Design on a Dime

First of all, none of Mrs. Schipper’s class, nor Mrs. Schipper, correctly guessed what Lucas bought at Valle de Angeles. You were not even close! And even though one of Mrs. Christoffel’s classes wants to know what it is, you’ll have to wait until the final night. Mrs. Christoffel’s other class, note our team mural picture. That is something we do every year, kind of like our mission team signature. We thank all of you for your prayers. We especially would like to thank the elementary students and Mrs. Nussbaum for the special way you are praying for us in the house outline each day. What a neat way to be ONE with us! If you read this on time, please note that we will be doing our house blessing ceremony at 1:30 Honduras time – 2:30 for you. If possible, you could pray in the house outline while we are praying inside each of the homes we built here in Honduras. Please let us know if you were able to do so.

After breakfast this morning, all student missioners and the adults assigned to each team headed for their respective houses to decorate all the rooms. They also took and assembled the bunk beds for each family. As you can see from the photos below, they had all kinds of creative ideas for their homes. They also enjoyed the chance to add their own unique style to their homes. They were supposed to be finished by noon but have asked for a chance to do more tomorrow. Since they are WAY ahead of schedule, we are allowing them to return to their homes.

In the meantime Linda worked on printing photos that will be placed in a photo album and presented to each family tomorrow. She also printed an 8 x 10 picture that she framed for the families to hang on the wall. Andi, Francis, Julio, and I drove to Walmart (Yes, they now have them in Tegucigalpa.) to purchase food for the families, thanks to a generous donation for that purpose. We bought two large carts of flour, sugar, salt, coffee, beans, cooking oil, spaghetti, vegetables, and more. We then purchased plastic plates, cups, silverware, curtains, and some small plastic chairs for the children. Everyone is anxious to surprise the families with their beautiful homes tomorrow.

In the afternoon various activities took place again. Some worked on constructing picnic tables. Others assembled the bunk beds to make sure everything fit together properly. They must be placed in each home in pieces because they won’t fit through the doors otherwise. Some missioners took the opportunity to do laundry at the pila, or play with the children. Final organization, packing, and distribution of products took place in the library.

The missioners are starting to realize that tomorrow is their final day in Honduras. Tears spring up here and there because the missioners have made quite a few friendships with both the Honduran children and adults and know they leave on Friday. However, they are also anxious to see their own families. I have a feeling that tomorrow is going to be a tough day for all as we go through our House Blessing ceremony with the three families in the afternoon.

We also have high hopes that the Dole container with our Then Feed Just One food will arrive tomorrow. It is due to arrive between 3:00 – 4:00. That will be too late for us to go to the Cerro de Plata Foundation, though. Thus, we hope to help unload the container by each carrying one box off the container. It would be a wonderful way to end our mission trip!

working on picnic tables

bunk bed crew

Girls' Dormitory

a birthday gift for Keyssy

distributing bracelets

decorating our homes

team mural

Honduran friends

some of the students who attend Santa Teresa

Final day for missioner blogs:

Hey mom and dad! This is my last chance to blog, and I wanted to say that I am excited to see you, but I am sad to leave this beautiful country. The people here are amazing, and I have made a lot of friends from Honduras. When you pick me up on Friday, I was wondering if you could bring me my antibiotic eye drops (Vigamox, I think?). Some sawdust flew into my eye, and I think it might have gotten infected. I would also like to request that you bring some dang good food. P.S. You might want to bring some air fresheners. – Sincerely, Yachmil, Ranger Rick, AA, AJ, Aht, Ats, Water Buffalo, Ox, Oxtsa, Kemosabi, Atze

Hey everyone, it’s Deven. Shopping on Sunday went very well. I got some dang good gifts for you all. How’s my car? Did you get the oil changed yet? Today I finally got to use a wrench, so that made my day. The last couple days we have been finishing up the houses and building bunk beds. We got to decorate the houses today. The kids here are so fun to play with. They are so happy to see us here. At the airport I would like to request some good food when we arrive, and you might want to bring a can of Febreze too. I have made a lot of friends down here and can’t wait to tell you about them. I can’t wait to be back and see you all.

PS. The kids had a little fun with Colin and I, and we will have a surprise for you and the Wises at the airport.

Hey family, it’s Jeremy and Brian. It’s been fun down here in Honduras. So far we have got to meet a lot of interesting people and hear their stories. We hope everything is doing good at home. Mark, you’re right, those 90 second showers are pretty awesome, even though the water is only on for about half of that. Dave and Janet, Pat and I haven’t killed each other yet. We’ve been working with each other quite well. It reminds me of old times. Sandy, how was loading hogs today?  I think this will be the last time that we blog. Can’t wait to see you Friday night. Love Jeremy and Brian <3 p="">

Hello Sage and Carla. It’s going very fast. The weather has been awesome. We finished last things inside houses tomorrow and turn them over. Getting ready to see your face again and back to normal. See ya soon. Love ya, Dad

Dear Neighbor Lady,

 Love, Pat

This is Madi. Hello family, I know you all miss me a lot. Don’t worry. I will be home soon. Don’t forget to pick me up. That would be great. Also, if you guys would want to bring me some Taco Johns with you, that would be fantastic as well. I miss all the kids and tell Brenna that I’m sorry I took down her fort. Tell her we can have a slumber party on Saturday and can rebuild it. You should also bring one of the kids down with you cuz I miss them a lot. Hey, I learned how to do my laundry by hand!! And by the way, I do know how to hammer in a nail. I also got a summer job working for Pat Jones. Mom, I think I got you plenty of vanilla btw.

Hi Haley, thanks for writing. I miss you too! I miss you Anna as well! Dog’s, I got a huge machete that I’m bringing back. It is sweet! I also got a fedora and it’s so cute! I love it here! The people are awesome, and I have some things I have to tell you guys. I miss you both and I get home soon. The showers are cold, but they are bearable. I met so many people here, and I can’t wait to tell you both when I get back! Love you both!  Madison

CADY MCCALLAN! How’s it going? How are the pots? Did any break? Make sure you look at the glazes cuz you have to help me pick out some good ones. I miss you a lot! You need to tell me all about the panic! concert and how awesome it was. Just so you know, Atze got an eye infection, or so he thinks, and so he’s been wearing an eye patch all day. It’s the funniest thing ever! I hope you are still having fun at school without us, and I know you might be boring, but we will be there soon! Make sure you keep the boys annoyed while I’m gone.

Carter and Sebastian, hey guys. I have come to the understanding that you guys are not going to send me a comment on here so I guess I will just write to you any way, even though people told me I shouldn’t because neither one of you have said a word. I miss you guys, and I will see you on Tuesday.  How’s the musical going? I bet it’s really boring because I’m not there. I have some stories to tell you guys, and I will try and make a Hy-vee visit before Tuesday.

I will see you all after Friday.  Love, Madi

Hey Julie and Addi, glad to hear things are going well.  Looking forward to seeing everyone soon.  Hoping I have a few football helmets awaiting my arrival.  I’m quite certain that I do not have an addiction.  Jeremy and I are getting along quite well for both being half Sauer.  We are about finished with our work here and are hoping the container with the “Then Feed Just One” food arrives tomorrow. 

See you Friday.  Love, Patrick Jones

Hi Mom, glad to know every thing’s good at home. We’re starting to pack up our things to give away to some of the kids, and it’s making me sad. I’m not ready to leave them yet, and it’s going to be weird not getting a big hug from every small child back home. I can’t wait to see you and the new kitties though, and my bed. See you soon. Love, Reanna

P.S. Brooke says hi, and to bring pizza to the airport. P.P.S.  Hi Gabby and Cady. I love the messages. They make me smile. Miss and love you guys. See you soon. Love, Reanna

Hello to all the Bickford family
Mya, Drew, and Cayden, I hope you are all feeling better now. Mya, thanks for your videos. They made me smile. Ali - don't get sick. Marshall, you need to drink less soda. Paige, thanks for the picture of my house, but I miss you more than my house. Jay, thanks for helping out with whatever needed to be done with my ticket. I'm so glad to be coming home on March 31 because I miss everyone a LOT. Miranda, I'm guessing you are getting lots of subbing time in if everyone has sick kids like Drew and Ali. Don't forget to move into my house on Friday night, Drew. Pakka and Angel will enjoy your company. I love YOU, everyone!  Love, Mom/Grandma