Gehlen Catholic Mission Honduras 2024: Giving It Our Best

Sorry I'm late. Internet is sporadic here.

We got off to a great start this morning after our breakfast of French toast and fruit. Work began in earnest on the three houses. It was an extremely hot morning, so it was quite taxing for the missioners who were working on the houses. Frequent hydration breaks were enforced for all, and everyone even got a siesta after lunch.

Groups were formed for gift bag deliveries – 5 student missioners and two adults. We took 5 students from kindergarten, selected the gift bags that had been made for their families, loaded everyone plus the bags into two pickups, and drove to their houses for the deliveries. It was great fun watching the kids opening their bags. They’d dig through the bags, and when they would find something like a cool pair of shoes or a cute toy, they’d get really excited. It gave the missioners an opportunity to see what Honduran students go through to get to school, and to see the types of homes these children live in.

We did have some panic-filled moments when a bucket of batteries did not return to the tool room after today’s house construction. After a frantic return to the work site, which proved fruitless, we called Marta, who called the military, who reported they had been left inside their truck. WHEW! Everyone was much relieved.

Parents, you should be very proud of your sons and daughters. They interact with the Hondurans in a positive way. They work quite hard, but have fun with it. They are not afraid to taste some of the Honduran food they don’t normally eat. They participate in the juntas. I’ve heard not a single complaint. They always jump up to do their chores – like serving food or doing the dishes. It is a joy to be working with them. Thanks for allowing them to be here! They are realizing already just how difficult it will be to leave here next week.

Tomorrow we will continue to work on the homes. All outside walls are up, and the inside walls of two of them have also been completed. One house is totally painted on the outside. The other two are halfway painted. Tin will go onto the roofs, and the painting should also be done.

Mya, Addison, and all Mrs. Lehmann’s 1^st graders. We love that you are writing to us on the blog. I read those to the group every night. I am truly proud of all of you for making your 100% in AR. I wish the Honduran children at this school had lots of books to read, like all of you do. Most of them do not have a pen or piece of paper in their homes, much less a book to read. Thanks for your prayers. I hope you will continue to pray for us as we do our mission trip, but please also pray for all the Honduran children who will go hungry tonight.

Tina Begnoche, I hope you have not destroyed Chris’s skin because I promised to send his reply on the blog last night. However, the internet was not working properly, and in frustration, I just sent what I had already written earlier in the day. Chris’s reply, “Store it in your room.” J

Thanks to all of you who are commenting on the blog. It’s fun to read them, and often enjoy your comments with a laugh. Your support is amazing!