Another busy day at El Hogar with the sound track of the uber-cicadas and their tea-kettle chorus in the background. We ate a plentiful breakfast of banana bread and ripe cantalope, followed by classroom time with the children. Some of us were in the Spanish classrooms listening to the children read, and others were working with the newest students in the 1st grade classroom in one-on-one sessions. Our classroom time was fairly brief today as we had a road trip to the Institute de Santa Maria - the Technical School of El Hogar. It was a long drive - longer than it normally might have taken - as we attempted to circumvent the striking and protesting teachers and police response that we encountered yesterday. Sixteen of us bounced along and climbed the mountainous roads to the Institute.
I visited the ITSM last July and noticed some changes, most notably the incredible floor to ceiling mural in the front of the chapel painted by Joel. Joel is a former student who is now an art teacher at El Hogar. The colorful mural of the Risen Christ is dazzling in the large white space adding to the holiness of the space. Many windows have been put in since July as well. While visiting the shops - metal working, carpentry, and electrical - Julie was able to meet her sponsee, Julio, for the very first time.
A highlight of the day for many of us was our meeting with Lazaro, Sub-Executive Director of El Hogar Projects, and the Director of the ITSM and listening to him tell his story. He was an orphan and raised in an orphanage where he received love and opportunity. He spoke in a deeply heartfelt way about how he has felt blessed by that his whole life. Back in 1979 Lazaro was asked by the then-director to come to work at El Hogar, which was in its infancy. He spoke of wanting to share his blessings with other boys and said yes to the offer. Thirty years later he is a leader here, a married father of four children, and an exemplary man of God, who says with awe and gratitude that he could not have imagined what El Hogar would become.
We had another plentiful meal of vegetables, the yellowest corn I¨ve ever seen, pulled mystery-meat, and sweet lemonade. Fully stuffed, we then stuffed ourselves - all sixteen of us - back into the van along with the many handmade wooden tables, tortilla presses, and objects d´art that we´d bought at the school. The large metal step ladder that we purchased for El Hogar needed to be left behind for a later delivery.
The afternoon was spent by some of us back in our knitting and crocheting class, attending art class with the children, or seeing patients with our very own Dr. Virginia Barrow. But a very special part of the afternoon was a visit by Betsy¨s sponsor child, Carlos, who no longer attends El Hogar, and his family.
Believe it or not, yet another meal soon followed - dinner out at a lovely Mexican Restaurant with Tackerly, her friend, Maria, and Arturo.
Our nightly group devotions said, our blog written, it¨s time for bed.
-Jill Mackavey
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
March 29, 2011
Greetings from Honduras at the end of our second full day here! We are all, I think, both physically and emotionally drained (but I mean that in the most positive way). This morning was the physical part -- we began with morning devotion at 7:00am in the courtyard. We join the 96 children and teachers in an enormous circle outside, and three students enact a bible story in the center. Today´s story was the Temptation of Jesus, featuring the narrator, Jesus (a boy fully draped in a white robe, sort of like Mary in the Nativity), and a terribly cute Diablo in a red cape with hood and horns. A discussion followed in which some of the students and teachers shared their own temptations. These fifteen minutes under the trees and the cool blue Honduran sky is a beautiful way to begin each new day.
Following a quick breakfast, our team split up and between us we helped in the classrooms, poured concrete, and finished painting the second floor of the dormitory. Priscilla, who finally left Honduras late this morning (at least we assume she did since she didn´t come back from the airport), "trained" Julie, Barbara and Martha in how she has been helping in the first grade classroom, where the wonderful teacher is working hard to teach basically four different levels of students. Two of us each day will help her provide some one-on-one with individual children. We are working in the same way in the Spanish and English classes. All of us feel as though our Spanish is getting quite a workout and rapidly improving, no matter where we started.
Meanwhile, there is always something to be done to maintain or improve the property that is El Hogar. One crew finished painting the second floor of the dormitory, unsure whether to be thankful or disappointed that the paint for the second coat never arrived. Another intrepid crew made significant progress laying concrete to patch a large section of the main play area, after laying the rebar yesterday. One teacher commented that he had never seen such "strong, tiny women"! Liz and I ended the morning helping to load about 500 ears of corn from the auditorium into the back of a truck to take to the Institute; fortunately a group of eager young boys showed up about halfway through to join in, enthusiastically yelling "americano" as they individually pitched the ears of corn with great force into the truck in their best Josh Beckett fashion.
After lunch under the mango tree we headed out into Tegucigalpa for a home visit. For five of us it was a new experience. With Raul and Claudia in the U.S., we were entrusted to Arturo, Cesar, and Suyapa (sp?), who did a marvelous job. We took a somewhat circuitous route because some streets are blocked off due to the teacher strike and accompanying protests, which enabled us to see even more of the city. We intended to go to the home of Jonathan and Brian, two new students, but when we arrived their mother was not home. We were startled when Arturo, Cesar and Suyapa came back to the van with two eager boys and said they were bringing one of them back to El Hogar with us! Visions of Christian missionaries charged with kidnapping in Haiti ran through our heads, until we understood that they didn´t mean today. Turns out we were taking Kevin and his little brother back to their house so Suyapa could talk with their mother, who had asked if Kevin could attend El Hogar. She wasn´t home either, so we returned with them to Jonathan´s home. We then did get to see the home where Jonathan and Brian live with their aunt, cousins and mother -- six people in one very small place with an outdoor latrine shared by the community. Their aunt welcomed us and graciously answered our questions. Then she asked Arturo if her daughter could come to El Hogar. She is 8 years old and attends the public school. Her mother is worried because the girl must walk alone through a dangerous neighborhood each day to get to and from the bus, and she is afraid of what might happen to her. Arturo told her to see Claudia next week. Then we left. It was heartbreaking to see the desperation in the mother´s eyes when she asked Arturo to help her daughter, and to watch the sad faces of Kevin and his brother from the windows of our van as we drove away, leaving them behind.
But there was more. We then stopped by the home of Tesla, a girl who has been with El Hogar for several years and lives in a very primitive situation. No one was home, so we didn´t go inside, but a neighbor permitted us to climb the rickety stairs to the rooftop shack with an outdoor cooking area and no sanitary facilities. It was overwhelming. We returned to El Hogar, thankful that the children there have a safe and loving home.
While we were gone, Ginger (now known by all the children as "la doctora") held her first clinic, ably assisted by Jenny. Today they saw thirteen patients who needed medical care and three who were treated with hugs and kisses. They will hold another clinic tomorrow. Then it was time for the afternoon workshops, and though the contrast sounds extreme, many of us had a lovely time receiving manicures from some of the little girls who are learning the beauty trade. However, we think we will pass on Thursday´s workshop featuring hair cutting by the boys. Simultaneously, Jill, Jean and Martha continued the very popular knitting workshop. This evening we passed out more silly bands, conducted more knitting with the girls, played games with the boys in small groups, and tried to avoid the boys zooming around the walkways and patios on one rollerblade each.
As you can imagine, we had a lot to reflect on during our team´s devotional this evening. We would like to thank our prayer partners for the wonderful, and much needed, notes that we received from you tonight. You, and our families and friends, are in our hearts.
Buenas noches,
Eileen
Following a quick breakfast, our team split up and between us we helped in the classrooms, poured concrete, and finished painting the second floor of the dormitory. Priscilla, who finally left Honduras late this morning (at least we assume she did since she didn´t come back from the airport), "trained" Julie, Barbara and Martha in how she has been helping in the first grade classroom, where the wonderful teacher is working hard to teach basically four different levels of students. Two of us each day will help her provide some one-on-one with individual children. We are working in the same way in the Spanish and English classes. All of us feel as though our Spanish is getting quite a workout and rapidly improving, no matter where we started.
Meanwhile, there is always something to be done to maintain or improve the property that is El Hogar. One crew finished painting the second floor of the dormitory, unsure whether to be thankful or disappointed that the paint for the second coat never arrived. Another intrepid crew made significant progress laying concrete to patch a large section of the main play area, after laying the rebar yesterday. One teacher commented that he had never seen such "strong, tiny women"! Liz and I ended the morning helping to load about 500 ears of corn from the auditorium into the back of a truck to take to the Institute; fortunately a group of eager young boys showed up about halfway through to join in, enthusiastically yelling "americano" as they individually pitched the ears of corn with great force into the truck in their best Josh Beckett fashion.
After lunch under the mango tree we headed out into Tegucigalpa for a home visit. For five of us it was a new experience. With Raul and Claudia in the U.S., we were entrusted to Arturo, Cesar, and Suyapa (sp?), who did a marvelous job. We took a somewhat circuitous route because some streets are blocked off due to the teacher strike and accompanying protests, which enabled us to see even more of the city. We intended to go to the home of Jonathan and Brian, two new students, but when we arrived their mother was not home. We were startled when Arturo, Cesar and Suyapa came back to the van with two eager boys and said they were bringing one of them back to El Hogar with us! Visions of Christian missionaries charged with kidnapping in Haiti ran through our heads, until we understood that they didn´t mean today. Turns out we were taking Kevin and his little brother back to their house so Suyapa could talk with their mother, who had asked if Kevin could attend El Hogar. She wasn´t home either, so we returned with them to Jonathan´s home. We then did get to see the home where Jonathan and Brian live with their aunt, cousins and mother -- six people in one very small place with an outdoor latrine shared by the community. Their aunt welcomed us and graciously answered our questions. Then she asked Arturo if her daughter could come to El Hogar. She is 8 years old and attends the public school. Her mother is worried because the girl must walk alone through a dangerous neighborhood each day to get to and from the bus, and she is afraid of what might happen to her. Arturo told her to see Claudia next week. Then we left. It was heartbreaking to see the desperation in the mother´s eyes when she asked Arturo to help her daughter, and to watch the sad faces of Kevin and his brother from the windows of our van as we drove away, leaving them behind.
But there was more. We then stopped by the home of Tesla, a girl who has been with El Hogar for several years and lives in a very primitive situation. No one was home, so we didn´t go inside, but a neighbor permitted us to climb the rickety stairs to the rooftop shack with an outdoor cooking area and no sanitary facilities. It was overwhelming. We returned to El Hogar, thankful that the children there have a safe and loving home.
While we were gone, Ginger (now known by all the children as "la doctora") held her first clinic, ably assisted by Jenny. Today they saw thirteen patients who needed medical care and three who were treated with hugs and kisses. They will hold another clinic tomorrow. Then it was time for the afternoon workshops, and though the contrast sounds extreme, many of us had a lovely time receiving manicures from some of the little girls who are learning the beauty trade. However, we think we will pass on Thursday´s workshop featuring hair cutting by the boys. Simultaneously, Jill, Jean and Martha continued the very popular knitting workshop. This evening we passed out more silly bands, conducted more knitting with the girls, played games with the boys in small groups, and tried to avoid the boys zooming around the walkways and patios on one rollerblade each.
As you can imagine, we had a lot to reflect on during our team´s devotional this evening. We would like to thank our prayer partners for the wonderful, and much needed, notes that we received from you tonight. You, and our families and friends, are in our hearts.
Buenas noches,
Eileen
Monday, March 28, 2011
March 28, 2011 p.m.
Hola,
Last night we went to bed around 8 to make up for lost sleep and drifted off to the sound of the cicadas and noises of the city. We woke feeling refreshed and so happy to be here. We attended morning devotional and enjoyed a re-enactment of the David an Goliath story by some of the boys. Then, after breakfast, met with Claudia to get an overview of our week. So much to do, so little time.
For the rest of the morning we broke off into work groups. One group painted the second floor of the dorm a lovely shade of blue, while others mixed and poured cement in the courtyard outside the classroom. Last week´s team helped prepare the site and we hope to finish the project tomorrow. The sun shone hot and steady all day, but the breeze blowing through the campus felt great. It was definitely a day for plenty of water and plenty of sunscreen. Today I think I made up for every bit of Vitamin D I missed out on during the New England winter.
After classes let out the kids could choose from a series of workshops including Piñata making and Art. Several members of our team - led by Jill - organized a knitting workshop for some of the kids in the auditorium. We really have a fantastic group of women in this group with so many talents. Ginger, AKA Dr. Virginia Barrow, was pulled into service as soon as we got here. Yesterday she lanced an infected knee, and tomorrow she is setting up a clinic for the week. El Hogar no longer has a doctor and the staff is making good use of Ginger. Luckily, Jean is a nurse too. Tomorrow Jenny will be Ginger´s assistant in the clinic. They already have about 12 patients lined up.
Unfortunately, Claudia and Raul left for the States today and won´t be back until after we leave. We were sad to see them go but they left us in the capable hands of their daughter.
I will say goodnight now. It´s time to go outside and play with the kids until they head off to bed. We had a wonderful first day and can´t wait to see what tomorrow brings. We love and miss you all.
-- Julie
Last night we went to bed around 8 to make up for lost sleep and drifted off to the sound of the cicadas and noises of the city. We woke feeling refreshed and so happy to be here. We attended morning devotional and enjoyed a re-enactment of the David an Goliath story by some of the boys. Then, after breakfast, met with Claudia to get an overview of our week. So much to do, so little time.
For the rest of the morning we broke off into work groups. One group painted the second floor of the dorm a lovely shade of blue, while others mixed and poured cement in the courtyard outside the classroom. Last week´s team helped prepare the site and we hope to finish the project tomorrow. The sun shone hot and steady all day, but the breeze blowing through the campus felt great. It was definitely a day for plenty of water and plenty of sunscreen. Today I think I made up for every bit of Vitamin D I missed out on during the New England winter.
After classes let out the kids could choose from a series of workshops including Piñata making and Art. Several members of our team - led by Jill - organized a knitting workshop for some of the kids in the auditorium. We really have a fantastic group of women in this group with so many talents. Ginger, AKA Dr. Virginia Barrow, was pulled into service as soon as we got here. Yesterday she lanced an infected knee, and tomorrow she is setting up a clinic for the week. El Hogar no longer has a doctor and the staff is making good use of Ginger. Luckily, Jean is a nurse too. Tomorrow Jenny will be Ginger´s assistant in the clinic. They already have about 12 patients lined up.
Unfortunately, Claudia and Raul left for the States today and won´t be back until after we leave. We were sad to see them go but they left us in the capable hands of their daughter.
I will say goodnight now. It´s time to go outside and play with the kids until they head off to bed. We had a wonderful first day and can´t wait to see what tomorrow brings. We love and miss you all.
-- Julie
March 28, 2011 a.m.
We got Judy Cotton off to Boston today and Celia, Stephanie and Jill off to Newark for the night. No room for me on Delta ... and Claudia and Pat have seats on Continental tomorrow straight home, I think ... but come to think of it, I am not sure whether it is Boston or Newark. You should have seen little girls go crazy to see Claudia again after saying goodby to her this morning. I will be here until Tuesday as Delta does not fly here on Mondays. It was such a gift to be here to welcome Team 2 ... the heros of the day who put in an amazing effort to get here. La Doctora was pressed immediately into service as Jenny may have reported ... cleaning up an infected leg wound for Melben who injured last Saturday, the day we arrived. They are all snuggled safely into bed and I am headed in that direction myself. Tomorrow they begin their journey, and I hope to spend another morning with the first graders I have come to love ... and then perhaps I will help in the dental clinic. Whatever the day brings, it will be blessed!!
Hopefully mis amigas are home or safely in nice hotel rooms ... I miss each and everyone of you!!!
xxxooo
--
Priscilla
Hopefully mis amigas are home or safely in nice hotel rooms ... I miss each and everyone of you!!!
xxxooo
--
Priscilla
Sunday, March 27, 2011
March 27, 2011 pm
Team 2 arrived safely in Tegucigalpa today at 1130am. We were warmly greated by Celia, Steph, and Jill through the security glass between Customs and Arrivals. The warm sunshine and the wonderful welcoming from Raul, Claudia Bell, Priscilla and Pat made us forget our exhaustion from the last 40 hours of travel. We promise to recount the details of our travel adventure in the near future. As for now, please know we are safe. While in the van on the way from the airport to El Hogar, we passed a large billboard that said, momentos son mejores cuando tu los compartes, which translates as moments are best when you share them. Our team is amazing and perservered through a long day in the Miami Airport, a 100am flight to Houston, 3 hour sleep on the concrete floor of the George Bush Airport and a final leg in to Honduras this morning. We have shared ALOT together already and I have loved every minute of our time. We all are looking forward to the adventures of the week and being in this sacred place with the children. Here is to a nice, long sleep tonight and lots of hugs to our families and friends. We miss you!
-Jenny and Ginger
-Jenny and Ginger
March 27, 2011
Update from Team #2: We arrived in Houston at 3am, slept on the airport floor and our now planning to get on a 9:20 flight (Continental 756) to Tegucigalpa. We are tired and grimy but in good spirits! We are looking forward to being at El Hogar. We will let you know when we land in Honduras.
-Betsy
Update from Team #1: Well, we thought that last night would be Team 1´s last blog entry but God had other plans. Due to the fuel station fire in Miami most of Team 1 is still at El Hogar. Meanwhile, one third of Team 1 (Caroline, Marie and Blanca) is enroute and will arrive in Boston early Sunday morning. Another third (Celia, Stephanie and Jill) will arrive early Monday morning and the last third (Claudia, Pat and Judy) will arrive late Monday night. Ay, Dios Mio.
The last, certainly not least, of our group - Priscilla spent an eventful day at the Tegucigalpa airport trying to get home via stand by. She amused herself with lunch and a nice manicure. She surprised us all back at the Volunteer House around 6pm. Lord knows when she will arrive home. Godspeed Priscilla.
The day ended well with a lovely dinner at El Patio with Claudia and Raul. Hopefully this will truly be the last Team 1 blog entry.
Welcome Team 2!!!
-Celia
-Betsy
Update from Team #1: Well, we thought that last night would be Team 1´s last blog entry but God had other plans. Due to the fuel station fire in Miami most of Team 1 is still at El Hogar. Meanwhile, one third of Team 1 (Caroline, Marie and Blanca) is enroute and will arrive in Boston early Sunday morning. Another third (Celia, Stephanie and Jill) will arrive early Monday morning and the last third (Claudia, Pat and Judy) will arrive late Monday night. Ay, Dios Mio.
The last, certainly not least, of our group - Priscilla spent an eventful day at the Tegucigalpa airport trying to get home via stand by. She amused herself with lunch and a nice manicure. She surprised us all back at the Volunteer House around 6pm. Lord knows when she will arrive home. Godspeed Priscilla.
The day ended well with a lovely dinner at El Patio with Claudia and Raul. Hopefully this will truly be the last Team 1 blog entry.
Welcome Team 2!!!
-Celia
Saturday, March 26, 2011
March 26 Travel Update 2-revised
3 folks from Team 1 are going out today and will arrive tomorrow morning: Caroline, Marie and Blanca. Priscilla is hoping to make the Delta flight today and make it home tonight. 3 folks are going out tomorrow and will arrive on Monday morning: Celia, Stephanie and Jill. The last three are going out Monday morning and will arrive late Monday night: Claudia, Judy and Pat.
We are all switched to Continental. We are going to continue attempts to get everyone home tomorrow.
Team 2's flights were re-routed and are currently scheduled to arrive in Tegucigalpa tomorrow. We'll update you as soon as we hear more details.
We are all switched to Continental. We are going to continue attempts to get everyone home tomorrow.
Team 2's flights were re-routed and are currently scheduled to arrive in Tegucigalpa tomorrow. We'll update you as soon as we hear more details.
March 26 Travel Update
Team 2s flight has arrived safely in Miami but their flight for Tegucigalpa has been cancelled. Apparently a huge number of flights through Miami have been cancelled due to a fire at the Miami airport fuel farm. Based on an e-ticket confirmation from Celia, Team 1s flight is currently scheduled to leave Miami tomorrow, Sunday, via Houston to Newark and then to Boston from there Monday morning. Will update the blog as we hear more news ...
March 25, 2011
The last night of Team 1's trip with Team 2 arriving tomorrow. Like every trip Friday was spent going to Valle de Angeles in order to give the Honduran economy a much needed boost. Celia was a big supporter of the folks that produce the wonderful Lenca pottery while Caroline may have affected the price of Honduran mahogany futures. Stephanie proved to be the best negotiator by far.
The shopping was followed by another wonderful lunch at the Florida restuarant - this year without a dip in the pool.
After we returned we were assisted with the completion of the planting of the entrance garden by some wonderful boys from the farm (and Claudia´s special friend Hector).
New to us this year was the Friday night talent show in which we were expected to perform. Cesar came to our rescue by singing a beautiful song and we only had to sing back-up. As always it is sad to say goodbye to these loving and charming children.
Tomorrow we will be up bright and early making the house ready for Team Dos! We wish them the best!
Please pray for safe and timely travel for both teams,
Celia
The shopping was followed by another wonderful lunch at the Florida restuarant - this year without a dip in the pool.
After we returned we were assisted with the completion of the planting of the entrance garden by some wonderful boys from the farm (and Claudia´s special friend Hector).
New to us this year was the Friday night talent show in which we were expected to perform. Cesar came to our rescue by singing a beautiful song and we only had to sing back-up. As always it is sad to say goodbye to these loving and charming children.
Tomorrow we will be up bright and early making the house ready for Team Dos! We wish them the best!
Please pray for safe and timely travel for both teams,
Celia
Friday, March 25, 2011
March 24, 2011
Good Morning All,
It is early Friday morning and we are amazed at how quickly the week has flown. Thursday was another wonderful day spent in classrooms, painting, traveling to the farm and playing with the children. Also, the dentists who are spending the next 10 days here have arrived and two women from that team are staying with us in the volunteer house. We have given them the Presidential Suite. We think Team 2 will enjoy meeting them. Chris is a dental assistant from Indianapolis who has worked at EL Hogar from the beginning of the dental clinic and is on her eighth trip here. She talked to us last night about the work they are doing here and she is very passionate about El Hogar. Anne is an Episcopal priest from Tennesee who is on her first mission trip and will be assisting the dentists.
The trip to the farm was fascinating. Arturo drove us. The ride was long and bumpy and some of the sights along the way were eye opening. We passed through the area where they do a lot of the recycling for the city and saw many of the people who live and work there. We all worry for them, especially the children. There have been teacher strikes in Honduras this week, thankfully not at El Hogar, but the public school teachers here are poorly paid and many have not been paid in months. Apparently the strike has caused major traffic jams and of course the children in the public schools have no classes.
At our devotional last night Priscilla and Marie spoke with us about the ministry of Archbishop Oscar Romero, whose sainthood we celebrated yesterday. They shared a prayer with us that we would like to share with you.
Most merciful God, look with pity upon all people who live with injustice, terror, disease, and death as their constant companions. Have mercy upon us. Help us eliminate our cruelty to one another. Strengthen those who spend their lives establishing equal protection of the law and equal opportunities for all. And grant that everyone may enjoy a fair portion of the riches of the earth.
We remember before you all poor and neglected persons whom it would be easy for us to forget, the homeless and destitute, the old and sick, and all who have none to care for them, especially the families of the children at El Hogar, St. Mary´s Institute and the Episcopal Farm School. Help us bring healing to those who are broken in body or spirit, turning their sorrow into joy, through the power of Jesus Christ, who for our sake became poor that we might be made rich.
We bless and thank you for the miracle that is El Hogar. Continue to send your love, and to bless the teachers and administrators of each of the three schools as they prepare these children to break the cycle of poverty. Be with each student. Give them the strength to love themselves as we love them. If it is your will, help them to make the world a better place.
Amen
Con Besos y Abrazos,
Team 1
It is early Friday morning and we are amazed at how quickly the week has flown. Thursday was another wonderful day spent in classrooms, painting, traveling to the farm and playing with the children. Also, the dentists who are spending the next 10 days here have arrived and two women from that team are staying with us in the volunteer house. We have given them the Presidential Suite. We think Team 2 will enjoy meeting them. Chris is a dental assistant from Indianapolis who has worked at EL Hogar from the beginning of the dental clinic and is on her eighth trip here. She talked to us last night about the work they are doing here and she is very passionate about El Hogar. Anne is an Episcopal priest from Tennesee who is on her first mission trip and will be assisting the dentists.
The trip to the farm was fascinating. Arturo drove us. The ride was long and bumpy and some of the sights along the way were eye opening. We passed through the area where they do a lot of the recycling for the city and saw many of the people who live and work there. We all worry for them, especially the children. There have been teacher strikes in Honduras this week, thankfully not at El Hogar, but the public school teachers here are poorly paid and many have not been paid in months. Apparently the strike has caused major traffic jams and of course the children in the public schools have no classes.
At our devotional last night Priscilla and Marie spoke with us about the ministry of Archbishop Oscar Romero, whose sainthood we celebrated yesterday. They shared a prayer with us that we would like to share with you.
Most merciful God, look with pity upon all people who live with injustice, terror, disease, and death as their constant companions. Have mercy upon us. Help us eliminate our cruelty to one another. Strengthen those who spend their lives establishing equal protection of the law and equal opportunities for all. And grant that everyone may enjoy a fair portion of the riches of the earth.
We remember before you all poor and neglected persons whom it would be easy for us to forget, the homeless and destitute, the old and sick, and all who have none to care for them, especially the families of the children at El Hogar, St. Mary´s Institute and the Episcopal Farm School. Help us bring healing to those who are broken in body or spirit, turning their sorrow into joy, through the power of Jesus Christ, who for our sake became poor that we might be made rich.
We bless and thank you for the miracle that is El Hogar. Continue to send your love, and to bless the teachers and administrators of each of the three schools as they prepare these children to break the cycle of poverty. Be with each student. Give them the strength to love themselves as we love them. If it is your will, help them to make the world a better place.
Amen
Con Besos y Abrazos,
Team 1
Thursday, March 24, 2011
March 23, 2011
Tonight, I was feeling a bit sad about the fact that tomorrow would be Wednesday and that would mean that the trip was half over. Then someone reminded me that today is Wednesday and tomorrow is Thursday. Of course, the week has flown and it feels like we are just getting into the rythmn of the day, working to get our many tasks completed. In addition to painting, doing a bit of gardening, helping the first grade teacher and entertaining the children with bracelet making and balsa wood airplanes, we somehow fit in a trip to the technical school for a wonderful tour and lunch. We met a couple from Denver who are spending several months there to teach English ... they were lovely and it was fun to hear about their adventure. It was interesting to see the road work along the way ... lots of people working ... and what a nice road it will be -- and how much easier the trip will be when the road is finished.
There is so much to tell ... but it is late and we have to be up by 7a for the daily devotional. Each night before bed, we have a devotional and I have been requested to send the litany Marie Johnson and I wrote for last night. Here it is:
Tonight, we offer prayers in thanksgiving for and on behalf of those we are with this week. Join with us by saying, Lord hear our prayer.
For all the dear children: show them that your ways give more life than the ways of the world; help them take failure not as a measure of their own worth, but as a chance for a new start, and may they roller blade, jump rope and tug-of-war without serious injury ... Lord hear our prayer
For the teachers of El Hogar: may they find you to be the source of all truth, and may they not be distracted or burdened by the many volunteers visiting their classrooms! ... Lord hear our prayer.
We pray especially for Carla, the first grade teacher. Please give her the strength and courage she needs to teach and love EACH member of her class.
We pray for Raul and Arturo who will drive us over the next few days ... may they be alert and may their reflexes behind the wheel be quick so that we may arrive safely at each of our destinations. Bless them with the patience of their job to spend hours trapped in a car full of gabbing gringas. Lord, hear our prayer.
For our gracious host, Raul -- grant him the wisdom to get us the supplies we need and grant us the wisdom to accept the supplies he brings and not look for more. Lord, hear our prayer.
For Doña Claudia, may she continue to be guided by your love and always be able to clearly hear your voice...and never be tripped by her four inch heels. Lord hear our prayer.
We have traveled this distance to be present with our brothers and sisters in Honduras. While we are here, we hold our family and friends in our hearts. We invite each of you now to name those for whom your would like us to pray.
Without channels 4, 5, 7 or CNN, we have been spared the details of the many difficulties our brothers and sisters around the world are facing. Dear Lord, please hear the prayers of all those in need and know that our attentions will return to the problems of the world following this blessed week away.
Marie concluded with a beautiful prayer for the proper use of leisure time from the Traveler´s Prayer Book.
Tonight, we received beautiful notes from surprise prayer partners...the wonderful women who will follow us here next week. Thanks to each of you for truly special notes ... and thanks to Barbara Foot for giving me -- and the rest of the group a wonderful laugh!! We have been talking about the assignments we have for you ... different children or jobs we will want you to shepherd for us when you are here. It has been a blessed week for sure and most of us would be very happy for today to be Monday, not Wednesday!
Love to all from this little corner of heaven ...
Priscilla
There is so much to tell ... but it is late and we have to be up by 7a for the daily devotional. Each night before bed, we have a devotional and I have been requested to send the litany Marie Johnson and I wrote for last night. Here it is:
Tonight, we offer prayers in thanksgiving for and on behalf of those we are with this week. Join with us by saying, Lord hear our prayer.
For all the dear children: show them that your ways give more life than the ways of the world; help them take failure not as a measure of their own worth, but as a chance for a new start, and may they roller blade, jump rope and tug-of-war without serious injury ... Lord hear our prayer
For the teachers of El Hogar: may they find you to be the source of all truth, and may they not be distracted or burdened by the many volunteers visiting their classrooms! ... Lord hear our prayer.
We pray especially for Carla, the first grade teacher. Please give her the strength and courage she needs to teach and love EACH member of her class.
We pray for Raul and Arturo who will drive us over the next few days ... may they be alert and may their reflexes behind the wheel be quick so that we may arrive safely at each of our destinations. Bless them with the patience of their job to spend hours trapped in a car full of gabbing gringas. Lord, hear our prayer.
For our gracious host, Raul -- grant him the wisdom to get us the supplies we need and grant us the wisdom to accept the supplies he brings and not look for more. Lord, hear our prayer.
For Doña Claudia, may she continue to be guided by your love and always be able to clearly hear your voice...and never be tripped by her four inch heels. Lord hear our prayer.
We have traveled this distance to be present with our brothers and sisters in Honduras. While we are here, we hold our family and friends in our hearts. We invite each of you now to name those for whom your would like us to pray.
Without channels 4, 5, 7 or CNN, we have been spared the details of the many difficulties our brothers and sisters around the world are facing. Dear Lord, please hear the prayers of all those in need and know that our attentions will return to the problems of the world following this blessed week away.
Marie concluded with a beautiful prayer for the proper use of leisure time from the Traveler´s Prayer Book.
Tonight, we received beautiful notes from surprise prayer partners...the wonderful women who will follow us here next week. Thanks to each of you for truly special notes ... and thanks to Barbara Foot for giving me -- and the rest of the group a wonderful laugh!! We have been talking about the assignments we have for you ... different children or jobs we will want you to shepherd for us when you are here. It has been a blessed week for sure and most of us would be very happy for today to be Monday, not Wednesday!
Love to all from this little corner of heaven ...
Priscilla
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
March 22, 2011
Greetings from Honduras on Tuesday, March 22nd. We arrived late Saturday afternoon, the 19th. The pilot mentioned that landing in Tegucigalpa was no easy task. That freaked us all out, and it didn´t help to see the shell of a large plane on the runway, as we taxied in! We made it though, and were picked up by Raul in good time, and transported easily to El Hogar!
After dinner, we played with the children until bedtime-jump rope, and teaching them the Hokey Pokey. We then made ourselves comfortable in our new temporary home with our roommates, the bugs and the street noise - all of it welcome!
On Sunday, we started the day with the church service at nearby St. Mary`s. It was Father`s Day in Honduras, and there were tributes, and a great skit done by the children about what makes a good father. We shared the service with 10 children from El Hogar who were either new, or had done well in school during the previous week. We then accompanied the children to McDonald`s for lunch and play in its gym. And, guess what! The food was really good. Chicken with guacamole on a roll, and the usual great fries!
Following lunch, the 10 of us went shopping at WalMart for snacks and grocery essentials for all of us, as well as ice cream for the kids for Friday`s party. The rest of the day was spent playing with the kids, reuniting with the ones we sponsor or had met on previous trips. They were all so happy to see us. We did manicures, played cards and dominos, threw frisbees around, and blew bubbles.
As many of you know, each school day begins with a devotional, at which all the students gather in a circle with teachers and visitors. We were formally introduced to the children, and the seven new children were introduced around. Prayers were offered, and the theme of the week - sincerity- was discussed by Dona Claudia. Our task yesterday consisted of carrying many, many, big huge stones to an enormous hole that used to contain a cistern, and now needs to be filled in. Raul took our group on a tour of the school, including the almost new dormitory. Again last evening, more play with the kids.
This morning we painted the entire first floor of the dorm, quite an accomplishment. This afternoon, several of us are at a nursery buying plants to refurbish the garden at the school´s entrance. Tonight, we go out to dinner with Raul and Claudia.
Adios from all of us at El Hogar,
Judy
After dinner, we played with the children until bedtime-jump rope, and teaching them the Hokey Pokey. We then made ourselves comfortable in our new temporary home with our roommates, the bugs and the street noise - all of it welcome!
On Sunday, we started the day with the church service at nearby St. Mary`s. It was Father`s Day in Honduras, and there were tributes, and a great skit done by the children about what makes a good father. We shared the service with 10 children from El Hogar who were either new, or had done well in school during the previous week. We then accompanied the children to McDonald`s for lunch and play in its gym. And, guess what! The food was really good. Chicken with guacamole on a roll, and the usual great fries!
Following lunch, the 10 of us went shopping at WalMart for snacks and grocery essentials for all of us, as well as ice cream for the kids for Friday`s party. The rest of the day was spent playing with the kids, reuniting with the ones we sponsor or had met on previous trips. They were all so happy to see us. We did manicures, played cards and dominos, threw frisbees around, and blew bubbles.
As many of you know, each school day begins with a devotional, at which all the students gather in a circle with teachers and visitors. We were formally introduced to the children, and the seven new children were introduced around. Prayers were offered, and the theme of the week - sincerity- was discussed by Dona Claudia. Our task yesterday consisted of carrying many, many, big huge stones to an enormous hole that used to contain a cistern, and now needs to be filled in. Raul took our group on a tour of the school, including the almost new dormitory. Again last evening, more play with the kids.
This morning we painted the entire first floor of the dorm, quite an accomplishment. This afternoon, several of us are at a nursery buying plants to refurbish the garden at the school´s entrance. Tonight, we go out to dinner with Raul and Claudia.
Adios from all of us at El Hogar,
Judy
Monday, March 21, 2011
March 20, 2011
Hola Amigos!
We arrived safe and sound on Saturday afternoon. In the evening, after settling in, we met and played with the children. They were enchanting, full of enthusiasm and energy. There was a beautiful sunset over the hills followed by a gorgeous full moon.
After sleeping in a bit, this morning we attended a lovely Church service with about 15 of the children. It was Father's Day here in Honduras and there was a special service honoring the fathers of the church including a skit which emphasized that, with love, there are many ways to be a good father. Gifts were also offered to the father that could produce a picture of his mother-in-law. There was speculation that part was rigged when the only father that met that challenge was the priest! In the end all the fathers were honored with words of thanks and praise and cupcakes.
After the service the children, Raul, Claudia and their family joined us for lunch at McDonalds.
Today was an important day for the school and two new students, brothers, arrived and we were able to observe that welcome. They appeared overwhelmed at first but by the end of the day had acclimated well, enjoying blowing bubbles.
During our evening devotional we shared our initial feelings and all agreed that we are blessed to be in this special place.
Hasta mañana,
Caroline
We arrived safe and sound on Saturday afternoon. In the evening, after settling in, we met and played with the children. They were enchanting, full of enthusiasm and energy. There was a beautiful sunset over the hills followed by a gorgeous full moon.
After sleeping in a bit, this morning we attended a lovely Church service with about 15 of the children. It was Father's Day here in Honduras and there was a special service honoring the fathers of the church including a skit which emphasized that, with love, there are many ways to be a good father. Gifts were also offered to the father that could produce a picture of his mother-in-law. There was speculation that part was rigged when the only father that met that challenge was the priest! In the end all the fathers were honored with words of thanks and praise and cupcakes.
After the service the children, Raul, Claudia and their family joined us for lunch at McDonalds.
Today was an important day for the school and two new students, brothers, arrived and we were able to observe that welcome. They appeared overwhelmed at first but by the end of the day had acclimated well, enjoying blowing bubbles.
During our evening devotional we shared our initial feelings and all agreed that we are blessed to be in this special place.
Hasta mañana,
Caroline
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