From Abby

From Abby Woz:

Hey everyone again! It's Abby! Today we had an interesting mass at a cathedral in town said by father Cos. Somehow father managed to forget his book so we watched him read off of an iPhone at the altar while mixing it in with his spanish messages. After that we headed to the orphanage which was very eye-opening since the kids are so loving and warm even when you have met them a total of five minutes ago. That seems to be one of the main parts that makes me smile everyday. The warmth that the young and old Hondurans have towards you and are full of love even when they have so little. Although since one of our members is leaving tomorrow (JoAnn) she's been a mother to all of us and I'm so happy to have experienced this with her. Which reminds me to give a shout out to my mom who I miss so much along with my brothers, stepmom, stepdad, maddie and all my friends back home! Especially emmy, kuhlene, mary, danny, and kyle! Adios amigos!

From Jeremy

From Jeremy: It was a great drive around the city and visit at the orphanage today. We had a great game of futbol with the hondurans tonight which we did win two games. Tomorrow is shopping day at the Valley of the Angels. Hope to bring back some souvenirs for everyone!

Insightful

From Jack O`Brien

Every day I wake up, I'm gaining some new knowledge or perspective that I feel makes this experience richer. For instance, did you know it's illegal to kill deer here? They're the equivalent of bald eagles. While these fun little facts are good for future dinner conversation or small talk, there are much more important things to be learned in Nueva Capital. At both work sites, us Americanos find ourselves angered or disappointed at the slow pace of the Honduran workers. They're not multitaskers; they very much prefer to slowly take their time and it gets done when it gets done. We're here in their country, so we have to learn to abide by their rules, as trialing as that may be. Our mission is not to build two houses, but to help the Honduran people. So as much as we'd like the self satisfaction or accomplishment of building up these houses for these kind people, it's not about us. This is an exercise in taking yourself, your wants, and your customs out of the equation and simply saying "What can I do to help?" So the lesson I'm learning now is a lesson I've always known but never been challenged to confront: the world doesn't revolve around me. So I'm choosing not to take victory not in a material goal but rather the service I am providing to the lesser of God's people. I'm humbled to have the opportunity to be here and, in large ways and small, make a difference. Looking forward to three more days of the give and take of knowledge and service.

Jack G. OB

At Mother Teresa's

Mother Teresa's Orphanage

From Megan Little:

This morning we went downtown to church. It was a lot different then what we consider downtown at home. Father Cos said mass, but it was in english, spanish, and latin. After mass we went to a little shopping center and ate at the pizza place there. The pizza toppings were very different but it was very good. Then we went to the orphanage. When we first walked in the kids were a little afraid, but after time they were all loving us. The little boy I was holding was around one and his name was Tony. He fell asleep on me and slept for about a half hour. It was dinner time, so Beth Joann and I had the opportunity to feed them. Maddison immediately went right for the little baby. She played with him the whole time and even changed his diaper three times. It was really hard to leave, especially knowing the lives these kids will have. It has defiantly opened my mind about adopting a child from a country like this.

More Messages

From Jeremy: waking to the sound of horns this morning we had an early wake up call. We went to work for a couple hours this morning and the first house is really coming together. We are working on the sheeting for the sides so that's means lots of sawing and nailing. Just want to shout out to everyone at home; my friends, family, and all who are supporting us. We will work hard monday to try to get both houses built.

From Paul Jacobson:
Que tal ninos. We're working hard down here on the houses. They're really coming along and we are all having a blast. Pat Jones the contractor with us from Orange City is a stud. The Honduran assigned to the house basically gave him full power to do what we wanted making it. He is doing a great job assigning tasks. Jeremy and I pounded more nails than I can count yesterday. Its so much more complicated here as we don't have adequate power tools such as a nail gun and a handmade wood ladder. We're learning to work with what we have. Time moves so slow down here and we don't ever know the time and sometimes it takes us awhile to even remember the day. Shout out to my boy Zach Maxey and I'm still trying to find Felipe. Wesley Schorg says hello to all and I hope everything is great back home. Still having a blast see you all soon!

Message from Abby and Abbey

Hola from Honduras! Today, we are having the little girls try on the new dresses that sister made for them. After, we will be traveling to the Cathedral in the city to attend mass with other Honduran people. Following mass, we will be heading to the orphanage to play and visit with the children there. Some of the children are there because they don't have parents and other who have parents but cannot provide for them right now. Once you step into the school we have been staying at, the children will run up to you and give you the biggest hug and smile. They are so loving to us and only want love in return. They constantly have smiles on their faces no matter where they live or how much they have. Along with the chickens, dogs, and constant chatter from outside our bedroom, Kelsey McCabe joins in with talking in Spanish in her sleep! Yesterday some of the students worked on the houses still and others went to deliver school supplies and daily toiletries to homes of some of the children in the school. The families were extremely greatful and thanked us graciously. One of the houses is almost finished just only needs more work on the walls and the roof. The other is slowly coming along but only has the foundation down. We are going to head out because ants are currently crawling on our feet! Adios!

From Roland at the Internet Tree, Tegus, Honduras

Yesterday while waiting for our shipment of wood at the second house we started a war of throwing rocks. The teams were Lil' Kevin, Josh, and myself vs. Fisher and Madeline. Josh and I would hand Kevin rocks and he would throw them for us. We will put up a picture of Lil' Kevin holding a one limpere bill. S/O to my family back home and MuggeT's homeroom and of course the E4 and Brooklynn!