T-2 days!

Hola! I just came from a meeting with the group this year... lots of laughter. I know this is going to be a wonderful group to go to Amigos with for my 2nd time. I'm looking forward to seeing what has changed and what has stayed the same since last year. One thing I know is that the boys will be full of energy and many good times will be had. Saturday at 5:30 am - here I come! 

Posted at 10:19AM Feb 24, 2011 by Bridget Wadzuk in Daily Updates  |  Post a Comment

3 Days

Hi all.  I cannot believe that the time is almost here, three days from now we will be on a plane to Honduras!  I just wanted to thank everyone who has made this trip possible and let you know that we all appreciate everything that you have done.  

I cannot wait to get down there and see all the boys.  Its going to be a long, but fun and rewarding week!  Next time I post on here will be from Honduras!!! 

Posted at 11:27AM Feb 23, 2011 by Steven Lovaglio in Student Blog  |  Post a Comment

Honduras in T - 5 days

I am looking forward to going to Amigos for my second time. From what we hear there have been several big changes, but I know the boys will be as amusing and inspiring as always. I look forward to seeing old friends and making some new ones! Also, this snow stuff is for the birds... 80 degree weather here we come!

Posted at 05:42PM Feb 21, 2011 by Bridget Wadzuk in Student Blog  |  Post a Comment

Back in the US

Buenos dias! (I need to train myself to no longer address everyone in Spanish. I already asked someone "Donde" today when asking where. The supermarket worker was not amused.)

Well, we are all back, perhaps with a few scrapes and bruises, but otherwise safe and sound. Another good flight and trip back to VU. It was a fantastic trip all around. We completed the filter system, cleaned the tanks and installed clean-out valves (which will hopefully encourage them to clean the tanks more often) so they have a working and clean source of water. Thank you again to Water Without Borders for providing this great need. We were also able to lay the basketball court out; the only thing left is to install the hoop, which they purchased yesterday when bringing us to the airport. While we had many accomplishments throughout the week, when thinking about what the biggest accomplishment, I think it was to provide the boys with hugs. Saying goodbye yesterday was a big hug-fest, with many of the boys coming for two, three, 12 hugs. The boys, especially the younger ones, yearn for love and attention. When departing at the airport, Josue didn't want to let go, and neither did I. It makes one thankful for all the hugs received in life. We were able to give them that this week, so I consider our trip a overwhelming success.

There are 6 padrinos and madrinas, 8 volunteers and others who work tirelessly to provide a healthy environment for the boys. I cannot thank them enough for all that they do, and specifically for opening their homes to us this week to make our time there so comfortable and enjoyable. It was a pleasure getting to know them all. The conversations with the volunteers in particular were thoughtful and eye-opening.

Aside from the work we did, I know each student on the trip was touched by everything that goes on at Amigos, from the staff, to the volunteers, and most of all - the boys. Their spirit, resourcefulness and zest for life is truly inspiring. We return to Villanova with them in our hearts.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the group itself. I could not have asked for a better group. Each person contributed so much - care, laughter, hard work, a good attitude, and a sense of adventure. I had great conversations with each one of you, whether it be about something serious, like grad school plans, or something fun, like food training (I expect to get updates on how this goes). I look forward to seeing you all soon... clean.

Thank you to all who helped make this trip possible - Fr. Denny, Anthony, Matt, CEE, COE, and EAS - amongst many others. Also, thank you to all who have followed the blog and posted comments - it was great to have all your support.

It was truly a remarkable experience, and one that I will always remember.

Besos y abrazos!

Posted at 02:16PM Mar 07, 2010 by Bridget Wadzuk in Post-Trip 2010  |  Post a Comment

Our visit and work is completed

(Writing on behalf of Dr. Welker)

We have been without internet access for two days - sorry for the delay in uploading your comments. I need to have this message posted from home in Pennsylvania. Unfortunately it will be without the literary flair with which you have become accustomed :-)

Our week has come to an end. We wanted to let everyone one we successfully completed all the work we had planned - and all had wonderful experiences. We will be leaving Amigos de Jesus today and heading home.  Thank you for all your wonderful support, encouragement, and interest in our visit and work here in Honduras.

Best regards,

Dr. Welker 

Posted at 09:20AM Mar 06, 2010 by Andrea Welker in Daily Updates  |  Post a Comment

How much is a bucket of water exactly?

Hey Everyone

Today we spent the day working on the concrete for the basketball court, and have completed half of it.  As always is the case, the morning was a very slow learning curve and a lot of work.  However, as is becoming the signature of this group, the afternoon flew and went off seamlessly.  Furthermore, I am glad to report that the US has finally beaten Honduras in a 2-1 win tonight against a stacked USA team built on a scrappy offense and a stingy defense.  Once we decided to disregard the fact that we were playing against children and pushed/pulled back, we were away and running.  And for the record, this was not a team of scrubs as Sergio, Adonis, Miguel, Jose Luis, and one of the Padrinos were playing for team Honduras. Dad, I will try and get that picture, but here is what you would see...the field looks about the same as it did last year when we left except that all of the stakes have been removed and there is no sign that a person (let alone a group of people) had worked in the field to lay out a building.  So really the field looks like it did when we arrived at Amigos last year. Oh, well.  Ubil said that it is just not the time, and that's good enough for me.  I spent a lot of time today walking around with Sergio getting to know him, which was great.  For those of you who do not know, Sergio is about our age and manages the agricultural projects at Amigos de Jesus.  He is the poster boy for what this place can be.  He was brought up in an orphanage since he was 3 years old, and came here to Amigos at the age of 13.  He has a trade school degree in Agricultural Engineering and is the one person the boys listen too outside of the Padrinos and Madrinas.  Basically he's the man, and a great soccer player.  I find it a big responsibility being an older brother for my 2 younger brothers sometimes; but I could never imagine being an older brother to 50 younger ones, but he does.  There are some great amazing people in this world doing ordinary things every day, and  Sergio is atop the list.

Love,

Colin

Posted at 12:31AM Mar 05, 2010 by Colin Doyle in Daily Updates  |  Post a Comment

Friday Already?!?! :(

Hola!

First of all, Dr. Gross, I need to clarify that we were mixing cement.  We just happened to be mixing it with water, gravel, and sand :).  I'm assuming you already knew about these, but we discovered some really amazing plantain chips that have chili, lime, and salt and we are going through them rapidly.   Dr. Dinehart I am disappointed with the lack of comments :(  I mean, it's not like you are busy doing work or anything !  I have been leaning on shovels every day.  :) Dad & Mom I have a ton of pictures that I can show you when I get home.  Most of them are from the boys using my camera though and aren't very good.  Please don't forget to watch me on FT and I will text you (if you don't text me first) when I get off the plane.

I don't even remember the last thing that I wrote about.  Wednesday mid-day, I think?  Wednesday night we (aka Matt, Catherine, and Dr. Welker -- with the help of Erin) made dinner for the volunteers.  Spaghetti, bread, and a stir fry.  It was amazing.  Kind of ironic too because we basically had spaghetti and meatballs for lunch today. 

Today was probably my best day yet.  In the morning I worked on the basketball court.  The CONCRETE is halfway finished, so we just need to finish a second slab tomorrow morning.  In the afternoon I helped out with the water filters which are going wonderfully.  All that we have to do tomorrow is drill into the bottom of the water tanks to install cleanout pipes so cleaning the water tanks will be easier (and hopefully will happen more often).  I also talked to Nahun a lot while working on the water tanks.  We was drawing pictures most of the time and telling me that tomorrow we have to help him so that he can write to/draw pictures for us to take back for Mia.

After working on the filters and eating lunch I just took some time to play with the boys before they went to school.  I basically had all of my possessions stolen from me by Joan and one of his friends and Oswey (I have no idea how to spell this name and he's too new to have a picture up yet so I can't check!) and I had to basically tackle them to get it back.  This went on for probably about half an hour, but it was really fun. 

When the boys went back to school I went back to work for a bit until dinner time.  After dinner we played soccer again, this time a little differently.  There were 4 teams ( 2 per country) and one US team played one Honduran team for 20 minutes, and then the next teams played each other.  The winning teams then entered the tournament.  We thought we would be smart, and split our team unevenly so that one team was "stacked" and we would win the championship.  This did NOT work.  Our "varsity" team lost in a shoot out, and then the "JV" team played....  The defense consisting of Dr. Wadzuk and myself did not hold very strong as the boys scored 5 goals on us almost immediately.  Basically, we got owned.  But it was awesome.

So many good things happened today, but to sum it up I think it would be easier to list a few highlights......
1.  Finally, at the end of the week my second year here, Jesuan (who I have an unhealthy obsession with) cared enough to ask me what my name was.  Then he called me his friend.  This is all because I decided to teach him some gymnastics moves that I thought would help him when he was playing "Matrix"
2.  Brett caught a frog when we were mixing concrete and I put him in my glove.
3.  The word of the day was "chanear" (or something like that?)  which means to cuddle.  I basically tricked all of the boys into cuddling with me by asking them what that word meant.  And then I started selling the use of my camera for hugs.  It was great.
4.  During the prayer circle tonight, "My Heart Will Go On" started playing faintly in the background.  I have no idea where it was coming from, but sadly I have yet to hear it all week (lady GaGa and MJ are pretty popular right now) so it was hilarious... and perfect timing.  Very sentimental!
5.  Nha bought buffalo wings in town and made them tonight.... I don't know what made me think it was okay to eat them but I already held the cat a few times so it couldn't hurt.

There were more but I forgot them :(  Basically, it was overall an awesome day.  We plan on finishing up work on the basketball court and with the filters before lunch tomorrow, so hopefully we will get to spend more time with the boys before we leave on saturday!  That is assuming that they get out of school early... but I'm sure that they will.  Anyway, I will try to write again but there will be no guarantee until after I get home.  Thanks for reading my blogs so far though... and hopefully there will be more pictures up so that you all can see our progress :)

Adios for now!

Lauren

Posted at 12:30AM Mar 05, 2010 by Lauren Havener in Daily Updates  |  Post a Comment

WISH TIME COULD SLOW DOWN

Tomorrow is Friday, and our last full day here at Amigos and it is a bittersweet feeling to say the least.  Sweet in the fact that we will be done mixing an pouring the 30 tons of concrete for the basketball court we are making, but more so I am not looking forward to having to say goodbye to the boys and other people  here that I have grown surprisingly close to in this short week stay.  I have learned a lot here, both from the boys and from the volunteers and workers that we come in contact or work with.  For instance, today we started the "easy task" of pouring the concrete slab that would be the boys' basketball court, which I know you all have heard so much about.  Well we as knowledgeable engineers, thinking that we knew all there was to know about concrete especially after taking Dr. Radlinska's Engineering Materials course, approached the task with a rather nonchalant attitude.  Like "Oh yea we'll bang this out pretty quick, maybe before lunch...its just concrete right?"  Well we got half done...by dinner.  And sorry Dr. Radlinska, there is a knew "Maestro" in town and his name is Donmito (I may or may not have butchered that spelling).  Donmito is a contractor, whose age could be anywhere from maybe 50 - 75 (its a big debate amongst all of us this week and no one seems to know how old he actually is) and the Amigos hire him out to do pretty much anything they need.  He can do anything.  But he doesn't take charge and tell us what to do as we work, though he should because he ALWAYS has better way of doing something.  Rather, he will let us try to figure it out and fumble with whatever it is we are doing for about 30 minutes and eventually make "a suggestion".  These are all things that we began realizing after yesterday when we first started working with him, but today it quickly came clear that Donmito knows all and it was decided even quicker that whatever Donmito says goes.  It was not long before he realized that we were not only taking all of his said "suggestions" but in fact waiting for him to tell us what to do next.  So, he turned the whole project into a teaching opportunity, taking the time to explain not only how to do everything the correct way, but why we should do the things we were doing.  Don't worry Dr. Radlinska, I'm not saying that I learned more about concrete today than I did the entire semester, but I did learn a lot from a different perspective, or way of thinking I guess you could say.  Bottom line is...Donmito is the man.

So, as I said it is going to be extremely difficult saying goodbye to the boys who I have been able to grow so close to.  They are just such good kids and we have so much fun with them everyday; even though the just embarrassed us in a USA vs Honduras soccer game about an hour ago shouting "perdedoras" or "losers" over and over again. They're lucky that they won't have the basketball hoop put in before we leave because I am pretty sure that we got about 2 feet on most of them and would have no problem running up the score on bunch of 12 year-olds.  But anyway, this place after only a week has managed to ingrain itself a special place in my heart and my life and I will always wish nothing but the best for it and the many boys that call it home. 

Well, it is 10:45 here and I need to go to bed because we are getting up at 5:30 to make sure we finish the court...not as easy as we thought I guess.  Mom and Dad, I love you and am looking forward to talking to you soon.  Dr. Radlinska, you are still my favorite materials teacher. Everyone else, thank you for your constant prayers and support, it has all paid off.

 One love - Adios

Ryan

Posted at 12:08AM Mar 05, 2010 by Christian Paggi in Daily Updates  |  Post a Comment

Rematch

Hello everyone - thanks so much for following our progress and posting comments. I encountered some problems with approving comments, so instead of delaying, I put them all in one place. When the blog works, it is great, but.... 

In any case today was extremely productive (again!). We wrote a description of how the water system works and how the filters work and instructions on how to clean the tanks and change the filters. Allan (one of the volunteers here) is translating the instructions to Spanish. We also obtained all of the supplies for the clean outs from Umberto (he is infinitely patient with us) and cut and assembled the system. Tomorrow we will tap the holes and install. I will leave a happy person if I think the boys will have clean water.

The basketball crew did amazing work today as well and got half of the concrete poured.Shawn - I asked the same question myself about the level bottom. I don't have an answer for you. I need to get some photos from the folks on that crew. Hopefully I will get them posted tomorrow.

There was a series of soccer games tonight and the US team actually won one of them and they lost one in sudden death. Exciting playing! I sat/cuddled with Chilo for a major part of the game(s). I thought he was going to fall asleep in my lap. It made me ache to think that he didn't have a mother to cuddle with him like that and it made me miss Elizabeth and Ava so much. I never regret a single moment spent holding my children (even though people would tell me that I was spoiling them).

We have HUGE plans for tomorrow: pancakes for breakfast, laundry, install clean outs, finish basketball court. With how well we have been working, I'm sure we will get it all done.

Love to you all.

Posted at 12:07AM Mar 05, 2010 by Andrea Welker in Daily Updates  |  Post a Comment

Another comment

Regrading Day 6! by Celia Honohan

HI CATHERINE:
STILL POSTING AND HOPING IT IS GOING THROUGH..I THINK THEY WANT MY DNA BEFORE   
IT WILL POST!  ANYWAY, WE LOVE READING THE BLOG AND THE PICTURES ARE            
WONDERFUL!!! CAN'T BELIEVE YOU ARE COMING HOME, WELL...BACK TO VU ON SATURDAY!
LOVE, MOM AND DAD

Posted at 11:51PM Mar 04, 2010 by Andrea Welker in Daily Updates  |  Post a Comment

Bunch of comments all in one place

Regarding It it Wednesday Already?! Posted by Silvia Lovaglio

Hi everyone,

I am having such a great time reading all the blogs and seeing all the pictures that have been posted.  I am so glad that this has been such a wonderful experience for you.  I truly feel that you have changed as a person because of all the things you have experienced this week.  I am deeply touched by the bonds all of you have developed with the children.  You have changed their lives this week and I am sure they have changed yours.  I have never been prouder of you.  I can see why some of you have gone back for a second time.   

Keep up the good work and get satisfaction knowing how much good you are doing to make the lives of these children better.

Regarding Can't believe it's already Wednesday! Posted by Fran Zaleski

Glad to hear you are having a good time and doing such great work.

Regarding i love it here! Posted by Terri

Hey Mags,

I am so touched hearing how well your trip is going.  Thoses kids are blessed  

to have you and your friends make a difference in their lives.  I am sure they 

will pass it on to others!  I love you!  Thanks for making the world a better  

place:)

Regarding Day...Well Not Really Sure Anymore Posted by margaret M. Doyle

Colin - we love you and are proud of you too...all of you.  love, Mom

Regarding Buenos Tardes from Amigos de Jesus! Posted by Mrs. Allen

Boy, what some people will do to escape from snow-bound Philadelphia to a sun   

and fun vacation!  I always knew you were a hedonist at heart!

You know how proud I am of you, and I can't wait to catch up with you, maybe    

once school is over.  If not then, definitely at Johnny's wedding.  

Take care.

Regarding I have a gecko in my room Posted by Mrs. Allen

Hi Bridget!  

I was so surprised to see your smiling face when I clicked on the site that     

showed the participants for the 2010 trip!

Hope you are well and giving that gecko a wide berth! I couldn't be prouder of  

you and the work you are doing.  I think of you every year as St. Patrick's Day 

approaches, primarily because no one baked better soda bread than your Mom!     

Remember, Sunscreen is your Friend--you don't want to get to be my age and have your beautiful Irish skin resemble shoe leather from excessive exposure to the sun.

Take care,  

Your favorite high school Religion teacher

Regarding Day 5 (Catherine) Posted by gracie honohan

Okay, so mom wanted me to tell you that she is trying to comment, but its       

somehow not going through, and she says hi. Also, i think it is so cool that    

you're building a basketball court there! You guys should all sign your names   

in the concrete before it dries to show that you made it. Tell all your friends i said hi! I love you so so so much, and i cant wait to see you when you get back,  (or whenever i see you)

love, Gracie

;D

ps- today's math problem was 0+60. lol.

Regarding Can't believe it's already Wednesday! Posted by kristen

soooo i just got home from the competition anddd i didnt win. barb tom and      

scott went...haahaha didnt expect that so umm tom thought i did good and tom    

and barb met mom...anyway just wanted to let you know. i thought i should have  

won i got it all in three bags it must have been the weight that messed me up.  

lame. see you when you get home-kristen.

Regarding hola mi familia! Posted by joan carragher

Mags!!! I gather from Dr. Gross' first comment that there must have been some   

difficulty waking you up when you were in Honduras last year...? :) Love the    

"Bingo" reference...that made me LOL!!  And so glad the knee is good  

(And that you are not trying to play hoops just yet!) Been thinking about you   

and your group all week - and just thinking about the way you describe that     

spot on the hill makes me feel peaceful! Take care and I love you!  Can't wait  

to see you! xoxoxo MOM

Regarding Day...Well Not Really Sure Anymore Posted by Adam Beckmann

Yo Guys,

Hope all is well down there. I bet its way better than the lab is. Sounds like you guys are having a blast. Just wanted to say hi to everyone down there. Tell Brett and Nha I said what's up and I hope Brett's haircut is holding up. Hopeeveryone remembered how to do fluid mechanics. 

Si, Creo que Si

Adam

Regarding Day...Well Not Really Sure Anymore Posted by Shawn Gross

Hey J&%$#$s (you know how to fill in the blanks)...

Two things....(1) I need you to find the answer to a question for me.  I could never get the answer in ten years.  Why does the BOTTOM of the concrete have to be perfectly level and straight?  (No, "It's just Honduras" or any    

variation thereof is not an acceptable answer).  Please please find out why for me.  More importantly (2) Your post was terrific.  I'm proud of you for         

plunging yourself in the experience again and keeping your eyes so open in the process.  

I'm so glad to hear that you're having a great experience.  Keep those eyes     

open and those walls down for your last few days.  (and get an answer to my     

question!)

Regarding Half of Wednesday... Posted by Shawn Gross

Lauren, you said "We put all the sand in so that tomorrow we should be     

ready to start mixing cement."  We're going to have to bounce you from CE  

for that comment!  Even the Hondurans have different words for cement and       

concrete!!!  I'm going to tell Dr. Radlinska!  Bringing me back three or four   

bags of plantanitos might make up for your mistake!!!

Regarding Half of Wednesday... Posted by wally (wlhavener203@yahoo.com)

Lauren, The week is going by so fast! It looks like your group really got a lot 

accomplished in such a short period of time. You mentioned that you might not   

have a hoop for your basketball court. Can't you run to the local Wal-mart and  

pick one up? Please post some pictures of the soccer game and try to bring me   

one of those large lemons you spoke of. Dad

Regarding Day...Well Not Really Sure Anymore Posted by Trisha Mizusawa

Hey Col!  I am so glad that you have a really good group to work with and       

you're getting along well.  That was like what it was with our group last year. You get a chance to connect on a deeper level with people who can only share your experience the way you did when you were down there.  That is one thing that we were afraid of coming back, that people wouldn't understand how much it meant to be and go down to Honduras and help, but if that fails, you always have the people who shared the experience with you.  Most of my friends didn't understand why I gave up Spring Break Senior year (as did you) to go and not party, but help people, play with the kids, help on projects. Sometimes you don't think you're doing a lot, but it means the world to the people you help at Amigos, especially the boys.  I am glad you've broken down your barriers and I hope everyone else does too, it is true, it's the only way to live the experience and get the most out of it that you can.  Enjoy your last few days!  

I can't believe it's already Thursday.  Keep up the good work!  And your abs    

will totally be rock solid when you get back. ;) I love you and miss you!       

Enjoy! :)

~TRish

Regarding Yo Soy El Portero Posted by Trisha Mizusawa

Hey Sean!  I didn't know you were on the trip this year.  It sounds like you're having a fantastic time. You should totally be confident with yourself because you're awesome. ;) The hike sounded beautiful!! We went on a little hike near a waterfall near Comayagua last year when I was in Honduras with school.  There are beautiful places tucked away in Honduras that are wonderful for sitting with your thoughts.  I loved getting the chance to slow down and really be away from everything and it sounds like you're benefitting from that as well.  I wish I was in Honduras again this year too!  I'm glad you decided to go on the trip this year, it's a great opportunity for you, your group, and the boys lives' that you touch.  You're doing a lot more than you think.  Keep up the good work! :)

~TRisha

Regarding Day...Well Not Really Sure Anymore Posted by Kelly Donmoyer

Glad you liked the note, Col. Your posts never disappoint - I second SPG's      

comment about the movie comparison. And to think you almost didn't go..! I've   

spent my lunch breaks reading the blog (people must think I'm crazy, literally laughing out loud and coming close to tearing up while reading), and have really enjoyed everyone's posts - your entire group seems to "get          

it." I played my first PTU soccer game the other night, not long after     

reading blog posts about the US-Honduras showdown. What I would have given to   

be playing in the latter...on a lighter note, I'm so glad you structures studs  had a digging/concrete project to entertain yourselves with, because we allknow you wouldn't be caught dead cleaning out water tanks ;-) just kidding, but seriously. Have a great last two days! –kel

Regarding Buenos Tardes from Amigos de Jesus! Posted by Larry Paggi

2nd suggestion: install second gauge in line near well at botom of hill.        

Should read static pressure equal to tank height.  This will be helpful to      

check that system pressure is not too high for plumbing or pumps with filters   

in line (and as they plug). If you can't access fittings to put gauges in line - can we ship some down?  We could send some more gauges too.

Keep up the good work!!!

Regarding Buenos Tardes from Amigos de Jesus! Posted by Larry Paggi

Ry -

Tried to and an email earlier but was sent to spam because of length.  I'll be  brief here:

Based on photos of you carrying filters up the hill, it looks like they are     

probably installed at nearly the same elevation as tanks.  Therefore, there may be very little (unmeasurable) pressure in system.  2 suggestions - 1. Install one filter in line before pair of filters. When pump is running you should get a presure created by the filter resistance.  The system operator can use this gauge to determine when to clean/change filter (maybe when pressure increases   

10#).

Regarding Day 5 (Catherine) Posted by daddy

Hola Caterina, Como esta?  Todo esta bien aqui.  Recuerdas,cuando bebiendas     

tequila ... "arriba, abajo,a centro, adentro. we miss you so much but know you are having a good time and doing a great thing for the boys down there.

I hope the projects are going well and that everyone is having a lot of fun

we look forward to seeing some more photos and hearing all the great stories    

when you get home

adios and viya  con dios

Regarding It it Wednesday Already?! Posted by Silvia Lovaglio

Hi Steven,

I just finished writing a comment at work and it wouldn't post.  I'm not sure   

if it was rejected because it was over 1000 characters or thought to be spam.   

I will try again from home.  Just know that I read everything, look at every    

picture, and track your adventure constantly.  

I love you,

Mom

Regarding Day...Well Not Really Sure Anymore Posted by Kennth Doyle

Hi Colin,

I especially enjoyed your latest posting. I am glad you are having a good time  

and laughing much. It appears as though you have all gotten a tremendous amount of work done this year in a short period of time. I hope you are able to complete everything you set out to complete  prior to your departure. I  can't wait to hear about how everything once you return home.  Send us a photo of any progress from the work you completed last year. Enjoy the remainder of your time there and safe travels home.  I know these     

last two days will go by quickly.

Love Dad

Regarding Buenos Tardes from Amigos de Jesus! Posted by Mary Paggi

Christian Ryan-

Thanks for taking the time to write.  Dad tried posting a comment and he had    

difficulty. His note was marked as spam because it was too long. Is there any   

way that you would be able to open it? He does have some suggestions for the    

pressure issue He will try to shorten it and attempt to post again later.

Love you and miss you,

Mom 

Posted at 11:37PM Mar 04, 2010 by Andrea Welker in Daily Updates  |  Post a Comment

Day 6! (Catherine)

Posted at 11:14PM Mar 04, 2010 by Catherine Honohan in Daily Updates  |  Post a Comment

Needs and Wants

Good evening!

It is Thursday night. We only have one more full day here and I can't believe it. Time has gone by so fast, but we have accomplished so much. We have been talking a lot in reflection about the difference between wants and needs. I realized that we are closing in on accomplishing our primary goal - installing a water filter - which fulfills a basic need for Amigos, as well as about to finish a second project - the basketball court - which fulfills a want by the boys. I am so happy that our group was able to do both. Everyone is amazing and we have a great synergy. Everyone has a kooky sense of humor and we laugh all the time. It really has been a wonderful trip and I am not ready to leave.

Last night we cooked dinner for the volunteers. Linda and Shawn - while I was not part of the team, the sauce (with cans) came out great. It was also a fully vegetarian meal with vegetables - I was so excited! I was told that I was the only person many of the students knew who got so excited about cauliflower. What is not to love?

Today I continued to butcher the Spanish language and I think am driving Umberto, the head tire (workshop) guy nuts. I was trying to say I wanted to cut a hole in the tank lid and asked him to make a window. David Sedaris' Jesus Shaves story is about a billion times better than my ability to speak Spanish as a second language. But, I believe with a lot of patience on his part, a ton of handwaving and drawing and my extremely broken Spanish we have finished up most of the filter system. We convinced them to install drains out of the tanks so they get cleaned more often because it will be easier. Tomorrow we will hand over the proverbial keys. We are also making great strides with the basketball court. Half of the concrete has been laid and the rest will be done tomorrow. 

At lunch today I sat with Gerson David. They are not sure how old he is - around 13 or 14. He comes from one of the tribes in Honduras and when he got to Amigos 2 years ago he knew no Spanish. Well, he has a much greater learning curve than I as he could understand my Spanglish. He is in the 2nd grade and math is his favorite subject. I finally figured out I should always carry a pen and paper so Andrea and I were quizzing him on math problems. He did great. But then he got tricky on me and asked about negative numbers and roman numerals. I couldn't even possibly begin to explain roman numerals in spanish. They don't really make sense in English. Anyways, he wants to be an engineer or architect and make skyscrapers. While not a water resources engineer, I figure since he is only in 2nd grade he has some time to see the light. 

Tonight we had another USA v. Honduras soccer match. This time it was broken into 2 teams. They evenly split their skill. We made a varsity and JV team. I was on the JV team. I haven't lost a game that bad since 6th grade basketball. I later asked Eron (totally spelled this wrong) who the best 2 Honduran players were and they were the 2 guys I was defending! It made me feel slightly less bad about getting made to look like a fool by these guys.

Another breakthrough of the night was that Maldo, who for the past 5 days has only said "teacher" to me, had a conversation with me. It may have had something to do with the fact that I gave him all of my hot dogs and beans. Nonetheless, I feel a sense of progress here. Lastly, after prayer circle (each night before bed the boys stand in a circle and those who want to say what they are thankful for) when they said good night to everyone, we have all moved from handshakes to hugs. It is sweet to watch 50 kids and 18 of us all saying good night.

With that, buenos noches!

Posted at 11:10PM Mar 04, 2010 by Bridget Wadzuk in Daily Updates  |  Post a Comment

Halfway There!!

Hola once again!

So today has been a lot of fun and I am so excited to get to sleep today.  Even though it wont be much, since we are planning to wake up at 5:30 to finish the basketball court.  Today was a lot of work.  We mixed a tone (literally probably a ton of concrete today).  We are halfway there with the basketball court and I cannot believe how much we actually got done.  Looking back at the first day when we started to dig the space and now to see it half done with concrete and everything is just unbelievable.  It was so tiring, but knowing how much joy it will bring the boys is really whats getting me through this.  I am going to come back tan and with mas muscles from all the lifting and shoveling I have been doing.

We first started to make the first batch of concrete and the guy that has been helping us, Don Mito (he really has been a Godsend) just watched us take so long to make it and then he showed us the 'right' way to do it.  This has been happening all week.  I would really love to see it from his perspective.  Having this college kids try to do something and know that there is a much faster way to do it.  Thank god he always steps in and shows us how to be more proficient.   Once we started to get the hang of it we really started booking it and got half the court done before dinner.  We are aiming to have the second one done before lunch tomorrow so that we can spend the rest of the day with the boys and finishing up odds and ends. 

I know I have said it before, but it really is great how the boys help us.  three older boys helped me and Colin mix 4 batches of concrete.  We really were a great team and had a great system going.  Tomorrow is going to be difficult without them because they will be in school. Everyday the boys ask when the basketball court is going to be finished.  We also found out that after they drop us off at the airport, they are going to be getting the hoop, so hopefully that will go up soon!!

After dinner we had to have a rematch USA vs. Honduras soccer game.  Of course Honduras won, yet again.  We really have to practice during the year so that next year we can beat them.  It was funny because we had the little boys chanting U.S.A.  They love just jumping on you and having a good time.  They always have a smile on there face and there smiles are so contagious and make me smile.  Anytime I am working throughout the day, I see one of the boys and the only thing I can do is laugh!

I cannot believe that tomorrow is our last full day here, I am going to miss these boys so much!  I will definitely be coming back here next year.

I love you all and will see you soon!

-Steven (shoes)

Posted at 11:04PM Mar 04, 2010 by Steven Lovaglio in Daily Updates  |  Post a Comment

Can't believe it's already Wednesday!

So, we only have a few days left...time is flying by! The weather is so nice here, lately it's been not too hot, but not cold either. We are making a lot of progress with the basketball court! Tomorrow we plan on mixing the concrete. We still have a lot to do, so hopefully the weather cooperates, and it doesn't rain. I am really enjoying this experience here. It's a completely different world here, but it's so amazing. The boys are so awesome to talk to and spend time with. They have an awesome outlook on life, considering the hardships most of them have encountered. Also, earlier today, we got to ride into the city to pick up some snacks and vegetables for dinner. It was interesting to go outside the walls of the orphanage and see how the rest of the country lives. It was very eye opening. It makes me glad the boys have such a loving place to call home. They are taken care of very well here. It will be sad to leave come Saturday. The boys are so fun and loving! Yesterday was bingo night, we had a blast, they were all extremely excited and never wanted to start a new game after someone won, they wanted to continue playing the same card! It was hilarious seeing 40 young boys screaming to "continue." I think we plan on having another soccer game and a dance party before we leave. I will try to blog again before the end of the trip. See you all soon, love you and miss you!

-Courtney

Posted at 12:45AM Mar 04, 2010 by Courtney Zaleski in Daily Updates  |  Post a Comment