We’re Alive!

 It’s been some time until we’ve had access to internet, so we’ve been unable to update. We’ve had a couple of teams come through Las Lomitas since we last updated. One, a group of three, from Apex, was working on a rainwater collection cistern for the church. The 1000 gallons of water from this catchment system will be used to supplement the community during shortages in the inconsistent water supply in town. The hope is that one day we’ll have the opportunity to purify this water and use it as a source of safe water for the community until the day that a purified water system can be installed. These guys worked hard through the week and along with some guys from town, finished the vast majority of the project. Chessi, Timoteo, and Sheff will be remembered for some time in these parts, not least of all by Mula. Thanks for your hard work guys. We’ll get pictures up here soon once we’re finished.

 A second group from Cherry Hills community church, came through and worked on pilas in the community, in addition to continuing work on the cistern, and doing some activities with the kids. Thank you Cherry Hills for your continuing support of Las Lomitas. Sorry about the unseasonable rain, so much for the dry season.

On a somewhat sadder note, we had to rather abruptly say goodbye to our faithful dog, Echo. We were just getting ready for dinner with the Apex guys when he started to yelp outside. We ran outside to check on him just as he started into a seizure. However, within 30 seconds, it was all over. Since he had been tied up close to the house for a couple of days, we thought it might be prudent to check for dangerous animals that may have bitten him. Sure enough, on the inside of his box was a small scorpion with red claws. It seems a little difficult to believe that such a small thing could kill a dog as big and strong as Echo so quickly, but it appears the most likely scenario. I guess the little one’s really are the more dangerous.  It certainly gives me one more reason to hate them. 

 

Adios Echo.

Echo died on Sat. 3/16.  Since he was not just a great dog and faithful friend to us, but our security system and protection, even though it was too soon, Kaleb surprised Stacey with a new puppy on Sat. 3/23.  We have finally named her “Canela” (Cinnamon) after days of trying to decide on a name.

 

Hola Canela

We’ve also acquired a couple more animals, but we’ll wait until we have more time in order to introduce them.  There’s much more going on, and we’ll be updating as we get the chance. Thanks so much for your support.

Electricity in Las Lomitas

 Las Lomitas is full of fighters. People that won’t give up, even though they understand the direness of their situation. One year ago, when we began talking about an electricity project here, we met with some serious doubt. But, thanks to the president of the patronato (town council), Pablo, we’re at a place today that we never would have dreamed last year. Faithfully meeting with the mayor and pressing forward, we are so very close to beginning the construction of the electricity project here in Las Lomitas.

The mayor has signed a written agreement that he will involve himself in this project, providing wires, transformers, etc. The national electrical organization, the ENEE, has provided the engineering plans and the approval for connection to the national grid upon completion of the project.  All necessary land easements have been signed. The community has fought, prayed, and waited for this day to come, and they are now involved as much as possible. To buy posts, the community has now provided nearly $1700, an enormous sum for a community so poor. They have also agreed to provide all unqualified labor for the project. Digging post holes and dragging cables will be work for many men in the near future. Here’s where you come in.

Electricity changes lives. It surely will bring some problems, but the opportunities it provides are incomparable. Refrigeration extends food and medicine storage. Outlets allow for phones to be charged and appliances to be used. Public lighting provides a level of safety that these people need so desperately. Indoor lighting extends the evening. Small businesses can begin. Imagine the difference in the life of a woman who now scrubs laundry by hand for three hours a day. Surely these changes will not come overnight, but they will now be possible with electricity, even unreliable Honduran electricity.

$1700 is a lot of money, but still nearly $12,000 short of what is needed to buy posts. Several generous donors have already provided the much of the money for the post purchase, but all funds are helpful. Any funds provided above this amount can be used to help continue the project into the second phase of expansion. This is an incredible chance to come alongside those in need and make a real difference in their lives. We have a large file full of documents detailing this project should they be desired by anyone, and we would be so very happy to send them.

Those interested can donate online by visiting www.hth.org and using the “Donate” page. You can contribute using either PayPal or with credit card using the “Churchwerks” option. In addition, you can send a check made out to Heart to Honduras. With any of these donations, please designate the funds to “Las Lomitas Electricity.” Thank you so much to those of you that have already donated and to those of you that I know will respond to this need. Stay up to date on the blog. Community Development efforts are ramping up and the need for funding will increase as projects come in. We'll keep you informed as the needs develop.

World-Wind trip

21 days, 12 different beds, and too many meetings to count later we head home to Honduras.  We've been in the States for a world-wind tour with Pastor Fredy Martinez.  We spent time in Bidwell & Dayton Ohio, Pittsburgh & York, PA, Clearwater & Ft. Lauderdale Florida.  Thank you to each of you that hosted us, fed us, and heard Fredy's story and our current work as a team in Community Development.