GAME DAY!

The morning began with many of us donning our orange and purple attire in support of Clemson University since they were playing Alabama for the national championship.  A little Gamecock/Tiger rivalry ensued as well, but Tigers outnumbered Gamecocks.  

The team worked on a cabinet to be used at the orphanage in the morning and afternoon.  Honduran lumber, equipment and supplies made the task much harder than one would expect.  However, with the help of Daniel, Mario, and Stanley the team was able to develop a good plan and nice start to the project. 

Some of us were able to spend a little time with the children at TQ, which always brings great joy. It's wonderful to see them grow as healthy, happy children.   There are so many in this country that are desperate for the basic needs that we take for granted in the U.S.  The children at TQ are thriving, and it is such a blessing that God sent the missionaries to care for them.  It is unimaginable to think of the conditions they would be in if not for TQ.

The team ate a little early in order to go to Mario's to view the big game.  We watched the game upstairs with several TVs surrounding us.  As surprising as this may seem for those of you that have been to Quimistan, it was cold!  Fortunately, we had jackets and blankets to keep us warm.  After a slow start, the Tigers came through in the fourth quarter to get the big win.  It was an exciting game to watch, made even more so, by witnessing the joy it brought to Sam and Roxanne.  

Day One

The day began with morning devotional and breakfast.  Not long after we loaded up the van, and headed to the sunday school at Tejeras.  When we arrived, we were greeted by the sweetest little children with arms wide open.  The children participated in their lessons enthusiastically, and then it was time for crafts.  The older children went outside first where my mom and I took pictures of them.  We brought along a sprocket that connects to our iPhones and prints out the pictures.  It was really something to see how much these pictures made an impact on them.  There were some shy kids at first, but when they saw the pictures printed out they all jumped in, swarming around me and my mom to have their picture taken.  Inside the younger children made airplanes and animals out of clothespins.  Then the older and younger children switched activities so everyone would get the chance to have a photo and make a craft.  The kids didn't even want to go in and eat until they got their photo, so we worked as fast as we could.  When all was said and done the children gave us all big hugs goodbye, and we headed for lunch.  After we ate, we loaded up again, and headed for Tranquilidad.  Here we worked on getting wood for a shelving unit, played with the children, and took a tour of their new home.  Next we drove back, and got ready for church.  Despite the fact that I couldn't understand what was being said at the service, I gained a lot from it.  These people were so passionate and faithful.  They held their hearts out at the altar, and that's something that we don't see a lot of back in the United States.  It was evident that God was working, and that they were truly grateful and devoted to God.  When the service was over, we made a quick stop to a grocery store, and headed back for dinner.  After eating, we sat in a circle and talked about the highs and lows (also known as "happys" and "crappys") of the day, and headed to bed.  Today was a good day, and I'm looking forward to what tomorrow holds.
Madison