Eyes are opened to poverty

It is now quiet here. I'm doing my usual late night spell on the computer, and pretty much everyone else is down for the night.

Since I had a lot of information on this morning's blog, I'm keeping tonight's simple. Everyone worked extremely hard. The houses are almost finished being built. Roofs and painting will start on Monday. Gift bags were prepared. We will start delivering them on Monday. 

Tonight's junta was very emotional for many. It will probably be even more so on Thursday night, when everyone realizes their mission is drawing to a close. I think everyone is finally hearing the stories that surround us with examples of how these people are living in extreme poverty. For example, this afternoon we gave some new clothes to Victor, Daisy, and Wendy who along with their baby brother, are getting one of our homes. They have never had their own home. We are not sure any of them have ever had a bath until today. Marta and the girls pitched in to help bathe them and wash their hair. The girls helped dry them and combed their hair. It was an emotional moment for all involved

Tomorrow we shop. Starting with 9 a.m. Mass in Santa Lucia, we will then lunch at Marta's brother's oasis. I know the missioners will love the place. It's just 20 minutes to Valley of the Angels from there. The students have been divided into shopping groups, so they will always be with an adult. Tomorrow's most difficult decision will be what they want for their own souvenir and what to get for their families. We may finish the bunk beds tomorrow evening if possible.

The missioners have all experienced amazing things. I'm sure you will hear plenty when they return, even though you've been reading the blog. Read on for notes from the missioners.

Notes home:

 Mac to the world.  To all Kuemper people…Carroll locals…your donations, well-wishes are well received here.  The need goes beyond…way beyond what we perceive in the United States.  Today one of the little girls at one of our building sites was feeling poorly, and in my broken Spanish I asked her what was wrong…she is hungry was the Mom’s reply.  The military escorts brought in bags of water which I shared with the family at the same site.  I was overwhelmed with emotion.  Water is gold here, make that LIFE!  They are gracious people. Please continue to pray for and support the Hondurans.  Deb and boys…this area makes our Kentucky trip look like a 5 star resort.  This in many cases is a day to day life or death situation.  Very few people that we have met are negative towards us, but they are here.  I have seen them.  BUT most are very kind and even affectionate towards us.  I love you all.  I officially dislike dogs and especially roosters.  I will explain later.  Love to all.  Feel privileged because in many ways WE are.

Carolyn - Hello to my family. I'm glad my daughters-in-law are able to type messages to me! I am looking forward to seeing all the kids when I get home. However, could we hold off a little bit on Saturday morning so I could get a few hours of sleep? Perhaps, one of you could have supper Saturday night so we can visit. You can bring the kids over for a little bit in the late morning.

Roman- Things are going well. Time is going pretty fast here. Hondurans don’t pay attention to time so that makes it go pretty smoothly. Mom, the food is great and you probably wouldn’t think that I would say that. To the park ball kids, enjoy the last few days while I’m not there ‘cause I’ll be back for my court. By the way Christian Social Principles class, the timing worked out perfectly on the whole pizza joke that you guys said. You can also say that the little Honduras kids are pretty enjoyable to just talk to and also just watch them enjoy the life they live.

Also Mom please give my phone to Tom when he comes to pick me up in Omaha. Thanks

Megan McCarty- Mom, Dad, Lucas, Cole and Mariah... I am having a blast here, and I can’t wait to tell you guys all about it when I see you on Friday! Surprisingly I have actually eaten most of the food. I miss and love you all so much and am excited to see you when we get back. P.S: There haven’t been any spiders, but  there is a mouse in our room L I hope everything is going good!

Josie Galles- Hola family. Momma K, thank you for all the updates! The most amazing was finding out my snap chat streak was still alive. This is music to my ears, lemme tell ya. Keaton, Calla, and Emma I miss you all too! Emma, stahp crying puh-lease. I’ll be home in 6 days J If word could get to Lissa and Barry about their new baby boy, that would be awesome! Honduras has been great. It’s such an amazing experience. My eyes have been opened enormously; words cannot describe how it is down here. My new buddy down here is Wendy. She is four years old and has already been through enough to last her a lifetime. I wish I could do more to help, but I know that we are doing something, and that helps. Love you all fam bam!

p.s. 60 sec cold showers aren’t too bad J

 

Megan and Tom Kellen- Hey everybody! The Honduran kids here are always happy to help, even with the building. James and Meredith, I thought of you today when I was pounding in nails. James, you would be proud of me! Hello to everyone back in Iowa, the weather here is definitely a change! Love you all!

Joe Schuch- Hey yall, 60 seconds in a “cold” shower is really easy. I use 30 most of the time and it’s not cold; it’s refreshing. BTW to all who read this, the messages you write to your loved ones through the blog makes it a lot of fun at the end of the night to see what everyone back home is doing. Love you all especially mi Madre.

Paris Schroeder: Hey everyone! I miss you all a lot! Today, I was walking up to my house site that I was supposed to work at and I was walking downstairs and rolled my ankles. Yep, a little clumsy. I sat inside and basically just iced my leg (not with ice either). It was with a big chunk of meat. I am having fun here though! I love you all! And good thing Leah got a new bike so I finally can have mine back. I’ll think about maybe running the power washer when I get home (I said maybe).

Cindy, Brady & Keaton: Hey, everyone!  First of all, thank you to our family and friends for writing to us on the blog – we love hearing from you all!  I (Cindy) asked Brady and Keaton what I should write and their comments were, “This is awesome”, “We LOVE it here”, “We don’t want to go home”………so, I hope that tells you how things in Honduras are going for us.  I can NOT adequately put into words what we are experiencing.  Jodi, no need to worry. Keaton is doing great.  Lexi, you may need to worry as Keaton has lots of little girls wanting to take pictures with him J.  Thanks to all of you for taking the time to read the blog and most importantly, thank you for keeping us in your daily prayers.  Love you all!

Deb & DJ: Hello family & friends! We are having an awesome time building houses. We have only worked together one day- which is probably a good thing. DJ’s stitches are healing well, and I will probably take them out on Tuesday. I am using muscles I never knew I had and will probably never use again. We both are making friends. Mine is Jose and he is my little helper. Today when he ran to meet me he ended up tackling me. Don’t worry- we are both fine. Missing all of you (especially Emerson) and can’t wait to see you! PS. I have been up on a ladder several times!!