June 2010 Mission Reports
06/28/10
It's Monday morning and I think everyone is still feeling the effects of our trip. As I was checking in with Ann on the phone, Steve walked into my office and we talked for a long while. Not more than five minutes after he left, John came in and as we were talking Margaret emailed me! I think we are going through withdrawal! I'm sure all the kids are doing the same.
Thanks to a tropical storm in Managua, we had a little trouble getting home on Saturday. But everyone - and eventually their luggage - arrived safely. It was an incredible trip and much of the anxiety we felt prior to going was all for nothing! We only had two kids who had minor stomach problems, but we caught it quickly. There were bugs, but they didn't seem to be interested in us. The Nicaraguan people were friendly and took good care of us. The weather in Cusmapa and Miramar was ideal for the time we spent working and playing at the school. Once we returned to the Managua area, it was hot, humid and often rainy, but at that point it didn't matter.
I spoke with our Outreach Chair Janet Beatty this morning and she asked if it was obvious where the outreach funds the parish provided were being used. Without a doubt, we saw our funding in action and it all went to the children: the salaries of the teachers who work in Fabretto's afterschool program; the lunches the children would not otherwise have each day; the seeds which we planted in their garden so families have fresh vegetables. In his closing remarks, Walther, the lead teacher at Fabretto's Miramar location, told us how grateful they were for our support - both financially and by our visit. He added that because they were a financially poor village, they had no physical gifts to give us in return but offered to us their hospitality, their hearts, and their gratitude. On behalf of Holy Comforter, we accepted those gifts - gifts which no amount of money could buy!
To the parents: There was not one issue or problem that needed to be addressed by the adults. The kids worked and played as a team, they were polite to all those they met, they were cautious and quiet when appropriate, they took care of themselves, each other and the home in which we stayed. They jumped in whenever help was needed, whether it was helping the bus driver unload our cargo or making sandwiches for lunch. They were respectful to all the adult leaders - and in return they earned our trust and respect. You can be very proud of their work and the young adults they have become. It is an honor and pleasure to be a part of their lives.
Vincent, Hannah C, Jack D, Ian, Hannah G, Ford, Nolen, Erika, Christian, Andrew, Jack Q, Scotty, and Jill: WOW! What a trip! It was incredible - thanks to all of you. You were patient, inquisitive and courteous. You gave it your all when we were performing the physical work at the school - whether it was Andrew moving boulders or Ian taking charge of the painting. Your time with the children was fun to watch - it didn't matter if it was arts & crafts or playing soccer. You displayed compassion - as we discovered the needs of those living in rural poverty in Cusmapa like Nora and her mother, as well as urban poverty when we watched children grab leftover food from our plates. You used common sense and did not go where you knew it was not safe. Although there were a few discussions about our "clothing rules," you heeded the advice and direction of the adult leaders. You dealt with the minor health issues like troopers, whether it was stomach problems, sunburned ears, or ant bites. You were adventurous when it came to trying different foods - we have to find out where we can buy those fried bananas! You actually got into our morning and evening prayers, and learned that journaling isn't awful. You made new friends and experienced a totally different way of life. You learned to appreciate our life back home and understand that the "real" world is quite different. And you were fun.
Mission: Nicaragua 2010 may be over, but now we will start our plans for Mission: Nicaragua 2011. Thank you to the parish for your support, both financially and spiritually, to Fabretto for giving us the experience, to our parents for allowing us to have your kids for the week, to the leaders who took time away from their daily lives to be part of this trip, and to the members of WHAM. We have made memories - and changes - that will certainly last a lifetime.
As our Friday Evening Prayer said: "HELP US TO REMEMBER THAT OUR ‘REAL LIVES' ARE ALIEN TO THE PEOPLE WE'VE SERVED IN NICARAGUA. HELP US TO BETTER APPRECIATE WHAT WE HAVE AT HOME. HELP US TO REMEMBER THE FACES OF YOUR CHILDREN WHO DON'T HAVE THE GOOD THINGS WE HAVE. HELP US TO WALK IN YOUR LOVE FOR THE REST OF OUR LIVES AS WE HAVE WALKED IN YOUR LOVE THIS WEEK. GO IN PEACE TO LOVE AND SERVE THE LORD. THANKS BE TO GOD."
Amen and thank you all.
Patti Pateros
06/25/10
Today was a fun day from start to finish. All the kids and Steve & John went zip lining successfully. It was quite the sight to see our whole group cheering as Vincent came down -- with a big smile on his face.
Afterwards Fabretto treated us to a barbeque and a day at the pool. We all needed the down time. They´re out having ice cream now, then they´ll probably chill out in their rooms watching TV before dinner. Kevin Marinacci is taking us out for our "fancy" dinner tonight.
It´s been a great day, a great trip and we´ll see you all tomorrow night! Adios.
Patti Pateros
06/24/10
Hi all! We are at our hotel in Granada after a long day of travel and visiting several Fabretto sites. We are definitely now experiencing the tropical weather - very hot and humid. We´re going out for pizza tonight, then early to bed so we can rest up for our "fun" day tomorrow. We (actually they because I´m not) are going zip lining in the a.m. then a boat trip to private island then hanging out a the beach. We adults are looking forward to a relaxing day. Hopefully the kids cooperate.
Things have been going remarkably well. The Nicaraguan and Fabretto people have been kind and hospitable hosts and have taken good care of us. Ann and John have taken hundreds of pictures which we will try to get on line early next week. As predicted there were tears on both sides as we said goodbye to the students and faculty at Escuela Miramar. This has truly been a once in a lifetime experience and we're anxious to get home and tell you all about it.
I will try to send a message tomorrow p.m. The kids all say hi and want to let you know they are well and happy. Haven't heard one on them say they want to go home. I take that back -- Ann and Steve have threatened several times to escape to Honduras - but I have their passports!
Hope you are all well and not worrying. I'll be in touch.
Patti Pateros
06/23/10
Hola from everyone down here! First, I apologize for the delay in communicating with you. One of the Fabretto workers has finally lent me his computer.
The kids are good. No - I take that back. The kids are GREAT!! From the moment we arrived at the airport they have transformed into young adults. They have been taking everything in - from the beautiful country, its friendly and outgoing people, and the generosity and hospitality of the Fabretto workers and volunteers.
Upon arriving here on Sunday, we were greeted by about 300 children who carried a "Welcome Holy Comforter" sign (which we will hang on our wall at home). They treated us to a party with games, a musical presentation, pinatas, and huge smiles and giant hugs. We knew right then this was going to be a great trip.
Every morning we're up by 6:30 (roosters are our alarm clocks). This morning, seven kids got up at 5am and walked to Lookout Point with Steve and Ann to watch the sunrise. I was shocked when I saw them all awake and ready to go! We have a very normal breakfast of Fruit Loops, Cocoa Puffs, toast, fresh fruit, great coffee, and juice. Before leaving for the day, we have morning prayer. Then we're off to Escuela Mirarmar for a full day of manual labor followed by playtime with the kids.
There are three work projects going on. John has led the "Builders" who began work on a dividing wall in one of the buildings. Margaret and Steve did "Agriculture" cleaning up their gardens, planting seeds, removing boulders from the play area, and pulling up dead trees. Ann and I led the "Painters" and we completely painted the computer lab and the front of the school building. We've done a lot of work, but unfortunately will not be able to finish everything in the short time we're here.
After our work day ends at 12:00 we have lunch and then it's play time with the kids. You're definitely going to need to soak the boys' clothes for a while to get them clean. Soccer is the sport of choice down here and they take it seriously. We have 10-12 year olds beating our big boys! The first day on the field Andrew was literallly covered from head to foot with mud. They all play together and are loving it! After playground time, the girls lead arts & crafts using the supplies we brought down. The teachers - and the kids - are so grateful for all our donations.
About 3:30 we head back to Casa Loyola, our home base. I think you've heard about our visits to the families who produce coffee and tortillas from their homes. It's incredible what they can do with the barest necessities. Yesterday it poured rain, so we were homebound, which was okay because they were all exhausted. Today is our last day here so we've decided to have a free afternoon so we can do some local souvenir shopping at the basket, jewelry and cofffee vendors. There's a pick up basketball game in town so some of the boys may go there.
We have dinner at about 7 every day and the meals have been outstanding. We've had barbeque chicken, spaghetti, and a "nicaraguan" meal. I think we're the only mission group who will come home having gained weight! After cleaning up, we have reflection time, journal writing and evening prayer. Then everybody goes to their rooms by 9:30, lights out at 10 and everybody is sound asleep by 10:30.
Some brief notes:
Accommodations are very comfortable and certainly not as primitive as we were expecting. AND NO BED BUGS!!!!
Weather is so comfortable. 75-80 during the day, 65ish at night. It rains at least once a day, but other than making it muddy, it's no big deal.
Nurse Ann has taken care of a bug bites, sunburn necks, and a few scrapes and bruises, but other than that, no health problems at all.
Those that know spanish have been a godsend and those who didn't know spanish are suddenly able to communicate pretty well.
Our kids are so happy and are having an absolutely fabulous time. There has not been one complaint from anybody. They are working hard, playing harder, eating and sleeping well, keeping themselves busy, praying twice a day and journalling every night. All of this without any arguments. And the Fabretto kids love them. It's going to be difficult leaving the school this afternoon. I have a strong feeling there are going to be some tears when we board the bus at 3pm.
John, Margaret, Ann and Steve are sitting here with me while the kids are out on the soccer field and they all say hi. They are all doing well also. Ann is working on her tan and we're trying to get the snack box away from Steve! John and Margaret are the worker bees and keeping everybody busy. Steve and Ann were determined not to take showers until they got home, but broke down quickly - trying to keep them as role models for our kids!
Tomorrow we're off to Granada and a few days of sightseeing and fun activities. After all the hard work, the break is well deserved. I might not have access to email after today, so you probably won't hear from us until we get back to Chicago. But please don't worry. Everything is fine. You should all be proud of your kids. They are well representing Holy Comforter. See you all Saturday!
Hasta lluego!
Patti Pateros
06/22/10
Good morning.
I'm sending out another email on behalf of Patty and the group. They are all doing well. They spent yesterday painting, gardening and playing with kids at Miramar school (and are doing the same today). They also learned how to make tortillas and visited a coffee farm in the afternoon. One favor: Vincent would like to know how his mother is doing. Is there any way you could have her email me or send an email on her behalf? Thanks.
Mike
06/21/10
Hey guys I am in cusmapa w the group. The group arrive late on sat. I went myself to pick them up at airport. Yesterday we arrived at 1pm to cusmapa and we had a welcome party at the center and the a concert and then we walked in town. They were all tired. Right now they are in miramar working on the project and Mike is with them.
I communicated Patricia that we have internet at the center, but she told me she was going to email later. She doesn't want the kids to use internet because they are in a service trip.
Thank god they are loving cusmapa.
I am coming down tomorrow to Managua, and Kevin will be with them the rest of the week. Let me know if there is anything else you want to know.
I will be online all day.
cheers.
--
Karla Santana
Scholarship Program
Volunteer & Group Coordinator
Hi, my name is Mike Zelek and I work for Fabretto Children's Foundation. I'm with Patty (whose hands are covered in paint) and the rest of the group and want to let you know that all is well and they send their greetings. Unfortunately, their phones have no reception here in Cusmapa, Nicaragua so they have been unable to get in touch and may not be able to call for the next few days, but assume all is well unless you hear from them. Please share this with family and friends of the group. Also, feel free to email me with questions or concerns.
Regards,
Mike Zelek
