July 8, 2017
We all slept today, tired from yesterdays journey. We all went differnt ways today. Tim, Alice and Mike rented a car and driver. They went all over looking for differnt plans. Freddie, Byron and George went to the ruins and walked around Copan looking for gifts to bring home to love ones. Debi and Star went walking around Copan too. Later that day we had naps and messages. We all felt blessed for the rest.
We went our seperate ways for dinner, but all meet up later at the compound. Great reflection on our trip so far. We laugh, cried, and laughed some more, feeling so blessed to make such great friends. We all so want to show this part of the world Gods love and mercy.
We went to bed with full bellies and thankful hearts for all of Gods blessings. We all saw God today at work in so many differnt ways.
-Deb
Sunday, July 9, 2017
Sunday, July 9, 2017.
This morning began early with a breakfast of coffee, passionfruit juice and a selection of scrambled eggs or banana pancakes.
Next, we moved onto morning prayer led by George Shemp and finally finished with Forward Day by Day.
Alice, Tim and myself are headed to Aguascalientes to head to a natural hot springs. The remainder of the team is resting, journaling, reflecting, shopping and trying to soak in the local flavour of Copán Ruinas.
-Mike
Next, we moved onto morning prayer led by George Shemp and finally finished with Forward Day by Day.
Alice, Tim and myself are headed to Aguascalientes to head to a natural hot springs. The remainder of the team is resting, journaling, reflecting, shopping and trying to soak in the local flavour of Copán Ruinas.
-Mike
Saturday, July 8, 2017
Friday, July 7, 2017
Friday. Our last day of work at the job site.
After breakfast, packing and driving to our worksite, we arrived to see that half the sheets of galvnized roofing had been installed. Pablo and Gustavo were working as we arrived and were joined by the members of our work crew.
Alice continued working to teach English to her group of eager students. While taking a break, she was showing a lady in the village how to operate the sewing machine she had brought with her from the U.S.
While working on the second floor, we began hauling the square stock steel upstairs to begin building the guardrails.
We worked until lunchtime and had a blessing from Father Norman Aguilar. Father Norman offered a blessing to the congregation, the team, the families and the church congregation.
Many hugs, handshakes, kisses and photos were exchanged prior to our leaving. Memories made, tears wiped and smiles were also exchanged.
We departed toward Copán Ruinas, hoping to arrive prior to nightfall as the road in treacherous and recently driven by Bishop Allen. He was correct in his assessment of the road. Filled with potholes and Honduran drivers, we arrived safely thanks to the skill of our driver Fredy Orellano.
-Mike
After breakfast, packing and driving to our worksite, we arrived to see that half the sheets of galvnized roofing had been installed. Pablo and Gustavo were working as we arrived and were joined by the members of our work crew.
Alice continued working to teach English to her group of eager students. While taking a break, she was showing a lady in the village how to operate the sewing machine she had brought with her from the U.S.
While working on the second floor, we began hauling the square stock steel upstairs to begin building the guardrails.
We worked until lunchtime and had a blessing from Father Norman Aguilar. Father Norman offered a blessing to the congregation, the team, the families and the church congregation.
Many hugs, handshakes, kisses and photos were exchanged prior to our leaving. Memories made, tears wiped and smiles were also exchanged.
We departed toward Copán Ruinas, hoping to arrive prior to nightfall as the road in treacherous and recently driven by Bishop Allen. He was correct in his assessment of the road. Filled with potholes and Honduran drivers, we arrived safely thanks to the skill of our driver Fredy Orellano.
-Mike
Friday, July 7, 2017
Thursday, July 6, 2017
Upon arriving at San José de la Montaña, we were led in morning pryaer by George Shemp who brought with him packets prepared by Father Dan Laden. We continued with Mike reading Forward Day By Day in both Spanish and English. Finally, we recited the Lords' Prayer and began our work.
We worked until lunch cutting and welding. Thursday offered us the opportunity to experience fellowship with our Honduran brothers and sisters.
After being served a lunch of fried chicken, tortillas, beans, plantains, etc., we were visited by a friend of Alices' and her granddaughter. Alice met her many years ago. In Las Delicias del Norte.
Tim, Gustavo, Bob and Fredy went on another Honduran hardware store run. The lamina for the roof was not in stock and they actually went to the factory and watched the roof sheets of galvinized steel go through the dies and exit as a finished product.
While the team members were away, I convinced Pablo "El soldadero" (welder) to let us take scraps of steel and make into crosses that we might carry and place them into our own churches.
Upon their return to the worksite, the sheets we carried to the second floor of the church in preparation for Fridays' work.
Also, the majority of Thirsday morning was spent taking photos, captioning them and placing on my Facebook account.
Send me a friend request at Michael G. Marcks. Be sure to include your name and the name of your church.
-Mike
We worked until lunch cutting and welding. Thursday offered us the opportunity to experience fellowship with our Honduran brothers and sisters.
After being served a lunch of fried chicken, tortillas, beans, plantains, etc., we were visited by a friend of Alices' and her granddaughter. Alice met her many years ago. In Las Delicias del Norte.
Tim, Gustavo, Bob and Fredy went on another Honduran hardware store run. The lamina for the roof was not in stock and they actually went to the factory and watched the roof sheets of galvinized steel go through the dies and exit as a finished product.
While the team members were away, I convinced Pablo "El soldadero" (welder) to let us take scraps of steel and make into crosses that we might carry and place them into our own churches.
Upon their return to the worksite, the sheets we carried to the second floor of the church in preparation for Fridays' work.
Also, the majority of Thirsday morning was spent taking photos, captioning them and placing on my Facebook account.
Send me a friend request at Michael G. Marcks. Be sure to include your name and the name of your church.
-Mike
Wednesday, July 5, 2017
Wednesday, July 5, 2017
Welcome to the morning. Fresh papaya and tortillas filled with cheese are the delicacy of breakfast. Down the hatch and we are off to see our friends at San Jose de la Montaña.
Upon arrival, we entered the church and had our morning prayer service. Michael read "Forward Day by Day" in Spanish and English. Then off to work.
The chores of the day were rafter installation on the second floor structure. We continued painting the hand rails.
Padre Norman opened lunch with prayer. The ladies of the church prepared fried fish with plantains and rice and beans. Watermelon slices for dessert topped it off. After lunch the children gave a presentation of their bilingual studies.
Bishop Allen made a visit in the early afternoon and it was a pleasure to see him. The children presented their studies to him as well.
The church ladies prepared afternoon coffee with cookies. It is a refreshing treat at that time of the day.
We wrapped up at 5:30pm and said good bye for the day.
Byron
Upon arrival, we entered the church and had our morning prayer service. Michael read "Forward Day by Day" in Spanish and English. Then off to work.
The chores of the day were rafter installation on the second floor structure. We continued painting the hand rails.
Padre Norman opened lunch with prayer. The ladies of the church prepared fried fish with plantains and rice and beans. Watermelon slices for dessert topped it off. After lunch the children gave a presentation of their bilingual studies.
Bishop Allen made a visit in the early afternoon and it was a pleasure to see him. The children presented their studies to him as well.
The church ladies prepared afternoon coffee with cookies. It is a refreshing treat at that time of the day.
We wrapped up at 5:30pm and said good bye for the day.
Byron
Tuesday, July 4, 2017
Tuesday, July 4 2017
Happy fourth of July! Started our day with prayer and breakfast.
Continued our painting of handrails. They are slow to dry. The panels are being welded and starting to look like a building. We finally got brooms and a decent dustpan.
Alice continued her English lessons to students, age 7 to 19. They are soaking it up like sponges.
When we returned to the Green Frog we had a nice surprise. Bishop Allen came to have pizza and wine. We talked deeply about same sex marriage and acceptance of church's agenda. The way we can help more is to help children to be able to go to bilingual schools so they can be more equipped for college. We presently support 15 bilingual schools.
Bishop Allen started a program called "Savings with Education". After teaching them to be frugal, one community saved $5000 in one year. Bishop Allen feels the extreme poverty, lack of education, kids having babies and the drug cartel are his most challenging problems.
Hopefully we will see Bishop Allen on Monday. Nite to all.
Deborah and Byron
Continued our painting of handrails. They are slow to dry. The panels are being welded and starting to look like a building. We finally got brooms and a decent dustpan.
Alice continued her English lessons to students, age 7 to 19. They are soaking it up like sponges.
When we returned to the Green Frog we had a nice surprise. Bishop Allen came to have pizza and wine. We talked deeply about same sex marriage and acceptance of church's agenda. The way we can help more is to help children to be able to go to bilingual schools so they can be more equipped for college. We presently support 15 bilingual schools.
Bishop Allen started a program called "Savings with Education". After teaching them to be frugal, one community saved $5000 in one year. Bishop Allen feels the extreme poverty, lack of education, kids having babies and the drug cartel are his most challenging problems.
Hopefully we will see Bishop Allen on Monday. Nite to all.
Deborah and Byron
Monday, July 3, 2017
Monday, July 3, 2017
Morning prayers, breakfast and driving to San José de la Montaña is how we began this week of work, prayer and fellowship.
We began by cleaning up the second story floor, painting and traveling to buy supplies at two hardware store and a school supply. We purchased a whiteboard, pens and paper so that Alice could begin teaching English to the children. A delicious lunch was prepared by the loving hands of our parish ladies.
After cleaning up from lunch, we returned to work. Around 3 pm, the ladies presented us with strong café and a sweet butter cookie.
Everyone is drinking lots of water and feeling useful. We finished working at 5pm today and are feeling enthusiastic about the work accomplished
We are looking forward to a well deserved rest tonight so that we can return to work tomorrow.
Thanks for all of the prayers and well wishes from our families.
-Mike and Deb
We began by cleaning up the second story floor, painting and traveling to buy supplies at two hardware store and a school supply. We purchased a whiteboard, pens and paper so that Alice could begin teaching English to the children. A delicious lunch was prepared by the loving hands of our parish ladies.
After cleaning up from lunch, we returned to work. Around 3 pm, the ladies presented us with strong café and a sweet butter cookie.
Everyone is drinking lots of water and feeling useful. We finished working at 5pm today and are feeling enthusiastic about the work accomplished
We are looking forward to a well deserved rest tonight so that we can return to work tomorrow.
Thanks for all of the prayers and well wishes from our families.
-Mike and Deb
Sunday, July 2, 2017
A restful morning on this the Lord's day.
We went to church at San José de la Montaña, the same church where we will be installing a second floor on the parish house starting on Monday.
Guitar, singing and praise. A little boy named Jeremy helped me find the pages and with his finger, I could sing and follow along. It felt like my own church when my four niños are present. Fussy babies in and out of the chapel with their mamas.
Twenty-five adults, including our eight and at least twenty children were present for the service. The church is about the size of St. Stephen's in Hobart.
After fellowship, we drove to Omoa to the fortress of San Fernando de Omoa, built under orders from Spanish King Fernando VII for protection from the pirates raiding the Atlantic Ocean. Honduras was discovered by Christopher Columbus on his 4th and last expedition. After touring, we went to dinner on the Atlantic Ocean.
During dinner, we discussed where we had seen God today. We all felt the children's play impressed every one of us. It showed how God provides, we sin and are then redeemed by Him.
-Deb.
We went to church at San José de la Montaña, the same church where we will be installing a second floor on the parish house starting on Monday.
Guitar, singing and praise. A little boy named Jeremy helped me find the pages and with his finger, I could sing and follow along. It felt like my own church when my four niños are present. Fussy babies in and out of the chapel with their mamas.
Twenty-five adults, including our eight and at least twenty children were present for the service. The church is about the size of St. Stephen's in Hobart.
After fellowship, we drove to Omoa to the fortress of San Fernando de Omoa, built under orders from Spanish King Fernando VII for protection from the pirates raiding the Atlantic Ocean. Honduras was discovered by Christopher Columbus on his 4th and last expedition. After touring, we went to dinner on the Atlantic Ocean.
During dinner, we discussed where we had seen God today. We all felt the children's play impressed every one of us. It showed how God provides, we sin and are then redeemed by Him.
-Deb.
Saturday, July 1, 2017
Satuday, July 1, 2017.
Greetings from Honduras! Another beautiful eye opening day for the team members, starting with Rite Two Morning Prayer, and finishing with good conversation and unwinding in the pool back at the hotel.
We went up the mountain today to visit the site of a past Mission trip. The town was Las Delicias Del Norte, and the Church, a short walk away, was Iglesia San Lucas. The original mission trip consisted of building hornos, masonry stoves for cooking, and pilas, masonry water holding tanks with washboards and a sink. Several of the team members worked one or more mission trips of the five or six that took place in this town. To rekindle old friendships for Tim, Bob, Alice, and Fredy was a true blessing, and to meet and make new friends for Byron, Debbie, Star and me was also a blessing.
The town itself was like others we have seen recently, on rocky, dirt roads carved out of a jungle, with little hope of improvement in the near future. The homes are almost primitive by our standards with the wood burning hornos and pila sinks. Transportation seems to be mostly walking, some horses, many motorcycles, three wheeled motor carts used as taxis, a few cars and trucks, and a few bikes.
Picture mostly masonry homes with tin roofs, approximately 300 square feet (many less), in varied states of disrepair, with paper and refuse everywhere, and children everywhere, with power lines crudely tapped to bring free electricity to their homes without the benefit of fuses. The backdrop is lush mountains and deep valleys with beautiful vegetation, an explainable contrast to the impoverished city.
Now the miracle, the people and children that we met appeared to be mostly happy, joyful, and accepting of the situation they are in. A few young children brought beautiful wild flowers to the women of our group, and the smiling faces of the children brightened each of our days. Many smiles and greetings. The lesson being that money and worldly goods are not necessarily the key to happiness.
We ate dinner with some past friends from this village, Grandma Gloria and daughter Erlis prepared a delicious arroz con pollo dinner (a rice, chicken, vegetable casserole) for father Miguel, baby Andres and us, with ice cream for desert. Very delicious!
We went up the mountain today to visit the site of a past Mission trip. The town was Las Delicias Del Norte, and the Church, a short walk away, was Iglesia San Lucas. The original mission trip consisted of building hornos, masonry stoves for cooking, and pilas, masonry water holding tanks with washboards and a sink. Several of the team members worked one or more mission trips of the five or six that took place in this town. To rekindle old friendships for Tim, Bob, Alice, and Fredy was a true blessing, and to meet and make new friends for Byron, Debbie, Star and me was also a blessing.
The town itself was like others we have seen recently, on rocky, dirt roads carved out of a jungle, with little hope of improvement in the near future. The homes are almost primitive by our standards with the wood burning hornos and pila sinks. Transportation seems to be mostly walking, some horses, many motorcycles, three wheeled motor carts used as taxis, a few cars and trucks, and a few bikes.
Picture mostly masonry homes with tin roofs, approximately 300 square feet (many less), in varied states of disrepair, with paper and refuse everywhere, and children everywhere, with power lines crudely tapped to bring free electricity to their homes without the benefit of fuses. The backdrop is lush mountains and deep valleys with beautiful vegetation, an explainable contrast to the impoverished city.
Now the miracle, the people and children that we met appeared to be mostly happy, joyful, and accepting of the situation they are in. A few young children brought beautiful wild flowers to the women of our group, and the smiling faces of the children brightened each of our days. Many smiles and greetings. The lesson being that money and worldly goods are not necessarily the key to happiness.
We ate dinner with some past friends from this village, Grandma Gloria and daughter Erlis prepared a delicious arroz con pollo dinner (a rice, chicken, vegetable casserole) for father Miguel, baby Andres and us, with ice cream for desert. Very delicious!
- We learned some lessons today, made some friends, and praise and thank God for the love that he shares with each of us..........George
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