Welcome to Honduras

Well We Are Here!
(Parents I am hopeful that your son or daughter did contact you yesterday to let you know of our safe arrival - we had no problems getting through Houston and landed safely late afternoon here in Roatan, Honduras.  All of our luggage and project materials made it as well so things are off to a great start!

17 Adventurous Caring Patriots took off yesterday morning (way too early - 3:30am) from BWI airport on an adventure of a lifetime and we landed on the sunny side of Roatan, Honduras to find humidity, hugs, and the huge smile of Mr. Orsy Cruz (our host and resident expert on all things here the Children's Home of Sandy Bay Lighthouse Ministries - a true beacon on the hill).

 
Our first day was spent with the simple pleasure of playing with the children, acclimating to the climate (after 18 days straight of rain in Maryland - Sunny and 85 ain't so bad) and enjoying some local delicious food including salads with spicy pickled onions, beans, chicken, tortillas, and everyone's favorite a drink seemingly made of pure sugar!

Though, I probably shouldn't be, I am always amazed at the relative ease that the children here at the Home (there are 23 boys and girls between the ages of 2 and 15) embrace our students.  And likewise our Patriot Seniors (one week before their graduation) seamlessly open their arms and their hearts to their new found friends here on the tiny island off mainland Honduras.  So much love going around (so much sweat ... also to be found).  

But alas as I type this Preston is playing the guitar at the behest of Yui and Angel, Kristen is forcing a smile from the crack of Destiny's austere veneer, and behind the main building Eve, Savannah, Alex, and Taylor are immersed in some serious sidewalk chalk art with the Anna,Stephanie, Andrea, and Danny.  

Grace is reading to Immanuel, Mikenzhie to Wilson, and sweet little Brittany is smiling from across the room at Lexi and Alex (she's a timid 3 year who is the newest member of the tribe here - she came 2 days ago from a very sad situation but is now part of the big family and loving it.) 

And then there's Kurt ... :) Kurt who lead a beautiful blend of humanity in a raucous game of Ga-Ga (parents if you are unfamiliar with the game - it is the hit at every Christian youth group in the States right now - basically you step into a wooden octagon - ala UFC - and roll a soccer ball trying to hit the feet of everyone else - think of a kinder gentler dodgeball ... well almost...).  With Richard climbing on his back, and Carlos playing the role of the spoiler, Kurt stood little chance against his  friendly foes.  My guess is that college linebackers will seem relatively calm to him after surviving a week with adoring children wanting for his attention (which he gladly gives I might add).
So many more stories to tell, and we are just starting.  Monday, while the kids are doing school work, we'll kick off our work on planting trees, building a composting pit, and working on a chicken fence/coop.  Then evenings full of entertaining - arts and crafts, music lessons, and a whole lot more.  

Parents, siblings, friends, and fellow Patriots, you can follow us at this blog and try (if you dare) to keep up with some of the Adventurousness Caring Patriots of John Carroll here in Roatan.  Nothing remains more beautiful in this world then when you see good people at work doing good things.