Message From Francis

17 March 2015  

Tegucigalpa, Honduras

Greetings to team  members ,  parents and friends of the Gehlen Mission Honduras team. 

So today is the day you have been waiting for these past many months.  It’s also St. Patrick’s day.  Enjoy the day of the Irish for beginning tomorrow for 10 days or so, you will be Hondurans.

Marta, Julio and I (along with others) have made many trips to Nueva Capital in preparation for your trip.  Julio and I return again today to deliver the last of the equipment and supplies that we have at Cerro de Plata.  I have not spoken this morning with Marta, but all the materials and other supplies, mattresses, water, food etc. were supposed to have been delivered yesterday or will be today.  A team of cleaners were at the school yesterday making sure the sleeping and living quarters will be clean when you arrive.  They will do a quick run through again tomorrow morning.  All supplies (I hope) for the homes are delivered.  The wood has been dried and it has not rained so all should be good on that front.  Carlos from San Pedro Sula (the bus driver) will be in Tegucigalpa today with 2 of his daughters.

I checked the weather report for the next 10 days.  The weather station is here in Tegucigalpa.  The high tomorrow will be 32 Celcius or 89-90 F.  The low will be 18 Celcius or 64 F.  The extended forecast calls for the same through 26 March 2015.  One thing to keep in mind, the reporting station is at 1014 ft. and Nueva Capital is 1400-1500 ft. depending on the location.  It may be cooler, especially at night.  It has also been windy.  Also remember you will be at 14 degrees North, and the sun is coming this direction and you will be closer to the sun than most of you have ever been.

The road is rough going to Nueva Capital after we leave the pavement.  For those that have been there before  the road has not improved.  There is construction work going on trying to get the water flowing in a more controlled fashion from higher to lower and then away.  It is very physical for the workers.

From me, I just want to thank all of you, both parents and team members for being willing to travel to a developing country, pay your own way, plus paying for the homes and other projects you will work on.  It’s a credit to you, your family and Gehlen for preparing you to deal with the poverty you will see.

I can promise you an incredible trip.  It will be high, hard and hot, but very worth it.  God bless, travel safe and I will see you at Toncontin Airport (International airport, Tegucigalpa, Honduras) tomorrow.

Mr. Francis