Final Farewell

I apologize for the lateness of our final blog, but our day has been a full one.

I agree with Seivert, we could not do this without Francis and Julio. They make everything run smoothly for us from the moment we step out of the airport in Tegucigalpa until we leave on that final day. However, I need to point out the countless hours that Richard Seivert puts into this program. We also, wouldn't be here without all the work he does in the background, and of course, all the stress and worry for him until we are home safely. Thanks, Seivert, from all of us here in Esquias.

The missioners got to sleep in again this morning - 6:30. After breakfast we loaded all the gift bags into the truck and also packed some candy and little toys to distribute. A few of us went with a couple local teachers to tour an agricultral project their school is doing. The students have agreed to fund their project, which will help the students for years to come. They will be learning how to plant and raise vegetables, howto raise chickens and fish, and how to provide for themselves in the future. We were impressed with their planning and vision.

We left for the village a little early because we wanted to get a group photo on top of the mountain and in front of the water tank. The view rivals any I've ever seen. The villagers began arriving for our little celebration around 11. The village leader thanked the team for their efforts in the water project and for working with them as friends. My speech to the village of El Picacho is as follows: On behalf of Gehlen Catholic Mission Honduras, Richard Seivert, our director, Francis Seivert, and myself, I'd like to thank yiou for allowing us to work with yiu for a short time. Special thanks also to our friends Angel, Julio, and Carlos for their help. We pray today that the village of El Picacho will always have clean water, and even more, that people everywhere have access to clean drinking water. We hope you will hold us in your hearts, as we will hold you in ours. Thank you! God Bless You!

We distributed the gift bags to every single person of El Picacho. The bags included shampoo, bar soap, clothes appropriate for the ages of the family, hair items, toys, shoes, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and lotion. You'd think it was Christmas day the way everyone was excited to get their gifts. The school received loads of notebooks, pens, pencils, rulers, chalk, reading books in Spanish, etc. The group from El Picacho sang their national anthem for us, so we sang our national anthem for them. That brought smiles from everyone. The villagers also presented us with gifts, as they tied bracelets in the Honduran flag colors onto each of our wrists.

We surprised the missioners on the return home when we stopped at the fiesta the mayor of this area was giving in our honor to thank us for our hard work. We had a delicious picnic lunch by a small river. They grilled bits of marinated pork and chicken. We also ate salsa, tortillas, refried beans,  and red cabbage in vinegar ( not our usual picnic fare). A large part of this afternoon was spent relaxing.

As soon as we returned to the compound, clean up began. A handful of us toured the local high school and chicken farm. Supper was served at 5:30, and then everyone rushed to shower, clean the salon, pack more items, and just general get-ready-to-leave activities.

Mass began tonight at 7 with the fire on the road just below the church. The first hour was spent singing songs around the fire (You could call it church campfire.). Then we lit our candled from the Easter candle and processed into the church, Oh yes, we got all 7 readings tonight with reflections and singing in between. We also renewed our baptismal vows, had the blessing of water, went up to bless ourselves with the newly blessed water, as well as the regular Mass. We dragged back to the compound at 10:25 to begin our final junta. It was important to take everyone through what they'll need to know for their return trip. I still wish I could bring them home to you! So, give them extra hugs for me. Linda and I will be following their flight until we get the call that you've got then in your arms.

Thanks for lending your children to us for a while. I have enjoyed every minute with them.

As they leave Honduras, their mission here is complete. However, they now have a much larger mission to carry out, and each of them will have to find his/her way to carry it out. May God be with them!

Final Missioners' Blog

Micah Neary: This whole trip has been an experience for me that changed my life in many ways. I have learned that the Honduran people have different outlook on life they take it day by day compared to back home. I will miss what I have called home for ten days. Well anyways hi Mom and Dad! Hi Morgan! It’s been a busy day but I have only two more days till I see all of you. We get to give the gifts to the village tomorrow so it should be fun! I got everyone gifts so don’t worry I’m sure you will all love them. Well I’ve got to go so I’ll see you all Sunday! Hope to see you there Morgan!

Dave and Janet:  This has been an amazing trip to give up our Holy Week to help people who are truly in need.  The thing that is so ironic is that they are so happy and satisfied with what they have rather than worried about what they do not have.  We hope to take this home with us.  We had an awesome day beginning with the Stations of the Cross that was a combination of the Stations and the Passion it really allowed us to put ourselves in Jesus’ time.  I think the Honduran people do it right they do not worry about how long things last they just enjoy what they are doing and celebrate their faith.  Happy Easter – see you Sunday.  We miss all of you.

Trevor Bouma: This trip has been an experience I will never forget. The thing I will miss the most is the joy of the kids in Honduras. Today we watched the Stations of the Cross. It was very hot, but it was very moving. I am excited to give up our clothes to the village tomorrow. Thanks Steph and everyone for the birthday wishes. I miss you too. I had an awesome cake for my birthday. Steph, I challenge you to make a better one haha. I will see you Sunday bearing gifts.

Ali Galles: This trip has taught me many things and has made me appreciate my life back in the states. The people are always so happy and optimistic about life. Hello Mom and Dad! I can’t wait to see you in two days. I have gifts for everyone. Mom, tell Calla and Emma that I got them good gifts. I am very excited about the dove chocolate. Rachelle says to bring back double stuffed oreos. Tell Jose to quit raiding my closet. Love you all and see you Sunday!! J

Alec Mousel: This trip has been a great experience because it took me out of my comfort zone. I did fine shopping Karen so you can relax. Thanks Steph for the shout out, I miss you more. I plan on coming home on time Brittany, ten days is a long time. I will also be winning the cat bet because you won’t have one by the time I get home. This is the last blog before I come home so see ya’ll at 8 on Sunday in the flat lands!

Ross Ruhland: This trip has taught me what it truly important in life. It is not the material possessions we have, but the interactions we have with other people. Hopefully I can bring this new perspective stateside. Tomorrow is our last day cant wait to see y’all on the great plains.

Mick Sitzmann: Hi everybody! This trip has been great because I have met so many great new people. Just wanted to say hi, and that this is our last blog and that I’ll see you on Sunday!!     

Joe Begnoche: This trip has made me realize that I am very thankful for everything that I have and that this has been great with everyone here. Hi family this is my last blog until I see you on Sunday. Can’t wait to see everyone! Kendall I hope I get to see you on Monday!:)

Rachelle Lipp- I won’t let go of any experiences or people I have met.  This trip has been extremely eye-opening to how materialistic most of us really are.  I’m craving some oreos and a 4 piece chicken strip basket.  Thanks Nicholle for writing to us! I think you’d like to know that I saw a kid in a Perry the Platypus shirt today. J

Jesus is flogged.

Procession

Jesus falls the second time.

The church is seen in the distance as procession continues.

Missioners watch Jesus being nailed to the cross.

Jesus is taken down from the cross.

Jesus is laid in the tomb.

Stations of the Cross

We let everyone sleep in a little today to give them a break. However, by the time the students get home, parents, they should  be pretty used to 5:30 - 6 a.m. wake-up calls.  Breakfast was scrambled eggs, refried beans, bananas, and cereal today.

At 8:45 we headed for church and the beginning of the Stations of the Cross. It's difficult to describe what we witnessed this morning. I'd say it's as close to the real thing without actually being real. We watched Pilate ask the crowd to release Jesus, Jesus being whipped (complete with fake blood), walking the complete path all over Esquias, actually falling on the pavement while carrying the cross. all the other actors participating, wailing by the women, and nailing in the cross. The last few Stations took place in the rock quarry with the stripping his clothes, nailing to the cross, dying (with him speaking to God), taking him from the cross, and they even had a burial spot in the gravel with a cross made of rocks and a tomb cover made to look like various sizes of rocks. It lasted just over 3 hours and the heat took a toll on all of us. AND, we still had to walk back to the compound from the edge of town.

At this time we are awaiting our lunch. We'll have a little more church this afternoon with veneration of the cross at 3. The rest of the day is to be spent in reflection, laundry, visiting, prayer, and rest.

I am requesting that today's student blogs begin by stating why they're glad they came to Honduras. These will be the final student blogs for this group. We'll see all of you at the Omaha Airport on Sunday, I expect.

Mya, I heard you kept Seivert busy for a while. Good for you! I can hardly wait to see you when I return on the 15th. Jay and Miranda, it would be nice to get one message from you with information on Paige.

Shop 'Til You Drop

It's been a long day for all of us. After a breakfast of french toast, we got off to an early start for Valle de Angeles. Think Old Market in Omaha and you kind of get the idea of what the shopping area looked like. You could even get a horse and buggy ride, BUT we did not. The views along the way were awesome, as usual. Sr. Juanita was especially blessed today because she spotted her favorite Honduran bird 5 times as we drove.

I guarantee that many of you back home will be receiving nice souvenirs. Every shopper I heard was shopping for family and friends before looking for their own souvenir. We took a pizza break at noon; most then enjoyed an ice cream cone. That left an hour for shopping before we returned to Esquias.

We ate hamburgers, chips, and watermelon for supper and prepared for Mass. Janet had prepared a booklet for each of us with the readings so we could follow them during the service. None of our gentlemen got their feet washed tonight, so we watched a typical Honduran service - LOTS of enthusiastic responses and singing. During the sign of peace everyone goes everywhere to hug and give the sign of peace. During junta we commented on how the Hondurans all participate joyfully.

We weren't able to have junta until 9 due to the length of the church service and needing to allow journaling time. Thus, this blog is late and most of you will be reading it on Friday morning.

Lesley, Phil suggests you mow the lawn before he gets back. He would be forever beholden to you.

Final Full Work Day

Due to our rainy evening - a big thunderstorm that knocked out the electricity for the evening - we had a little difficulty getting to El Picacho today. The road we normally take was pretty wet and soft, so that first mountain caused us to turn back. Frank and Julio found alternate route that bypassed the bad area, and we were back in business.

The missioners began digging a bit more slowly each day. Like one of them said, "The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." Each day more of them discovered it was easier to team up with a Honduran worker because those guys are machines! Once again we dug through horrendous terrain, mostly rock, and if we were lucky, some clay-like dirt. We also put the finishing touches on the cement floor, and Carlos fixes their window sills with the leftover cement. Linda took the family's photo with their "Extreme Makeover" home.

We knocked off work at noon for lunch. As soon as we'd finished eating, we gathered together with as many of the villagers that showed up and took a group photo. We'll print the remainder of the photos we've chosen for the village's photo book. We've been printing them as we go on our portable printer.

I know everyone is looking forward to our day off tomorrow. It's "shop 'til you drop" day in Valle de Angeles (Valley of the Angels). It's a quaint little town with many tourist shops and artisans. Our noon meal will be pizza, which I'm sure sounds great to the kids. We've been eating well, but there's nothing like pizza. As soon as we return, we'll eat supper and prepare for the 7 p.m. church service. I may not have time to blog until after all those activities are complete.

Working Hard

We got off to a late start today due to a puncture in the bus tire. That happened during yesterday’s trip to Sulaco, but thankfully didn’t flatten until after our return to Esquias.

We enjoyed a nice rain last night. The accompanying lightning and thunder cut the trip to the park a bit short, but we definitely enjoyed the rain and the coolness it brought. Everyone agreed that last night’s sleep was better.

Now, picture a gravel road in Iowa and you need to dig through it with a pick-ax and shovel. That was what our group had to do today. It was a daunting challenge to keep digging through such hard material, and even a bit depressing when we’d check the distance covered, which didn’t seem much. However, we celebrated when the group got to move down the road and start in another spot. It was a small victory, but we appreciated it nonetheless.

Originally, we had planned to pour a cement floor for a poor family in Esquias. Julio & Carlos suggested that we choose a very poor family in El Picacho instead. So a family with 6 children will be getting 2 rooms of concrete floor during our mission trip. Today chaperones and students worked in shifts on trench digging. Others worked on the cement floor. We plan to give everyone a chance to make cement by hand because it’s a unique experience. The forms have been laid for the flooring and a little base cement is in place. Our team will pour the bedroom floor tomorrow and then do another little room for the same family.

Today’s lunch consisted of pescado (fresh fish fried with the heads on), fried plantains, red cabbage and vinegar, and tortillas. It is a time-consuming meal to eat because the fish is extremely bony. Everyone said they tasted it; not all ate the whole fish. It took our cook almost 3 hours to fry our fish in a single frying pan on her wood stove.

After lunch we returned to work. Everyone worked a little slower, but we are very proud of everyone. The students are working hard and not complaining about the work. You parents should be quite proud of your children. They are participating well, working hard, listening to us, and pitching in. A small group of them even fixed the gutter in the compound with string and a stretched out piece of clothes hanger. They are turning into true Hondurans. I’ll have to post the picture so you can see their fix-it job.

I’m sitting at the table now, waiting to eat supper (cena). We’re eating fried chicken, rice, and vegetables. Oh yes, there are always tortillas, and my favorite, watermelon (sandia). Gotta eat. Later.

Rachelle carries dirt out of the house getting a cement floor

Joe & Chad work at scraping the dirt out of the bedroom.

Bryce & Conor carry wet cement for the new floor.

Gehlen Mission Honduras at work with villagers

Mick & Conor with their Honduran buddy.

Ross shows off his lunch.

The boys carry 90 lb. bags of cement down the mountain.

Dave & Don do some digging,

Celebrating in San Luis

Rachelle, Ali, Mike, Sr. Juanita, and Carolyn split from the group this morning to attend a major celebration in San Luis, another of Fr. Bonilla’s parishes. We traveled to San Luis via mototaxi. I regret not taking a video of Mike trying to fold himself into the taxi, which had metal doors like carnival rides and a tarp for a roof. Our group of 8 (Tacha, Sylvia, and Noelia – our cooks were with us) squished in for the 20-minute ride.

According to the girls, the celebration began with pre-game (or pre-Mass) at 9. We experienced lots of singing, accompanied with actions. The first song alone lasted 20 minutes or more. The whole celebration was to dedicate the new center that is next to their church. It’s a beautiful center with a kitchen, dining area, salon, beds for 64 or more people, and bathrooms. After more singing and celebrating, all moved to the church to share Mass with the Bishop of Comayagua. (Francis, Richard, Linda, and Carolyn met the bishop this past summer while on the planning mission.) Mass began at approximately 10 – everything in Honduras is approximate – and lasted until 11:40. Fr. Bonilla thanked the bishop at the end of Mass, and also gave a special thank you to our mission group of students working in El Picacho. Our group was specially invited to the celebration, which is why we sent a representative group to the dedication. After Mass it was back to the center for the ribbon cutting and more singing and dancing. Our group dined with the two priests and the bishop. I had a nice conversation with him. He wanted all of us to know how appreciative he and all Hondurans are of the work our youth does in his country. He asked how Seivert was doing and DID remember our summer meeting. He even said that he watched our last PowerPoint and was greatly impressed with it. I presented him with a mission shirt and cross, telling him our director wanted him to have it to represent our relationship and connection with him and Honduras.

Our bus collected us in San Luis on their return trip. The El Picacho group was much dirtier than we, but all of us were hot. The temperature continues to climb so we are taking it very easy this afternoon. After showers, some took a siesta, some went to the park, and some are playing just outside the compound with the youth. Some even visited the local grocery store; well, anyway, the Honduran version of one.

Everyone enjoyed a noon meal of beef, rice with carrots & pataste, and tortillas. Tonight’s meal appears to be Honduran tacos. They mix cabbage and hamburger, put it on a flat hard shell, put fresh tomatoes on top, as well as parmesan cheese. It is one of Linda’s favorites.

Tomorrow starts Holy Week. The procession begins at 8 from the edge of town. Jesus will ride a burro through town to the church while the congregation waves palms and sings during the procession. Then we’ll run for the bus take off for the malnutrition center in Sulaco. I’m excited to see  Virginia’s (Stick Lady’s) house.

Dedication Mass

Trevor's job to keep Frank clean for the day was a success

Water tank base

Joe B. with a little friend

Pre-Game

Conor carries Ali's, Mike's, and Rachelle's loads for the day

Missionaries Blog

Mick Sitzmann: Hi mom and dad! Having so much fun here! The kids are amazing and I really wish I knew more Spanish!  Ill talk to you guys later and Dad I just wanted to tell you that these people who helped us work today make you “tough guys” at home look like complete pansies! Love you guys!! See you in nine days!! Tell Monica I say HI!

Ali Galles: Hey mom! Hey dad! Honduras is amazing. The kids are teaching me more Spanish than I have learned all throughout high school. It’s improved already today so much. The work is tough. Carrying bricks up the mountain was one of the toughest things I have ever had to do. My arms are way sore. Tomorrow we start digging! Yay! (sarcasm). Love you guys and I will see you in nine days!

Chad Langel: Hola la familia! J Jaajaja. (hahahahahaha lolz). I miss you greatly! This is from Joe also! We are having a great time down here and working extremely hard. The old man is hanging in there so far, I suppose. We are hoping that the baby is going to wait till we are back so tell Katie to suck it in!! Other than all that, see ya in nueve dias! (9 days). ;) p.s. the kids call me Chip instead of Chad lol it’s too hard to pronounce!

Micah Neary: Hey everyone! Miss you all! I am having a great time here in Honduras. I am working my tailfeather off. Miss you Morgan!! The people here are amazing and fun to talk to and be around. The food here is also really good. The weather is nice at six in the morning. Other than that it’s really hot. I’ll see you all soon! T-minus nine days! J

Rachelle Lipp: Words can’t explain the feeling you get as you enter a brand new country. My first airplane ride was amazing! I couldn’t ask for smoother travels and all our bags came in. We are so blessed in the United States and no one should forget that.  I actually like the rice (to my surprise).  The food has actually been delicioso.  The view from the top of the hill for our project is amazing.  God is so amazing.  I met a 12 year old girl today who reminded me so much of Krista.  There were five year olds who were carrying more bricks than me.  Alright, I miss you all.  Love you Mom, Dad, Andrew, Marisa and Krista.  Do the chores. Hasta luego!

Trevor Bouma: Hey family and Steph! I have been having a great time in Honduras.  The work has been very tough, but the smiles on the kids’ faces makes up for all of it.  The food has been surprisingly good.  Everyone around here is extremely nice and fun to be with.  I will see you in nine days. Love you and miss you! Shout out to Jordan Thomas Langel!

Joe Begnoche: Hello fellow Bag-O-Nachos! I’m doing well here.  All of the kids are very cool.  I still don’t know Spanish very well, but I’m trying to communicate as well as I can.  The weather is hot but pretty good.  The view at the top of the mountains was pretty awesome and I’ll have to tell you when I get home because I didn’t take any pictures of it, yet ;). The food is surprisingly awesome and nothing goes to waste here.  I have a huge tan line in the middle of my forehead- I wore my bandana a little low today… Tell Kendall “hi” for me somehow and I’m still writing her letters. See you in nine days, I miss you already! I’m super excited to see you when we get back.

Lauren Eide: Hello Mom, Dad, and Brenden! Today we went up to the mountains and carried bricks up a really steep hill/mountain peak. I’m gaining muscle. Yes, I actually did carry the bricks.  I met a lot of kids tonight. They really like to hit while they play tag.  They liked my blue eyes and blonde hair.  The airplane landing wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.  The food hasn’t been too bad.  Today I took a shower that lasted less than a minute.  Yes, I DID.  I can’t wait to see you, I’ll try to blog again.

Austin (Dean) Meyer: Hey Mom and Dad and Emily and Tyler. It’s my birthday today! It was different waking up in a different country today. They sang to me in Spanish for my birthday. Yesterday I almost got killed by a dog. No big deal. I have learned more Spanish today than I have in high school. I’m telling all the kids to call me Dean. They love it. Drinking lots of water, stay hydrated! I also ate beef jerky with ants on it (good source of protein) (God’s punishment for eating meat today) I did laundry today for the first time. It wasn’t very good.  Love you and miss you. See you on Easter!

Alec Mousel: hello family, friends, and Brittany if seivert taught you well enough to use the blog. Its pretty warm here. Shout out to Jordan for being a good friend. I’ll let you guys go now because this blog is already way to long so adios and see ya’ll in a few days. Your friend in Christ-Alec J

Ross Ruhland: hello everybody I’m still alive and kicking. My junta bud trevor has been looking out for me and keeping me alive. He is a great man. Missing my mommy. Shout out to Jordan and Asmund as well as all my buds in crafts. Peace and Blessings.

Megan Heissel: Hey Mom, Dad, Cole, and friends! This has been quite an experience so far. Today we threw bricks up a hill/mountaintop. I am going to be so sore in the morning I can already tell. Waking up at 5:30 AM is a little difficult but you hardly notice because it is already light out. Time seems to be going very slowly but I am enjoying every minute of it.  The people here are so friendly and welcoming.  I met a little girl, Molly, and fell in love with her. It will definitely be difficult to leave! Love and miss you guys! J

Brittany Loutsch: Hey Mom, Dad, Donald and the rest of the family, hope all is going well back in L-town. To the seniors- keep the halls in line especially Seivert. I would like to thanks Coach Ryan for making me work hard in track because I dominated carrying up the bricks to the top of the mountain. Hope the CYO meet went well! I am thankful for staying in Spanish because I can actually carry a conversation on unlike the guys.  A little girl thought me and Dean were brother and sister: I laughed so hard. The plane ride was awesome I loved it.  We taught some of the kids Bird(Bert) is da word so they could remember my name. Ross and I are champs at pinochle beating Trevor and Joe 1,225 to 225. Que Verguenza! I am not sure at this point if I will make it out alive, but Kim Kardashian did mission work in Haiti so I think that will be my inspiration. Miss you guys!!!! See you soonJ

Work Begins

The village of Picacho welcomed us this morning with speeches and applause. Everyone was anxious to begin, but perhaps a little less so when we saw the pile of bricks and sand that had to be carried up the mountainside. Frank let us know that we were standing a mile above sea level, and that really made everyone anxious to carry bricks and sand up the mountainside.

Our missioners are fast learners, however; they only made a few trips carrying bricks before they set up the line to toss bricks to each other. It made the breathing required for mountain climbing much easier. The missioners worked hard, but did take their required rehydration breaks. We enjoyed wonderful weather this morning. The sporadic breezes kept us from overheating.

Our missioners defnitely noticed the poverty apparent in this country. They also noticed some of the nice, colorful home we have occasionally seen. Many of them already have children latched to them. The girls enjyed a game of duck-duck-goose with a few of the chilThedren. They've learned we all smile in the same language.

The village ladies fed us a lunch of fried chicken, rice, tortillas, tomatoes, and lettuce. It reminded the students of Lally's. Many villagers enjoyed the meal with us. The bus ride back was quiet and more than a little bumpy.

We enjoyed our first cold shower of the trip. The missioners stated it was one of the most enjoyable showers they'd ever experienced. We are now taking it easy. We'll then sort our donated items in the salon, work on our junta books, and eat supper.  Oh, I almost forgot. The guys learned how to do their laundry using the pila. Carlos, our bus driver, gave them a laundry lesson, and then just shook his head as they all tried their best to copy his methods. They need a lot more practice!

We'll cool off at the park tonight and play with the local children. Look for more blogs to come, and PLEASE send comments our way. Happy 18th Birthday to Austin Meyer today!

Gehlen Team Arrives in Honduras

It's been a hot, dusty, long trip from Omaha to Esquias, but we have arrived. I believe everyone is ready to go even though they are tired from the trip. Once we hit the gravel road to Esquias, everyone learned what bumpy roads are really like.

We picked up a water bottle for everyone before leaving Tegucigalpa. We also made a pit stop in Siria before our bumpy ride began.

All missioners have pitched in already. They unloaded the 50 lb. bags from the pickup and bus, carried in some food supplies, unloaded their personal belongings, and changed into shorts as quickly as possible. We are definitely experiencing a sultry evening.

After a supper of rice, refried beans, beef, salsa, and tortillas, we had a quick orientation. Right now I've send all youth missioners to the park with the men chaperones. We all agreed that it's much cooler there. The women are doing a few needed chores around the compound. Tomorrow the students will take on those chores, along with the beginning of the work in Picacho. Our first 'junta' is planned for 8 p.m. our time. I have a sneaky suspicion that many of us will be in bed early.

ALL bags arrive in Tegucigalpa

The girls help carry the bags into the salon.

Dave drops the bags to Chad.

Austin is happy to pitch in.

Heelan Returns

The Heelan team walked up the runway shortly after 8:15, to the cheers of their families and the Gehlen Catholic Mission Team. Although the Heelan team was sad to leave their Honduran friends, you could see the joy on their faces as they hugged their family members.

The Heelan Team has now passed the torch on to the Gehlen Team, who boards their first flight at 5:40 Thursday morning. Our team will be doing a water project in the small village of Picacho. We'll try to keep you posted with as much information as our internet signal will allow. If we can't get through, you can count on Richard Seivert to post our blog with the info we'll send via cell phone.

Stay tuned for the next mission team excursion!

Preparations for the Spring Mission Trips in Full Gear

We'd like to invite all of you to once again follow our blog as we embark on our next missions into Honduras.

Is It Hot Enough?

If you consider 127 degrees hot enough, then the answer is a resounding yes! It was business as usual this morning, although we were hoping that a man playing the accordion was going to show up at 5 am to play music in honor of Nick’s birthday, as is the tradition here in Honduras. Lucky for the kids who got to sleep an extra 30 minutes this morning!

We were slightly more sluggish after yesterday’s first “real” work day- the muscles were definitely feeling sore. We drove out to Vallecillo and it was great to see the kids saying hello to familiar faces within the community. Today’s mantra soon became, “Depth over distance,” as the terrain proved to be rockier and more compact than the day before. The group made great progress (with the help of some very strong Hondurans) and were proud of the work at the end of the day. Another neat experience today was seeing how everyone tried to take less portions of their lunch so there would be more food left at the end to feed the villagers. They are definitely learning the importance of the food they have so readily available.

On a typical day we would have the afternoon to ourselves and would be filled with showers and relaxing, but not today! The girls remained at the compound and continued putting bags together for the families in Vallecillo while the boys went to a home in Esquias to replace their dirt floors with cement floors. This was quite an experience for everyone as they do not have the same resources as we do in the US. They all learned how to mix cement by hand so parents, if you ever need that job done, you know who to ask!

After a very long day of working, we had a nice dinner followed by junta and a celebration for Nick’s birthday complete with a birthday cake and candles. We’re trying to head to bed early because we know tomorrow will be another full day of tough terrain, cement work, and preparing gift bags for Vallecillo families. We hope everyone is surviving the snow in Iowa.

Fr. Cosgrove: While you were enjoying a spring snowstorm, the Honduran team was experiencing 126 degrees and very difficult trenching. The students here at the water project are not only doing a great deal of work, but also a wonderful job of making friends with the families of the village. This evening we shall celebrate Nick Wankum’s 18th birthday. It is a surprise, so don’t tell him. The party is a surprise, not the fact that he’s 18. Many of the students are surprised at just how fluent they are in Spanish. They all expect to be given A’s on their 4th quarter grade. After returning from the water project, a group of the men helped lay a concrete floor in a home of one of the villagers of Esquias. The Crusaders can be proud of their team members.

Becca Swalve: Becca, Sana, and Megan propose we will stay here as long as it is snowing in Iowa. We are enjoying the 127 degree weather so much! Nic and Bob- I used a pickaxe today and I worked it. Constance, tell the kids at Guardian Angel hi! Taylor, I miss you too; 5 more days! I really need a good back and head scratch.  MUAH!

Mary Henrich: Thanks for the advice Dad! Please send a dozen frogs to Honduras, priority shipping preferred.  We are enjoying this 125 degree weather while all of you are shoveling your driveways. I also broke a pickaxe today. Whoohoo! Also, please tell everyone at home that I miss them. Please have someone tell the track team that I miss them too.

Ashley Ellensohn: Tell everyone hi for me and that I miss them! Can’t wait to see everyone and tell them about everything. Tell Nate I’m craving a Bob’s tavern! <3

Matt and Mary Klein: Jim, Michelle, Nathan, and Emily- The food is very good here. We you’re not starving with Dad’s cooking. Our muscles are a little sorer tonight. We were surprised there was close to a 100 degree difference in temperature in Iowa and Honduras today. Love you, Matt and Mary

Brittney Tegels: Mom and Dad- this was definitely the right decision for me to make. I have been loving every minute of it. Best part of the trip so far was seeing Christin in Honduras! I miss you guys a lot (you too, Brent) and can’t wait to see you on Easter Sunday. Hello to all of my Minnesota loves- I hope there is no snow up there when I get back! Ranjani- don’t worry, I’m still alive and am planning on coming back to work Wednesday!

Carolyn Bickford: Jay, Miranda, Drew, Ali, and Mya, I hope all is well with everyone. Give Mya a big kiss from me. I miss all of you. Fabio, I know that Drew is probably keeping you busy with video games, but make sure to get all your homework done. Drew, please check on Pakka and Angel at some point to make sure they are doing fine, though Seivert has been checking in. I love you guys!

4 Football Fields

Once again the students jumped right out of bed at 5:30 a.m. Parents, remember that for when they get back home! After a breakfast of pancakes and pineapple, we began our 1-hour drive to Vallecillo. We found the villagers hard at work. It didn’t take the missioners long to grab the pick-axes and shovels and start working on the trenches. The students were undaunted by roots and large rocks. They chopped and dug through anything and everything. They also spent much time working on their Spanish with the Hondurans. The final result for today was a trench measuring 4 football fields in length, 18 inches deep, and a foot wide. We all felt good about our accomplishments.


On Saturday the villagers had requested that we have Mass in their church, since they very seldom get to have Mass. When we reached the church, which is where we also eat lunch, the lady had prepared our lunch to eat before Mass. The students felt very awkward about eating in front of the villagers who were waiting for Mass. We had to encourage them to eat something, and then everyone filled a tortilla and fed the crowd. The students commented at junta tonight that it was similar to the loaves and fishes. Mass was bilingual. The Hondurans sang loudly and energetically. We noticed even the dogs like to come to Mass in Honduras.

The excitement in the compound this afternoon involved the boys catching a fairly good-sized iguana. After scaring Tacha and a few girls, they released it in the park. We ate a typical Honduran meal of eggs, rice, refried beans, and tortillas.

Tomorrow promises to be a challenging day. We’ll dig trenches and then install cement floors into two homes of some extremely poor people who have dirt floors. There will be some sore muscles tomorrow.

Sam Ahlers – At this point in the trip I definitely wish I paid attention in Spanish class, but I still love talking and playing soccer with the kids. Everything here is great. Everyone is welcoming and happy. I hope all is well in Sioux City, and Happy Birthday, Jack.

Steve Swalve – Nick & Bob, Not to worry. The girls are working just as hard as the boys, even your sister. I have pictures. Enjoying myself. Life is peaceful. Connie: Wish you were here. You would really love the kids. Love, Steve

Fr. Cosgrove – Your children worked very hard today. We had Mass up in the mountain today and a wonderful meal. We shall be putting a cement floor into two homes here in Esquias. That means they will be working even harder on Tuesday and Wednesday. The student have made a very fine impression on the people and especially the children they have worked with. It is a joy to be with and work and pray.

Megan Tentinger – I miss you Mom and Dad. I haven’t gotten burned yet. Love you.

Becca Swalve – Constance, if you read this text Taylor, Linden, and Haley, Hi from me. Miss you all! Loving all of the kids so much. I want to bring them all back to Guardian Angel. Love, Becca

Greg Probst –Dear Dad, Please send tractor.

Mary Klein – Jim, Michelle, Nathan, and Emily, We are doing great and so glad we came! We dug four football fields long of trench today. I even used a pick-axe for re

HEY EVERYONE, WE LOVE COMMENTS FROM HOME!

40 Miles & 3 Hours Later

Amusement parks should create an amusement ride called “Honduran Roads” so everyone would be able to experience the bumpy and curvy roads we have been experiencing! Our bodies get a total workout just traveling to our destinations.


This morning we lived the example of ‘hurry up and wait.’ All were up by 5:30 a.m. Hard to believe, huh parents? We ate French toast for breakfast with various fruit choices. Then we rushed to make the 7:30 procession, which actually didn’t start until some time after 8. Everyone met at the edge of town. Many of the town’s children were in costume. After Fr. Bonilla blessed all the palms we were holding, Jesus mounted the burro and we processed through town, shouting ‘Viva, Jesus’ and singing as we walked. After we arrived at the church, the Passion was read and Mass continued. When the sign of peace starts, our group is generally surprised as the Hondurans walk all over to hug each other with the sign of peace. All the little children go to Father behind the altar to give him hugs.

Immediately after Mass we climbed aboard the bus for our ‘amusement ride’ to Sulaco and our visit to the malnutrition center. I believe many hearts were touched by those cute little children. Each missioner had the chance to hold a little child. Some of them coaxed a little boy to kick the soccer ball back and forth with him. It was hard for both missioners and little children to say good-bye. Our next stop was at the sewing academia and wood carving school for a few handmade souvenirs. Our last stop in Sulaco was at our friend Dulce’s who provided us with her delicious sweet fried bread and ice cold sodas. What a treat!

On our return we stopped at the homes of two extremely poor women. Pastora, who is quite elderly, expressed her gratitude for the food we gave her. Our final stop was a return to the house of the ‘Stick Lady.’ Her photo appears on this page. As soon as Linda gave her the new outfit she’d brought, Virginia put the clothes on right over her ragged clothes. Linda gave her a bag of staples, soap, and shampoo and she thanked the group.

We arrived in Esquias at 6. The students were overjoyed to find that Frank had returned from Tegucigalpa with all the missing bags. Even though they were shaken, both emotionally and physically, everyone pitched right in to empty the bags. Enchiladas were served at 7. Our junta followed. As I finish the blog at 10, I can’t hear a sound. I think they’ve all gone to bed. Many of them have written to you –

Ashley Ellensohn – Love you Mom and Dad! Everything is wonderful. Mom, you would love these kids. Xoxo

Britt Jaminet – Who knew it could take 3 hours to travel 84 km? The rock roads and narrow roads combined with the steep mountains could make anyone sick. Love you Mom. Dad and I miss you!

Sana Naqvi – Miss you and love you Mom & Dad.

Becca Vonnahme – Hey Dad! How is Tegucigalpa? How are all the girls treatin’ ya?  Everything is going great in Esquias. I’ve never been so sweaty and dirty in my life. Love you and can’t wait to see you Thursday!

Mike Jaminet – We got to experience forest fires firsthand. The smoke and damage is unreal.

Becca & Steve Swalve – Miss you and love you Mom, Nic, and Bob!

Zach Maxey – Hey everybody! It’s amazing here in Honduras! Everybody is so welcoming. Playing soccer w/the Hondurans is really fun and they are all really good. Miss you and love you Mom & Dad & the family!! Happy 18th Jack!! Love Zach

Fr. Cosgrove - We celebrated Palm/Passion Sunday with the parish. The procession came into town with palms from the trees and all went to the church high on the hill. The procession began at 8:00 a.m. and Mass ended at 10:30. The church was full so many of our students stood outside. The Holy Week celebration will be a highlight for everyone.

Bienvenidos a Vallecillo!

Our morning started much earlier than most of us generally arise – 5:30! I didn’t hear a single groan when I did my wake-up call. Since we still had no electricity, breakfast had to be adjusted. Thank goodness for gas stoves. There were scrambled eggs, bananas, fresh squeezed orange juice, and bread.


Shortly after breakfast we gathered in the central courtyard for a prayer – joining hands as we prayed for many of you back home. Then it was on the bus for the hour-long ride to the village.

Many young children run to the road when they see our bus coming. They love shouting to the American youth and waving to them as we drive past. Carlos, our excellent bus driver, is ready to stop at a moment’s notice for anyone who wants to take photos.

Just as it has for the previous two mission groups, from Springfield Catholic in Missouri and St. Thomas More in Rapid City, SD, the villagers gathered together on the soccer field to welcome us to Vallecillo. Angel Paz, the engineer of the water project, spoke. The president of the village and a few other villagers spoke, we had a prayer together, and I briefly thanked them. Then, we went to work.

Our first project was to carry two plastic 2” water pipes approximately 1 – 2 miles (when walking up and down mountains, the distance is irrelevant) to where they were needed in the trenches dug by previous missioners. After placing them into the trenches, they were glued end to end and we all filled in the trenches.

The missioners had great fun with the children. They worked together, played a little, and tried to speak Spanish to each other. The children kept calling our students “loco” which means crazy. It was their favorite saying today.

One of the village ladies prepared a lunch of tortillas, rice, potato salad, and chicken that we ate in the church. It gave all a chance to stay out of the sun. I believe our temperature today hovers around 99.

Even though we rested well last night, many people had a nap on the bus. I think the altitude and the high heat is really sapping our energy. We were happy to find the electricity on in the compound. We hope it stays on. But the latest news is there will be no water after 6 p.m. We’re rushing to take our 90 seconds or less showers before that.

A group of us took a walking tour of Esquias – the village where our compound is located. Some of the boys had noticed what they thought were large mangos growing on a tree. We found one on the ground and took it to Monchin, one of our Honduran friends, to ask him if we could eat it. After laughing at us, he showed us how they cut it in half, clean it out like a pumpkin, and then use it as a type of scoop for water. We’re always learning something new in Honduras. We did relax a bit at the park and take care of a few chores around the compound.

We want everyone back home to know that everyone is healthy, happy, and enjoying their first 24 hours in Honduras. We ask your continued prayers for a successful project. Adios.

And We're Off...

The Gehlen / Heelan Catholic Mission Team had a beautiful send-off at Gehlen Catholic School this afternoon. Shortly after that we were on the bus and heading for Omaha. We had a huge meal at the Golden Corral; then it was off to the Country Inn & Suites. We had our team meeting at the hotel to make sure everyone is on the same page for tomorrow - the day we have all been waiting for! Our wake-up calls will come early: 2:50 - 3:20 a.m. Seivert will update you on our flight on Friday. We'll put up a team photo from Esquias once we've unloaded the bus and gotten settled into our dorms.

St. Thomas More Is on the Way to Honduras

It's 9:35 p.m. in Houston. The mission team from St. Thomas More has had their introductory meeting and is eating pizza. I can feel the excitement and anticipation in this team. They are anxious to get into Honduras tomorrow and continue the work that Springfield started.

Everyone seems healthy and ready to work. I think this is going to be a great group of missioners!

In Esquias

Hi All,

Good day yesterday into Esquias. Very ill little boy. We saw him yesterday afternoon. Today we had a long day of bumpy travel to Vallecillo. Made a deal for next year's water project. Then drove to La Florida to check the water project. Everything is fine. Next we visited El Junco to check their water project. Things are okay but they need a little work after the heavy rains. Visited numerous sick people along the way that are being helped by Mission Honduras LeMars. Look forward to putting up more information tomorrow. We have awesome photos. We will try to blog or email tomorrow.

Carolyn

Eye-Opening Sites

It is Saturday; well, not for much longer as I write this blog. It will be hard to tell you about some of the things we saw today. If I can get it to work, I will upload a couple photos. I hope it will work.  (Photo on left was taken in the place called "the hole" in Tegucigalpa.)

This morning we met some Honduran friends who would take us to a place that was in Tegucigalpa, but way UP on the edge. It was the home of Cynthia, a little girl who suffers with a heart condition. At this time Cynthia is living at the orphanage run by the Sisters of Charity. The doctors are unable to help her, and they say she has months, perhaps a year or so to live. Her mother would like to take her home to die. However, the mother requires a latrine and pila - a place to do the wash - so she does not have to leave Cynthia alone. Cynthia needs someone with her all the time. Marta took us to visit her home. It was a small shack with a hotplate for a stove, a table just large enough to hold it was the kitchen. There was a table just barely large enough for two. A sheet hung from a string to hide the twin size bed that served the mother and 2 children who are living there with her. The mother was off working. She does laundry for some families in the city and makes very little money. With that money she pays her bus ride to work and buys drinking water for the family and a small amount of food. Marta is getting funding for a pila and latrine. We are hoping to help her family with enough money so the mother can stop working and stay home with her children until Cynthia dies. It is a very sad situation.

The priest who is also helping this family and many others - including the school I blogged about yesterday - showed us another place he is building in that area. They showed us the progress on that building. Then the volunteers and Marta took us to another school that is what you could call a supplemental school. All the children must be in extreme poverty to be there. 1700 children attend that school. Some of the older children stay on after a certain age to work and teach the younger one, as well as take care of the grounds and go to university themselves. It was an amazing place to see.

This afternoon we picked up Dr. Teri Kemmer, the professor of nutrition from USD, and her son Nick. They attended Mass at the Basilica with us. Afterwards we all went to Marny's house, which she share with her parents, Fabio, and Graciela. They served us a delicious supper of chicken, beef, rice, bread, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and more. We had cake for dessert. We all enjoyed lots of conversation.

It is now 10:30 in Honduras. The rest of the team is sleeping. We will rise at 4:30 a.m. to start our drive to Montaña de la Flor. It will be another special day for us. We hope to meet with all the chiefs of the Tolupan to set up a medical/nutritional connection of some type that will help the Tolupan with much better health. It was raining when I came to the computer. We hope it will not be raining in the morning or we will not be able to travel up the mountain.

Until tomorrow,
Carolyn