2023 Team

2023 Team
The 2023 Team

Sunday, March 19, 2017

Our Day Off

All were excited to take a day off and go shopping at Valle de Angeles – except Bruce. We had pancakes for breakfast then took out passport holders so everyone could get shopping money.

Shortly after the buses arrived at 8 a.m., we were on the way to the Basilica de Suyapa for mass. First we visited the original church, where we took a group photo in front of the altar. Some of us missioners lit candles for our loved ones. By 9:15 we were in the pews at the present day, huge and beautiful Basilica de Suyapa. Although we did not understand the words (except for Juan and Cat), it is always easy to follow the mass.

Since we had already toured the churches, we headed for Valley of the Angels right after mass. We had 45 minutes of shopping time before we met at the restaurant for pizza. Then all groups of students with chaperones headed out to find the best souvenirs for their families. Most of them were interested in finding gifts for others, but I believe I saw a few items they had purchased for themselves. I have to admit that my favorite of Lucas’s. I’m not going to share what his purchase was, however, because I’d rather let him do it. I would also like to point out that Pat’s group was the last to return to the bus, as usual! It’s strange how that happens when he claims he does not like shopping.

The missioners had a chance to play a little soccer before we ate our supper of chicken spaghetti, cucumbers, tomatoes, and chips. Some of them relaxed a bit or watched the soccer game from the concrete bleachers.

Our highlight of the evening was the minion piñata for our birthday boy, Michael. Juan had everything set up, and we had purchased some candy at Valley of the Angels. As you can see from tonight’s photos, we all had a fun time.


Tomorrow it’s back to work. Even though we have accomplished a lot, there is still much to be done. Two houses have to be painted, the wiring must be done, and hardware must be put into place. We have at least 5 bunk beds and 2 picnic tables to be built. We begin teaching the rosary tomorrow morning and continue with delivering the gift bags. Everyone will sleep well tomorrow!





















Missioner Blogs:

Hey Family, hope everything is going good at home. Today we went shopping and got some good stuff for you guys. Can’t wait for that stinky ride home on Friday, love, Jeremy and Brian.

Hi Mom! I’m having a great time here being with all the children and building houses for these families. I’m seriously debating on bringing a kid home with me lol. It’s going to be really hard leaving them because they’ve already impacted me so much. I love the food here because it reminds me of La Juanitas! I haven’t gotten sick yet thankfully, but I’m losing my voice now. L I miss you and can’t wait to see the new kitties! Hope everything’s good at home. Love you, Reanna

Cady, I can’t wait to see all the things you’ve tagged me in when I get back, and I can’t wait to hear all about the concert. I miss you making me laugh 24/7 and miss being able to tell you everything that’s going on over here. I always catch myself looking for my phone to tell you something and then remember I can’t. I miss you buddy and hope everything’s going good. Love you, Reanna

Gabby, every time your blog gets read out loud at night I get so embarrassed and everyone laughs about what you have to say lol. I hate you, but I miss you a lot. Amanda and I can’t wait to play prop hunt with you and have our group call again when I get home. Love you, Ree

Hey Mom and Tod, I’m having so much fun playing soccer with the Hondurans even though I’m terrible at it. But, we actually won today, which was awesome. I love all the kids here, and I’m going to be so sad when we leave. I miss you guys and can’t wait to see you when I get home. Love, Amanda
P.S. How’s Greta doing? Btw I love the food here! But I still miss my McDonalds.

Hey Cady, It’s Manda, I miss hearing your stupid jokes that only I laugh at every day. It’s not the same without you, and I can’t wait to have our McDonalds runs when I get back because I’m having withdrawals. See you soon, Love, Amanda

Hi Mom, Dad, Christopher, and Matthew (if you’re following)
Today we went shopping and I got each one of you a gift. I also am getting Honduran coffee and vanilla for Grandma Holzman, and Grandpa and Grandma Hansen.  I also got gifts for the kids in a special family that you can probably guess. I am a little homesick, and I can’t wait to see you Friday. We are having so much fun playing soccer with the kids after work and work is going great. There are many kids that have touched my life in ways I never thought possible. See you all soon.
Love, Thomas

Hi Honey Bunch Pam,
I know that you’ve been checking the computer every night to see if I sent a message, so I asked Carolyn to give me a chance to send this. Everything is going great except that Carolyn is really a slave driver! I am getting totally exhausted! But I can handle it. After today’s shopping day with the students, I realized that I love shopping. I think we should go shopping as soon as I get back. Sure do miss you and am anxious to get back home. Love, Your Bruce (hugs and kisses)

Jay, Miranda, Drew, Ali and kids,
I think of you every day. We are accomplishing much while we are here, but it is difficult when I realize I won't be seeing you for quite some time yet. We had a nice warm shopping day. That was nice because it's been unusually cold here. I didn't buy anything, but I did get into several shops with the students I was helping to chaperone. We have lots to do yet, but I am confident that it will all be accomplished, Big hugs to my buddies Mya, Paige, Cayden, and Marshall. I love you!
Love, Mom/Grandma

21 comments:

  1. hey ree ree i still blow up your snapchat thinking you're gonna open it but cady does everytime & says "still me ):" . it upsets me because i've been saying a lot of funny stuff and it's all going to waste. love you boo , gabby . p.s i only leave you comments cause i feel bad that you gotta go so long without me

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  2. oh and also the last note you left for cady was nicer than mine. now i see who's playing favorites . -gabby

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  3. Hi Brian, Jeremy and all missioners...We look forward to the blog each day to see what you are all doing. Samantha said to let you know that Charlotte is missing you and Brian - we gave Buddy a hug for you each day. Grandpa and Grandma are checking the blog many times each day looking for pictures and updates. We will remember to bring a Febreze can along with us on Friday! Love Ya' Lots!
    From Sandy, Samantha & Kimberly

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  4. Hi Bruce & Team! I am so excited to hear that you now "love" shopping! I am sure then, you now also "love" painting, and I will see if Kelsi & Chad have a few more rooms just for you to paint this weekend! Bruce, you be nice to Carolyn. Carolyn, you know Bruce likes to act and talk tough, but is really a softy :) I absolutely love following Carolyn's blogs each day and looking at all the pictures of the missioners and the progress being made. I love seeing the interactions between the missioners and the Hondurans..."a picture speaks a thousand words" is so true and I look up to all of you for sharing of yourselves. We love and miss you and can't wait to hear all about this mission as each trip seems to bring about new emotions and experiences! Love ya! Pam

    ps...Alex is home safe and sound and is now back to the ole college grind. Drew is taking great care of your pigs and holding down the fort. We got a lot done at Kelsi & Chad's this weekend and can't wait for you to see their house.

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    2. Dear Pam,

      I think you should go on an extended shopping trip and the sky is NOT the limit. Since Bruce loves shopping soooooo much, buy, buy, buy! Take that Bruce!

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  5. Hi Brooke Hope you are doing great yet. It looks like the team is making progress on all of the projects. The pictures show the little kids hanging around you which I am sure you enjoy. If you don't want to do what Bruce tells you, Pam says he's a softy, so I am sure you can talk you way out of it. Keep eating and enjoy your time there because Friday will be here before you know it. Miss you Love Dad, Mom and siblings

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  6. Ralph - Track t-shirt orders are due Friday - do you want anything?

    Also - play pictures are Sunday. Are you 4 working on learning your lines? I think you will only get in a couple weeks practice before the play!!

    Looks like you had fun with the pinata? post us a message tonight and tell us about yesterday.

    love you!!

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  7. The Psychology and Government students threatened to beat me up if I didn't share this news with all of you so here it goes. Diane and I welcomed Mackenzie Marie Schindler into the world last Monday at 4:24 PM. She was 6 lbs. and 13 oz. 20 inches long. We got to come home Wednesday night. Everyone is doing well although the kids at school say that I look exhausted, but she is worth every second because she is adorable. Thank goodness she looks like her mother.

    -Mr. Schindler

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  8. Hi Everyone, it was nice to see that you enjoyed the day off. Juan, I can't wait to see what did buy for me. Lol!! Cat, did you like the pizza and ice cream!?Hey the piñata was a great idea, but I didn't see anyone in the floor picking up the candles:(!! Here all is good and exciting to see the pictures tonight with Valeria! On more thing, I'm glad Dustin is enjoying the rice! I will cook some for you here! Besos y abrazos Valeria y Gigi

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  9. Hey everyone! I would I hope that everyone is enjoying their time in Honduras. And also Happy Belated Birthday Ralph! I miss the four of you very much and can't wait for you guys to come home. The play is coming along, we cant use books on Thursday, so we are making progress! I am so anxious to hear about all of your experiences! I check the blog everyday, so I basically always know what is going on. :)
    XOXO Mal

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  10. Hi Everyone! Good afternoon. I hope everyone got rested up from ur fun day yesterday! I just love the photos!!!!! Amanda thanks for the message very excited to get it. Greta is good missing u dearly, she cries in the house by ur door we closed the upstairs so she wouldn't go up there!! I sure hope your watching them cook your food so I can make something u like for once hahahah....I can't wait to see you all so I can hear everything u have learned while you have been there. I miss you and love you girls!! We are soon to have baby calves in the yard hopefully not a bottle calf. We have been very busy getting ready for that! Well time to get back to work!! Have a good night

    Love, mom and Tod

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  11. Hello Lucas this is Dad. We sure miss you here, but we are so proud of the difference you are making. It looks like you can handle a hammer pretty well!! I bet you enjoyed the pizza! That is a bit more up your alley. I know that these experiences and friendships will last a lifetime. Keep up the great work and we cannot wait to see you Friday! We all love you very much!!! Can't wait to see what you bought yesterday!

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  12. Happy first day of Spring!! Well it is here anyway! But.maybe some snow tonight & tomorrow! I can imagine your week will be busy to accomplish the rest of your mission work. Continued prayers to all of you! Reanna you made my Monday!! I read your text this morning!! I think I ckd my phone 20 times yesterday!! I knew you would be impacted by your mission trip! Keep it in your heart..spread the love!! The kitties are good. Posey is good. Mittens is good.Im good!! Oh & all the rest of the cats are good! And you are loved & missed by all! How is your throat? Let me know! Until tomorrow....work hard...play hard...love hard....& hug hard!!! Love you!

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  13. Hi Brady. Hope all is well with you. Love you and miss you lots. Looking forward to seeing you on Friday.
    Love, Mom
    (love you too Steph :)

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  14. Hey Dustin! It has been awesome to watch all the progress you all have been making with the houses. Your making such a difference in so many lives and I love getting to follow your journey on the blog. Also can't believe you liked the rice, very impressed! Hope you enjoyed your pizza and ice cream yesterday! I can't wait to hear all the stories about your trip when you get home. Enjoy the last few days while it lasts!
    Brittany

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  15. Hi Thomas. We were happy to see your message this morning and the blog and pictures! Glad all is going well and you had a good time on your day off. We are anxious to see you on Friday and to hear all about your journey! It will be here soon! Grandma saw the blog on Saturday and all the pictures. They have been following it at BFS, too, and really liked the picture of you, Mango, and your friend with the caps! Jeff has it hanging up. Continue to work hard. We are very proud of you and miss you lots. We continue to pray for all of you! Love, Mom and Dad & Matthew and Christopher, too.

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  16. Hi Dustin, glad to hear you are enjoying the food and even tried the rice, better than some people we know right. Hope you enjoyed your day off with shopping and pizza. Talk to Diane and Bob yesterday they wanted me to say hi to you and let you know that they are very proud of what you are doing and very excited to hear all about your trip the next time they are home. Enjoy the rest of your time there. Love Mom and Dad

    ps. Dad said the 3 of you maybe can put new steel on his hog barns this summer if you can fit it into your schedule

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  17. It was so nice to hear from you Amanda and Reanna, I teared up when Mrs Kellen read it in class haha. I just miss you guys a lot. I hope you guys have had a great experience and I'm excited to hear about it. Here's a couple of things I'll catch you up on: you missed free cone day, which was very hectic and a little stressful so honestly you're pretty lucky to have missed it. Drake dropped a new album with 22 songs and a lot of features :) anyway I miss you enjoy your time there LOVE YOU
    -Cdawg

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  18. Hi Steph, sounds like you are staying very busy😀 Enjoyed the pictures from your shopping day yesterday. The church is beautiful! Miss you I know you are doing well. See you soon!

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