Feeding Bodies and Souls

Sunday

This is always my favorite day of the week, as we get to be there as the kids are fed spiritually, as well as physically.  In the morning, Sandra led the Sunday School activities at Tejeras, and then we helped pass out the meal, prepared by a mother of the community, and financed by HAF.

 

 

 

In the afternoon, we again visited the AP Bible study classes and helped set up a delicious meal prepared by Gloria.  This was followed, as usual, by some time to talk to and play with the kids.

 

 
 

 

  

 

As we fly home tomorrow, our prayer is that God will continue to shine his Heavenly Grace,  Peace and Joy upon the beautiful people, and especially the precious children of Honduras.  Adios for now; God willing, we will return.

Re-Re-Visiting Los Panales Escuela

Part of our remaining team (Dan and Bonnie) returned with a new battery, a multi-meter and prayers that we could sort through the electrical issues preventing the use of the solar panel system at the Los Panales school.  The battery fit fine and we began troubleshooting the light circuits. The compact fluorescent lights, which were supplied with the solar panel back in 2008, turned out to be the culprits.  No, they were not just burnt out....they were actually shorted out and tripping the 'breaker' in the DC to AC inverter.  But once we replaced them and re-wired a couple of switches, we had lights in both classrooms and in the kitchen.

The fun began when the leader of the community asked if we could try the TV.  The solar power system provided the power and a scrap piece of co-axial wire along with a broken antenna got us going. Add a stick to hang the antenna from the school roof and we were amazed by good reception on at least 4 channels. But our amazement was quickly over shadowed by a small sister and brother, around 3 years old, that had never seen TV.  Behaviors around the world are surprisingly consistent: small child + TV + 'cartoon network' = a frozen stare.  We were blessed that the cartoon was both educational and wholesome.  After three trips involving sharing the love of Christ, water balloons, a Hygiene clinic, and a repaired solar power system; we left Los Panales better than we had found it.

The smiles were all the payment needed.

Partings and Partnering

Saturday

This morning, we managed to get a good team photo before the tearful departure of half of our team, as Naomi, Megan, Dane, John, and Bill left for the airport about 8:30 AM.

 

Later, Kathy and Tommy, with the help of AP student Ingrid, spent most of the morning organizing the glasses, toothbrushes, and toothpaste for future use.

Meanwhile, Dan and Bonnie returned to Los Panales to complete our solar panel project there.  (See the next blog entry for the final chapter in that story!)

After lunch, we visited with Martha’s Bible study, which drew about 60-65 children.  Following an entertaining dance by some of the students, the class divided up into 3 groups to study from Galatians while memorizing chapter 1:11-12. 

For dinner, we enjoyed a wonderful meal of chicken, rice, potato salad, and a fruit cocktail prepared by Sonia Santos, the teacher at the Nueva Esperanza school.  This was to express her grateful appreciation for the work that our HAF teams have done for their school and community.

While we missed having our other teammates present, the remaining members had a very full day, enriched by just a few of the many blessings we continually experience while in the Quimistan area.

Going to the Mountain

Buenos Noches!

Because of the rain earlier in the week, we did not get to visit Texoxingales until today. The rain made the roads more treacherous than normal, but our driver, Luis, got us there without any problem. We started the morning by painting the inside of the new classroom salmon pink. During a break for fresh air, the student president presented us with a plaque recognizing our support for the education of the children in Texoxingales. Some of the kids had also spent time coloring pages and writing notes to thank us for all that we had done at their school! It was a very touching presentation. We were then treated to lunch cooked by Juan Jose's wife, Vilma.

In the afternoon, the team split up to administer an eyeglass clinic and play with the children. We had several activities going with the children - soccer, bubbles, balloons, jump rope, frisbee... We pulled out all the stops! At the end we even got out the water balloons! About 25 adults came through the eyeglass clinic. Most adults seemed to need reading glasses. There were many smiles after the fittings!

This evening we attended church in Quimistan. The music was loud and joyful! The lay leader preached on several passages. Through Bill's translation, we understood that the message was about God building us up through the Holy Spirit. Also, fidelity and obedience are important factors in living a Christian life.

Tomorrow,  five of the team members depart for Atlanta. We pray for safe travel, that our time here has made an impact, and that we keep these memories dear to us in the days ahead.

Adios!

Concrete and Coffee

Hola!

This morning we set out to Rosa's house to continue work that the team from North Carolina had started. With the help of Fidel, we were able to pour the supports for the roof over the septic tank. We also helped unload new construction supplies and transport a pile of course dirt closer to the construction site. Our driver, Luis, helped us the whole time we were at Rosa's.  He toted two bags of concrete that weighed in at close to 180 lbs! We were blessed to have help. We also played with Rosa's children as well as several neighborhood kids. We gave each child balloons and replaced the popped  ones. Then, we took Rosa's children on a ride in the wheelbarrow. They giggled they entire time they rode - so sweet!

After we finished our construction work, we headed up to Juana's house in La Montanita. She graciously gave us fresh coffee and pineapple pastries! We got to see her justa stove, tilapia beds, and coffee still being roasted on a mat.  We were also able to bring a baby scale and splints. One woman had a 3 month old baby, Briana, that we were able to weigh! Juana also showed us some of the embroidery she and the women have been working on recently. After working so hard, her hospitality felt like paradise!

In the late afternoon, we all went our separate ways to  spend time with AP children. Bill went with Tommy to interpret for his visit with one of the children he sponsors. On their shopping trip, Bill was suddenly stopped by an 18 year old boy. Years ago, this boy had been injured very badly. Bill had carried him to get medical help. The boy remembered that so vividly that he was able to recognize Bill on the spot. He even came and spent time with the team this evening! Bill's experience shows us all what an impact we can make doing even the smallest acts in God's name.

Hasta Luego!

Jesus is the Good Shepherd

Hola!

After a night of preparation, we headed to Luz de Valle (Light of the Valley) school for VBS.  The theme this year was centered on Jesus being the Good Shepherd. During the opening presentation, Marlini lead the kids through the story. The participation was best when they got to Baa like sheep! Lenis was also a huge help in the music station. She was able to sing and lead songs beautifully while her helpers attempted to sing in Spanish and entertain the kids. While we were playing afterwards, the kids were proud of the sheep they had made  during Arts and Crafts. VBS was a great success. We all feel that seeds were planted for the message that transcends all others!

In the afternoon, we took a hygiene clinic to the school in Jicaro. The teacher has 23 students, and we were able to work with all of them and at least one older brother! Again, the de-worming chewable tablets seem to be working well. In two sessions, only one child has attempted to spit it out. We played a rather enthusiastic game of soccer with some of the kids, as well as jumping rope.  One girl jumped 35 times in a row! Jose went with us to Jicaro; he helped with translating and was one of the best soccer players!

Hasta Luego!

Re-visiting Los Panales

Buenos Noches!

We started the day digging a trench to drain a field and clearing weeds at Tranquilidad. We were also able to start a project to build a gutter for catching rain water. After only one injury requiring stitches, (Dane is now OK) Martha did make an interesting observation that the Traquilidad land has now been purified by sacrificial blood.

In the afternoon, we brought toothbrushes, de-worming pills, and flouride treatment to the schoolhouse at Las Panales. Dan worked on the solar panel, and he was able to get some of the lightbulbs working. Most importantly, we got a radio to work so that everyone could listen to the Honduras - USA soccer game! This was the first time that the de-worming pills were given. The kids seemed to like the chewable, orange-flavored tablets. They went down easily and with smiles! After the kids went to four stations (washing hands, medication, tooth brushing, flouride), we got to play. The balloons were popular as always, but the bubbles were particularly fascinating. We taught all of the kids how to blow bubbles with entertaining results!

Now we are preparing for VBS tomorrow while we watch the soccer game!

Hasta luego!

Flexibility is key!

We woke up this morning to a beautiful sunrise and cool morning at the ranch.  But before we even started breakfast the rains came.  It rained and rained and well... rained. The original plan was to go to Las Dantes to celebrate the completion of a water project and do an eyeglass clinic but the roads were too questionable due to the rain and so we had to change. Instead we went to Santa Clara on the fly and visited the White Dove School.  It is amazing all the work that has been going on there. In just a few short years they have gone from a cattle field to a full fledged elementary school and still growing.  We were blessed to have a nice long visit with the leaders, tour the grounds, and visit the classrooms. We unfortunately never got a chance to play with the children or interact more due to the rains and messy conditions.

In addition we also visited the public school in Santa Clara and was able to discuss and witness the plans the principal has for that school.  We're very excited to see the growth in Santa Clara and the chance to possibly reach out to more children in that community.

After lunch we headed out to Los Panales to visit and check out a broken Solar Panel and see what we could do.  Those who could worked on that while the rest of us got to tour the small town and visit with the locals.  We discovered there is a passion for Water Balloons!  It was a rainy day and no one minds getting wet when it's all ready wet.  We had a blast!  The Solar Power system also turned out to not be too damaged and we think we have the tools and equipment to fix it.  We hope to return later this week and get power back to the school (There are no power lines in the village and solar is the only power source).

Tomorrow we are headed off to Tranquilidad in Q-Town to help with some construction there (we think).  Everything is up to God and the schedule changes on the fly.  We stay flexible so we can be the tools of the kingdom.

God Bless!

From Tejeras to Agape Promises

Buenos noches!

After another delicious breakfast provided by Gloria and Sandra, we got to watch Sandra teach Sunday school at Tejeras. Sandra and Jose led the children in songs including one we recognized...The Saints Go Marching In! We learned the story of Elijah passing on the cloak to Elisha, although it was the first time many of us had heard it in Spanish.  Afterwards, we got to interact and play with the children as we fed them lunch.  One 3 year old girl, that has recently been ill, was feeling much better since she has been visited by the pharmacist!

This afternoon we visited the Agape Promises bible study that takes place at a kindergarten every Sunday afternoon. We were all salivating over doughnuts that Gloria handmade with chocolate icing and sprinkles for the kids. All of the kids enjoyed their treat and then it was playtime. We were able to bring some balls, a jump rope, and a parachute. Several times we had five children jumping rope at the same time! For the sponsors on the trip, this was also a special time to spend with their children.

The team felt that today was a long but fulfilling day. However, looking back on the day, Sandra taught two lessons and helped at all of our meals, and Gloria made empanadas for our lunch and doughnuts for the kids on 3 hours of sleep! They teach us what 'giving your all' truly means!

We are now preparing to go to Los Dantes tomorrow!

Hasta mañana!

Touch Down in Q-Town

     We all made it to the airport, but we didn't meet as a group until Honduran Customs. Our team has nine members: Tommy Thompson, Dan Wood, Kathy Wood, Bill Bengtson, John Yeager, Naomi Beers, Dane Wood, and Megan Wood.  Roxanne Turnipseed joined the team from Q-town. Yeah, that's right... 5 Woods in one place, that means lots of loving, loud arguments.     ;-)    

     Our ride into Quimistan was uneventful, but allowed us to get to know each other.  We rode around town and saw the sights such as the hospital and Tranquilidad.  We had the all important Team meeting and set up the battle plan for the week. We're excited and ready to get to work. Tomorrow we are headed first to the feeding at Tejeras and then going to enjoy the afternoon with the Agape Promises kids.

Don't  be fooled by the picture, it makes us look like we are working and meeting and planning important stuff... but don't worry... we're not.  

Hasta mañana!

Mooktorium: Complete

Our last day on the job site was an emotional one, but we left Rosa's house feeling we had accomplished all we could possibly accomplish given the time we had.  Still, Chris apologized to Rosa for not being able to accomplish more.  She rejoiced regardless.  She is very close to having a working toilet, shower, and wash tub inside her house, which she probably never dreamed she'd have.  I feel like we have truly made a difference in the life of someone who deserves it, and appreciates it.     

Hunter, Aaron and Stutts finished digging the cesspool hole.  4X4 feet, 10 feet deep.  These guys took turns in the hole, digging for allotted times then switching out with the next person.  Once it reached a certain depth, some local Hundurans used their ingenuity to rig a pulley system.  A bucket was lowered into the hole, filled with dirt, then raised out.  Hunter can be seen in it here:

At about 8 feet

The pully system over the hole.

Shade squatters to the left doing what they do best - observing

The rest of us continued on the mooktorium.  We had to build mini-scaffolds once it reached a certain height.  The pila is in the center of the structure, the toilet on one side and the shower on the other. 

Mark and I mooking

Mook levelers and reference lines being poured

After the levelers dried for a few hours, we went back and poured
the rest of the mook and ran a 2X4 over the levelers to smooth
out the mook.  This created the floor.

The completed Temple of Syrinx La Mooktorium from the inside before the
floor was poured

The completed Temple of Syrinx La Mooktorium from the outside

Our group photo before we left Rosa's

We also poured mook throughout Rosa's entire house, and stuccoed her walls with it.  This effectively replaced all inside existing adobe surfaces with concrete - a much cleaner and sturdier building material than adobe.

Rosa's living conditions improved dramatically over the last 10 days, and as soon as the next team comes in and finishes where we left off, she will begin a new and better chapter in her life.


-Brad

Flem

We returned to Rosa's today and continued going up with the pila.  Our trip is beginning to come to an end, so we're trying to work hard and fast with the time we have left.  When Mark puts his headphones in, things get serious. 

Mark putting in the shower nozzle

Kay pasa mooking

Tom and Tiana

Temple of Syrinx

Rosa's addition coming along

Packing mook

Mixing mook

Brad and Jerry mooking the wall

This is a cesspool being dug into which the feces will flow, as
the drainage pipe running under the foundation from the toilet
can be seen coming out above the hole.

The hole has to be 10 feet deep.

Stutts digging out the cesspool

Not sure what's going on here

Juan digging out the cesspool - he has done most of the digging.
It's about 8 feet deep at this point.

We left Rosa's at 2:00pm in order to go to Tejeras to feed the kids, like we've done every other year we've been here.  Only this time in addition to feeding, we walked up and down the highway Tejeras is on and handed out bags (we prepared a few nights ago) of rice and beans to each family we met.

Tom and Hunter sang some tunes to the kids at Tejeras.  No mosh pit music, and no bloodied legs this time, as all the kids scattered soon after the feeding because rain was on the way. 

Chris's scar from last year still hasn't healed.


A - C *flem* MED