, God Bless you and return you home safely!! Love and prayers your way!!!!!

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