2023 Team

2023 Team
The 2023 Team

Saturday, March 4, 2017

Yesterday afternoon the groups continued to work on their homes. Much was accomplished. Of course, the competition was noticeable among the teams during supper and junta. Everyone thinks their team will finish first. But need I remind everyone, the first home done isn’t necessarily the winner. On Monday each team must do something special in their homes to give their home “character.” The points for characterization could tip the scale and even out the team with the most points for finishing first.

After supper we had a mass for Beau. It was for our team only and was a great way for us to come together as one team, and not various teams in competition. We also had our little junta to discuss which person on their team most portrayed Paul in his/her work ethic.

This morning started with a breakfast of French toast, fruit, and fried bananas for those who wished to try them. The military truck arrived at the same time we finished breakfast, so while they ate, the team loaded the roof tin, which arrived yesterday afternoon.

All houses will have their wood completed today and their roofs on. Jeremy’s house stopped their timer first. That meant all construction that involved wood was completed. At that time Bruce moved Jeremy to Mike and Doug’s house to help there. In the meantime other crew members painted the house inside and out, also completing that by lunch. That means the doors and windows are in, also. All that remains is to install the wiring.

This afternoon Bruce has a crew of 3 working on the wiring for Jeremy’s house, while all missioners not working on construction for houses 1 and 2 are painting. Houses 3 and 4 expect to be built this afternoon and have some painting done also. They also hope to build a few bunk beds this afternoon, depending upon how everything goes. If the painting crew at house 3 gets done, then they will all converge on house 1 or 2 and begin painting there. Believe me, things are moving rapidly.

I stayed back this afternoon to blog. If you have been following our journey, we are hoping on a few messages from home. From last night’s comments I could tell that everyone has already been greatly impacted by their mission trip. Jeff told us that the man in the house where he is working started to cry when he saw all the walls go into place. Then he stated that unless it rained, he planned to sleep in his new home that night. We all hope he did not because the temperature dipped down to 57 degrees (who knew in Honduras) and we had rain off and on all afternoon and into the evening.


If time permits, I will update you on the afternoon progress later tonight. Stay tuned for further developments!




















Much celebration late this afternoon! Two homes are totally complete - construction, painting, wiring, doors, windows, hardware, etc. If we have time after Valley of the Angels tomorrow, we may possibly paint at one of the two homes that are built but not painted or wired.

Before we ate supper, a group of missioners tackled the bunk beds. Jeremy made a template bunk, and the guys made 4 bunk beds in less than 1 1/2 hours. It was very impressive. Now each family will receive a bunk bed, a surprise for their new home. We will also place a stove and gifts from the donated items inside their homes. When they enter their homes after the house blessing ceremony, the family will be surprised with the gifts that are inside.

Tomorrow we'll travel to El Guante to celebrate mass at San Rafael Church. It's the church that Paul, some of his siblings, and others from Le Mars laid tile in during their first mission trip. From their we'll travel to Valle de Angeles, where we will turn into tourists for a few hours. If time permits after our return home, we may do a project or two.






23 comments:

  1. The houses look wonderful! I knew they would go up quickly. Say a quick hello to my Mom (Karen) for me and let her know all is well here! It was a beautiful day in the mid 50's in Le Mars.
    Take care,
    Ashley

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  2. Daddy, Grandpa, Grandma, Eric, Mick & Bruce:
    The houses look great!!! We can't wait to read about what you are doing and see it in the pictures each post!!! Glad to hear you are all having 'fun' while helping others. Levi asks daily if daddy has 'won'. A VB win this morning and church tonight praying for all the missioners pretty much sums up our day. Love you and can't wait to see you early Thursday morning. Sending lots of hugs and kisses your way!!! Larissa, Tristan, Levi & Jackie :)

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    1. Jeremy & Mick: I forgot to mention-as of now, no new calves either. LOL

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    2. Hola! Things are going well - we keep quite busy each day and need to remind ourselves we have only really had 2 work days... but have almost finished all four homes...(I am on your daddy's team :) so yes thinking we have it in the bag haha). Can't wait to tell you all about the children we see everyday and our daily walk to our house. All is quite unbelievable - reminding each of us how lucky we are and how blessed we really are. Miss you all!! Hugs from Grandma and Grandpa

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    3. BTW.... Jackie, Jeremy thanks you for all of the great treats!!!!! and getting him all you did! :)

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  3. Hey Pa and grandma - we miss you! I am wondering how pa is doing understanding all the Spanish around him!? I hope your team wins pa (sorry grandma!)
    Love Kenadee and Lenore

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  4. Eric -
    The kids and I have been trying to keep busy while you've been gone, and so far we've been pretty successful. Laura and Frankie came home last night and we went to Merrill for Grandpa Marty's birthday. They left this morning after coffee at Grandpa's. We went to do chores after that and for the first time since you've been gone chores were done with no problems... We can give you the details when you get home;) Tomorrow we have 8:30 mass because Carter has to serve. Our plans after that include chores and possibly a trip to Sioux City. You know... shopping is good therapy! Lol! Anyway, we all miss you terribly and are counting down the days until you get home. We know you are doing amazing things down there, so we will wait patiently!
    I love you!
    Christina
    Here are a few messages from the kids:
    I love you and miss you very much! - Grace
    I love you and miss and I hope you get back soon. I hope you are loving Honduras! - Britton
    I love you! I hope you get back safely and I can't wait until you get back! - Carter
    I love you, Dad! I hope you get back safely! - Logan

    PS - Sending additional love and "Hellos" to Papa Chuck, Grandma Kay, Uncle Jeremy, Uncle Bruce, and Drew!

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    1. Hola all!!! Glad you are keeping busy, as we are doing the same. We are up and ready for breakfast around 6 and leaving for the site around 7. Your dad, Grandpa and I are on different teams, (I am on Uncle Jeremy's) each building a home for a different family. Grandpa, Jeremy and my house are pretty close together and are able to walk. (Very rocky gravel roads). Your dad's house is much farther away and takes quite a while to get to it....usually being transported in an army truck. We have the houses just about completed, just a few details left and some painting on a couple of the homes. All should be completed on Monday. Thanks for the shout out :) Hugs to you all! Grandma and Grandpa

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  5. Everything sounds like it is going well down there! Mya and Cayden miss grandma but got to hang out with Marshall on his birthday today. Hope everyone continues to work hard and safe. Your favorite son....

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  6. Hi Sweetie Pie Pam,
    I'm really missing you and wishing you were here. It's so boring at night because we just sit around and play cards. Can hardly wait to give you a hug when we get home.
    Love, Your Brucie

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  7. Levi,
    I just wanted you to know that I won.
    Love, Dad

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  8. Hey Bruce, Drew & Team! I am laughing because I am pretty sure Bruce did not write that post, and if he did I am wondering if he is feeling okay...but I do miss my boys! I love seeing the pictures and reading Carolyn's blogs...you guys are doing amazing work in honor of an amazing man! I am sure many wonderful memories are being made and I can't wait to hear all about it.
    I am loving having Alex home this weekenod and he has things under control. Your piggies are doing fine.
    Take care all and I am praying for each of you as you continue this mission and making a difference! Love and hugs!

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  9. Hi Grandma and Pa! We've really liked being able to read all about what you're doing and see the pictures. We prayed in church today for all of the missioners overseas, especially you! Brooks wants to know if you've played baseball with the kids? (I have no idea where that question came from, but it's his only one! Ha!) we miss and love you both and can't wait to hear your stories! Love, Brooks, Will, Robb, and Kelsey

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  10. Greetings to everyone in Honduras. We are so happy to hear about all the progress you have made with the houses and bunk beds. We are hold down the fort here, Mick. Not to worry. Some calves are coming in, nice healthy bull calves. 67, 68, M10, M12. Miss you guys, so proud of you. Such a tribute to Paul! Continued good luck, safe travels home, Jim and Barb.

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  11. We enjoy reading the blog and amazing how much you get done in a day. Sounds like good team spirit & looks like you've 'nailed it' in more ways than one. You are truly earning the title missioners! Hi to Kay, Chuck, Eric, Jeremy, Bruce, Drew & all that are with you. Paul is Proud!!! safe travels. Mary & Linda

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  12. Hi to each of you! Everything is looking awesome! I know Paul is so proud of each of you for all the hard work and finishing touching you are doing! Special shout out to Todd and Lisa - missed you in LeMars this weekend! I fed the cats for Grandma while I was home so she didn't have to go out there. The house is still standing :) Dad - the boys talked farming the entire way to and from Iowa as you can imagine! I was driving to Tanya's at one point with Will and we drove by a tractor. Will claimed it was you and I explained it wasn't. He said, "well then it's probably Kevin" - HaHa! Can't wait to read more about your progress! Love you - Erin Rae :) (and Brett and kiddos)

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    1. Also - Decker is doing well mother! He LOVES his FAVORITE aunt Erin :)

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  13. To the Kellen clan,
    So amazing to see the progress already! Cam isn't surprised Uncle Jeremy's house was done first...pick it up grandpa Chuck! Thinking of you all and sending prayers to you all!
    Love, Theresa, Caleigh, Cam, Scott, Livy and Chloe

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  15. Great work everyone! I hope the people of Honduras are making as big of impact on you as you are making on them. I love following along with your progress and can't wait to see more in the coming days!

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  16. Wow!! You should all be bery proud of your accomplishments!! We are praying for your safe return and hope you are enjoying your experience!
    Scott... Just wanted to send a little love since the Langel/Kellen shout-outs are coming in strong.. lol. We had a family dinner tonight and Austin told us all that his dad wasn't here because he was in Honduras building houses for little kids that didn't have any... very cool!! Oh and then he tried to hook Kerri's car up to the dog chain attached to the front post.. NOT cool!! LOL. Thank goodness Kerri noticed before she drove away.. Anyways.. Just wanted to let you know we all miss you and all is well at home.. Be Safe <3

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  17. hey jim and barb you know one of your other sons is here too? lol good to hear from you
    Jackie and kids all is good love working here to help all these little boys and girls running around here in name of paul. Daddys bout done with his work here and will be back to see you soon I love you all

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  18. Mom and Dad (Jeff and Char Langel),
    We have been thinking about you each Day and praying for everyone down there making such a huge impact on the people of Honduras needing your help and hard work. These are moments that will live in your hearts forever and make you cherish what you/we are so fortunate to have. God bless each of you and continue to keep changing lives in many ways! We love you and our gehlen family!

    Jodi, Dustin and Rowan Sievers

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