Everything Accomplished!

I imagine most of you are reading this in the morning, since I was unable to finish it until late tonight. I hope to be earlier tomorrow, but these last couple days are extremely hectic, as we strive to accomplish all our tasks.

We began with a breakfast of scrambled eggs, refried beans, cheese, ham, and fruit. Most of the missioners headed to the home sites as soon as the military transport truck arrived, so we could finish everything by noon there. We had two groups who had not yet done their home gift bag deliveries, those missioners stayed behind to help with the vertical gardens. Unfortunately, the agricultural military arrived with only decorative bushes and no seedlings. Our gardens did not need those, so only seeds were planted this year. Most of the planting was done by the upper grade students, who will be maintaining the gardens once we have left.

At the home sites the final roof was installed and touch-up painting was done. Wiring continued in all homes. All the locks for both windows and doors were installed and doorknobs were created from small pieces of wood. The extra materials were gathered and either discarded or saved for other projects. All of this was accomplished just in time for our lunch of beef, tortillas, cucumbers, tomatoes, and fruit.

Many missioners took a siesta after lunch to stay rested for the final days. Bruce took a crew of adult missioners to finish a few details. The girls then invited a large amount of little girls into the library, where they fitted them with their pillowcase dresses. At the same time the boys worked on fitting the little boys with their Shoes That Grow. When everyone had finished, they were free to visit with the Honduran children or play with them on the playground.

Tonight’s supper was dubbed a favorite by all – Honduran burritos – a flour tortilla, ground seasoned hamburger, salsa, chips, and fruit. This was the first time we’d had them, but it won’t be the last.

We held junta outdoors, but it got a little cool out there. We’ve begun talking about the various steps we need to take in our preparations to return. It’s difficult to believe that our mission trip is drawing to a close. We have decided that, though we miss our families, we don’t feel ready to leave. It will be tough to say farewell to our Honduran friends.

Tomorrow morning the student missioners will be given a chance to decorate their homes. They’ve been split into three teams for that task. The family members have been told they may not come to the homes until tomorrow afternoon so we can keep the decorations a secret.

 Linda, Francis, Julio, and I travel into the city to purchase groceries and a few necessary household items for our three families. Students may request small items, if they wish, though we may not be able to fill them.

At one o’clock we’ll all convene on the homes for the House Blessing Ceremony. Fr. Matthew will say some prayers and bless each house. The home owner will sign the document accepting the terms for the home, and then I’ll turn over the house keys to the family. Upon entering the main room, the family will be given a cross made by Mr. Konz, which we’ll immediately hang in the home. Everyone will tour the home before moving to the next house. It will be an emotional day for the missioners. Please send us your positive thoughts and join us from afar for our house blessing at 1 PM Honduran time.

Oh, I almost forgot, we'll be giving away our 21 bunk beds tomorrow also. One person will give the directions for assembling the bunks and tell them to return on Friday morning for the mattresses, since we'll need them for one more night.

Adam B. – Hey everyone, everything is going well, and the food has been pretty good. I have been sickness free and hope to stay that way for the next couple of days. Love you, Mom, hope everything is well at home, and the basement is dry with all the water. I am looking forward to seeing you at the airport on Friday and am hoping you can get in contact with Izzy and bring her along too. Give Dixie some pets for me and don’t forget to feed the fish. I love and miss you. Izzy, be home soon. Will hang Saturday! Love ya both and hope to see you both at the airport! -Adam

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Hey Mom, Lillian and Jack,

I miss you tons and I am having a blast down here. Mom, I think you would love this experience. Lillian and Jack, be ready for your bossy sister to be home lol. JK Anyways love you and see you soon.

p.s. Dad is having fun too!

Pam, I love you and miss you too­- Izzy

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Hi Mom, Anthony, Ashley, and Kaylee,

            We are having a great time down here. Dad and I met Kristian and Lily. Kristian and I have really bonded over the past few days. Dad met a sweet little girl today named Escarlet, and he is gonna have a hard time leaving her. We miss all of you guys and look forward to seeing you guys when we get home. We love and miss you all.

-Cody and Dad