Wednesday, December 28

Dear Friends, Families and Benefactors,

Last night we had some sharing about our day and some of the comments were about how simple and yet how happy the Hondurans seem. Some of the teens, Chris and Michael were amazed at how little the boy orphans had (a small bed and a small box of their things under their bed) and how much they had bac in their homes. No toys were noticed even though there are 80 boys living at La Granja. Lindsay was surprised at how the children of the Adventures in Faith program were happy doing even the simplest games, even though some of the children were a bit older.

Today the work team finished the yellow paint on the four dorms and kitchen building at La Granja as well as the brown paint below. The boys of the orphan eagerly watched and waited for a chance to help. Len and Hernan noticed how the boys just loved having an opportunity to show how hard they can work and that they can help.

The team also started digging the footers for an outdoor kitchen. This is no small feat because there are so many rocks. Again the boys of La Granja waited nearby until a shovel or pick ax was available so they could start working. These boys work very hard and our teen boys were humbled by their work ethic.

Patti

The Adventures in Faith team´s theme for the day was The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth. The day started with a skit of the Visitation during the opening rally and songs about the joy Jesus brings. Hondurans are quiet, peaceful, and somewhat shy. Many of the songs had gestures and dance movements which helped the children shed their shyness and put them in a happy and excited mood. For example, the women were happy to see each other and John lept in the womb of Elizabeth. The children were divided into three groups and rotated through stations of crafts, games, and a lesson. At the local parish, Mary the Queen of the Apostles, the children made little people out of craft sticks with felt clothing so the children could act out the joy of a visitation with a family member or close friend. The children cooperated together to toss a ball along a path of blankets symbolizing the rocky journey Mary took to visit Elizabeth. At Casa Guadalupe, we started constructing a nativity out of craft sticks and played a parachute game where children took turns "visiting" each other as the parachute went up. In the third group at both locations, Brother Paul reflective discussion centered around a masterpiece of the Visitation. It was a joy to watch the older children assist the younger ones and guide them through the activities. All were so proud of their craft and can´t wait to put the final touches on tomorrow! We are becoming quite attached to the children now, and they to us. Several made us promise to be back tomorrow, and we were showered with hugs as they departed.

by Jennifer and Lindsay

Day Two: A Haiku

Work hard at Granja,
Paint and move rocks and dig holes,
Happy for group nap

--Ian and John