Paul Cianci |
|
Hey everyone.
We have been so busy these past two days that we haven't
gotten the chance to make it into town to go to the internet
cafe. Work wise, we did dowels and foundation cages on
Wednesday and poured ten foundations on Thursday.
Tomorrow the plan is to finish pouring the last ten
foundations to complete all of the work that we set out to
do.
Auntie Di, I am glad that you got a chance to check the
website out, thanks for your thoughts.
Mom and Dad, I really miss you guys, this really has been a
moving experience for me. I have a ton of stories to
tell you when I get back. I really cannot wait to call
you when we get into the airport Saturday night.
Bina, I miss you and hope everything is well for you.
We lost to the Hondurans again in soccer (could have really
used Nick's help).
Everyone else, thanks for all of your thoughts this week, it
really meant a lot. Hope everything is going well in
the U.S.
These are our last messages as tomorrow we will be getting
ready to leave, so I will talk to you Saturday evening.
Love, Paul |
Rob Cunnane |
|
Hola amigos.
It's been a great couple days. They've prepared a pig that
we ate today that was really good and we had BBQ chicken
last night. The food's been awesome. Dad, I'm probably
cleaning up after I get home, Kelly, I've ruined 3 shirts
with sweat so if you could use all those faces and sew me
some new clothes thatd be great and Mom I do remember the
book and apparently am not at all like the dog because I was
exhausted after 5 minutes of digging. Christine (and The
GMan? and Skippy) hope Florida was fun. I'll talk to
everyone Saturday or Sunday with plenty of stories. Adios.
Love you all |
Matt DeSimone |
|
(Wednesday &
Thursday) Hey everybody. Sorry I didn't write on Wednesday.
No one went into the nearby town to upload our messages to
the website. But anyway, the past two days have been
great. Yesterday, work was pretty relaxed. We
built rebar cages in the shade, away from the hot sun.
Wednesday night we ate a great barbeque chicken dinner at
the volunteer house cooked by Dr. Dinehart and Dr. Gross--a
nice treat to get an American meal in the middle of the
week. We also got to learn a little more about the
long term volunteers here at Amigos. Today, we began
mixing and pouring concrete. Batching concrete by hand
is tougher than I thought it would be, especially in this
heat. But having 10 other people around you mixing
made it much more bearable. We had our pig feast tonight
with all the kids. We all stuck around afterward to
play with the boys. It's hard to believe that tomorrow
is Friday--our last full day here. Our time here seems
to have gone by so fast, and I know for sure that I'm going
to miss the place and the people we've met. I'm looking
forward to coming back home and telling you all about it.
I hope you guys are doing well. It's weird not having
the option of hearing your voice by phone. But only
one more day to go. Talk to you soon. |
Justin DiBiase |
|
(WEDNESDAY)
Hola a todos. Today was another great day. I got to attend a
6th grade English class and helped teach. At work, we
finished making the re-bar cages and we should begin mixing
and pouring concrete tomorrow. I played some soccer again
today, and I have to say my touch is far from where it was,
but I can still run like hell. Today I saw a donkey chasing
a horse in full stride, and the horse was kicking it while
they were both "neighing". So that was cool. Dr. Dinehart
and Gross cooked breakfast and dinner (which were both
awesome). Thanks Uncle Mike and Aunt Kathy for the message.
Mom and Dad, how did you guess those were my hands? I really
wish I brought my glove and a baseball. MCCOOL! What's up? I
will be home for Easter break. Then me you and rue can watch
some crappy movie downstairs like Small Soldiers.
(THURSDAY) Hi everyone. Today we had an awesome pig
roast after a hard day of work, mixing and pouring 10
foundations. Tomorrow I am going into town to update the
website. I will be sure to take pictures. Thanks to everyone
who sent me a message. OK I got to jet. Hasta Luego!
I have so much to tell everyone about this amazing
experience. I can't wait to come home and tell you all. Te
echo! Love You All. |
Kelly Donmoyer |
|
(Wednesday &
Thursday)
Wednesday went by so quickly that we didn't get a chance to
write and post today (Thursday). The highlight of yesterday
was Dr. D & Dr. G cooking a big dinner for all of us plus
the volunteers (bbq chicken in a pit, pasta salad, homemade
bread, and homemade salsa). We didn't have a very productive
work day, which was because there were a lot of different
components to the footings that needed to come together. In
the evening I played soccer again :-) This morning was
pretty uneventful, but in the afternoon we mixed and poured
8 batches of concrete. And by we I mean mostly the guys. The
gals did mix and shovel, but we also made the cylinders and
did the slump tests. I got concrete all over me, and it was
so much fun. I'm sure there will be lots of pictures posted.
Another event from the past two days has been the pig roast,
starting with the live pig...gross! There are a few boys who
I keep seeing over and over at dinner and outside, and
they're still so energetic, loving, and fun, and I know I
will miss them very much. This has been such a great
experience, and I hope I make the most out of my last day
tomorrow--more concrete and definitely more time with the
boys. Can't wait to come home and tell you all about it!!
Love, kel |
Caitlin Glenn |
|
(WEDNESDAY)
Hey Again- Today was wonderful, again. For working, we
made the reinforcement cages for the foundations and got
ready for pouring concrete tomorrow. After work, Dr. D
and Dr. Gross prepared a big, delicious dinner for all of
us- salsay, bbq chicken, and pasta salad. We had 2
games of scrabble going in the yard while they finished it
up. The best part was hanging around and talking
through and after dinner with all of the volunteers,
including us from Nova. We are quite the bunch, if you
can't already tell from the pictures and posts...the evening
was particularly gorgeous, the sun was a little more gentle
than usual and a beautiful breeze picked up. The week
is going by so fast, I know I keep saying that but it really
is! There is a full-time volunteer here from Downers
Grove, graduated from Montini in 2003, he and his sister
danced at World Academy....how crazy is that?! We all
had a great convo/reflection after dinner tonight too; we
all said people that are our role models...and not
surprisely, most of us said our families. For most of
these boys, this hogar is their family, and it was really
something for me to think of this work as a way to give
these boys a 'family home' that they can be proud of.
(THURSDAY) Hi! The morning was a little slow work-wise
today, but I did hang out by the pig roasting for awhile--it
still had feet! I gradually adjusted to the situation,
but it took...an hour. We started pouring the
foundations in the afternoon, which was alot of work because
we needed to mix it by hand. The Honduran workers
thought we were hilarious because we were so slow and trying
so hard to be efficient. Late that night we had the
pig roast, it was delicious. I chatted with Lily, a
girl here about 13, same as Aisling (I told her about you!).
I was so touched by how genuine she is...Tomorrow is our
last day, and I'm really sad to see the week coming to an
end...until tomorrow! |
Matt Maddalo |
|
(WEDNESDAY)
hola out there... another great day down here... worked on
the rebar cages and dowels for the foundation in the
morning... we'll be ready to start mixing and pouring the
concrete tomorrow so that's exciting... i was lucky enough
to be one of the people who got to go into town today to
upload the pictures/messages and get some groceries for
dinner tonight... drs. dinehart and gross outdid all
expectations with a ridiculous salsa/pasta salad/barbecue
chicken dinner... they definitely take the mvp awards for
the day... keep writing messages since we are heading for a
trip record very shortly... starting to miss certain things
(hot showers, espn.com etc.) but not nearly enough to wish i
was home yet... the week's getting better every day and i
expect that to continue... until tomorrow... Matt
(THURSDAY) helllllo... another day of hard work in the
strong sun but i'm certainly not complaining... we fell
behind a bit in the morning but worked our tails off to
catch up and get 10 foundations poured in the afternoon...
this should set us up to reach our goal of having all 20
poured by the end of tomorrow so that's an accomplishment...
having to mix the concrete manually with shovels really gave
us a new appreciation for the mixers we have back at the
lab... the pig roast tonight was awesome as expected...
seemed like the kids really liked it too... not so psyched
about having to say goodbye to all them in a couple days...
wish i had the time to get to know them all - they are
amazing and we don't have to look hard for motivation for
work during the day... a quick hello to mom, dad mark and
nicky and all the other people who i know are checking up...
thanks AGAIN... excited to talk to you all when we get back
to the states... until then....... Matt |
Ramon Martinez |
|
Hola,
En estos dias volvimos a jugar soccer y volvimos a perder,
estos niņos son mejores que nosotros y nos estan dando
clases de como jugar. El miercoles icimos un bbq de pollo
que quedo brutal y el jueves cocinaron un cerdo a la barrita
que tambien quedo super bueno. Osea que la comida en estos
dias ha estado bien buena. Tambien se ha trabajado un monton
y con ese sol caliente el cansancio se multiplica. Laura no
me cuentes de LOST estoy loco por saber que paso. Gracie
thanks for your message and I am really excited that I'm
going to meet you after the trip. Yes I know Matty, he helps
us on the structural labs and yes he is a big guy. Also keep
working on your spanish, you are really going to need it
when you come visit the kids from amigos de jesus.
Ramon |
Rory McCormick |
|
(WEDNESDAY)
Hey everyone,
Thanks to Bridget and Kelly for the messages. Its cool to
have the cousins represented on the guestbook. Everyone down
here is saying "Who are all these Joyces?". I'm glad you're
keeping Pappap updated Aunt K. Tell Taryn that she is going
to have an amazing time in Guatemala. And yes, the
heat is like nothing I've every experienced. It gets into
the 90s very early, and just stays at that temperature til
about 4 or so. To Mom, Dad, Moira, and Shea: Keep checkin
the site, hopefully this sparks some interest in Civil
Engineering for Shea. Dad, I think you should take a few
days off of work and come down here sometime. There is a lot
of projects going on at Amigos that need some of your field
experience.
To Uncle Patty, Aunt Kathy Jean, Kelly and Pat, Thank you
very much for keeping up with the trip. Again, I think if
you (Uncle Patty) and my dad took a trip down here, there
would be some major progress in the construction down here.
And as for Pat, that is just awesome. Va Tech is has such a
good name amongst engineering schools, as does PSU. I know
that for a fact. But whatever your decision is, Civil
Engineering is a good field to get into, and you'll succeed
in it. I can't wait to get home and talk to everyone about
the trip, too much to explain.
PS: We built a pig roast pit. They bought a pig in town
and killed it and we are gunna be eating it on Thursday. |
Jamie Mucha |
|
Hola! I
know nobody at home is reading this because they too busy
following the Sox in spring training. I was getting a
little bummed about it, but I have found comfort in the most
unlikely of places. I would have never guessed it
prior to the trip, but Joe is one of the most sensitive
people I've ever met. Sometimes he will be deep in
thought, just starring at the boys or the cross and will
start weeping openly. At reflection he expresses the
most beautiful of thoughts ... a true feeler. Given
Paul and Angela's guiding example of a how a CEE
relationship can work ... well, let's just say you never
know. Love you all. JM |
John Mulligan |
|
Hey, I'm
really enjoying myself here. Being around the people here
and the crew I came with makes you have to have a great
time. We have been eating really good lately and the food is
the only thing down here that scares me so thats good. We
dug out 20 foundations and starting mixing and pouring the
concrete today. I'm very happy I came on this trip; we had
some pretty good discussions and I'm looking forward to
continuing the good times when I come home. I miss and love
you guys and I have some quality stories.
Chus thanks for the info on the JETS, mucho appreciated.
Also Mom tell Dad that the "Ros Compoya" song has been a
huge success with the kids down here. Hope everythings going
good and I will see you probably next thursday night.
Love, El Rey |
Kevin Perazzelli |
|
(WEDNESDAY)
Hey, me again.
Kind of a slow day today. Ran out of supplies for
the rebar cages so instead we prepared for a BBQ that we had
planned for tonight by making our own grill out of rebar and
wire mesh (pictures forthcoming). A full roasted
chicken for each of us and it was phenomenal. Don't
worry Matt, you're still the grill master but this was a
very welcome meal that brought us all back to the States, so
to speak. Also got a chance to experience washboard
laundry today. Not the greatest of experiences but I
have a deeper appreciation for modern appliances now and
also know I'll have experience should they ever not be
available. We also worked on one other thing that will
be continuing all tomorrow but again I won't spoil the
surprise even if others write about it. But it's the
reason why this and tomorrow's messages will be delayed in
posting.
To everyone who has been keeping tabs on me, thank you so
much. Westerelli's, Easterellis, and everyone else.
I'll say it again, we're 18 people who all have to use one
computer so naming everyone would take too long but know
that you're in my thoughts and prayers and hope you are all
doing well. Got our hardest workday ahead of us
tomorrow. Wish me luck and I'll try to keep the camera
rolling so you all can enjoy.
-Kevin
(THURSDAY)
So didn't know that we wouldn't be posting yesterday or
at least thought there would be a separate thing, but guess
not. Today was a slow day simply because materials and
tools were scarce or unable to be found. Eventually we
were able to get the formwork for 10 of the footings squared
and were able to mix concrete. This isn't Quickcrete
folks. This is taking each individual ingredient of
sand, gravel, water, and cement with our own ratios (as
opposed to just add water till it looks right) and then fill
the formwork as quickly as possible before it dries out.
Needless to say I'm exhausted but we did get 10 out of the
20 done and should be finished by tomorrow. The
surprise that I was hesitant to tell you was that we
actually were privileged enough to witness, help with, and
partake in a Honduran pig roast from start to finish.
We just had the meal and it was delicious. Though the
portions were meager the flavor was not. I've got
almost everything documented but won't post them because at
parts it can be graphic. In the future though just let
me know and I'll make them available to you. I guess
the only thing left to say is actually to Matt Tymann who
I'm not even sure knows this site exists. But guess
what Ty, the one and only dessert that we have been given
since getting here was none other than the Pastel de Tres
Leches. I was in shock for two reasons, one was the
fact that the only thing we cooked in a Spanish class is the
only thing that we've had here. The other is that ours was
definitely better! Catch you all tomorrow.
-Kevin |
Angela Russo |
|
(Wednesday and
Thursday) Hello everyone, thank you all for posting messages
throughout the week. We didn't get a chance to post
our messages from Wednesday because Thursday was a busy day
on the site so we couldn't go into the city to post them.
We had to finish all the rebar and forms and poured ten of
the twenty footings. It is really hard work but so
good to see the finished product. Tomorrow (Friday) we
are finishing the rest of the concrete for the footings.
Wednesday I was able to help teach a 5th and 6th grade
English class at the school. The kids are really cute
and it was so fun to interact with them. Tonight we
are about to go to the pig roast, Dad, they have been
cooking it all day long. I have been taking a lot of
pictures and really can't wait to tell you all about it ( I
will try to take a picture of all of the kids for you).
Mom, don't worry I have taken my malaria pill and am doing
well. Last night (Wed.) we had a bbq chicken dinner
which was great. On another note, Mom, you would be
ashamed of my performance in scrabble but Dad, Paul and I
just had a huge win over the two old men (dr. d and dr. g)
in Spades. I think this will be my last message until
we are back home. We are leaving early Saturday to go
to the airport. I will call you once we land.
Can't wait to fill you in on the trip! Love and miss you
both!
Boccio's: Thanks for checking in with me throughout the
week! Can't wait to tell you all the happenings of Honduras.
Happy Birthday to the Capurso kids in Chicago! Alexa,
Paul says to tell you that you are the best of the cousins,
because he thinks you were born on a great date!
Pancakes? I wish! Those were tortillas, we have been having
them for every meal, lets just say they are no clams casino.
Jenna, I'm excited to finally meet you sometime soon!
See you all soon enough! Love Ang
|
Ryan Smoke |
|
Hey all and thanks to all of the family for the wonderful
messages. It's been a couple of days since the last
post and there's been a lot going on. So much so in
fact, that I have passed out before 9:30 the last two
nights, right after our group reflections and before making
it to the shower (I have of course been showering in the
mornings). On Wednesday we made a bunch of rebar mats and
upright assemblies for the the footings and I spent the
afternoon helping Dr. D prepare a BBQ chicken dinner for all
of the students and the other full time volunteers... which
was amazing by the way. Both Dr. D and Dr. G are
fantastic cooks. Thursday was spent preparing the
formwork and pouring the concrete for ten footings. We
were able to mix the concrete and pour all ten in just over
3 hours, which was really good considering all the work that
goes into hand mixing everything. As you'll see in the
pictures, we also had an all day pig roast capped off by a
delicious dinner. There have been some who say you
lose 10 pounds over the course of this trip but I'm not so
sure... we've been working hard but also eating really,
really well down here. Today (Friday) it's finally my
turn, along with three others, to go into town to post the
updates at the internet cafe. After we get back we
will pour the final ten footings to finish the week.
We've been lucky to have the help of some incredible local
Honduran workers the entire time. There are a few boys
from Amigos that work alongside us as well, and one boy in
particular named Jose has been especially awesome to be
around. He's a really nice kid... kind of quiet, very
chilled out and easy going, but an amazingly zealous worker.
At first we would just communicate with hand gestures and
facial expressions, but I've become really comfortable
trying to speak Spanish with him and he really seems to
appreciate our conversations. It just makes me so glad
that I'm here because I'm able to connect with a kid who I
just met a few days ago and is part of a completely
different culture, yet someone in whom I see a lot of
myself... it's kind of difficult for me to explain, but it's
a very cool feeling. It's just such a bummer that we
have to leave so soon. Despite that "end of the trip"
feeling that I now have for sure, I'm definitely
thankful for the limited time that I've had here.
Everything has been flying by so quickly, but I've been
enjoying every second of it. Hopefully the boys have
as well... and judging by their smiles I think they have.
Hopefully with us coming down here, we've been able to be a
small bright spot in their lives, because I know they will
always be a huge one in mine. Looking forward to
talking to everyone when I get back to the states and I love
you all! - Ryan |
Joe Staeheli |
|
Wow, I am
spent. The work is very exhausting, but the emotional
roller coaster of experiencing this poverty stricken country
is really affecting me. I've never had these feelings
before. Mom and Dad, I've found comfort with a new
good friend here. I won't name names in this public
forum, but let's just say she's AWESOME. Don't get me
wrong, I'm not walking around here breaking into tears at
the drop of the hat (like some gus). I mean, common, I
still like blowing things up! Another thing I didn't
get about Honduras is that it is really hot, so wearing
black and/or long sleeve shirts was not probably the right
call. |
Pat Veale |
|
To my faithful
internet following: Hello from Thursday. Today (Thursday)
was pretty busy so no one got into town to update the site
on Wednesday's happenings. Yesterday was pretty
atypical work-wise since there was a lot of tedious
preparation work that needed to be done before we could mix
and pour the concrete. I went into town yesterday with Matt,
Des (also Matt), Rob, Dr. Gross, and Jeff. We hit the
internet cafe, where I (finally) learned that UMass won on
Saturday, but I could use a guestbook update for Wednesday's
result. We also went to a couple of markets to pick up
supplies for the past two night's dinners. Wednesday the
Dr.'s made everyone some awesome barbeque chicken and pasta
salad which we enjoyed with the other volunteers. Not that
you'd expect anything less from a pair of Civil Engineers
but they can cook like nobody's business. And I'm not sure
if anyone was brave enough to check out the NSFW pics (I
hope for your sake that you didn't Mom) but they showed some
preparation for the delicious pig roast we had tonight. It
took a lot work to create a custom made spit and about 8
hours of cooking but it was well worth it as it was the best
ham/pork I've ever tasted. After making concrete all
afternoon and pouring ten foundations today, we look to set
the record for most foundations poured by one group tomorrow
when we try to finish the final ten footings (I guess we
should have the record with an all time high 18 group
members). I didn't get to read the guestbook from the past
couple of days yet due to the postponed trip to town,
but to all who did post, many thanks and I'll certainly
enjoy reading everything tomorrow. The week has gone really
fast, I can't believe we have to leave in two days. Although
I just met all these boys, I'm really going to miss them.
You can't imagine how fun they are. Mom, Dad, Lauren (if
you're reading in between riding gondolas and doing art
stuff), Katharine and Kristin, I've loved reading all your
messages and I miss you all a lot. Anyway, sorry for
yesterday's missing update and thanks for reading. Talk to
everyone soon. -Pat |
Dr. David Dinehart |
|
I think that
year over year I am working less and aching more ... I guess
40 is right around the corner. Matt and Abby, I was
very glad to hear that Charlie has earned the privilege of
roaming the entire kitchen. Matt, great job on the
tests; keep up the good work. Have a great Friday and
Saturday with Mom. Find a "wagon photo" and look
behind it for your last surprise. I miss you and love
you, Dad. Jimmy S, Liza, Lindsay, Athena, Josh, Katie,
Kate (all former trip participants), thanks for following
along. We had a great time telling stories to the
group about your adventures. Honduras IIX, Dr. G. paid
me back for my part in the Mafia setup by hiding my
passport, after hours of panic I made a deal with Angela
(who now weighs 82.4 lbs) that she could be my grad student
next year if she sang. It took her 0.3 seconds to
spill her guts. All of the class of 2008 grad students (AR,
MD, and PC) are really great. It looks like they will
all be working, going to class, and living together for the
next year and a half. Dr. K. and the family, once
again thank you for your messages and the crew is looking
forward to the pot roast and sundaes! Parents, you
should be very proud of your children. It has been a
privilege to teach them and spend this week together.
I am grateful that you have entrusted them with us over the
past four years. |
Dr. Shawn Gross |
|
Well it's now
Friday morning. It's been a great two days of working
and feasting, as I'm sure you'll see from the pictures.
I appear to be working in several pics; thanks to the crew
for helping me to set up those poses. The group
has done a great job on the job site. With a little help
from the locals we managed to pour ten footings in three
hours Thursday afternoon. Definitely a new record.
The concrete looks great, too...Jeff has definitely improved
the quality control around here.
As far as food goes, the pig roast and the tres leches
(three milks) cake were new additions this year, on top of
the traditional pancakes, frittatas, bbq chicken, salsa, and
lots and lots of pepsi and coke. I'm just about out of
money from all of the shopping and may not have the fee to
get out of the country, so at least Dr. Dinehart will have
somebody to keep him company until his new passport arrives.
On the bright side, Angela is really excited about working
with Dr. Yost next year and she'll get to come back here as
a grad student TWICE now!
To the 2008 group you have done a great job continuing
and strengthening this relationship. To the friends
and families of the group, thank you for checking in on us
all week via this web site. It started on a whim in
2000 as has taken on a life of its own. Trust me when
I say that each and every one of you, our followers, have
added a little special something to this journey with your
posts. I am sure that as you have read through the messages
and looked at the pictures each day, you are enormously
proud of those you have been checking up on. To all of
the trip veterans out there, it has been great to see all of
the messages from past trip participants. The photo of
my Honduras 2000 shirt in the pics today is a shout out to
all of you who have made this journey and helped strengthen
the bond between VU and Amigos since 2000. It is so
clear as we return each time that you have made a lasting
impression on this place, as I'm sure it has made on you.
Jen (Sweetie) and Nicholas (Buddy), hope you are managing
without me. I miss you a ton and can't wait to see you
Saturday night. Blowing you each a big kiss...I love
you. |
Flat Traver |
|
I'm tired.
It never rains here; please be specific with your prayers
that we want the rain in Honduras on Friday! The
closest we got was some thunder and lightning on Wed. night
... but no rain. Round Traver, I've eaten chicken,
pasta salad, homemade bread and 5 lbs of pork (last night)
... at this rate I should catch you be July! Water
students, buckle up ... I've scouted some great locations
for porous pavement projects! Matt and Abby D, how
about some American Idol results? Ron, Dr. D. is going
to mail me back to the states, so I'll see you in May.
Funniest thing about this trip so far though is definitely
the prank I played on Dr. D. He thinks Dr. G stole his
passport but it was actually me. I just had to get him
back for all of those jokes over the years. Never ever
ever underestimate us water types....Ha...take that one
Dave!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Flat Traver out. |
|