Friday, June 30, 2017

 I am one of the new members of the mission group. As you know we are in San Pedro Sula.  My first cups of  coffee were in a tropical setting with mountains in the background.
The group spent the day at the childrens' home.  The hard work that the locals have done is amazing from my eyes.  Children are polite and eager to meet new people.  Mike and Kim, the SAMS Missonaries, are doing the job God wanted them to do.  The chapel is the first building we saw when entering the compound with its' open doors and windows.  The stained glass window, even though it was broken in transit and later rebuilt by Mike, was symbolic for all of us.  When the cross was purchased the creator told Mike it could not be broken.  Well we all know it arrived broken.  The cross is in place, but has a hole, which to me is how we always come to God with flaws.  There are 16 childen in the home and very happy to be there.  The children are learning computer and communication skills.  Under adult supervision they are caring for themselves.  The cost to run the childrens' home is $125,000 per year.  When I think how we live is money well spent.  When the group left the compound we were in good spirits and enjoying our mission.  We later went to the local market and purchased produce and souvenirs.  Dinner was later in the evening.  Other special things that happened were:

1.) We started the day with prayers from the group.

2.) One of the other new members of the group brought handmade wooden crosses for the group.

3.)  The people we have met on our journey adventure.

 I am so glad my friend invited me.  -Deb

Thursday, June 29, 2017

We started our sojourn at midnight.  We began by going through O'Hare in Chicago to Bush International in Houston.  After a three-hour layover, we continued on to San Pedro Sula International Airport.  Upon exiting the terminal, we were met by Fredy Lopez, our driver; Alice Taylor from Virginia who is also part of our team; and SAMS Missioner Bob Cantor from Alabama. Over dinner at the Restaurante Chedrani, we were given an update on projects by Bob.

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

As our team continues to prepare, pack and pray today, please keep us in your prayers and thoughts during these final two days.  I would like to thank the Diocese of Northern Indiana and St. David's of Elkhart for their spiritual and financial support.  Thank you to everyone for making this mission trip a reality.

-Mike