July 17-20th messages

Joel Davis

To: Laurie, Sean, and Seth

Love and miss you all so much! We’ve had a great 1st 3 days. Went to a really neat children’s home called Good Shepherd. Learned some Spanish and taught a young girl named Daniella how to read English. Wish I could bring her home to live with us. Everything is going great! Huge and Kisses!

Joel

Sondra Boatman

To: Dara, Bruce (and everyone)

We are all having such a wonderful time. The children’s hospital is definitely not ACH. Today we got all of our medical supplies together and tomorrow we will do a clinic. I miss everyone so much. Love to all.

Sondra

Mona Patterson

To Lynn, Becca, Sam, Chris, Carrie (everyone)

We’ve been to an orphanage and also a children’s home, then today we went to the warehouse and inventoried/organized medical supplies for clinics we’ll do on Wednesday and Thursday. Will has helped build a house and done heavy lifting at the warehouse. We’ve also visited a children’s hospital-very third world. More to come!!

Love to all Mona

Casey O’Leary

To Mom (everyone) and Nick

Miss everyone lots. I’m having a good time and doing lots. I miss you and love you. Please call Nick and Tell him I love and miss him – call until you talk to him please. I will only be able to write two more times so you will hear again. I love you
Casey

Hollis Newton

Hello from Tegucigalpa, Honduras!! This place is so neat! Since I’ve been here I have visited hospitals, and children’s homes, as well as take orphans on a field trip. Whether they are sick or well, there children are so sweet. It is the best feeling in the world to see the excitement on a kids face when you tell him he is going out to a lunch, a movie, and ice cream. My kid for the day, Samuel, offered to give me some of his sandwich. What a kid! The kids at the hospital were so happy for our company and they asked if we could came back tomorrow. At the orphanage the kids played to their hearts content. One young little girl fell asleep in my arms while I was holding her. I love it here. These people need the hope and joy of Jesus, but praise God they are receptive. I am doing well. I miss you all very much. Love you!! Thank you for everything.
Hollis

Nolan Grossman
To Mom and Dad

Hey, how are things back home? It is awesome down here. I’m having a great time. I have been very busy doing a lot. I’ve helped build a couple houses, and I’ve visited many people. I miss you though, haven’t heard from you yet, whish is unusual for you mom. So I was just curious that everything up home is ok. That’s all, were eating dinner so I have to go eat. See you in another week! Love you!

Nolan

Alyce Barton

To Mom and everyone

Hey! I made it to Honduras fine. The place where we are staying is absolutely beautiful. The past 3 days have been great. We have visited hospitals and orphanages. The children I have met are the coolest. They are great. There is a lot more still to come. I can’t wait!! How is everything back home? I miss ya’ll very much. See ya’ll when I get back. Love you
Alyce

Tyson Nales

Mom Dad, Jenna, Denver, Grandma and Grandpa and Aunt Dorothy

Everything down here is awesome so far. I am going to Jen about getting MAC a little sibling because the kids down here are awesome. I miss you a little. And I will see you and try to call sometime soon. Love you! Tyson

Linda Thompson

Dave, Family and Friends

We are all doing wonderful. Have been working hard. Today was a hard day getting things ready for medical clinic. We have some awesome nurses with us! The times seem to be going so fast. Truly wish you were here. I love you.

Linda

Amber Price

To Bill Price

Hey dad. I’m having a blast. Keep me in your prayers. I love you Thanks for letting me do God’s will in my life. The mission field is hard, but I’m storing my treasures in Heaven.
Love Amber.

Jenny Lovell

Jake Noah, and Hope, Melissa, McDowell Family, Western Hills CofC and Friends

Hey guys! It is great here!! I miss you all especially my favorite little boy and little girl Noah and Hope! I have shown everyone your sweet pictures and they all agree that you are gorgeous!! The country side is beautiful and the people are very sweet and Needy!! Wow-we are blessed! Love you all- kiss the babies for me Jake-kids and kiss daddy for me!! Mom and Dad good luck with the kiddos on Saturday

Love Jenny

Erin Mann

Jon and Jody Mann

Hey everyone! Everything is so amazing here. I have went to the hospital twice and visited two children’s homes. Sunday we took the kids from Didasko to the mall and bought them lunch. Then we went to see Cars. The little boy I was with loved it. We will be leaving the Mission House Wednesday. Tell everyone I said hi and that I miss them. I will write you again in a few days. Love you, Erin.

Diane Adams

Hola Family Friends Church-

We arrived safely, which I’m sure you know if you are reading the blog. Once again. I am so blessed to be here, and pray more will come with me next year. It is so gratifying to me ( and hopefully also to GOD) to see the growth of what has been painted especially the Casa De Esperanza. This is the orphanage we started working on last year and which has, as of 3 weeks ago 5 little boys- the members of one family. I’m taking lots of pictures and will tell all when I get back. I must go now to eat breakfast.

Love to all!!

Tyler Steffy

Hi Mom, Dad and Sis, Just wanted to let you know I’m alive and headed to Choluteca. See you in a few weeks. Much love!!

July 15-16 Messages

The Hudson Family
Troy W. Hudson

Hello all, just wanted to let you know that we are all doing great in Honduras! All are healthy, well and working hard. So far we have been building houses, vacation bible school, house-painting, visited an orphanage, a pediatric hospital and have experienced a whole new way to drive- Honduras bus drivers are a special breed- for example one of our driver’s nicknames is “Loco.” We have seen some human conditions that have shocked us and some views that have awed us. We have done our best to serve these good people our best to serve these good people with a heart for God- loving our fellow man, the way Christ has led us to do. Thank you for your prayers and taking care of the estate (sandy). We love you all! The Hudson Family.

Troy A Hudson (with a little t)

My friends (ie lauren), I am glad I finally have a chance to share with you some words from Honduras. I’ve been very busy working and writing so fast, and I expect that will continue. To this point I have served in many different ways I wasn’t expecting, and I’ve been speaking a lot of Spanish. Or more precisely, I’ve been speaking a little Spanish a lot. I miss you, Lauren, but I wish you could be here and see this incredible country with me. It is spectacularly colorful and the sky is full of the most beautiful clouds. The people here have such wonderfully kind hearts and there are even some children who have put our team to shame with their hard work. I’m keeping a record of everything so I can share this with you when I come home. Hang in there; I’ll return soon with lots of stories and probably lots of sunburn. Oh, and I have been very careful. I love you and I miss you and America. I carry your note with me everywhere. With love, troy.


Julia
rdial@sc.rr.com

Roger, I wanted to let you know we are all fine. Tomorrow is our last day in Tegucigalpa then we go to Comiyagua Saturday morning. We’ll be distributing food tomorrow I think. I don’t think we will have email available once we leave here, but the hotel might have it. I miss you. Wish you could be here to see how excited these people are when they get their house. See you soon. Love Julia.

Adrian
Laura

I have been very busy. I miss you very much. Hope all is well in Columbia. I’m anxious to hear about your interview and how that went. See you soon. Love you. Love Adrian.


Ethan Thomas
Mom, Jake, Grams, Papa

Hey guys its me, well yesterday I helped build a house. And the day before yesterday I was Jonah and I had a lot of lines but it was still fun. I made a friend yesterday and gave him my watch so I’ll need a new one because I keep looking at my wrist and no watch. Oh I just realized I didn’t tell you what day it is, it’s Friday. Well I gotta go eat breakfast so bye-bye. Love, Ethan.


Ed and Kathy Nicholson
Familia y Amigos!

I can’t believe this week is wrapping up. In some ways it has been lightening fast and in others – its seems like we’ve been gone for a month! Lauren, Aimee and Britty, we miss you soooo much and can’t wait to se you!!! The medical team had great success. The Lord blessed us with an almost bottomless supply of meds even though I thought we’d never have enough. Almost 300 patients later – he proved me wrong. Today is another construction day. I’m getting used to these work boots Lauren, but I think they will have to be left behind – major yuck. Once again, we thank you for your prayers and support See you Sunday – pray for our safe and boring, uneventful, flight home. God is Good! Ed and Kathy!


Julia Holton
Family and Friends

Wow, what a busy week. Haven’t had much time to write. This week we’ve had a 3 day VBS, 2 day medical clinic, build 5 houses, poured concrete and painted houses and the church building. The medical clinic was a great success and Heather and I enjoyed working as pharmacists. Chip and Beau and Ben have been busy doing heavy duty work like construction, concrete, and painting. It’s been a great week but very draining. We’re having a great time. Heather and Beau have really fit in well with our group. We’re so glad to have them a long. They are very hard workers. Time for devo so I must go. Please continue to keep us in your prayers. We love you! Chip and Julia.


Danny Thomes
Nancy, Jake, Mom, Dad, Kim Gist

It is Friday morning. Kim sorry I am slow on the update. I think the internet connection is touch and go. We received our messages on Wednesday. Tyler arrived safe and sound. His bags got here a couple of days later. He is doing great! I made sure he called you yesterday to let you know he was alive. Family, we have missed you so much! We are anxious to see you and tell all our stories. Wednesday night we went to the Jesus statue that overlooks the city. What an awesome place for worship. We prayed over the city and for the work being done there. Great singing! This is probably the last message we can send out. Tomorrow we leave for Comiagua (sp?) and I don’t think we will have the web access. We have had a blessed week. All 5 houses are complete, several more painted, much work at the churches and VBS and medical clinic. No one has been seriously sick. God is SO good. Love to all! Danny.


Tyler Gist
Family - Kgist@alltel.net

Hey, sorry I haven’t sent you an email yet but I called and left a message on the phone. We’ve been busy all week and I just haven’t remembered. Today we are going to distribute food boxes to one of the towns, so I’m fixing to have to leave to do that. My luggage was left in Houston with 67 other bags that were supposed to be on my plane but I got the bag Tuesday night. I’m having a great time and I know yall would enjoy it if yall come. We are going to another town to stay tomorrow so I don’t know if I’ll get to send another email or not but I’ll be home in 4 days. Love Tyler.


Lindsay and Andy Wiggins
Friends and Family

Hola! We only have a few more days left. It will be hard to leave here. We have had a great trip! Andy has been building a lot. He works so hard! Yesterday we gave out food in an area called Nueva Oriental. It is so sad how little people have here, it is hard to comprehend. We also went to a Blind School yesterday and I made a friend name Lillian. She was 19 and very sweet. I didn’t want to leave. All the blind children sang to us and it was so beautiful! Very emotional, but I guess this whole trip has been. The sweetest children you will meet are here. You find friends everywhere you go, the children grab your hand and follow us the whole day. The medical Clinic me and mom helped with saw over 200 people the 2nd day and like 65 the 1st day. There is so much need here. Simple stuff we take for granted. In the USA we take so much for granted. I look forward to seeing everyone but we will miss it here! We love all of you! God is Good! Lindsay and Andy Wiggins.


Kevin Cline
Mom, Dad, Kristy, Zoe, Aubbie, and Amy

Hey guys. I made it here safe and I am having an incredible time. The country is so beautiful that you will never believe me unless you were here. We do have Coke and other American products that are safe to drink so I am not starving. The facility is gorgeous and I love all the people here. We are not doing Hard work yet but I know that it is coming. Tell everyone that I love and miss them to that I am not starving or sick yet. I love yall so much and I will keep in touch. Love, Kevin. P.S. I wish I had packed more cameras because I already used half of them. (lol)

July 13-14 messages

Claire Chesshir
To Everybody

Hey everyone! I miss you guys a ton and a half. The south Carolina group is here and a new group is coming Friday. The next group is rumored to be tons of fun. Sunday after I updated my other blog at the mi esperanza house italy won the world cup and I went to valley of angels and walked around. I didn’t buy anything because I was having fun bartering, oh and I bought a papusa. That night was the last devo with the my first group. I cried. They were all such awesome people. Monday I helped pour and mix concrete at San Miguel. Nicole T. and Randy came so it was lots of fun. That afternoon a couple people went up the hill to finish putting tin on a house from Saturday that the other group didn’t finish. We also saw the future site of a day care. Tuesday morning I got on the bus headed to Nuevo Oriental to build. There were way to many people and the site was great by torch standards so we were pretty much done at 2 and left close to 3:30. I did the roof with a couple of men. That is always fun. Wednesday I went back to San Miguel with Randy, Nicole and a couple of people from Torch to pour more concrete. I carried two 90 pound bags of concrete up the hill. Then we had a wedding there that afternoon. A man and his wife went to that church and the man wanted to be baptized but because he and his “wife” weren’t legally married he knew he was living in sin and wanted to change that. So they were legally married and then he was baptized. (the wife was already a Christian)(marriage here is very $$$ and some people don’t have birth certificates so it is really difficult too) It was awesome. Then we stopped by wendy’s on the way back in town and I got a cheeseburger, 10 chicken nuggets, fries and a diet coke. (I only ate 6 chicken nuggets though). We went to the Jesus statue for devo. I watched an electrical storm. Other than that I’m not sure if anything exciting has happened. I did laundry for the first time. I have so many clothes. It’s fabulous. Dinner has been ok, I have a stockpile of Ramen noodle cups though. Thanks for the emails, keep them coming. Love to infinity and beyond. –Claire ps If you heard about the bus accident in Tegucigalpa, don’t stress it wasn’t a torch bus.


Emily Holton
Anna, Tuechonns, Mel

We are doing great. We weren’t in the bus accident. This place is amazing. Keep praying for us. I miss yall and I can’t wait to get home and show you my pictures and tell you about it. Love, Emily.

The Holton’s
To: Friends and Family

What a week! And we’re just half way. We’ve done so much and experienced so much. Our group is fantastic with focus coming out like you would not believe. We’ve enjoyed terrific singing at our devotionals. Today is Thursday. Yesterday we had our last VBS at the church in valley of angels. Our medical clinic was at the church and saw over 200 people, we also had a crew painting the outside walls of the building. We believe our effort will be a great asset to the local church. The minister, his family and his father-in-law were there meeting the locals every day. Last night we went to the Jesus statue and we had our devo overlooking Teguc. It’s a little rainy this morning but we’ve got one house to build, some concrete work to do, and food distribution. We also paint as many houses as possible. Hope all is well back home! Love Chip, Julia, and Kids.


Ethan Thomas
To Mom Jake Grams Popa

It is Wednesday and hard to believe the the trip is halfway over. I have been in VBS the last two days. I think I have found my calling – Monday I was a spy, Tuesday I was Goliath ( on Aaron’s shoulders). Today I will be Jonah. Dad has built houses the last two days. Their work has gone great. They have four houses done now and one more to go. They may get to go back and paint some of them. Oh, they LOVE the windchimes! It is like the center of attention. Well gotta go get swallowed by a big fish! Love, Ethan.

Jaclyn Nichols
Family Friends

Hey! I’m sorry I haven’t been able to write but its been really busy. The plane ride down here was great and I’ve been having an awesome time. Already I met a little girl that I wish I could bring home with me. I can’t wait to get home and tell every single detail of the trip. By the way, Dad is doing just fine and I’ve been taking good care of him and myself. I love all of you so much and I can’t wait to see you soon. Love Jaclyn.


Troy Wahr

Melinda Wahr, Jessica Wahr

Great news about Haylee Ping. We are very busy here. The 1st real work day Julia Dial and Crystal Thomas really impressed me with their hard work. It kinda remainded me of Jen Arnold and Katie last year. No matter the task or how dirty, they went to work with a servants heart. The first day of VBS I used a lesson that I use out on post. We had one guy say he wanted to be baptized and they scheduled if for Sunday. When we walked out on the porch there was a lady thumbing thru the Bible and they set up a study with her. Justin is doing good. Crystal and Sierra say Hi and thanks for remembering them in you prayers.

Love ya
Troy

JULY 14th TRIP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IMPORTANT!!

Nashville Crew

Jenny Lovell has 55 sets of sheets to bring. Anyone who has extra room in their bags please leave room. She is bringing them to the airport. If you are only bringing one bag bring an extra bag to put all of them in. If you have any questions contact Steve Kemp.
Thanks so much Terry and Margaret Reeves.

July 14th Medical Team
Linda, Patty, Mona, Sandy, and others,

The medical team here ask that you bring more infant Tylenol and Jr. strength chewable Tylenol. ANY TEAM MEMBERS CAN BRING ITEM WE JUST NEED MORE!!! Bring Surgi-markers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks Terry and Margaret

Messages July 10

From Ed and Kathy Nicholson

Hola Ya’ll!! We are doing great and having fun. It has been a cross between very hot weather and then some really chilly, rainy weather. But it’s all good! We built the house in honor of Julia’s parents on Saturday. It was quite an adventure as we had to climb a muddy mountain to get to the site, then climb down in a hole to tear down the old house made of scrap tin and cardboard. Our guys have enough construction smarts and were able to put together a very strong home for this family. I’m a hammer swingin’ floor chica now!! Starting work at the bodega today in prep for our medical clinics tomorrow and Wednesday. Okay….important stuff here….Aimee and Lauren, Chip says to check the crawl space door on the end of the house, opposite of the garage. Make sure it slammed shut as that is probably what your zone light is all about. If you have any more problems, run over to Chet Ballentine’s at 521. Britty…hope you are having fun with Grandmother. I’m thinking that in a few years, you will love being here with us. It’s like camp….with work. Parkridge folks……hope you are having a good week. For all of those who gave such generous support, I can’t wait to share some photos to show you where your dollars were used. It’s unbelievable! There is always a delay in sending and receiving messages so be patient. Love to all….
Ed and Kathy

Danny Thomas
Nancy, Jake, Bitty, Mom and Dad

Sunday was such a wonder! I wished for you aver and over. We went to the Valley of Angels in the mountains. Beautiful does not touch the description. Lush green mountains with clouds covering them and the road snaking up and around. We worshiped with the church there. We had worked on the building last year (pooh-mud). It was incredible to see it completed. The people are such craftsmen. It is Stucco and Terra cotta tile. Just beautiful. Worshiping with the Christians there was wonderful. We shared the service and had it in English/Spanish. Then we went to Santa Ana to visit the children’s home, Casa de Esperanza (House of Hope). We had worked there last year also. It was incredible to see what God had done with our little efforts. The work going on there is a full story by itself. I can’t wait to show you the pictures and tell you of the people that quit their jobs and moved here for this ministry. Very inspiring! We miss you more than we can say. To ease the load, we only get send 3 messages. I’ll get Ethan to update you next.
Love and kisses
Danny and Ethan

Chip and Julia Holton and Heather and Beau Clark

To Family and Friends

Hola! From Honduras. Got here safely on Friday and got busy right away. After lunch we visited he hospital and saw some very sick children. Then up the mountain for Heather and Beaus first bus ride!! Once at the mission house we got settled in our rooms and had some dinner and devo with the other group that was here. Saturday after breakfast and morning devo we left for San Miguel to build a house in memory of Papa and grandma. First we had to tear down an old house made of cardboard, plastic and tin before we could start. Not to mention it was on the side of a mountain. The family was a lady and 5 children and stayed out there with us all day and helped when they could. It was a hot rainy and cloudy long day, but well worth the effort. Sunday was worship at the church in the Valley of Angels that we helped build last year. Then some shopping lunch out and off to visit casa de Esperanza. A children’s hame supported by TORCH. This is where we helped in the pouring rain last year. Today, Chip, Beau, and Ben went on a construction team to build another house. Emily went to VBS and, Julia and Heather went to a warehouse to get supplies together for a medical clinic for tomorrow. Later we went to Valley of Angels for the first day of VBS. We are all having a great time and looking forward to the days to come. Keep us in your prayers. We love you all.

Chip, Julia, Ben, Emily, Heather, and Beau.

P.S. Happy Birthday Greg/Dad

Adrian Willis

Laura Willis

It’s better the second go round here in Honduras. We hit the ground running right off the plane. We have done more in 3 days than most have done in a lifetime. What a great work and challenge this is. I miss you very much. You’re my sweetheart. Luv Pooh Bear

Adrian

Julia Dial

Roger,
I’m glad your foot isn’t anything worse. The internet has been down the past couple of days so we haven’t tried to send a message. We didn’t have any incidents on the trip here and things are pretty much on Honduras schedule. I love you. Rebecca says hi. Forward this to Amanda; I couldn’t remember her e-mail for sure. Saturday we hauled two dump trucks of sand up the hill to the church in San Miguel. Then water for concrete mixing, then cinder blocks, then I painted some, and even busted rocks and shoveled a little. Love you Hon. Wish you were here.

Love Julia

Cindy Lauren Lindsay and Andy

To Friends and Family

Hola from Honduras! All is great here. We have been nonstop ever since we stepped off the plane. We built a house in memory of Mark Radford and Louvada Clark day before yesterday. We’ve got lots of pics of this whole week. Keep us all in your prayers that we don’t get sick and we survive all the crazy bus rides!!
Love to all of you

Emily Holton

Anna the Chunns and Mel

Hey Honduras is amazing! I wish you were here. On Friday when we got here, we went to the hospital. On Saturday we built a house in memory of my grandpa. Sunday we went to church and then went shopping. After that we went to lunch and then went to a children’s home. There are 5 little boys there. They are brothers and they have only been there for about a week. On Monday I did VBS and I was Rahab in a skit. I miss ya’ll and can’t wait to tell you about my trip! I am having a great time. Love ya’ll.

Emily

Troy, Tammy and kids

Friends and Family

Just wanted to let you all know that we are having a great time. Our first day here we went to a hospital and visited with the children. We went to different wards and it broke our hearts to see these kids and the condition of the hospital. We had a hard time communication but we loved on them and prayed for them and Troy Anthony did a great job making the kids laugh. Saturday Troy Anthony gave a devotional to the group and we all went to build two houses and work on a church. The Hudson crew were on a team that built a home in remembrance of Mark Rafford and Louvada Clark. I can’t tell you in this message all that happened but we were so moved. The lady we built the house for had a cross made out of tree branches stuck in the ground in front of her home. We had to tear down her house to build a new one. Her home was nothing but a small wooden shed that was falling apart. She lived there with her children, 11 in all. It was so sad to remove her belonging. It was stuff that you would find in a dump. When we finished the house we presented to her by all of us about 12 crew 15 women and children form the village and the family all gathered inside the house held hands and prayed fro the family and God’s blessing on them and the house God is so good. We are so blessed for be here and serve the Lord. We love you all. Please keep praying for us. Brian you’ve go to come with us next year!

Love Troy, Tammy, and Kids

Messages July 6 - 9

Nolan Grossman
To Everyone
Hey everyone! How are you all doing back in the states? Everything here is great. Yesterday I got to go to the blind school and I saw a boy named Christian that I had met four years ago. He didn’t remember me, but I remembered him and thought it was awesome to see him. Only 6 days into the trip, and I have already witnessed a lot of things that haven’t hit as hard as in previous years as it did this year. I love you all and miss you. See you in a few weeks. Love Nolan.

Rachel Hooper
To Rural Hill and my family
Hey guys! The trip is going so well so far. Our three days in Comayagua were awesome. I was on teams that painted the pediatric wing of a hospital, painted a church, and did a physical therapy clinic. Here in Tegucigalpa, we have already visited the special needs orphanage, the blind school, and the hospital. Thanks for the notes yall have sent and for all of your prayers. Dad, take care of those tomatoes. I’m craving them so bad. Mom, don’t miss me too much. Daniel, hope your interview went well. I miss you all!
Love, Rachel

Addie Spellings
Mom
I hope you get to read this but if you don’t that’s fine too. It is absolutely beautiful here. It is such a shock to see extreme poverty surrounded by such beauty. The people here are wonderful and everyone wants to help in some way. I am making lots of new friends but that doesn’t mean I miss everyone in the states any less. The email from Emmy and from Jenny meant a lot to me, tell them to keep’em coming. I can’t wait till they can experience this with me. I love you sooooo much! Keep me in your prayers. In Him.
Addie

Randi Grossman
Mom and Erin
Hey mom! I’m having a great time! It’s amazing down here as always. Tell everyone that I say hey and that I love them. Tell Angel I miss her. Hey Colleen (haha) told you I wouldn’t forget you. Well love you all! Erin, I miss you so much but I’m still having a great time! I’ve been writing in the notebook for you, I wrote like 4 pages for yesterday. I can’t wait to come to your house its going to be great! Love ya!
Randi

Neil Hillis
Katie,
Thanks for the updates, ven Italia!
Everyone else,
You’re no going to believe what happened! It really hurts.
Mom,
Can Insulin be replaced by water? Love you.

Brian Steffy
Valerie
Hey babe, all is well and moving quickly. Wish you were here. TV cameras were filming Lee Tucker and me at Comayagua Hospital. Wish you were here having fun. Many have asked about you and say hi.
Luv U

Brittany Moore
Dad, Mom, Monica, Marlon
I have been here almost a week. Man it is different. I have tons of pics to show you. Mom be prepared to help me with a scrapbook. See you next Tuesday. Love you all.

Regina Brittain
To Everybody
Welcome to Honduras! That means having a flat tire on the bus going from airport to Comayagua. It also means the exhaust pipe coming off the bus two days later. It means, no ice, no tomatoes, no lettuce. Things have been going very well. I’ve visited 2 hospitals, painted in a hospital, visited a special needs orphanage, visited a nursing home, and helped at a physical therapy clinic. I’ve met very special people at each place. They are beautiful people. The children are amazing. The children are so happy to get the smallest thing (a piece of candy or a small toy). There are many individual Hondurans that have made me realize how blessed we are to be from the USA. We are very spoiled.
Kathy- Thanks for the email. It was great to hear from you. Neil is really great here. He works well with everyone, but especially the kids.
Renee- Things are going well. The Mission House we are staying at is beautiful. The mountains and scenery are something you don’t see at home. Tell Mom and Dad I said I am doing great.
Troy, Denise, Margaret, Booby, Vanessa- Hey you all! Everything is going well. Work hard!
Woodland Hills- I appreciate all of you so much. The opportunity to serve here has been eye opening experience. It shows me how much more I can do to serve people at home.
Lynn- Hope all of you are good. The trip is all I expected and more.
Melia- Your parents were great to have all of us over last Thursday night. The dinner was wonderful. I really enjoyed your grandmother and her hospitality.
Love, Regina

Brianna Steffy
Mom
Hope everything is going great at home. I’m tired and worn out and I’m pretty ready to see my momma bear. Less than a week though so it’ okay. Anyways, yesterday we lugged bricks up this hill, painted a house, and then we played with some kids. I was pretty tired. Then we had our Mi Esperanza thing at night. Okay well Tyler’s annoying and he’s telling me I’m a slow writer so I guess I’m gonna go. Love you. Miss you. Bye

Tyler Hoffman

Hoffman, Nolph, and Anderson families,

Hey everybody, how are you guys? I’m doing good. I was feeling a little sick yesterday but I’m back to normal. We have been working very hard down here so we are all very tired. Well I can’t wait until I get home so I can go fishing. So tell Dan to get that motor running. Well I got to go to devo. See you when I get back.

Love Ty

Doug Lyles

To Elders and members Benton Church of Christ,

The group has been great, as they have served God each day. We have all experienced many things; the hospital, orphanage, Blind School, numerous VBS sessions, and much more. I have been able to experience like never before, the mission which Goad has set before us. My personal love for the Hondurans and our group has grown exponentially. We miss our families and our church Brethren.

Love Doug Lyles

Brian Steffy,

Val,
What a day! It was wonderful getting to talk to you this AM and finding out M.R. was coming. TR was sooo surprised. She walked up right behind him and tapped him on the shoulder. Needless to say, his jaw had to be surgically reattached. Sis and I sat holding some kids at the beginning of VBS and Monaloah then I hel the kids while she performed. You would have loved it! Miss ya bunches XOXO. Finished a house just in time today and its after 8pm and we just returned to the MH. Wish you were here.

Love you always,
Brian

Brett and Judy Mitchell

Hey everyone! We are having an awesome time as usual. It is always good to be back here again. Can’t believe I have to go back to class in a matter of days. We did a PT clinic and worked with some of the kids at the special needs orphanage. We went out to the children’s home with Jenny yesterday, have painted sorted at the bodega and visited the hospital. We are planning on building today. We can’t wait to tell you all about it when we get home. We love you all!
P.S. Dr. Halle, if you’re reading this Anna, Dinah, Dennis, Jeremy, and I may not make it to class Monday morning. We would rather stay here!!

Claire Chesshir
To: Family and Friends

Hola family and friends. So far a bunch has been going on. Wednesday I painted a house in san Miguel and helped with vbs. Thursday we went to santa ana. I saw Nicole and the new little boys. We also painted the floor in the clinic which is all over my hands. Today I am on another house crew. I think we are building in san migel again. Sunday I am getting a manicure by the mi esperanza women. I will message you guys again soon. I love you so much! -claire

Taft Ayers
To: woodland hills folks

Everybody is still doing great. It’s really hard to believe that its almost over…we have seen so much and learned many lessons from the people who we have encountered. I spiritually want to stay here and keep working, but mentally can’t wait to get back to normal and be with our church family before we leave on another mission trip. Meleia, I really did mean what I said about keeping the house clean… I’ll be doing a ten part inspection upon my return. I love you with my whole heart… I am excited about seeing you soon… BONITA! Much love, Taft

David Mars
We are having an awesome experience here, I have loved every day of it. The people of Honduras are so friendly. The work here has been busy and it’s been a great experience. There are so many lessons to learn here. Part of me hates to leave but the other part misses my loved ones back home. Christy I cannot wait to see you. Mo and Dad, I miss you too. To my whole family- I cannot wait to see you again. To Woodland hills, you are so special to me and I really look forward to seeing you all. Hey Nick- you are an awesome buddy. Please tell Ellie I said Hi. Meleia you are wonderful. Thanks for keeping everyone back home informed. Love you all. David Mars.

Kaitlyn Dassatt
Daddy, Jessica, and Manc

Mommy and I build a house yesterday! It was the best day of the trip. It took 6 hours to dig out pure rock, then 2 ½ hours to build the actual house. (moved 40+ tons). We are excited that we’ll see yal guys soon! We love you! Love Kaitlyn and Mommy.
P.S. Manc have a great time watching UFC- think of me! GO ARLOVSKY!

Nolan Grossman
To: Everyone

Hey again everyone! The first trip is winding down with only a few days left. I just want to tell you all that I miss you and I love you! It has been awesome trip. I just got asked to help unload a truckfull of food so I have to cut this shrt. Mom, I have all my books for college paid for. I’ll explain when I get home. Tell Kayla I said hey and that I miss her too. See you in a couple weeks! Love you all! Nolan

Ed and Kathy Nicholson
To: Friends and Family!

MADE IT!!! Glad to be on the ground again. Getting settled in and having a great time. Lots of work ahead… we will be out on a construction team today for a house in honor of Julia’s parents. Lauren, Aimee, Britty- We Love You- Take care of grandmother. Write us soon. Love Mom and Dad.

Margaret Reeves
Nate and Ty and All

The 1st few days have been great! I know I was supposed to come earl;y! Had a wonderful day at Good Shepard and then Jovenes yesterday. Three kids who want to come home with me! Names are written on my heart. Today at Jen Wright’s place in Santa Anna. See you in a week. I’ll try to call Sunday. Love and kisses, Margaret.

Ross Vego
To: Tammy and Friends

So the trip is almost over and by the time everyone sees this I will probably be home. Well once again it has been a wonderful trip and much good has been done. For the millions who are awaiting my arrival I will be home Monday at 10. Ross

Zach Groves
To Leslie and cindy groves

Hey guys. It’s Thursday morning and I just ate pancakes and peanut butter. How awesome is that! I’ve been doing fine we just started another VBS up in a mountain so that’s really fun. I just got my laundry done so I do have clean underwear. I love you both and will see you next week. Love Zach.

Matt Mitchell
Parents- James and Jenny- I miss you guys a lot. Today was a very physical day, but breaks with Honduran soccer helped! Jenny I finally will write you something… Hey. Anyways make sure (dad and mom) that ya’ll know how tight my schedule is after Honduras and have the money ready. Love ya’ll!
Em-Don’t forget about our “special date when I get back! I still miss you a lot!!!! But it comforts me to know that everyday is one closer to you and I don’t care if the whole world knows that!!! Love ya

Matt

Preston Pinson

Hello family!! I love you guys. This is the most amazing trip I’ve ever been on and I can’t wait to see you.
Jenny- can’t wait to see you. I’m getting you something really cool. I hear you have been eating Taco Bell and I’m jealous.
Emily-I love you and I miss you. I hope things are going good for you. I can’t wait to see you in Cairo!
Sam-Thanks for the note. You will get something very cool from Disney World. I love you!

Jessica Prosek

Hey Kim,
Yes it has been raining here, a lot. We have a few days left, and I an come home and tell you all about it. I’m glad you got to keep Viv. Tell Erica I said hi too. I am very tired, it has been none stop sense we’ve been here. But that is ok. Did you know everything is very pretty in some places. All the houses are on top of each other on hills. I am having so much fun, well I am going to go, I will call you when I get back in the states. After I call my mom. Well, Bye!!
Love ya
Jessica

Hey mom, I am almost done, and I can come home. It is very fun here. This will be the last letter I can write you, but I am doing ok I’m very home sick but I have a lot of fun here. I got your letter and Kim’s too. Well I have to go. I love you and miss you. See you back home.

Love you
Jessica

Tiffany Hudson

To Family and John:
Hey! We arrived here and are already working hard. Yesterday we visited a children’s hospital. My group visited children with cancer. It was sad but I enjoyed spending time with them. I met a special girl named Daniella. I was happy to hear she was going back home soon. Today we’re going to build houses and paint a local church. It’s evident that God is doing great things here. I’m excited to see how He’ll use me. I love you all!! John, I love and am always praying for you and for these next weeks of Camp Joy.

In Christ
Tiff
P.S. It’s Troy’s Birthday!!

Brian Steffy
Valerie,
Can’t believe our time is coming to an end soon. After worship Tomorrow we head to Copantl (the hotel) near the U.S. Ambassador’s residence. Sis and I were talking about our ride home, counting our clean clothes and preparing to pack. We are drumming up visitors for the next youth rally. Wish you were here, we brought the Didasko kids to Teguc. and had a part and BK then returned to M.H. to spend the afternoon wit them. Sunday, sis will be @ Mi Esperanza being pampered then rest at the hotel. Not sure what Monday will hold, will have to wait and see what our small group wants. Love ya bunches and miss ya lots.
Love U
Brian

Brianna
Mom,
Hey there! Heard you got to talk to dad the other day. That’s good. Hope Lucky and Mazy are being good. On Friday we went to two orphanages and I met a little boy named Anthony and e was really cute. I’m really tired. I’m ready to be home, too. I don’t think there should be a retreat, I think we should just fly home tomorrow (Sunday). Well anyways, I thinkg we are going to that cathedral tonight to sing so we probably won’t get home til 10 or so. Pat wanted me to tell you to get Robin’s e-mail address and sent it to me, but you might just want to sent it to him because I might’ve left by the time I get you msgs. Well, tell Jason that I said hi and that I miss hem so much and I can’t wait to talk to him. Okay, I miss you mommy.
Love you Bye

Danny Thomas

Nancy, Jake, Britty, Mom, and Dad,

We arrived safe and sound on Friday. Travel was smooth and without a glitch. God’s good! The airplane landing is still too incredible to describe. It’s like being in a video game flying between houses. We went directly to a local hospital and visited with children. They were so sweet and sad, but a little girl named Naomi totally melted my heart. Her little 5 yr old smile lit her face and the room of children. We are blessed beyond compare. Saturday was a long, hard work day. Our group painted a church building and built two houses. The setting for the houses is awesome, on a hillside with cloud capped mountains as the backdrop. E-mail Mrs. Trippe that Ethan is giving his Spanish a good work out. He had all kinds of little buddies holding his hand, trailing him, and chattering up a storm. Last night we had a sing at the very old Cathedral. The singing was beautiful and heart felt. It touched everyone and there were few dry eyes. We truly felt that we were in the presence of God. Well, it is early, early Sunday am, the sun is about to come up and the rooster is crowing. Another day of adventure.

All our love Danny and Ethan

Claire Chesshir

To Everyone

Well Howdy!! Let’s see what is new in Honduras. Friday the S.C. group came in. They are pretty awesome. Friday I also built a house. Well, first we tore down a house and then we built one. It was an awful site. There was a cliff/hill on one side about 6 inches form the house and the other side was dug into a mountain side. We built it for a 16 yr old girl that had a two yr. old girl that was awesome. Saturday we went to BK to hang our with the Didasko kids on a field trip to the city. Then they came up to the mission house and we just played games…mostly soccer. Saturday night we went to the chapel in Santa Lucia. It is the oldest standing church in the Western Hemisphere. It’s cool. Well we are about to have church. Love times a million.

Claire

July 5th

Clair Chesshir

Hi everyone. I am in Tegucigalpa finally. The last few days have been lots of fun. Monday we built part of a double house. Yesterday we cleaned and sorted stuff at the storage places here. Since yesterday was the fourth of July, Mark Connell found fire crackers and little fire works. It was lots of fun. Mark poured a container of diesel fuel on a huge pile of firecrackers and I have never seen a bigger explosion. It was fun. I think today we are going to Santa Ana. I love you all. Please keep praying and I will try to update my other blog in a while. Love, Love, Love

Claire Chesshir

Jessica Prosek

Hi Mom

I am having a great time, everyone is doing a great job. Tell James Robert that I love him and miss him too. I hope everyone is doing ok. Well I love you and miss you very much.

Love you forever and a day,
Jessica

Kaitlyn Dassatt

Daddy, Jess, and Mark

Hey guys! Obviously we made it here fine! We’ve visited hospitals everyday and its extremely sad. Just wanted to say a quick hello and let you all know we are thinking of you!
Love Kaitlyn and Mom

P.S. look at the pictures on this sight!!

Jesse Anderson

Mom and Dad

Hey, everything is going good. I am having a blast I love it down here. Yeah, last night we had some fireworks of our own. It was amazing. Going to the orphanage has been an awesome experience for me. Well I will talk to you later. Tell everyone I said hi and love them all.

Love Jesse

Brianna Steffy,
Mom, How is everything back home? Hope it’s great. I got two of you e-mails from you. I am glad to hear that Mazy’s keeping you company; I hope Lucky is too. I haven’t been helping out with VBS at all because the Kentucky group is doing that. We went to the hospital yesterday and the special needs orphanage. I felt like I was going to pass out when we first went into the hospital but I was ok. I got sick at like four in the morning last night. It practically felt amazing! Ha yeah right. Anyways, yes I ate the cake and it was marvelous. I shared it with Randi and Claire because I’m nice like that though. And Tyler and Jesse and I are hanging out a lot. Well I’ll email you later on in the week. I miss you so much. Can’t wait to talk to you. Tell Jason I miss him a lot if you see him on Sunday.
Love Brianna

Dinah Pigg

Mom, Dad, Sara, Brian, Michael, Stephanie, and Jeff,

Hey everyone!! I got here safe and sound. We had a slight delay on the flights to Honduras, but I will tell you all about it when I get back. So far, the PT crew has done a therapy clinic and visited an orphanage for special needs children and a hospital. It is definitely an eye-opening experience and I am so thankful to be here. Today, the PT crew is going to the Bodega (Storage Unit) to organize all that has been donated and hopefully we will finish in time to help paint some of the TORCH homes already built and help with the VBS. I miss all of you so much and can’t wait to see you!!
Love Dinah

Niki Haab

Mom, I’m here, alive, and doing great.
Dad and Katie Can’t wait to see you both in just a few days.
Everyone else, I miss you and will try to e-mail soon.

July 4th Messages

Cory Westerfield

Jodi, Kylin, Mom and Dad

This is a very beautiful place. I miss you all, but it feels good to know that we are here to do the Lord’s work. It is very easy to see God at work in the lives of the people here, and it has been awesome to see Jesus being displayed by the kids in our group. I know we have all grown already and I pray that it will continue. I love you. See ya soon.

Cory

Tim O’Dell

Shanna, Katy Beth, and Church Family,

God is working in Honduras and He is working on us! The Benton Team is awesome! Thank you for your prayers! Shanna, I love you and miss you. Katy Beth, Daddy will be home real soon. Church family, be prepared for our kids return as the fire is building!

Tim

Heather Henson

Gerald and Dorthy Bean

Hello, here’s your e-mail, haha!! We are having an amazing time here. It’s so great to be back. I had almost forgotten what it was like here, and I am glad I came back! I hope you are all doing well. I’m you’ve talked to mom and dad and I’m sure they’re having a good time. Well, I’m gonna go. Love you guys lots and keep us in your prayers like I know you will can’t wait to see you!

Love Heather

Mallory Ham

Mom, Dad, Stacey, Lindsey, Clint, and Maggie Jo,

Hey guys! I miss ya’ll like crazy but I’m having the time of my life. I wish that ya’ll could experience this. I’m taking lots of pictures and writing in my journal! I can’t wait to tell you all about it. I love you and miss you

Love Mallory




Jeff Jones

Bethany Jones, Laney Beth Jones,

I hope all is going well. I miss you and love you. Tell LBJ I love her. Everything is great here.
Love Jeff

Doug Lyles/Krista Lyles

Gail, Adam, Aaron and Girls!
We are all doing well, good weather, food is fine. Krista and I have already seen the other side of many things. The people and children we have visited, have very little, but they are content and thankful. Our outlook has already undergone a transformation. Love you all and will see you soon.
Love Doug and Krista


Jenny Lynn Mills and Katie Waller

Woodland Hills Girls

Hey girls! We just wanted to write and tell you that we are safe and that we are having the time of our lives here in Honduras. We miss you all tons and bunches! We love you very much, and cant wait to tell you all about our amazing trip when we get home!

Love, Jenny Lynn and Katie

Katie Waller

My mommy

Dear Mom,
I miss you so very much and I love you! I need you to get in my purse where my credit cards are in my wallet and there is an appointment card for my orthopedic doctor… I need you to call and change my appointment to the 11, 12 or 13 of July. Give Cameron and Dad my love and write me lots of emails! I LOVE YOU!!

Andrea,
Hey! I miss you! Hope you are having fun with your dad… how Is the orange crayon holding up? Is my green one behaving and does it miss me bunches? I hope you haven’t fallen too many times on those rollerblades. Write me emails and tell me all about it. Love you!! Call Travis and tell him the doctor called and his test results are back he officially does not have Typhoid fever. Ha.

Love, Katie

Jenny Lynn Mills

Dear Mom, Dad, Sis, Kirk Kirk, and the rest of my family
Hey! Just wanted to let you know that everything is wonderful in Honduras. We are having an amazing time and are learning so much. This place is truly amazing! Hope everything is well at home… cant wait to get back and tell you all about my trip! I love and miss you all very much!

Love, Jenny Lynn

Taft Ayers

Hello folks. Just wanted everyone at Woodland Hills to know how well the group is doing and how much we miss you .

I am currently thinking of all of the people at home in the youth group and the church that need to make their way here next year, Lord willing.

Meleia, I love you and miss you..try to not to let the house get too messy while I am gone. Will write again soon. Go Gators.

Love,

Taft

David Mars

Hello everyone. We are having an awesome experience here. Today we went to the blind school and it was such a moving experience. They sang beautiful songs to us. This is a very beautiful country but there is so much poverty here.

Christy I look forward to seeing you – miss and love you. Hi to my family and to all of Woodland Hills. Hey youth group---I miss you very much. Nick and Ellie I hope all is well with ya’ll and I cannot wait to talk to you when I get back. Love all of you.

Love, David

Justin Brown

Woodland Hills

Hey everyone. Honduras is amazing. It’s really been an eye-opening experience. The hospital and blind school especially. And I met some great kids while we were building the house, too. Just wanted to say I miss you all. I love you!!

Justin Brown

Preston Pinson

Mom, Dad

I love you guys so much and I promise I’m staying safe!

Jenny, Please call my sister and tell her how to do this. I’m really depending on you. (901)-643-2309. I love you and I miss you!

Emily- I miss you and I love you.

I love you Woodland Hills. Keep us in your prayers!

Matt Mitchell,

To Family- Everything is goin great and I am having a blast. So far I’ve built, played, and been beaten by 3 crippled Honduran kids!! Yet I am still not hurt, but I’ll tell you about my touch of HTP later! Love ya’ll

To Emilicious- I seriously should of stowed you away in my bag before I came!! I was listening to “Crazy” by KC and JOJO and some of the lines made me miss you. Anyways, put down “Friends” and go outside! (I know you too well) Write Back!! I love ya, Em

Matt (your boo)

Erika Hill

To everyone

Hey! I miss everyone so much! Honduras couldn’t be more amazing! We’ve been to hospitals, orphanages, and a nursing home. I’ve got so many stories to tell!
Melia-I miss you so much! I wish you were with us this year! We went to the blind school today and I couldn’t help but think of you and how much you enjoyed that last year! I also needed you here last night I was so sick and last year you were the one taking care of me I’ve been praying for you!
Mom and Dad- I miss you guys so much! Please tell everyone I said hello! Give Kevin and Sam a hug for me! One of our translators is from Guatemala and we talked about Kevin today! I’m glad I got to talk to ya’ll today about Kevin today!
Emily and Katie-I’ve pretty much decided that you have to come next year! You two would have so much fun here! Tell all the girls that I said hi! And that I miss them

Erika

Mallorie Hutton

To everyone,
Hola! Oh I wish everyone could be here with us. We have already done so much and it has only been five days. We went to a hospital and painted. We painted a hallway and a room. They got to leave their hand paints on the walls it was beautiful. They were so happy. We also visited the Comayagua church. Then we came back to the Tegucigalpa. Hey Meleia we saw Sandra today at the school for the blind. She kept saying What you say? And Jenny Lynn taught her how to say I will call upon the Lord. We also went to another hospital today. We colored and passed out candy too. Me and a kid named Carlos were teaching each other Spanish/English. It was a lot of fun. Anyway, I love everyone. I miss our church!! I will write a little later!

Mallorie

Jack Lipsey

To Laura: I want to let you know that I love you and miss you very much. We are all safe and having a blast. It is so good to be here and doing God’s work. Tell your parents and brother I said hello and I love them. Make sure my family gets my message.

To Patty, Amanda, and Family: I am safe and want you to know I love you. I miss you and please write back.

To Woodland Hills: Thanks to everyone for being so supportive and for helping us come here to do the Lord’s work. We will be safe and I love each and everyone of you. (Romans 16:16)

Jack Lipsey

Ross Vego

Dear Family and Friends everything is great! I love ya’ll

Joseph Noto

To Mom- Hey there just wanted to drop you a line and let you know everything is ok. Tell Matt that I love him and he better get ready to get his butt kicked at Nintendo when I get home. Love you guys and make sure Matthew takes care of you.
Love Joseph