Paint Crews Go To Work

The trouble with Monday is it just seems like we have more trouble getting back to work after our Sunday off. The students were in a little bit of a slump this morning, but we had a good discussion at tonight's junta. We believe that not only is this trip physically draining; it is also emotionally draining. Often, the students play hard after work and then probably don't sleep properly. Some start to get on edge a bit because it's not exactly normal to be sleeping with possibly 11 - 15 more people in the room. I've heard the snoring might be loud, but nothing tops the roosters crowing and the dogs barking. Then, just when you think you'll get a few hours of sleep, the bus horns start blasting. When those horns go off, it's good the mattresses are close to the floor because that noise could shock you out of the bed.

Today some of the missioners started painting. Tom worked on wiring the houses for electricity. At this point none of the people who will be receiving the homes can afford to pay for it, but our hope is that some day soon they will be able to afford it. The work crews began installing the roof tin, finishing two of the homes. Wednesday we will finish the last house.



Another crew worked on the teaching in the classrooms today. They made sure to do every classroom once, and then began making the rounds again. I'm not sure I'll ever be able to listen to "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands" without remembering this trip.

There was also a gift bag crew that began delivering the bags. We stopped at five homes. All the students who attend grade 2 in the morning received a gift bag for their families. Fortunately, Julio drove us around in the truck so we would not have to walk. Each home we visited was shocking to see. One of the homes with two little bedrooms, housed  9 people. Another of the homes had two very small rooms and a dirt floor. We could not go into that house because there was only enough room for one person to enter. The house visits are something we expect all missioners to do because they get to see the actual living conditions of the children.


We still have lots to do, though the students think we are almost there. No matter what, we will complete the homes and turn over the keys to the families on Thursday afternoon.

Read on for a few notes from missioners -

Krayton Schnepf- Hola from Honduras! To all my friends and family, I miss you.  We are little over halfway through our trip, and I have already seen so much. The people here have given me more hugs in 6 days then I have probably gotten in the past 18 years. The culture and way of life here amazes me. I wish I would have prepared my Spanish a little more before I came and also practiced my soccer skills. My 6 years of playing in REC don’t compare to some of these Honduran kids. As much fun as I am having here, I miss you all lots. Congrats to Damon and the rest of the South O’Brien team! Can’t wait to see you all soon and tell you all about this crazy adventure.  Love you Mom and Dad!

Andrew Kordick- Hi from Honduras! To everybody back home, I miss you.  So far I have really enjoyed everything that has gone on for this trip! (Except the showers) This experience has been unbelievable, and I have had the opportunity to meet some amazing people who I have grown close to during the course of this trip. Despite having a language barrier there is nothing more fun than trying to have conversations with the people here, even though I am probably using terrible Spanish. They are extremely patient and always enjoy having a conversation with you.  I’ve definitely made some good friends among the Honduran people, and the best part is that a lot of them share my enthusiasm for soccer.  Love and miss you all!!! P.S Believe all the stories about driving here because it’s absolutely insane.

Pat and Jason Zenk   Hi to everyone! We’re getting comfortable in our home – at least for  a week or so.   The people  of Honduras are just like everyone - they want to be respected and  loved.  It was fun when we got back to the school yesterday. The kids were jumping up and down to see us- great feeling.  Hope to see you all soon. Lots of Love to Jean, Tyler and Adrienne and see you Friday night.

Scott Wilson- Hola! Rachel, Emily and Brogan. We are almost finished with all three homes. I can’t believe how horrible the conditions are here. It brings tears to my eyes to see how badly these kids live. I hope we are bringing some hope to the people and children of Honduras. Can’t wait to see you all when I return. Rachel, I wish I was going to Spain with you, but then again I get to spend the entire weekend with E. Brogan. Brayton says there is no way in … you are getting his room. Love you all. Dad