Tuesday–Greetings to all blog followers from around the world. Today was an eventful day for the team down in Quimistan. We had scheduled to meet with several of the men from Tejeras to teach them the process of bio sand filter construction, so we left early this morning to buy sheet metal to make diffusers, wire screen to strengthen our filters, and more concrete. The men were supposed to show up around 8:30, but 10:00 rolled around and no one from Tejeras had shown up. Despite the men from Tejeras not showing up, we had a surprise visit from a man named Rigoberto (Rigo), the master builder that constructed most of Martha’s villa. He said the Martha had asked him to come by to learn about filters. It’s kind of funny. We were supposed to be teaching the Hondurans how to build filters, but Rigo actually ended up teaching us a lot. He helped us design a mold for the filter lids and gave us some tips on how to avoid some of the problems that we had had with the two previous filters we made. We optimistically await the outcome of our filters with Rigo’s methods implemented. At the end of the day, we concluded that God must have sent us what we needed. We were still learning to work with Honduran materials and weren’t quite ready to teach, so we instead got someone who could teach us. 

Our sick team member is now recovering. The results of the blood tests today indicated that it was a bacterial infection and is now taking antibiotics.

In addition, Karen and Maynor made a trip to the hospital to lay the groundwork for medical missions to take place in the future. According the Maynor and Karen, the meeting went well, and we can look forward to good things taking place.

At the end of the day, Gary took Me (Mike), Josh,  and Ron on a tour of his farm, and we were accompanied by a young boy by the name of Rafael. I got to drive one of Gary’s John Deere Gators while Josh drove the other. Some of the highlights of the tour include: A view of the entire farm from a hilltop, seeing a 4 hour old baby cow, and some Guinea Hens.

Josh, Kristen, Pamela, and I spent the evening playing soccer, volleyball, and basketball with some kids that live in Martha’s villa. We were very impressed for Rafael’s soccer skills for only being 9 years old.

Then, Ron, Josh, and I finished up the day taking the cement filter lids out of their molds. They turned out well, but we plan to implement a few changes to make the fit a little tighter.

Additionally, we were all thrilled by the news that the University South Caroline beat UCLA 2-1 in the second game of the College World Series to become the 2010 national champions. Go Cocks!

Monday–Today we started off our day with a devotional based on John 4:4-14 and John 7:37-38 in which Christ reminds us that the “water” he provides is “living water,” pure, true, quenching, and eternal. As we allow ourselves to be filled to overflowing with His water, streams of life giving and sustaining water will flow from within us to those around us.

After breakfast, we sorted reading glasses and sunglasses to take with us to Santa Clara for the afternoon vision clinic. We picked up Maynor at the office around 8:40, loaded the fluoride and deworming supplies, and set off for Santa Clara, approximately 40 minutes away. After arriving, we met up with Ardyn, a former HAF team member from Canada who has been living in the village teaching at the White Dove School for the past month and a half, and other friends from the community.

Lencho, one of the men from the community, treated some of the team members to fresh sugar cane growing around his home. While sucking on the sugar cane, we spotted a young charancaco (basilisk) lizard on display on a nearby building.

Around mid-morning, we piled in a pick-up truck and rode to the public elementary school for the routine fluoride and deworming, and the team treated approximately 75 children in two facilities.

We then strolled back through the village to the yard across from the White Dove School, where Kristen, Pamela, and Karen entertained the children with bubbles, balloons, balls, and making cross necklaces. Christa went with Ardyn to visit the guest house where she will be staying during the month of July and awaited delivery of some supplies for Ardyn.

Joshua, Mike, and Ron went to look at the biosand filter installed at Lencho’s house and took the first two water samples from the filter where the White Dove School children get their water. Lencho discussed the whole process they went through to make the filters and showed us some of the sand and gravel they used.

Joshua returned to the school to assist with the installation of some computer CDs Roxanne had left for the students. On the way, he was shown an awesome plant called “dormiloma” whose leaves close up when you touch it.

After finishing our packed peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in one of the classrooms at the White Dove School, Mike, Ron, and Joshua walked to the house belonging to one of the local residents up the hill to test the water from a second branch of the water line. They then went to Mrs. Amalia’s house to see if she was home. She was not there, but they got the opportunity to speak with Brenda about how she liked the Justa stove and learned that she was leaving in a month to start her nursing. They also took a visit up to the community soccer field because Mike had never been before. Finally, they visited the Lopez family home to visit with Rosendo and see all the additions and changes that had been made to the home since last summer. We were delighted to learn that the family now has a latrine that is complete except for the side walls, and their yard is filled with chickens who are no longer allowed to wander freely in and out of the home. Both their BSF and their justa stove continue to function well.

While the guys were doing water testing, the gals and Maynor set up an eye clinic in the White Dove School so they could do vision testing for reading glasses and distribute sunglasses. A total of 53 people were tested for reading glasses, and all but about 4 or 5 went away with reading glasses and their choice of sunglasses. Many of the younger community members and teenagers not in need of reading glasses also came to select sunglasses from our selection. Several of the older women, including one who was 87 years old, found great delight in their stylish sunglasses and even posed for a picture.

After the clinic was finished, team members spent time playing with the community children, many of whom had won over our hearts last year and had returned for a time of fun and recreation with the gringos. Finally, it was time to say “adios” and “hasta viernes” and return to Q-town.

Upon our return, the guys worked on patching some of the leaky areas from the first two constructed biosand filters and prepare for the men from Tejeres coming for training in the morning. Since Dr. Elsa was not at Martha’s, the girls took a trip to Gracias a Dios hospital so that one of the team members who had been very sick the past two days could be examined. We were hoping to be greeted by familiar faces there, but the doctor on call was the only one of the 5 that Karen had not ever met. Fortunately, we were seen quickly, but the “shot” in the buttocks was not a favorite experience of the evening. We were told to return in the morning so that bloodwork could be drawn to rule out dengue.

We then ate dinner and several team members relaxed by again playing cards with some friends, Nelson and Rigo.

Sunday–June 27

Today we had a busy and fruit filled day! Our morning began with our morning devotions lead by Karen from John 15:4-9, 16. “I am the vine and you are the branches…” We were reminded that we must abide with Christ to bear good fruit. Our focus should be on abiding in Him – not the production of fruit, because that is the natural result of abiding in Him.

After a breakfast of fresh fruits and toast, we had a very spontaneous hour of creative efforts to launch our team’s production of “the prodigal son.” As you can see from our pictures later in the day this was great fun for everyone, and we even managed to get our audience involved in the action. Our first fruitful service of the day was with Martha’s Sunday school.

If you have not heard, Mrs. Martha Scarlet Thompson puts on one finest Sunday Schools in all of Honduras. She is a great encouragement to all the participants, and there are lots of participants. If you ever have a chance to visit, don’t be surprised if you are given a front row seat – like in front of all the children. Her lesson included how we use the 4 crosses – time, talent, treasure, and testimony–to bear fruit. After all the students were given a chance to eat, our team spent time with the students with activities similar to the previous days VBS including relay races, playing with the parachute, making cross necklaces, and handing out stickers and balloons.

Our next stop was at Sra. Umanzor’s kinder for the weekly Agape Promises children’s program. This was probably my favorite time of the day. We were able to help serve the participants a meal that included pastelito and tamarinda juice, which we think resembles fig juice. This is one fruit drink not yet on our list of favorites, but I think it keeps away the bugs because the folks drinking this juice did better than the people wearing insect repellant. Did anyone mention that some of the bugs bite? I’m the most fortunate so far, but I heard one victim mention 82 bites tonight. Somehow, it seems that even our bug spray is no match for the local 6 footed creatures. OK, back to the “Prodigal Son.” We did our second showing (and final – sorry you missed it) for the younger AP children and were a great hit! I’ve included a couple pictures from the show to give you just an inkling of how exciting this show was for us. We then spent time with our AP family enjoying the afternoon. God is doing great things with the AP program!

Hola Blog Readers!!
Day Four in Honduras was a success. Despite the heavy rains that Tropical Storm Alex brought during the night and early morning, our plans were not washed away. There was a possibility that our day in La Montanita would have to be canceled and rescheduled, but apparently that wasn’t God’s plan, therefore we continued with the original plans. Our day went a little like this…

Morning:
We awoke to the light drizzle of rain and the depressing news that our plans might have to be rescheduled. This, however, was not the case. After breakfast, we called and Maynor confirmed that we were able to make the drive to fly-infested La Montanita, so we loaded up in the car and stopped by the office to pick up Carlos and Maynor. The half hour drive to La Montanita went smoothly although it was muddy, bumpy, and like every other mountain road, curvy. We arrived and set up for the Vacation Bible School at the local elementary school. At 10 we started the program and it lasted until about 12.
Activities during VBS included: coloring, making salvation bracelets, weaving paper placemats, and a variety of games. After each group had rotated through each ‘station’, we gave the kids a light snack of juice and animal crackers. Once the kids had eaten we said adios and our team ate our own snack, er, lunch of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches

Afternoon:
When lunch was finished, Juan Nurcia came and discussed the contaminated water system. Juan took the guys of our team and walked them to the community water tank, a house in the village, and the pila* at the school for water testing, as well as to look at latrines. One unexpected surprise was that there was a rooster sitting on the latrine. Meanwhile, back at the school, Karen was talking with Xiomara (a community health worker and teacher) discussing and learning more about the village. Outside in the schoolyard, Christa and I were have an intense game of soccer with the kids who had stayed from VBS. Intense isn’t exactly the right word; it was more like muddy and messy–but I think we had fun.
Once the guys were finished with water testing, our team set out to visit the Tortilla-cloth* maker of La Montanita, Reyna. When we were finished with our visit, we made our return trip to Quimistan.

Evening:
Upon returning, Sandra and Gloria had a meal prepared for us. A few of our team members helped with the Bio-Sand Filter building after consuming our delicious dinner. Steps in the process that were accomplished to make the first two filters were the greasing of the filter molds and the pouring of concrete. After the guys finished up pouring concrete for the molds, we went to one of Quimistan’s soccer stadiums to watch our friend Nelson play in a soccer game. That was finished at about 9:30 and our team members once more came back to Martha’s for our evening activities. And those evening activities? Just a few rounds of card games and then to bed.

–Kristen–

*Vocabulario:
Pila–water cistern
Tortilla Cloth–about equivalent to a bread basket cloth, except made to hold tortillas

Hola friends, family, and various other blog-stalkers!

I will preface this post by assuring you all that we arrived in Quimistan safely this afternoon. Our team, Karen and Ron Livingston, Kristen and Josh, Mike Lambert and myself, left bright and early this morning for our flight out of Atlanta. Everything went smoothly through check-in and none of us were detained for suspicious baggage. We arrived in San Pedro Sula right on time at 11:30 and managed to get all of our luggage without much hassle. Maynor and some other guys loaded the trunks onto the top of a busito and stuffed the rest into the back with us. The whole deal was rather precarious looking but we managed well. (That’s kind of a pun, because in Spanish manejar means to drive and to manage.) Anyhow, we picked up Pamela, our translator, at a gas station on the way out of the city.

To our delight lunch was waiting for us when we arrived at Martha’s. After eating, we went to the hardware store in search of Bio Sand Filter parts and then on to the wood shop. We were amazed by the great price, prompt service, and dedication to quality. I got to see the little deaf girl, Britani, I met last year at the carpenter’s place. Unfortunately she didn’t seem to remember me and I couldn’t explain anything to her because of course she couldn’t hear. I’m sure she was more than a little confused.
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After that we returned to the house and played a version of the card game, Spoons, which in this case was more like Slim Jims. Some of us played basketball for awhile before we ate. I saw an iguana. Then we ate. Then Mr. Livingston took us to Shirley’s for (soda) drinks. They didn’t have ice cream, sadly, and I’m sure we all felt a little abandoned. Tomorrow we take off for Teo, which I’m not even going to attempt to spell. Pray that our medical brigade and water testing go well. And to all a good night.

Today, Sam and I escorted the young adults to the airport  to return to the US.  While they checked in, paid their exit fees, etc.  I, being shy, naturally began chatting with the other mission teams departing out of San Pedro Sula….all of whom were easily recognizable by their group t-shirts.  I met one group from Iowa who was working with a children’s home 45 minutes from Q town.  It was very exciting to meet the director as Sam and I are called to have a children’s home here in the future.  We exchanged business cards and information for a future visit.

I next met a group from UAB who had been 3-4 hours across into Guatemala for a medical mission team.  I was trying to introduce them to Brittany who is very interested in bringing med. students here.  During this convo, I met one of the doctors in their group and gave him and a few students a business card. One of the students asked if the website would give her information about our mission.  I assured her it would provide a lot of info and encouraged her to read our blogs.  Another woman in the group asked me “Why are you at the airport?  Are you just here checking out the mission groups coming and going?”  I laughed and told her no, but I am always interested in the other mission efforts and like to encourage others who are called to serve these beautiful people.

Who knows what God will do with these ‘chance’ meetings in an airport far from home.  I look forward to watching and waiting to see…..oh what a wonderful tapestry He weaves!

Sam and I had a delicious meal at Goyita’s restaurant along with Ardyn who has joined us for a weekend visit from Santa Clara.  The fair is at full steam downtown and the streets are crowded with out of town visitors.  It is nice to retire to the quiet tranquility of the ranch.

Check out our next team’s blog beginning June 23rd.  Until then, continue praying for our outreach that those who do not know Him will come to be filled with the love of Jesus.

Roxanne

Today was our last day and we are all very sad to go. I’ve chosen a large selection of photos to speak for me in this final entry.

A group photo with the Compassion Kids. We went over to the Agape compound to play with them for a while in the afternoon. They were so excited to have nice soccer balls and footballs.

A view of the new Quimistan hospital, Centro Medico Quimistan “Gracias a Dios”.

The newly finished pediatric ward. In our two visits to this hospital we have not seen very many inpatients, but they have rooms for children, women, men, and two private rooms. They also have a room for obstetrics, labor and delivery, two operating rooms, triage, an emergency room, and a laboratory.

Dr. Turcios Gilberto and I in the atrium of the hospital. He has been a great help in supplying information about the new hospital and health department. He is very interested to have more medical students and doctors visit Quimistan in the future…

Some adorable kids playing on a bench together at the elementary school.

In the afternoon, we went to watch Ms. Martha’s kids play soccer. She bought these uniforms and the kids were so proud to put on their team colors before the game.

As they waited for the other team to arrive, the boys warmed up following the instruction of their coaches– one of which is Walter, the same man who led their wroship service on Sunday.

A group photo of the whole team before the game.

After waiting almost an hour, they realized the other team was a no show and decided to play the neighborhood boys that they could round up around the school. It was a fierce match of shirts vs. skins and a battle for neighborhood pride. In the end, the skins won.

A couple of the boys had “snack duty” and they opted for the cool, refreshing taste of Coca-Cola.

The sun goes down on our last day in Honduras. We hope that we have pleased God as we have tried to listen to His guidance this week. Undoubtably, we each have been blessed and will cherish these memories. Now back to the States to share stories of the injustices, hardships, and simultaneous love and grace that exists in this land.
“Blog Maestro” signing off,
Brittany Klein

Hello faithful blog followers!

We have been missing Melanie, but we have still accomplished a lot today. We did deworming and fluoride treatments at Luz de Valle School. Many of the kids from Tejeras (the village on the highway) go to this school. However only 24 students were there today which is down from past attendance. We made sure to review dental hygeine and to share our reason for visiting them…to share the love of Jesus. We played “solamente manos” with the beachballs and had a great time. The joy that a beachball and bubbles brings to these kids is so precious that it never gets old to me.

Later, the three of us “jovenes”, Megan, Corey, and myself went to the health department to meet up with Dr. Turcios Gilberto. I was able to see patients with him and talk about our hopes for a mission at the new Quimistan Hospital. He is a great doctor with a gentle bedside manner and a special gift for counseling. He has started a Mental Health Clinic as well. Megan helped in the vaccination room and asked many questions about the endemic viruses and parasites. Corey observed the pharmacy and spoke with the workers about what kind of diseases are most prevalent in the area. The health clinic offers vaccines, family planning material, prenatal care, and basic health advice. Most common presenting complaints include asthma, diarrhea, and diabetes. Unfortunately we did not get any pictures to share from the health department, only information but I consider it equally valuable.

Roxanne and Sam had a lot of business-y items to attend to today. Roxanne spent a lot of time at the bank and Sam searched for a Ford mechanic since we realized the rear shocks were shot in the Expedition. Perhaps the “road” (it was more like a foot path) to the waterfalls was a little too steep and bumpy or perhaps we have been piling too many Norte Americano behinds into the back seat. Regardless, the Expedition has an appointment for a tune up in the morning and will hopefully be well in time to take us jovenes to the airport on Saturday.

Martha, “the Queen” of this beautiful ranch, has returned from the States today and we shared dinner with her and her husband, Gary, tonight. We look forward to all she has to tell about her ministry here in Quimistan. It is obvious that she touches many in the community.

 Here Pablo and Corey clean the dishes from our delicious dinner of fried chicken and french fries. Since it is such a favorite, it is one of the only meals that has been repeated. Below, a typical early evening view.

That is all…
Brittany 🙂