The Houses Take Shape

Parents, you should be proud of your children. They are doing every job we ask of them; they pitch in wholeheartedly and never complain. They’re taking advantage of every single moment in their mission. They’ll have lots of stories to share with you when they return.

Once again we seemed to get off to a slow start – gathering together tools and supplies needed at each work site. Bruce’s work crew left for their crew first; the bus then took Dave’s group to his site, where we offloaded more wood; finally Pat’s crew was dropped at their site. All students on the work crews had the chance to help in the building of the house where they were working. Sometimes that meant fifty taps on a nail with a hammer, but the job got done. Much pride can be felt by all for the work they have put into the houses so far. Amazingly, the houses continue to progress quickly. Tomorrow Pat’s crew will most likely finish all the walls so we can call in the paint crews for the afternoon. That will be exciting for Paola because tomorrow is her fourteenth birthday, so she will actually get her completed house on her birthday. There will still be finishing touches possibly – like painting, putting in the doors and windows, etc.

The English teaching students reported no unruly students today. When they go to the classroom doors, all the children want to learn English with them. They use Go Fish to teach numbers to the young children. You can also hear them singing “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” as they learn their body parts. 

The neighbors watch the work progress

Tomorrow we’ll continue building houses. Since there is no school on Saturday, all students will be working on houses. We hope for a cooler day tomorrow – but not too cool. Many of us felt the heat today!

Ali, thanks for the update on the dogs. I see the horrible conditions of the animals here, and it makes me miss them all the more. I also miss all the kids – and you adults also. Seventh graders, thanks for praying for us. I hope you’re working hard while I’m gone so I don’t have to work as hard when I get back. I’m glad Mrs. Christoffel is allowing you to read our blog every day. 

Carrying siding to the work site

Please keep reading for messages from many of the missioners…

Janessa

Hi, Mom and Dad, just wanted to let you guys know that everything went well, and I’m loving it here. Don’t worry about anything! Love ya.

One wall almost completed

DJ

Thanks for the news about Iowa St. I’m waiting to hear about the best team in Iowa, aka UNI. Everything here is great and my strep throat hasn’t affected me at all. Love you and miss the farm with my chickens!

Working with a little help from a friend

Lucas

Hi, Mom, I haven’t seen J.D. like at all; not really sure where he is, but I think he’s somewhere in Honduras. But I really enjoy it here. It’s amazing, and I miss you all.

Everyone pitches in

Melissa

Hey, Mom. Hope you aren’t missing me too much! If it makes you feel better, I haven’t really seen much of dad so far. I survived my first plane ride, and I’m having an amazing time. We’ve met so many wonderful people. We’ll be home before you know it! Love you! 

Morgan

Hey, everyone! All of us missioners are safe and having a great time! Mom and Dad- I miss you! Tell Marcus and Miyah I love and miss them too! 

Running the drill

Josie

Hello!! I’m having the most amazing time! The people here are so full of love and appreciation for what we are doing! I miss you guys sooo much! Give Evie A TON of kisses from me! 

Walking up the wall frame

Sydnee

HOLA family!  Well, I survived my first plane ride, and I’m having a wonderful time here! I miss you all! Tell Jacey I miss her the most! Love you all!