Honduras Mission Trip 2004

Andrew Blasetti	Senior Civil Engineer	Today was a hot one. There's nothing more pitiful than when all the Americans start passing out during the church's march for life. Fortunately, that didn't happen. Today, we had the privilege of spending Sunday mass with the locals (some of whom are not that local). For us it was about a 30 minute walk, which isn't that long. But it was a great bonding experience for all of us. No gripes so far except for the music (read on). Though I've warned everyone - I have a Metallica CD and I know how to use it! Thanks for all the emails everyone, keep em coming.
Carolyn Conlee	Senior Civil Engineer	Well, I finally made it here...passport and all. Today was long and overwhelming. The car ride from the airport to Amigos de Jesus filled me with the scenes and sites of Honduras and the culture. When I first arrived to Amigos de Jesus, one of the little boys here introduce himself to me and gave me a big hug...it was touching. The beds and the meals were pretty much what I expected...bunk beds all lined up in one room and meals held in one big room for the boys and us to sit and eat at. The kids here are amazing...so happy and outgoing...so friendly and full of love. Later that night we all held hands and stood in a big circle and anyone who wanted could say what they were thankful for from God...it was truly touching when so many of the little children raised their voices and had so much to be thankful for. I can tell already, that this is going to be a great experience. Much love for everyone back home.
Liza Dhamer	Senior Civil Engineer	Hello all at home - thank you for the messages you have left (keep em comin!) Today in Honduras was pretty low key.... we walked into town and went to church that was preceded by a Pro-Life protest/march. Quite an interesting experience. After church, we returned to the home and played with the boys and just hung out. It was very nice to continue to spend time with them. I am looking forward to starting the work tomorrow and for the rest of the week! Hope all is well at home... stay in touch! Love you
Sarah Banas	Senior Mechanical Engineer	Today was another day full of laughter. I seem to have attracted a younger man--he held my water bottle (and hand) at Mass, and made sure that I had a seat--quite the gentleman. Don't worry, Dad, he's only 13--much too young!!!! Liz and I were singing "cantas" with the boys, and they seem to love the Brooks and Dunn "Honkey-tonk" song--we are just may be the next Honduran Idols :-) I'm having an awesome time, but I miss you! Katie, I hope you had a good time in "Sin City"! Love you all mucho!
John Boring	Senior Mechanical Engineer	Hello again, Mom and Aunt Pat thank you for the messages!!! Went to mass this morning but had a nice pro-life and save the trees rally before we got there. It was definitely interesting. Other than that the weather is beautiful, hot sunny and I love it. Not getting burnt yet and only a couple bug bites. We're all having fun getting to know the boys a little more and getting to know each other. Looks like we might actually start working tomorrow. I'll leave another note then. Love and God Bless.
Jeffrey Cook	Junior Civil Engineer	Hi again. I am really enjoying the time spent here. I seem to have a little tiny shadow wherever I go. One of the boys named Ever follows me around and likes holding my hand all day. He is nine years old and probably the sweetest boy ever. We went to mass today and played a little soccer. I also got the chance to cook some fried platanos for dinner today. Tomorrow is when the hard work starts. I haven't seen any snakes or scorpions yet, but I did find a rather large spider in my bag this morning. All is well. Love you all.
Elizabeth Kenyon	Junior Civil Engineer	Hola Amigos! Turns out my country career finally took off! The boys are crazy about the honky-tonk song. Sarah and I will be going on tour shortly after returning to the states. Today we took a half hour walk to town which involved walking across the river just like in Oregon Trail (except with a little boy on my back)! The weather is beautiful here but I'm not looking forward to winter again. I loved walking to town holding hands with a little boys - or carrying one on my back as the case may be. These little boys love hugging and being loved. Miss you guys!
Dennis Stefanski	Junior Civil Engineer	Hey everyone, hope everything is going well. Today was really long because it was pretty hot and we went to church (and we all know how well I do in church.) We went to a prolife protest as well, but I had no idea what was going on soooo...i kind of just stood there the entire time. By the way, I got torn up by bug bites, seriously my face looks like a poison oak on it (haha) buts it is all good. I hope everyone is good and just chilling out, hopefully its not too cold up there and everything's awesome. P.S. Mike and Liz and whoever else...everyone can read the messages so just watch out aight...nice. Peace out.
James Sutton	Junior Civil Engineer	Hi everybody, today we walked into the town to go to church with all the boys. We had to wade across a river to get there and back (there are some good pictures up of our walk and crossing the river). It was very hot today, I think I got burned a bit even though I put cream on like 10 times. Church was very interesting and very different than in the US...I would say they do it better here. The rest of the day we just relaxed and played with the boys. I played soccer with them for hours. They're really good...they play really fast and have great ball control....they could teach you how to play, Patrick. Anyway, I'm pretty tired now so goodbye until tomorrow...
James Troise	Junior Civil Engineer	Hi everybody, let's try to make this message a little longer than the one last night about my bum (which is still sore thanks!). Anyway today was really nice. We went to Mass in town and that was a long walk (about a half an hour) which involved crossing a river. Mass was awesome although I had no idea what the padre was saying nor what the readings were about. A girl sitting near where I was standing fainted but it was nice to see how everyone took care of each other and the others around me quickly got her water. The most interesting part was the sharing of the peace when literally everyone got out of their seats and shook everyone's hand from the front to the back of the church. God Bless.
Robert Guinivan	Sophomore Civil Engineer	Hey everyone, most people know I'm not too much on words, but I will write a little more tonight. It really is amazing down here, words can't describe it. We walked to town for mass this morning, which was pretty nice, other than the couple mile walk. We also were in a pro-life march before church today, which, to say the least was interesting. Then I spent the rest of the day in what seems to be my permanent position as a jungle gym for the boys. They are absolutely phenomenal. Although I am having a great time here, I miss everyone from Nova, and from home. I am remembering all of you, so think of me once or twice while I'm gone (look to the sky - you know). I miss and love you all.
David Dinehart	Faculty Advisor	Hey Guys, how was the movie? I hope you haven't watched it more than once. Be good for Grandma tomorrow. Since you will be having fun with her, you'll have to wait another day for your next clues. Older Cousin Cris, aka Aunt Bacala, thanks for writing the note in English so I didn't need to get it translated. Have you visited our newest cousing yet? How cute is she? Put in your order for how many boys you want me to bring back for you. How's the merger going Shell? Have you gotten those 2 banks on the same page yet? Things here are going well. I went to my first pro choice rally today, and it was almost over before I realized what it was. I really do need to take a Spanish class! Mass was great as usual, as is the food. The students are fabulous; we've got some great characters with lots of character. Kiss the kids and don't forget to feed the fish. PS: Emails from Father-In-Laws count double.
Shawn Gross	Faculty Advisor	Hi everybody...Another day in the books. Got to go to mass again and see a religious/political rally. We got our passport saga completed and Carolyn made it in safely. I got to ride to the airport with Ubil to pick her up. Enjoyed the conversation with Ubil immensely. Ubil also drives much faster than the bus driver that brought us in on Saturday. No soccer yet, we're resting up for Monday. Lots of great photos, so make sure you check them out on the site! Jen I hope you get over that cold soon. Good to see you're feeling a little better. Shannon & Grammie: Happy Birthday!