Final Touches

At 2:36 Honduran time we have multiple crews hard at work, trying to get everything possible done.

#1: Francis is showing Claudia, Marta, and Principal Jessica how to produce chlorine with the CPU he will allow the school to keep for that purpose. Then they can have clean water at the school. The CPUs were purchased by MHL to help the Hondurans treat their own water.

Trying on pillow case dresses

#2: Two different groups delivered gift bags this morning. Eyes were opened to some horrendous living conditions. We were also introduced to Coca Cola in a bag. Students will explain when they are home.

#3: Dave's crew is hard at work digging up the garden area in preparation of putting the fence around it. There are Honduran students helping today, I was told. But when I walked over there, I saw many of them just watching the process. They hope to have the garden at a place where the Honduran students will be able to complete the project.

The girls show off their pillow case dresses

#4: The largest crew is at the houses. I believe they only need to finish painting one of the houses. The wiring is done. They were still attaching door and locks. Francis will get the ovens in the morning so they can be put into the homes. The military guys will help us transport the bunk beds for those three homes so we can put them in place for the families. Fr. Doug blessed the crosses at mass last night. Those beautiful crosses were made by Mr. Konz (Mark's dad) and will be presented to the families when we bless the homes tomorrow and hand them the keys to the doors. Papers will also be signed so the families will officially own their homes. They may not sell the homes or give them to anyone else. It will be an extremely difficult and emotional day tomorrow for almost all missioners.

Distributing bracelets to the students

#5: Janet has been taking a crew to all the classrooms to distribute the bracelets made by multiple students. Her crew also brought over classes of girls to try on pillow case dresses made by many of our generous seamstresses, like Sr. Juanita. I've included photos of those girls in their dresses.

The students LOVE their bracelets.

There are little items we will need to tend to. We still do not have a team drawing on the wall. Tonight the students will start going through their clothes to put them into to a pile for donation.

Although you could not tell, I was just interrupted to do something, talk to someone, asked to complete another little project, etc. It happens almost every time I sit down to blog or to take care of an item. This time I had to deliver a message to "Dr. Francis" because of another medical issue. Since he has some medical training (As an EMS, I believe) he is often called upon to check medical problems. These people have no access to medical care, nor can they afford to pay for it or the transportation it takes to get to a doctor. It's hard to imagine not be able to take your child to a doctor if he/she is sick. So, many die from issues that are most likely easily taken care of in the States.

adding the last brush strokes of paint

delivering gift bags to a family

working on the garden

adding dirt to the garden

participating in the nightly junta

doing the wiring

The house is open and ready for a family

I am going to publish this for now with a few photos of the girls in dresses and the distribution of bracelets. If time permits, I will add a bit more tonight. I will do everything I can to post a final blog tomorrow evening. We have a very full day, but I will do my best.

It is now 8:30 p.m. Junta is finished and I hope to be in bed soon. The students were playing outside, but it's quieter now, so they must have come back in. My nights are usually quite late, so I'm looking forward to an early night.

We have a list of items that must be completed before the end of the day, but I know everyone will band together and get it done.  Thanks to all who have followed our adventure.

Notes:

Brady & Cindy: Well, it’s hard to believe we’re coming to the end of our mission trip and this is only the second time we’ve written on the blog.  Our days have been busy and full of hard work but most importantly full of joy.  While we miss all of you and can’t wait to see you, we’re going to be honest, saying good-bye to the families and children we’ve been with for the past 9 days is going to be one of the hardest things we have ever done.  Our mission trip has been more than what we ever imagined.  Can’t wait to see all of you!  Keep us in your prayers these last 2 days as we say our good-byes and travel home.  Love and miss all of you! 

Paris Schroeder: Hi, tell the whole family I say hi mother! Yes, my ankle is better. We finished the houses today and for the most part the hard work is done. The trip is almost over, and I will be home before I even know it! I have lots of cool stories and experiences to share with all of you guys. One thing I am definitely looking forward to when coming home is taking a warm relaxing bath. Miss you guys tons and I can’t wait to see you all! Tell Brooklyn I will see her soon. I miss the little munchkins! Love you all!!

Meghan Heying: Hi family, yes I am alive and trying to eat some food. Most of it is staying down, which is a good sign. We are almost to the end of the trip, and I can’t wait to tell you all the memories I have made down here. Linda is taking the “mom” role and asking me typical “mom” questions so no need to worry! I will be home before you know it and can’t wait to see the girls, and instead of Lauren asking to sleep with me, I am asking her to sleep with me! Love and miss you all and can’t wait to see Grandma and Grandpa Friday! See you soon! 

Josie Galles: Hola fam bam. Holy cow, I’m almost to the end of my trip, and I have many mixed emotions. I’m sad to be leaving these amazing, sincere, down to earth people, but I do miss you all. This trip has been amazing. I feel like I need to do more, yet we are limited being here only ten days. You can bet I’ll be doing this again if I get the chance. I can’t wait to tell you guys about all my stories and experiences I have since being down here. See you Friday. Love you guys!

P.S. Mom, thank you for all the blogs and updates. Love you J  

Jill Kessenich-Hola to all! Mom, tell Addison that Grandpa is making new friends for her. He is even getting into the habit of taking selfies…YIKES. I guess he should have brought that selfie stick you got him for your anniversary. Thanks for the posts and love you always!

 Joe Schuch- What’s up, Fam? Last blog, see you guys this weekend. Looking forward to being back state side.

 

Evan Budden- Hello! I am looking forward to coming home but it will be hard to leave. I miss you all and am excited to see you guys.

 

Pat and Jason- Great day; got houses done and they look good. Jason likes playing with the Honduras children. It will be good to see everybody in the States soon.

 Chandler Willett- Hey everybody can’t wait to see everyone back home. I’ve really been enjoying my time here, and I will really miss the friendships I have made. This has truly been an unbelievable experience. Mom, Dad, and Katelyn hope you didn’t miss me too much. I’ll be home soon. Love all of you and thank you for all the support.

 

McCarty and Kuemper Family…..Amazingly, today was our last work day…Ask me about our rock garden…Believe me when I say…simplicity in life can be so freeing,  I love you family…Hope to see you Friday night at the airport in Omaha..  Love to all, Mac

 Megan and Tom Kellen- Hey everybody! We finished the houses today; it was unreal to see how the cement slabs turned into houses.  I can’t believe that I will be home in two days, it seems like we just left.  I can’t wait to see everyone back in Iowa. Hopefully, we can bring some of this warm weather with us. Love you all!

P.S. Dad says Hi

 

Megan McCarty- Hi family... I’ve met a lot of amazing people here and experienced things I’ll never forget. Although I am excited to come home and see everyone, it will be hard to go back to reality and leave all of the people here I’ve gotten to know and care about. I can’t wait to see you all Friday! Love and miss you so much.

 Dave & Janet- Hi Everyone!  It’s been a great mission - starting to see the end.  Bittersweet - gonna miss all the people here in Honduras but anxious to see everyone at home (Leon included).  Thanks again to everyone who supported us and GCMH.  We will be ready to share all our stories when we get home.