Our last day started out as all the other days had. Sleepy folks stumbling to get coffee and plopping down at a table in the courtyard waiting for the coffee to kick in. Fortunately, we don’t have any of those perky, whistley, “I just love the early morning” types. We are all pretty bleary-eyed when we get up. Morning prayer comes next and then breakfast. By then we are getting jazzed up for the day. Slowly reality began to sink in as Short Anne and Margot tearfully began to say their good byes. They had to leave a day early. Uh-oh. That would be us tomorrow. But, not yet!
Part of our group got on the van to Flor to finish painting the school and the rest of us loaded up to go to SBV. We stopped at Café Sur, LAMB’s new coffee shop on the way to SBV. It really is lovely. Then on to work. Marilyn and Leamarie headed up to the school to teach. Karen and I prepared to paint more pipes – red this time since they ran out of green. (I will pause while the mental image forms of my already green legs from yesterday and the potential impact of the red paint..) John, Al, and James when back to their sand and cement hauling.
Just about lunchtime, Suzy and Elsa showed up. They joined us as we shared our lunch with the Honduran construction workers. It was a beautiful day, sitting under the trees with a view of the mountains. Soon Gladys and Evelyn came by so John could take us, along with Suzy and Elsa, on a walk to see the prospects for wells, dams, and other possibilities for water. The solution to the water issue seems to be getting more concrete. Suzy told John that they were ready to do whatever he recommends. He is pondering the various options before declaring! Just about all of the options involve buying property to get us closer to either existing water or good well-digging spots. Pray that we are able to negotiate a fair price. Suzy and I were casually looking for a perfect site for the cabin I want to build on the property. I promised Leamarie that we would share the house. We may have to make room for Short Anne too!
The Flor team joined us after stopping for a delish lunch at Café Sur. We had some time with the kids before their program. As usual, the program was precious. First all the children sang us some songs and then each class sang a song. The first grade recited Psalm 23 in its entirety! Daniel gave his testimony and little Joselyn did too. I made a short speech entirely in Spanish! Woohoo!
We had a bit more time to relax with the children. I repeated over and over that I would be back in June. Evelyn graced me with some smiles. Jimy and Marilyn, our newest love story, were so sweet together – savoring every moment before it was time to go. All too soon, John was herding us on the vans. How I hate that moment. The only possible way I can leave is if I already know when I am returning – Junio. Regresso en Junio.
When we got home we cleaned up and began the packing party. We have so many beautiful things for the art auction. Pray they all get back to Atlanta in one piece! Pat Cashman, a priest who has been with us off and on all week, celebrated the Eucharist with us. What a wonderful way to finish the week.
So, tomorrow we rejoin our other world. We will be happy to see our friends and family but leave our beautiful Honduras and our friends and family here with heavy hearts.
Hasta Junio.
The 23rd Psalm
Evelyn smiles!
