Mission work in Honduras: Masta Sandas... and Cumpleanos in Flor

Monday Oct 11

If we weren't so tired Pamm and I would make up a rap about being masta sandas today along with AL'X. But no. It is comforting in this world of constant change to fall into a tried and true routine. In this case it is the routine of spending the first work morning bumping into walls. Our project is to sand and stain 6 bookcases to house the tons of books AL'X collected as part of his Eagle Project. David gave us very detailed written instructions about what to do. Step 1 was to bring toilet paper to SBV. Check. Step 2 was to find the bookcases in the school, with map to large hallway next to the only porch by the huge green door. Check. Step 3 had the list of supplies with multiple parts. Step 3.1 - Sand the bookcases with sandpaper # 100 and then with #120. This is where we messed up and sanded first with 120. We worked really hard getting all 6 bookcases sanded. Then we realized that we were supposed to start with #100. We had a brief discussion about whether we should skip it but guilt rules supreme in this group so we started again sanding all 6 with #100 and then AGAIN with #120. Sheesh. Check sortof.

Step 3.2 - Being the innovators we are we decided the bookcases needed to be wiped down even though it wasn't mentioned in our instructions. The thick layer of dust was a bit of a clue. We moved on to the task at hand which was to put sealer on the bookcases. First, the sealer had to be thinned using a precise recipe. I turned that responsibility over to our in house scientist who was doing high math to figure out how to get a 1.5:1 ratio going. At one point I heard her muttering about dividing by .33! The sealer looked like caramel and it was really hard not to stick one's finger in to taste it just to make sure. We didn't and got the first round of sealer done. Check.

Step 3.3 -3.4 CAUTION: PRIOR TO BEGINNING THIS STEP ENSURE BOOKCASES ARE DRY. (Hint. you can tell you touch them and they aren't sticky.) We repeated steps 3.1 and 3.2 except with sandpaper #400

Tomorrow we resume with step 3.5. :)

As we were cleaning up, Dilcia came along. Pamm asked me, "Should I take the C-A-N-D-Y down now?" We were bemused by the thought of Pamm spelling out an English word in front of a Spanish speaking child. I suggested using pig latin instead.

I was very hopeful most of the day that I would be able to wear my awesome pink rain boots. Sadly, the clouds cleared out for more sun. Nevermind, I was determined to wear them anyway so I did much to the kids delight! We spent the tail end of the day playing with the kids. I am always struck by how happy they are here. This is truly a place of miracles and joy.

Jan had the time of her life in Flor. Today is her birthday and the ladies threw her a surprise party complete with balloons, streamers, and gifts from each one of her dear friends. The best was the fabulous pen and ink drawing of a flower that Erlin made for her. He is really talented. Jan is talking to David and Isidra about getting him in art school. The festivities continued at Casa LAMB as Judy surprised Jan with a birthday cake!

Hasta manana!