Shopping day has arrived. We ate French toast and fruit,
made sure everyone had his/her money, and loaded the buses for the Basilica de
Suyapa. The Basilica is a huge, beautiful church and holds the relic of Suyapa.
(Please google that if you’re interested in the full story.) We attended 8 a.m.
Mass, then visited the “miracle” room and the original church, where we lit
candles for our family members who have passed away.
We made the short drive to Santa Lucia after that. Marta’s
brother has a very nice place that we call the oasis. There are walking paths
throughout and a variety of ecosystems. He has water fountains, meditation
areas, and hammocks where people can relax. Marta and her children brought a
lunch of shredded chicken or pork or sliced ham for sandwiches. Several
missioners hiked the trails, while others enjoyed the serenity while sitting on
benches around water fountains.
Our next stop was Valle de Angeles, the Honduran tourist
shopping village. The missioners wanted to be sure they had souvenir gifts for
each family member before the time for shopping – 2 hours – was up. All
missioners returned to the buses by 3, which could be a first.
It was fun to watch the different scenery as we traveled
back to the compound. Once we returned, several missioners took the opportunity
to watch their clothes in the pila. Of course, they needed a lesson in how to
use a concrete washboard. We’ve now finished our junta at 8:45 and are aiming
to go to bed at 9:15.
We’ve had a great day and everyone is ready to go back to
work tomorrow. We have houses to finish, gardens to plant, and gift bags to deliver.
We are now halfway.
What a beautiful church...God is good!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a wonderful Sunday and I always love the photos! It was a nice Sunday for Anthony and I too! We are starting to see more spring like temperatures and welcome sunshine. It looks like it will be a full week of school! There continues to be major flooding in some areas. The ice, snow and flooding made it look more like the Arctic than Iowa! The gravel roads are starting to dry up.
ReplyDeleteWe hope you are all doing well. We are keeping you in prayer. Enjoy every minute and share your love and light with those around you.
Ken and Cody-Anthony and I visited your parents/Grandma &Grandpa, Sunday. I showed them pictures. They say hello and are praying for the mission too.
Love and prayers,
Pam and Anthony Schmit
Good morning all! Looks like it will be a beautiful day! Hope you enjoyed your day of church and shopping!
ReplyDeleteAs always love the pictures , keep them coming. Everything is good here! Jade made it back from Ohio and left this morning back to school. Enjoy the day! Love Mom/Carla
I am sure you enjoyed your day of relaxing and going to the Basilica for mass. The church looked beautiful. So much fine works in the church. Hi to John and Katie and all missionaries. Prayers.
ReplyDeleteWe haven't been in school much due to the flooding and the 4 day weekend, but just want to send a HELLO to all the missioners! We are thinking about you and praying for you as you continue your work in Honduras. It sounds like your Sunday was filled with goodness. Keep sharing your time, talents, and smiles! You'll be back to British Lit soon enough. ;o) Also, did you know that it is exactly TWO MONTHS and ONE DAY until graduation?!?! We are keeping up the countdown for you, Katie.
ReplyDeleteThen Katie it is work and more work.
DeleteHello! So thankful you had such a great Sunday! We are enjoying the day off of school today! We started the countdown to see you Katelyn! We are ready for you to be the peacemaker of the house again. We find we miss asking for your opinion the most! Keep working hard crew and sharing your contagious smiles with all!
ReplyDeleteGo.Do.Love.
Hello Missioners. Looks like you had a great time on Sunday. Can not wait to hear all about it. Drew, I can not wait to hear if you have eaten some of the food or if you are sticking with peanut butter. Susan Von Arb thinks Buddy will be sleeping with me by the time you get home but I can confirm he is not. He does not even try. He is eating normally again too. Sending many prayers for you all to stay hydrated and healthy the rest of the week.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a beautiful Sunday was had by all!! What a trip you are having! Can’t wait to hear all the details when you get back! Olivia—your family misses you greatly! I guess it’s good for us though,in preparation for next year. Lots of love to you all! We continue to pray for good health, good times and a safe return for you all!
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures and I’m glad you visited other places. This message is for Ellen. Your international call is updated on your phone. Please check on the setting and see if you set up for roaming on if you do that’s fine, you be able to call and text. Ask Ally for help. Take care and miss and love you both. ❤️ Albert
ReplyDeleteHey dad and Drew it's Deven. I'm not sure why but it is saying I am on mom's account even though I'm actually on mine. Anyways I hope you two are having a good time. I kept mom company for the weekend (she seems to be pretty bored with no one there). Buddy definitely misses both of you. The farm is doing good. There were only a few problems, but I handled them. The cats and goats are also doing good. Although I'm not sure all of the cats understand your feeder system that you set up. I put a bit in their normal feeder and figured they would figure yours out eventually. Also I'm sure you heard about all of the water and probably think the yard is a mess like usual, BUT the yard actually looks great. It's surprising how nice it looks when there isn't a big white or gray pickup driving all over the place. Just thought I'd give you a little update and let you know that I'm thinking about you and can't wait to hear all of your stories when you get back.
ReplyDeleteLove, Deven
Hey mo! Hope your having fun I miss you a ton. Keep sending it down there! -max
ReplyDeleteThis is really cool! I have never heard of Our Lady of Suyapa. Glad to see the missioners got some shopping in. Sounds like everyone is doing well. Know of our prayers back here in Iowa!
ReplyDeleteThis is Mr. Marugg
DeleteHi Patrick!
ReplyDeleteSo much has happened in the last 8 hours…I received "the" call today, and we will be moving my parents to the assisted living when you get back. And as for the house I will be trying to sell it, any takers?? :) We are excited how God takes over and reminds us that HE is in charge! Addi is doing very well and I am hoping to get her outside for a bit this evening. Love seeing all the pictures and sure hope that everyone is staying healthy. We miss you tons!
Love Julie and Addi
Hello to my dear sister, Linda Sue! Hope you are doing well. Reading the blog and seeing the pictures gives me the urge to go on this wonderful experience. Your group is truly doing amazing work and touching/inspiring many lives.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to go for a walk and hear your stories when you get back home.
Hugs of Love ~ Jeanne Marie
Hoping Drew had enough peanut butter with him. Derek thought he had 8 jars with him, but Stacey said only a couple. Great progress everyone! Keep at it. Blessings and thanks to everyone that made the journey this year
ReplyDelete