Padre Island National Seashore

These photos were taken on the beach at Padre Island National Seashore .
Yesterday, we spoke with the volunteer coordinator at the visitor center, and he assigned us the task of beach-cleaning.  Meaning, we will walk the beach a couple of miles everyday and pick up the washed-in-litter.  Hmmm, doesn't sound like much of a "job"--smiles!  Matt and I are THRILLED!  Matt is even more excited because the park service provides work gloves…Can anyone explain his fascination with gloves and hats?!

New hat--gift from  Jeanie at the RV park office

Corpus Christi area

Matt and I have been in the Corpus Christi, TX area since leaving San Antonio.  For those of you who know us, you won't be surprised; we have had a blast!
Initially, the weather was a bit challenging--low 30s and rainy.  The "odd weather" finally let go about four days ago…or was it six?  ANYWAY, we have had some inspiriting adventures and, during questionable weather, a wonderful place to stay--
Campground 

The beach

The shell beach

Matt walking ahead in the fog/mist….

The plants

Mist and cacti on the beach…

The animals

Rabbits--three of the dozen that gallup across the grounds

One of the two wild coyotes at the campground

The USS Lexington--for Eli, smiles!

USS Lexington

Matt working hard at the guns

Corpus Christi viewed through the porthole

I will have to stop here…wifi at the campground is not consistent.  Will attempt another entry later.
Hope you've all had a wonderful weekend!
Smiles and love,
Susan and Matt

San Antonio, TX

San Antonio has been FUN!  Matt chose most of the activities while there…Wait, I'll quickly list them; I think it will be obvious who won the flip!

Ripley's Believe it or Not (Matthew's Mecca)

Ripley's Haunted Adventure

Tomb Rider 3D

Ripley's 4D movie

Guinness Book of World Records

The Wax Museum

The Alamo (Yes, he chose this one too!)

The Alamo

Live oak tree next to The Alamo--gorgeous!

Matt met Obama--smiles!!

Yeah, he has put on a bit of weight….

An evening chorus line

Our home-on-wheels

Once in Austin, we got a taxi to Sportsmobile (the company who customized our van).  They completed some repairs and redesigned the backend.  It is PERFECT (knock-on-wood)!  So, I thought I would share photos of our home-on-wheels.  Thank you, Sportsmobile dudes!!!

Twin beds set-up for sleep

Van with the side door open.  There is a small table that drops down, so we can eat outside.

Pantry across from the "kitchen area"

Our very "compact" bathroom--toilet and shower  (next to the pantry)

Cockpit!

"Kitchen area"--refrigerator, one-burner stove, sink, storage 

From the rear doors--storage under the platform

Set-up for dinner.  Bags in the back are stuff sacks for bedding

Post-Honduras with family and friends

A whirlwind tour to see family and friends before heading back to Austin to pick-up the van.

Kansas City from the WWI Museum

Matthew and I had a great time with my sister, Joan, and her family in Kansas City, KS.  I was able to catch-up on Downton Abbey (smiles--or maybe not…difficult episodes). Matt had fun playing a basketball video game with his cousin, Jonathan.  We both enjoyed visiting Sarah's (my niece) college and dorm room.  Bill, Jonathan, Matthew, and I went to see Nut Job.  (Personally, I think it is a movie best avoided, but Matthew would tell you it is one of his all-time favorites!)  We had some delicious meals out; I missed protein in Honduras.  Matthew and I picked up some needed items at REI. (Seriously, no comment, I really did need some things--smiles!)  Matthew's favorite activity while there--watching his cousin, Jonathan's, basketball game!  Way to go!  On our way out of town to visit Mom and Dad, we went to the WWI Museum…WOW!  (Bill told me that it was created/designed by the same man who did the Holocaust Museum in Washington D.C.)  I was very impressed.  Although we were only able to be there 3 1/2 hours, my head was leaking history all the way to Ottumwa.

Photo resurrected from 2005.  Add 8 years…only for Sarah and Jonathan.   Joan and Bill still look the same! 

Matthew and I generally rested and regrouped at my parent’s.  Matthew got to drive with Grandpa…He then took me out to demonstrate his prowess behind the wheel.  Other than his love for the white line (I was certain he would hit a mailbox or two), he proved himself a safe driver.  Mom, of course, out did herself cooking.  Well feed, organized, and happy, we sped carefully south to Columbia, Missouri. 

All of our family was there—Mary (my dear friend and “sister by choice”), Ken (Mary’s husband and our dear friend), Simon (my godson who is currently doing a post-doc in Istanbul, Turkey), and Amanda (my goddaughter who is living in Seattle, WA while working on her masters).  Bonus—we also got to spend time with Ruth (Mary’s mother and my awesome pen-pal), Laura (Mary’s sister and beyond-cool woman), and Virginia (Ken’s mother and my friend).  Although it was a short visit, it was intense.  It is not often the clan gets together, so there were stories to share (and invent), and memories to create.  I cherish the time we had…I love you all!!!

Amanda and Simon…my awesome godchildren!

Matthew and I were able to catch a flight out of Kansas City to Austin on Tuesday.  Yes, this is notable; our plane was one of the only silver-birds allowed to fly that day.  The mid-west was hit again by a raging winter storm.  When we finally arrived in Austin, Matthew and I took a taxi directly to Sportsmobile to collect our redesigned RV.  Next blog—Our Home-on-Wheels!

Love to all of our friends and family,

Matthew and Susan

Honduras--community, land, and animals

Okay, this is the final entry for Honduras.  By no means, does this exhaust the number of stories, experiences, or photos of people and places we now hold dear.
Thank you for "hanging with me" through these entries--
Community

Produce for sale

Boys walking home with firewood

Local sundry store 

Teen boys hanging-out to play soccer and/or basketball 

Wash day

Land

Hiking up to Rafael's farm

Rafael's farm

The road home

Mountain view from town

Animals

Our HOURLY alarm clock

Tarantula at the bathroom

A fast ride into town for a quick stop at a convenience store

Calf is a day old.  Rafael at his farm…wasting milk--smiles!

What?

Again, this was an experience beyond many others.  Both Matthew and I send thanks and love to everyone we met.
Love to all of you!
Susan and Matthew

Honduras--host family, friends and home

We were extremely fortunate.  The members of our host family, for and with whom we worked, were friendly, generous, and open-hearted…wonderful people…absolutely wonderful.  Matthew and I love this family!  Adrianna and Dania worked tirelessly to make sure our stay was comfortable, and that we were well fed.  Olban slaved as a master painter--interior and exterior!  Rafael conducted church services and maintained the supply-line (paint, brushes, materials, tools, etc.).

Pastor Rafael and his wife, Adrianna.  I love this photo of the two of them.

Adrianna, Rafael, Dania (their daughter), and Olban (their son)

We all also include, in this family mix, Darwin and Bryan.  For Matthew, it was a very strong dude-connection.  For me, I feel as though I gained two more sons.  Bryan and Darwin--thank you!   You are both loved and admired!

(Left to right):
Darwin--an extraordinary painter with a beautiful heart
Bryan--our uber translator, security guard, driver, and pursuer of dreams/goals

We send you love, positives, and great luck!

Matthew had an intense connection with Rafael and Adrianna.  A few years ago, their daughter, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, died.  She was non-ambulatory and unable to eat independently, but her physical features and skin color were comparable to Matthew's.  Adrianna and Rafael loved on Matt, and Matthew loved and adored them.  (He even started calling, Rafael, Father.)  Through the shared tears and joys, we cemented a bond.

A very difficult, "Hasta luego…"

These were our "digs" while staying in Subirana, Honduras.

Women's dorm (I was top right)

Dining room

Where we brushed our teeth

Bathrooms and wet room (in the middle) for the "splash wash". (No showers.)
The "cement box" held water for the buckets.  After using the toilet, you poured water into the bowl to flush it.