2023 Team

2023 Team
The 2023 Team

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Paint Crews Go To Work

The trouble with Monday is it just seems like we have more trouble getting back to work after our Sunday off. The students were in a little bit of a slump this morning, but we had a good discussion at tonight's junta. We believe that not only is this trip physically draining; it is also emotionally draining. Often, the students play hard after work and then probably don't sleep properly. Some start to get on edge a bit because it's not exactly normal to be sleeping with possibly 11 - 15 more people in the room. I've heard the snoring might be loud, but nothing tops the roosters crowing and the dogs barking. Then, just when you think you'll get a few hours of sleep, the bus horns start blasting. When those horns go off, it's good the mattresses are close to the floor because that noise could shock you out of the bed.

Today some of the missioners started painting. Tom worked on wiring the houses for electricity. At this point none of the people who will be receiving the homes can afford to pay for it, but our hope is that some day soon they will be able to afford it. The work crews began installing the roof tin, finishing two of the homes. Wednesday we will finish the last house.



Another crew worked on the teaching in the classrooms today. They made sure to do every classroom once, and then began making the rounds again. I'm not sure I'll ever be able to listen to "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands" without remembering this trip.



There was also a gift bag crew that began delivering the bags. We stopped at five homes. All the students who attend grade 2 in the morning received a gift bag for their families. Fortunately, Julio drove us around in the truck so we would not have to walk. Each home we visited was shocking to see. One of the homes with two little bedrooms, housed  9 people. Another of the homes had two very small rooms and a dirt floor. We could not go into that house because there was only enough room for one person to enter. The house visits are something we expect all missioners to do because they get to see the actual living conditions of the children.


We still have lots to do, though the students think we are almost there. No matter what, we will complete the homes and turn over the keys to the families on Thursday afternoon.

Read on for a few notes from missioners -



Krayton Schnepf- Hola from Honduras! To all my friends and family, I miss you.  We are little over halfway through our trip, and I have already seen so much. The people here have given me more hugs in 6 days then I have probably gotten in the past 18 years. The culture and way of life here amazes me. I wish I would have prepared my Spanish a little more before I came and also practiced my soccer skills. My 6 years of playing in REC don’t compare to some of these Honduran kids. As much fun as I am having here, I miss you all lots. Congrats to Damon and the rest of the South O’Brien team! Can’t wait to see you all soon and tell you all about this crazy adventure.  Love you Mom and Dad!

Andrew Kordick- Hi from Honduras! To everybody back home, I miss you.  So far I have really enjoyed everything that has gone on for this trip! (Except the showers) This experience has been unbelievable, and I have had the opportunity to meet some amazing people who I have grown close to during the course of this trip. Despite having a language barrier there is nothing more fun than trying to have conversations with the people here, even though I am probably using terrible Spanish. They are extremely patient and always enjoy having a conversation with you.  I’ve definitely made some good friends among the Honduran people, and the best part is that a lot of them share my enthusiasm for soccer.  Love and miss you all!!! P.S Believe all the stories about driving here because it’s absolutely insane.

Pat and Jason Zenk   Hi to everyone! We’re getting comfortable in our home – at least for  a week or so.   The people  of Honduras are just like everyone - they want to be respected and  loved.  It was fun when we got back to the school yesterday. The kids were jumping up and down to see us- great feeling.  Hope to see you all soon. Lots of Love to Jean, Tyler and Adrienne and see you Friday night.

Scott Wilson- Hola! Rachel, Emily and Brogan. We are almost finished with all three homes. I can’t believe how horrible the conditions are here. It brings tears to my eyes to see how badly these kids live. I hope we are bringing some hope to the people and children of Honduras. Can’t wait to see you all when I return. Rachel, I wish I was going to Spain with you, but then again I get to spend the entire weekend with E. Brogan. Brayton says there is no way in … you are getting his room. Love you all. Dad



25 comments:

  1. Good to hear from you. I watched part of a soccer game for you on Sunday:) Hope you're getting some rest.
    The houses are looking good. Keep up the good work.

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  2. Great to hear from you! :) Looks like things are going well. It was fun watching Tyler run yesterday! He had a good day for his first meet. We continue to keep you in our prayers. Enjoy the people you are meeting. So proud of you for giving of yourselves so you could make a difference in their lives. I'm sure you are enjoying the soccer time Jason! :) What an adventure! Love you lots!

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  3. Phil and Dylan, I picked up your brackets and I will work diligently to choose winning teams for you both. Dylan I know how you study the teams so how about I choose yours on the coolest uniforms? And Phil, I'm thinking I will pick yours alphabetically. :) If either of you wins the gift card to BW's though, you have to let me go, too. It thundered and rained here last night. I love and miss you both. We'll see you soon.

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  4. Thanks for the update, great to see the pictures. I am challenging my classes to caption the picture of Andrew and Joe! Keep working hard, many prayers are with you on your journey. Mrs. Kellen

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  5. Hi Cindy, Brady,and Keaton- These are Harps favorite students Jena, Camryn, Maddie, Bradi and AJ. Hope you all are having a great time. We're looking at all of your pictures and we are all so jelly. Cindy, I think Harp is really missing you. :) Can't wait for you to come back and hear about your time. Well, I better get back to class. See you soon.

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  6. We prayed for all of you at our mass at Spalding today. Thought I would share with you the words of our closing song as they seem so fitting with your mission:
    We are called to serve, we are called by grace
    to cherish Christ in every face.
    We are called to serve, we are called by name,
    and in all we are, God's love proclaim.

    Called to be a light amid the darkness,
    called to help a doubting world believe.
    Empowered by my Spirit, anointed with my love,
    you are called to give and share what you believe.

    May God continue to bless you!

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  7. Hello Missioners! This is Mrs. Christoffel's 7th grade homeroom. We have been enjoying following the blog each day. The last few days have been really nice...60 degrees! Mrs. Bickford, the kids want you to know they got 186 points on their last worksheet. The kids also want you to know that they started track, and they are sore. So, they want you to lay off the homework so they can rest. Surprise. By the way, Mrs. Christoffel hasn't had the baby yet. One of the balloons from the baby shower is still up! We are praying for you everyday. We miss you and will see you next week!

    7C

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  8. Hey Evan!! This is your uncle Goobie. Looks like your team is doing some nice work down there. Bet its a great experience. See ya this weekend.

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  9. To Joe and Andrew,
    My Kansas Karaoke has been lonely without you 2. Can't wait to have you guys back in chamber choir. Carry on Wayward Son is really bare. umm..that's all I think. LOL (lots of love)
    From, Colin

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  10. Love reading the Blog.
    Prayers continue for all of you and the Beautiful work you are doing.
    Continue to be Gods Hands!!
    Blessings,
    Diane Badding

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  11. Hello Missioners! This is Mrs. Christoffel's 7th grade homeroom. We have been enjoying following the blog each day. The last few days have been really nice...60 degrees! Mrs. Bickford, the kids want you to know they got 186 points on their last worksheet. The kids also want you to know that they started track, and they are sore. So, they want you to lay off the homework so they can rest. Surprise. By the way, Mrs. Christoffel hasn't had the baby yet. One of the balloons from the baby shower is still up! We are praying for you everyday. We miss you and will see you next week!

    7C

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  12. Hello Everyone! Sure loved seeing that photo of Andrew and Joe today. It really captures the both of you in your true personalities!! I was super tired this morning and thought about all of you and how you must feel each day as you get up so early...and all of that physical work you are doing.
    Went to Dordt to see the tracksters yesterday. I thought everyone looked pretty good for the first meet of the year. Made Tator Tot Casserole....so we thought of you Joe and knowing how much you like that one. Sending our love to you!! Mama Schuch

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  13. I've been sharing the pictures with all the classes from opt. k to 5th grade at Kuemper. Many say they want to go when they are old enough. You are inspiring many and helping many more! The students at Kuemper are so proud of you and we pray for your work every day! Love to Mike and Megan - I miss you Mike!

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  14. Dylan and Phil, This is Kaylee and Jordan. I want you to come back Dylan so I can steal your Jolly Ranchers out of your locker. (your mom just informed me that they are at home on the counter, she's bringing them to me tomorrow.) Oh and how are those 60 second showers? We all know I would die! Lol. Miss you!! & Phil, Jordan said he appreciates you being gone so he doesn't have to do anything in your class. (Which I'm still not for sure if that would be any different even if you were here!) Be safe & see you guys soon! P.s. Who is gonna come back with a better beard?

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  15. Hi, Meghan Jean, it sounds like you're getting lots done again even after a slower Monday morning start. It is cooler today but no fog which is good. Grandpa, Brady and I are headed to Sioux City now. Take care. We love you!

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  16. Joe I forgot to ask...want me to fill out your bracket for March Madness??? I need to do at least your first round picks. Mom

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  17. Hey guys-those houses are looking great! I know painting in that heat cannot be fun. I hope you could get the paint on before it got too lumpy! Nashville was warm today-up in the mid 80s! But you don't need anyone to tell you about warm! Stay hydrated and keep on loving on those sweet folks. Don't go "too easy" on those elementary kids in soccer. Lots of love!

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  18. `Hi Grandpa this is Addison. I love you! You are the best grandpa, I miss you! I like it when you bring me out to the farm. Is there any farms there? We all miss you and Jill. I can't wait until you both get home.

    Today was free ice-cream cone day at Dairy Queen. Grandma took Blaise and me.

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  19. I'm sure as you trip is nearing the end, you are all feeling many emotions. As you lay in bed the next few nights think about how this trip has affected you individually and what you are going to take from it to apply to your lives back home. I'm sure this is a question you may get asked when you get home. Megan we continue to miss you so much and look forward to seeing you and Mike on Friday! I will be praying for safe travels for you all on Friday. Love ya, Mom

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  20. Hi Dave, Janet, Doug, and missioners! We are really proud of all the work and effort that you have put into all of the projects this week. It's been fun following the blog and seeing all of the pictures. It brings back a lot of memories for us, too. We're thankful that things have been going well for you and we're looking forward to seeing you when you get home. We were glad that Dave got to go shopping for his birthday! It sounds like he had a good day. Love, Marilyn, Jim, Mary, Matt, Becca, Nathan, Emily and Keith - (We all ate supper together this evening in Le Mars.)

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  21. Hi Brayton, Amiah wanted to tell you that she's glad your giving her a souvenir. She said she doesn't care what her souvenir is, she just loves you! I asked Tj if he wanted to tell you anything but he said he didn't want to say anything tonight but he still likes you! Mike and the lil kids went to Brogan's first track meet last night and of course the lil kids had to sit with their most favorite person in the whole wide world (Lori Schuch). Brogan did the high jump and hurdles and Mike said he did well! You will also be happy to know that we are taking off that awful wallpaper in the living room so we can paint the walls. It's going to look so much better! I know it's going to be tough to leave when Friday morning comes, but I know your hearts will be full! So amazed with all that you have accomplished! We miss you and love you so much Brayton! See you soon! Mom, Mike, Brog, Amiah, and Tj.

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  22. Love you and miss you to Krayton! So proud of what you are doing for the people in Honduras!

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  23. Mom (Mrs B), the dogs are fine. The kids are fine. The Hawkeyes choked at the Big 10 Tournament. Hopefully they win Friday so you can watch them Sunday. Proud of you
    #1 Son Jay

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  24. Hi Carolyn! Mya is missing you. She made a calendar to cross off for each day you have been gone. It had to be hung on the fridge so Cayden can see it too. I used your printer at school today and your kiddos seemed to be working hard. Glad you are enjoying your time and cant wait till you get back!

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