All missioners are at the gates awaiting their flights home! American's departure has been delayed until 2:15 pm but United is still on time.
Update: Those on the American flight are boarded in Miami. United is down in Houston.
Update: All on board for United so both flights have everyone on board. American is running late. They're in at 11:10. United is on time right now 10:27.
Be still my heart. This day has been coming and we knew it would be difficult, but I had no idea how hard it would be. The houses are complete, the keys are turned over, and a new beginning for 3 families.
We started the day with breakfast and a morning mass. After breakfast, we packed up the last of the items needed for the house blessing ceremony and started the final hike up the mountain. The 3 families were eagerly awaiting our arrival. Elsa, Berta, and Marcia all signed their paperwork and Fr Travis began the process of blessing their new homes. You will see in the pictures that the buildings that began as houses have been transformed into homes with the love and hard work of the GCMH Mission Team. The families played an active role in this project, ready to help however they could. Each house received a blessing and after the big reveal, we completed the project with one final nail to hang the beautiful crosses. The gratitude was flowing like a river, tears were shed by many.
Difficult goodbyes followed the house blessings. The team then started the longest walk home so far. Some traveled with us, reluctant to let go of the friendships that were forged. Back at the school, we had lunch and then had our Covid tests. We are extremely grateful that the clinic personnel came to us here, and that all came back negative! There was more playing for the kids in the afternoon, as the adults did inventory of tools and supplies.
Marta brought some delicious cake. I was a little concerned about the limited leftovers and the line of people wanting those second helpings but all played nice. We changed it up and did a 4:00 junta before supper to review all procedures for departure/travel early tomorrow. The kids have spent the evening playing cards and having what Fr. Travis coined as a ‘Low-key dance party’ with the Populorum boys who live here. The kids danced and played in the rain. It is not the typical season for rain, and we have seen it twice while here. The adults are also enjoying some card games this evening.
As we wrap up this successful trip, we are grateful for the health, hard work, and many returns we have been blessed with. We are returning tomorrow with hearts bigger than we had 10 days ago. God has been with us every step of the way, and we could not have done it without His love and grace. We are coming home with memories of this experience, and many new friends (both Honduran and American). Thank you all for your interest in our mission, your thoughts and prayers. See you tomorrow!
Just heard from Carolyn that all missioners have tested negative for Covid and can return as scheduled! See them all soon!
The day started with a bang, some AC/DC from our personal DJ, Juan. Juan is the man of many talents; he puts us to bed, wakes us up, and is the head of the roofing crew. During breakfast, the guys had a little fun by spooking the girls with a fake bat rigged from the ceiling. They had a few people react, though not as many as the fake rat that came out a bit later…some people have some pretty quick reflexes!
The crew headed up the mountain for a morning of work, and a whole lot of fun. They broke up into teams and decorated the houses to give them some personalized touches. We cannot wait to see the family’s reactions tomorrow! We are so proud of the students and the creativity they displayed today. A few adults went to town to get groceries for the families so they have stocked shelves when they get their keys tomorrow. They also get brooms, dustpans, and laundry soap. It feels good to know they are turning the key to a fresh start.
This afternoon, some adults finished at the house site while students spent the afternoon handing out homemade bracelets and candy. They even painted the nails of some of the students. They, especially the guys, surprised me with their manicure skills. We also delivered some more of the ‘Shoes That Grow’ and some hand carved wooden cars.
We had a relaxing evening after supper and junta. All are enjoying a nice night before we ramp up tomorrow. We have a busy, and I’m sure emotional, day ahead of us as we turn over the homes that so much has been poured into over the last week. We remain grateful for the opportunity to participate in this mission, being able to act as the hands of God is a humbling experience!
