La Comida

Everyone was a bit more rested this morning, since we got to sleep until 6:30. After pancakes, syrup, plantains, and mixed fruit we boarded the bus for Talanga. The views along the way were very similar to what we’ve been witnessing all along. We’ll see extreme poverty, and then we’ll see very nice houses. There is so much beauty here, and yet we see trash lying on the ground almost everywhere. It seems to be a country of extremes.

Angel Paz, the Honduran engineer for our water projects, met us on the edge of Talanga and led us to the Feeding Center. There we met Miriam, the young lady who was in charge of the meal. She guided the youngsters through prayer; then had each one wash his/her hands properly before sitting at the table. The missioners then served each child his meal of beans and chicken mixed with rice. Most of them ate it quickly. 

Molly serves girls at the Feeding Center in Talanga

The youngsters also enjoyed playing soccer with our student missioners, while others blew bubbles. The mayor showed up with his entourage to welcome us to the Feeding Center. He thanked us for our selfless service and said he hoped we would return for visits or even to live there! 

On the way home we stopped at a local restaurant to eat our peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. It seemed strange to me that a restaurant would let us bring in our own food, but we did purchase our drinks there. The ice cold drinks were a real treat.

Views of poverty as we drive

Our afternoon projects included finishing the ten bunk beds and making the gift bags. When the students came out for recess, we had an extremely difficult time keeping them from climbing all over the beds. I think they thought they were a new type of jungle gym.

There was a little problem with our gas stove tonight so supper was delayed. That gave us time to have our nightly junta before supper. The missioners have not had a lot of “free” time. They’re looking forward to a little soccer practice and just visiting tonight. It also allows me to get the blog posted before midnight for a change. I’m really appreciating that!

Bruce and friends

Tomorrow Bruce says we will finish ALL the homes by noon. After lunch we will begin delivering our gift bags to the poorest of the poor in this area. As the principal of the school told us, here there are poor people, poorer people, and the poorest people. She tried to give us a list of the poorest people for our gifts bags and bunk beds. We hope to deliver as many gift bags and bunk beds as possible tomorrow and Thursday.

Poverty along the road to Talanga

Fr. Patricio and Fr. Doug are concelebrating an all-school Mass at 4 (5 in Iowa) tomorrow. Perhaps all of our blog readers could join us for a few moments at that time and say a special prayer for all the students here at Santa Teresa de Jesús School. Our missioner choir members hope to sing our theme song at some time during the Mass tomorrow. Afterwards we’ll present the twenty soccer balls to Principal Jessica for the school.

Read on for the missioners’ blogs:

Caroline Ascherl:  Hey Mom and Dad! I didn’t say much yesterday, so I thought I should let you know that I’m doing well and having a great time here. I have lots to tell you.J Also, I haven’t been having many headaches here, and I’ve only used my glasses a few times, so that’s nice. Can’t wait to see you all Friday. Now I would like to say hi to my Spanish class. I hope my table is doing well! I hope Aaron isn’t driving Jaycee crazy. Also I would like to say thanks to all the native speakers in our class. My listening skills are a lot better than last year. I’ll see you all soon. Adios! 

Building the bunk beds among the children at recess

Dave & Janet Klein: Hi everyone – things are going great!  The weather has been perfect - warm in the day and cool at night.  We are nearly finished with the homes.  The 10 bunk beds and 3 picnic tables are finished. The bunk beds will be delivered to the poorest families. Many of them sleep on the floor. I can’t wait to see their faces.  We are meeting many people, and they have gotten very close to our hearts.  Hope everything is good at home – we will be home before you know it.  Thanks for all your prayers and support. 

P.S.  Ribeye steaks medium rare.    (Just kidding)  

 

Josie becomes an unofficial member of the bomberos (firemen)

DJ Loutsch: Hey, everyone, glad to hear from all of you, especially my church history class. Don’t worry, I am still looking for squirrels and nuts. The tradition in our family is being passed down, and I wish you all could experience this with me. I miss everyone at school, Loutsch Farms, Deb’s Daycare, and finally Emerson along with the rest of the family. Glad to see they got you back out there, Roman. I am having a lot of fun and can’t wait to see you all again. See you on Friday.

Janessa tackles her laundry at the pila

Fr. Doug Klein: Thanks to all for the prayers and your support. You are all part of making a big difference in the lives of the people here in Honduras and the smiles you have been seeing on the blog. You can be so proud of our young missioners. They have really jumped in wherever needed, working hard and soaking in the experience of meeting new friends. (Parents, you may find it hard to believe some of the tasks your kids have been willing to do.) They can get a bit crazy too and seem to have lots of energy, whether marathon singing on the bus or night soccer practice. It has been a privilege to be a part of this group, and I know they will all bring a renewed spirit back to their homes.

Doing laundry Honduran style

Nathan Klein: To Mrs. Henrich’s CSP class and Mr. Meyer, David and I definitely want to go to the National Quiz Bowl competition if you can get everything worked out. We’d be willing to foot some of the bill, if need be, and Doug says that while in Chicago we’d have to swing by Six Flags J. To Dad and Emily, it’ll be nice to see you again this Friday, and we can watch at least some of the NCAA tournament together, although it’s already mostly ruined (glad I didn’t have to see that game). To Matt, Michelle, and Becca, I can’t wait to see you at Easter to tell you all about our trip.

David Puhl: Hi Mom and Dad! With regards to the big hat, the Capitals hat is doing just fine, and to the CSP class, those of us down here definitely want to go to the National Quiz Bowl Tournament. Work has been going well on the houses, and we hope to be done tomorrow (Dad, if you have any projects for the house or office this summer, I’ve got you covered), and we continued to work on our soccer skills today. Love you and miss you all!

Ashley visits with some little friends

Sydnee Theisen: Hey Mom and Dad, how do you feel about adopting a Honduran child? They are so cute! The three houses are almost done, and we should be finished tomorrow. Dad, when you said I would need practice carrying wood down here, you were right! We do a lot of wood and tin (for the roofs) carrying here! Rylie, tell Moss I do a track workout everyday by walking up these hills. Love you guys! See you Friday! 

Melissa Schmit: Hello, Clayton, this is your reminder to sign up for prom if you haven’t yet! In case he doesn’t see this, someone fill him in for me! Much love.