Hello, I am tonight’s “Guest Blogger”! I am uncertain if this is an honor or if I drew the short straw! My name is John Smith and in a previous lifetime (1984-1986), I served as K-8 Principal at Gehlen. I am also an Accidental Missioner, as while attending a presentation which Mrs. Bickford and Dick Sievert were doing for Fr. John McGuirk at my parish in Wall Lake, I told Mrs. Bickford that if she ever got desparate for a chaperone to give me a call. The rest is history as this is my 4th trip to Honduras trying to keep her in line!
Today in order to beat the heat we had an early rising day. We were up at 5:00, had breakfast at 5:30, loaded the truck by 6:00 and were headed to the job site! Despite the early hour, the kids hit the ground running as there was much painting to be done, both inside and outside the homes. We wandered back to the school earlier than usual and following lunch, took a small siesta. We headed back to the job site to finish up. An overcast sky and light winds cancelled out today’s heat, so we may have worked later today than normal.
Tomorrow looks like the day will be spent roofing and wiring the homes. In addition to this, the kids have been divided into teams to decorate the homes. I’m anxious to see how creative these kids can be.
Besides the painting today, small teams of missioners made home visits to 27 families delivering goodie bags of items collected to families. These bags were the 80+ black bags that we took to Honduras from collections made by the students from the Gehlen Catholic Mission Honduras area.
It has been a treat to be with this Mission Group. Parents and families of these young missioners should be proud of the impact they are making in Honduras and in their own lives!!
Tonight we celebrated a Honduran Father's Day on this feast of St Joseph. Happy Father's Day all!
So great to hear from you! Definitely a theme of everyone having fun! So thrilled for all of you! Can't believe how fast the time has gone. Only two more days til I get to see you! Yes, counting the minutes! Continue to have fun while working hard. Glad you are getting some practice painting...plenty to do when you get back! Love and Miss you tons!
ReplyDeleteGreat work to the entire team. It is hard to believe that your work is almost done. It was great seeing all the comments from the missioners. Dawson - Dad has enjoyed driving your car so I think he needs to wash it before you get home. Enjoy your last day and safe travels home. Love you and can't wait to see you on Friday.
ReplyDeleteHi Missioners.
ReplyDelete2 more sleeps and you'll be on your way home. Tomorrow is your last day of this 10 day journey. Soak in all the memories on your last day. Hard to say goodbye to your new friend's you've made. They'll forever be in your hearts. Proud of all your hard work in Hondras! Amazing job by all.
Can't wait until Friday Haley!! Love you
Love to see the amazing progress. The children there look like they are so enjoying your time and attention - I am sure that they will miss you and that you will miss them as you get ready to leave! Addie - Kennedy is actually getting tired of answering snapchats, however Dad says he is enjoying that there is less laundry. The chickens are all surviving and Will looks forward to you helping him with the chores. We look forward to you guys returning home and send prayers for the group for safe travels!
ReplyDeleteHello Haley and other missioners! I hope you are all having a great time and doing great things. Haley, I never thought I'd say it, but I miss your random Facetime calls and texts about school to just talking about the most random things for hours. I'm excited to hear about your trip and to annoy you when I come home for Easter. Have fun and safe travels home!
ReplyDeleteHello Aubree and Nolan and other missioners. We look forward to seeing you Friday evening and hearing your stories. Aubree, the oil has been changed in your car. Nolan, the rattler is filled with gas, and Landon said you missed leg day. Grandparents are doing well. We will continue to pray for safe travels. We love you!
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