Contents From The President of Project Gracias. Current Projects, Fund Raisers, & Meetings Current Article from Mission Newsletter Past Articles From Mission Newsletters Honor Roll The History of Project Gracias How Your Donations Are Spent Contact Information Sign Our Guest Book

Current Projects, Fund Raisers, and Meetings

Monthly Meetings

Monthly meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. in the Sister Bridget room of the parish center on the fourth Thursday of each month. Our meetings are open to all who are interested in working with the poor of Honduras.

 

Recycling Weekend (Last full Saturday & Sunday weekend of each month)

To help us raise needed funds for the poor of our sister parish in Urraco Pueblo, donate two hours of your time to work recycling by calling Bob Hearn (846-6198).

 

Lenten Fish Fries (Four Fridays of Lent )

Project Gracias will sponsor the first two dinners and the Parish Men's Club the last two. Those of you that had a long wait during last year's event may like to know that we have purchased additional fish-fryers to speed up meal service. Thanks again for your caring and continued support.
>>> If interested in working please call Barbara Thacker at (714) 842-5073

 

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Honor Roll:

Emilio Pascoliti In 1989, using his own funds, Emilio Pascoliti worked ten hours a day, seven days a week for two months putting 175 bicycles, motorcycles, sewing machines, and all other electrical devices into working order before shipment to Urraco Pueblo. Emilio's battle with cancer ended May 13th when he was taken to his heavenly reward by a very proud and loving Father. Gracias our honored amigo!   Ann West Originally from Scotland, the beautiful Ms. Ann West succumbed to her 16-year fight with cancer on July 29th. During the original 1989 Project Gracias drive, Ms. Ann, even though under treatment, spent endless hours, weeks, months sorting and packing donated items for shipment to Urraco Pueblo. Ann and her fellow "Pack Rats", as we fondly referred to them as, gave totally of herself with one simple goal in mind- attempt to bring love and relieve suffering in others. A dear friend, Betty Carmody, stated, "Ann West was a true inspiration to myself and all others she worked with during her journey within the earthly vineyard of Our Loving Lord!" May God keep you, dear friend!!

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From The President Of Project Gracias.

Barbara Thacker

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Contact Information

Electronic mail address:
gilesm@verizon.net

President: Barbara Thacker (714) 842-5073 - b.thacker@verison.net
Recycling: Bob Hearn (714) 846-6198

St. Bonaventure Church
Father Bruce Patterson
16400 Springdale Street, Huntington Beach, California, 92649
(714) 846-3359

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The History of Project Gracias Chronicles by Giles H. Meyer, Jr. Email

• The Beginning

• The Gathering

• Rebirth of Project Gracias

• The Adventure - Part I

• The Adventure - Part II

• Flying Pilgrims - Part I

• Flying Pilgrims - Part II

• Flying Pilgrims - Part III

• Flying Pilgrims - Part IV

The Beginning

Summer of '89 saw hundreds of volunteers mobilized to help a "thin-bearded man" who daily rode to work on Honduras' oldest bicycle.

Through word of mouth and efforts of a young local priest, volunteers gathered, sorted, cleaned, and refurbished and stuffed twelve box car-sized containers full of medicines, bicycles, canned goods, toys, tools, drilling equipment, 6 vehicles, and 3,200 pounds of clothing...all for some of the poorest people in this hemisphere.

These people were the rural residents of Urraco Pueblo, located in the north-western hills of Honduras, the parishioners of a lone 43-year old Jesuit missionary, Father John (Juan) Donahue.

This ambitious project- dubbed Project Gracias (thank you God for the blessings given us, now let's share these blessings)- began after Fr. John visited his sister MaryAnn McCullum and her family of St. Bonaventure parish. The actual concept occurred in March, 1989, at a dinner with Dennis and MaryAnn McCullum and Father Bill Barman.

While visiting, Padre Juan spoke at weekend Masses during which he told of how his parish covered 50 villages scattered over 40 square miles and where 55% of his flock lived below the U.N.'s absolute poverty level, that malnutrition affected 70+% of the people, 1/2 of the people drank contaminated water, and that 1/3 of the people had no access to even basic health care.

We further learned that 80% of his parishioners lived in one-room straw huts with dirt floors, no running water and only bare subsistence farming to live on. "The men search daily for scanty work on nearby banana plantations and the women don't have time to worry about tomorrow, " Farther John said, "they just want to know what their children, who have no already died of malnutrition, are going to eat today!!"

Three months later, the 352nd Marine Air Squadron of El Toro flew to Honduras, on a space available basis and at no cost to taxpayers, over 60 tons of the desperately needed supplies which had been collected. Project Gracias' original success happened following two prime occurrences.

1. One man's great love of his God, the verbal sharing of his parish life and small shopping list of 37 items which he knew his people could use.

2. The hundreds of loving and listening hearts that were moved to re-act to his one man. Young and old alike, people with names like Ann, Bill, Betty, Bob, Chris, Dale, Dan, Dennis, Dianne, Dorothy, Elena, Ed, Emilio, Jerry, Margaret, Mary and Sally answered the call and worked endlessly, side-by-side, in one of the greatest "apostolic" projects undertaken by St. Bonaventure.

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The Gathering

On August 6, 1989, Project Gracias was introduced at all Masses to the Parish of Saint Bonaventure.

Following a packed "kick-off" meeting, over 300 individuals, young and old alike, from all walks of life, created a true "Apostolic-Happening". These modern day saints, fueled by the Holy Spirit, gathered 60 tons of supplies destined for our adopted family in Urraco Pueblo, Honduras.

The project developed like a business. As one group developed a logo, stationery, and forms (both English and Spanish), another crew worked on "corporate patronage" and local business sponsorship. Still others gained documentation needed from the governments of Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico. One retired military officer used his contacts to assure that all donated "Gatherings" were properly transported.

Looking back, no one would believe what went on! Individuals like Betty, Ann, Margaret, and others left the parish hall only to sleep, shower, and change clothing. A retired McDonnell executive refused a profitable consulting contract until his tow months with Project Gracias ended, and a family donated a vehicle in the name of their loved one. Two local Chevron parishioners provided full labor and parts needed to place donated vehicles in running order for the trip to Honduras, and yet another painted two of the vehicles. A mother of a parish member gave her organ and the "Over 50 Club" donated richly from their Monday Bingo's. Out of love, a lady and her sister made christening bonnets with the profits going to Urraco....Just what kind of truly beautiful people were these that came forth so lovingly to give of themselves?

The stories are endless. A volunteer re-counted, "I was most taken by the endless generosity, the lasting fellowship, and the simple fun we had!" Another, "I remember a homeless man and his family came in asking for help. Thinking, could the poor of Honduras expect less of us? We gave clothing, food, and a bike for the small boy. I shall never forget the father's words after seeing his daughter pick up a donated hat, "Don't be greedy, those are for other homeless and needy!"

What was received by those that gave so much? A youth stated, "I was never so proud of myself- I had never given without the thought of return before!". A woman, with a life-threatening disease, commented, "This effort took my mind off me and onto a positive action designed to assist people who had far more problems than I."

In mid-November, 1989, following frantic last minute calls to our Embassy in Honduras, the State Department and Pentagon, a large group of workers watched as Marines picked up the final load of three C-5 aircraft shipments to Honduras.

Pride, satisfaction, and love were and remain to this day "The Word" in describing these 300+ giving volunteers who worked the "Gathering".

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The Adventure - Part I

On November 2, 1989, 14 pilgrims, driving 3 trucks, a Jeep Cherokee, 2 station wagons, and towing 1 compressor/generator (all donated) departed St. Bonaventure Church for a 15-day trek to Urraco Pueblo, Honduras.

As the headlights on the "Datko" station wagon could not be repaired, it was resolved that there would be no night driving!! Additionally, it was agreed they would read the Gospel of Saint Luke on a daily basis.

At the end of 2.5 days, including a night at a KOA campground in New Mexico, the crew arrived (3:00am) at the Sisters of Presentation Convent in San Antonio. So much for the night driving rule! They rested, got water (4 x 55 gal, 8 x 30 gal, and 10 cases of 1 liter bottles) and purchased CB radios.

Day4: The caravan headed south with letters from the presidents of Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. After a 4-hour hassle/pay off to the Mexican border authority in Brownsville, TX, (so much for the letters) they drove until 11:00pm (20 hrs) where they made camp behind a truck stop next to nowhere.

During that evening's drive, the "Datko" wagon was stopped by the police and our driver was told, "Your headlights are out!" As the entire group got out to look with the patrolman...the headlights went on for the very first time!! The spirit of Diane and the presence of God's Hand was felt by the entire group at this strange event.

Day 5: After gladly paying $1.00 each to shower, the convoy set out for the Gulf of Mexico and a 5-star location which the group's prime interpreter had continually spoke of since leaving H.B..

Trying to fit six vehicles into small Mexican gas stations proved, at very best, difficult and misunderstandings occurred. Our adventurers were becoming a group!! At 8:30 p.m. the caravan reached the Gulf, made camp, and were fast asleep. Early next dawn, day 6, the group gladly left their location after finding that they were in the middle of a pig farm. So much for 5-stars!

The caravan crossed over many high bridges on today's drive, but it was not until the jeep broke down, which Bud and Ole-Chuck mended, that the party learned of Up-Chuck's severe fear of heights.

At dusk and with just a 3.5 hour drive to Mexico City, Father Bill took the lead along with the name of the hotel known only to himself. it was during this drive they lost one auto! At 11:30 p.m. the group walked into the El Presidente Hotel lobby and to their surprise found their 3 missing adventurers- George has once again demonstrated his many unknown abilities- even speaking perfect Spanish!

Day 7: The group rested, toured, shared feelings again, and met up with Susan and Father Steve, bringing the number of adventurers to 16.

Day 8: After a late start and a 2-hour repair on the diesel truck, the caravan reached the town of Ozxzca where the 16 stayed for only $75.00.

Day 9: Following another restful morning, our pack made a short 4.5 hour drive where they found a beautiful empty baseball park with a running stream. After setting up camp, everyone, in an assortment of dress, ate freshly made tortillas and listened to local children sing as Bob played his guitar. It is reported that even the local Sheriff and his friends dropped by.

The Mexican people were great to our Project Gracias pilgrims.

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The Adventure - Part II

On day 10 of our pilgrims 15 day drive from St. Bonaventure to Urraco Pueblo, Honduras, they slept in, made a great American breakfast and did not depart until noon knowing that the Guatemala boarder at Tapachula was just 30 miles away. Even though Americans visiting Guatemala are treated well, the boarder guards told the group that everyone/everything needed spraying with DDT. The guards also accused Dennis & MaryAnn of having counterfeit dollars. It was not until another large ‘pay off’ and a two hour loss that the caravan finally crossed and headed for Lake Atitlan which was so lovely they stayed for 2 nights. It was here that 19 year old Denny was grazed by a passing auto and Barbara ate her ill-choice of local food.

On day 12; taking the coastal route; the convoy was shut-down for yet another 4 hours after the breaks on one vehicle went out while descending a steep hill. Arriving late at the Spring Hotel in Guatemala City, everyone immediately headed for the local McDonalds restaurant.

Day 13’s early start was lost when the diesel truck broke down again followed by 18 year old Liberty’s vehicle having the groups first ‘flat tire’!! "No problem, we had an air compressor---but no air gun!! No problem we had a spare tire; tire yes; but no rim! Pray & call Fr. Steve!". As the Honduran boarder closed at 6:00 PM coupled with these delays our pilgrims were forced to stop for the day..

As God would have it, the hotel proprietor had just built the El Couplar Hotel in the next town, a location where tourist from all over came to visit. Bringing her chief plus added staff, the owners plan was to ‘do a trial run’ of the new hotel - our adventurers being her first guests. "It looked like the Ritz-Carlton - the group had died and gone to heaven!".

When attempting to settle the bill on day 14, the gracious owner said, "No charge, I love what Project Gracias is doing!". Thank yous & hugs were exchanged as the group departed again for the border. Even with a letter from the Honduran president; plus Mary & Diana’s pleading; the travelers were still forced to give a $150.00 "pay-off" to the boarder guards.

Two hours after crossing the group of pilgrims found that God; once again; was the extra caravan Passenger! Dennis, "I slammed on the brakes as did the other vehicles, got out and found that the entire mountain road had been washed away during last nights storm. It we had not had that flat tire, but instead kept driving in the dark & heavy rains, the lead car and perhaps others would have driven over the cliff. Three of us for certain would have been killed!".

As Barbara became severely ill during this time the caravan went directly to the Jesuit rectory in San Pedro Sula. Following two days of acute treatment, Barbara was air transported home. It was also at this time that the Jesuits gathered to pray for their murdered brothers in El Salvador.

On day 15 - our 16 minus 1 adventurers completed their venture to Urraco Pueblo. Upon arrival and with spirits high the 15 drove in only to find that their Project Gracias counter parts who had arrived by air transportation the previous day were out doing projects. Despite the lack of ovations, the group gave ‘prayers of thanks’ for how lucky the 4,200 mile (Correct Gabe?) trip had been. During this 15 day and night period, these 16 individualistic adventurers has become ‘One Family in Christ’.

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Flying Pilgrims - Part I

With the blessings of Sr. Ann’s brother Fr. Joe Miller, 16 additional pilgrims; whom had each paid their own r/t airfares; departed Los Angeles at 12:25 AM- on their November 16^th flight to San Pedro Sula, Honduras. As a was still being waged in El Salvador coupled with the recently released news of Jesuit priests being murdered in the area, families of the pilgrims were greatly concerned for the safety of their departing loved one’s.

When stepping off the aircraft; even though winter in Honduras; each of the newly arrived felt as if they were walking into a ‘very wet oven’. The group was met with fond hugs from Fr. John (Juan), Sr. Laurinda and Sister Ann. On their way to Urraco; via a rented school bus; the pilgrims made a stop at a working banana plantation and by the time the bus reached the church grounds one would have thought that the Pope himself had just come to town.

 After rapidly drinking what chilled refreshments were on hand, the men spotted a Pepsi delivery truck chased it down and purchased ½ its load. Hot and muggy was definitely the area word!

The group visited the parish Nutrition Center a spot where 12-15 severely malnourished babies lay on cool painted cement flooring. Although each child demonstrated the spindled legs and enlarged stomachs of malnutrition, one little 2 year old - Anne Marie - had in addition an eye infection which was treated with a medicine brought down with us. This simple treatment made each pilgrim feel as though their journey was immediately worth their effort and for most, little Anne Marie became their mascot!!

Later Padre Juan took us on a walking tour. At each thatched home we found on 6’ deep hole from which drinking water was drawn and just 10’ away another hole; of equal depth; which was used as their bathroom – the perfect invitation for disease and the prime need to drill deep ‘clean water’ wells. During this walk an elderly lady stated, ‘I wish only to kiss the hand of one pilgrim - I have prayed for them for the last nine (novena) days!".

Following the tour each traveler was assigned a dorm room which included 4 bunk-beds consisting of a wood frame, rope springs and a thin mattress. By 9:00 PM no even loud snoring could disturb this band of happy travelers.

Before dawn, one group departed to gather the supplies shipped via air from Huntington Beach as yet another crew went via banana train to the town of Dora where the first deep water well would be drilled. To prepare for the medical clinic, others went to Urraco’s village school to find that the facility had no windows, doors, water or electricity. Another group; with Sr. Laurinda; visited a home to find a 31 year old (looking 50) mother of five totally battered by her alcoholic husband. Sister took the woman into her arms and with great passion said. "No one deserves this, you are a child of God not a piece of dirt!!". During this & following days, each pilgrim knew for certain that they were in a depressed ‘third world country’.

Later upon each groups return they greeted their brother and sister pilgrims who had driven down to Honduras. That evening; with the Parish Church; we were sung especially prepared welcoming songs written by local parishioners. For what seemed like hours, these loving people danced, made speeches and sang. "We clapped with the music until our hands hurt!!".

For the female pilgrims; due to the heat & humidity; all make-up as well as curling irons & hair dryers were out of the question. When showering, he or she took into a cement partitioned staff one bucket of hand pumped water to first wet the body, soap, shampoo and then rinse. On a special day and as a treat, one would take a two-bucket shower.

 Regardless of its cooling effect, when dressing one was again wet all over. A famous quote during this time by one of the women, was "It was strange while showering to ask a priest; in the next stall; to pass your dropped soap". Of note, a water bucket was also taken when going into the bathrooms.

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Flying Pilgrims - Part II

On day three of the St. Bonaventure pilgrims visit to Urraco Pueblo, everyone was in motion. Bert M. gave haircuts to a maze of children as Bill & Herb built a safe area for the many supplies. Burt V, Bob, Dave, Fred, Jim, Stand & Fr. Steve went in the rains to begin

deep well drilling for fresh water. Diana with Gabe went to visit his cousin, as Fr. Bill & others went to attain needed Honduran auto & bicycle permits. Still others went with Padre Juan to hear a Jesuit orientation on missionary life in Central America as the medical team went to make final readiness for the next days clinic.

Day 4 found everyone up at 5:15 AM ion preparation for ‘day numero uno’ of the medical clinic. Our 6:15 AM arrival at the clinic grounds found each pilgrim plus Padre Juan and the good sisters shocked beyond words. There, outside the school yard fence stood fifteen hundred patients waiting for treatment , with hundreds more on the way. It was later found that these hopeful patients had begun arriving at 4:00 AM - each coming via bus, bike, foot, truck or on top of a freight train.

As our group approached, this overwhelming mass of people made an entryway as though we were visiting royalty. By 6:30 everyone was at their station, Dr. Don, 19 year old Denny, Bert & Gabe the dental room, Dr. Fred & 18 year old Liberty the chiropractic room, Dr. Rauel (local physician), MaryAnn M. & Mary to Medicos "A" plus Dr. Tom, Barbara, Mary Ann A. & Eva (translation) to Medicos "B". Ernie (PharmD) including Ann, Dennis, Diana & Fr. Bill took pharmacy duty while George, Chuck & Sr. Ann directed the hardest job, i.e. that of sorting out which patient went where. Herb floated where ever added translations were needed as Susan, Judy and Gild held ‘used eyeglass’, ‘pre-natal vitamin’ and ‘worm’ clinics. "It was a caring and loving circus!!".

Except for short lunch breaks, the clinic remained open daily until dusk or a time when we could no longer see to provide treatment.

During the four and a half days of clinic, Dr. Don; an orthodontist by profession; and his team were forced to extract over 2,000 teeth, while at the same time the medical teams treated over 3,200 patients – a large per-cent of which were conditions related to worms or malnutrition. "We saw children with baseball-size ringworm’s, dysentery & terrible hunger - medical conditions which with proper education could be cured with clean water, hygiene and proper food!!". Sr. Ann, Fr. Bill and Dr. Tom made a decision to spend our remaining ready cash to purchase and dose every child under the age of 8 for worms.

With the clinics in full swing, Bud (R.I.P.), Ole Chuck and Fr. Steve performed final vehicle repairs as all others continued the drilling. Although the boring tool being used was ‘a toy by modern day standards’, our men; with local volunteers; worked with dedication to achieve their goal of ‘clean water’. At mid-day during the drilling, village residents would bring lunch consisting of tortilla sandwiches & rice water. "While we knew they didn’t have enough for themselves, you couldn’t one-up these people!".

Wishing to bring also ‘power’ to this rural village, Burt V. and company used the large donated generator & proceeded to give each of the village’s 22 homes one switch & one light bulb. Plus, hooked up a b/w TV which; when the electricity went on; the entire village watched.

At works end most members would stop and visit the Nutrition Center to play with the children - particular attention given little Anna Marie our mascot. And, at each evenings dinner all were on a high with a personal knowledge that he/she had in fact—helped make a difference!!

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Flying Pilgrims - Part III

As days progressed; during the St. Bonaventure pilgrims two week visit to Urraco Pueblo, Honduras; life fell into a routine, re: staffing the medical clinic, drilling for fresh water plus repair of the existing Church and Nutrition Center structures.

On the evening of our 10^th day; at 9:30 PM; pilgrims were awakened by Padre Juan with the news that little Anne Marie – our mascot – had died. Burt V. and the other men; each with tears falling from their eyes; collectively began building a small casket from left over shipping crates and the women gathered material, holy cards, a Medjugorje medal and flowers used to decorate the coffin. Laid within the Church’s main alter, a three hour Catholic wake was prayed around the small lifeless body by most pilgrims, as others; standing in the outside shadows; wept deeply within themselves.

Was it the return of this single soul to her Heavenly Father which brought about such an emotional release with the pilgrims or was it simply a culmination of all that each had witnessed and experienced during his or her visit? To this very date one question remains unanswered, "How could we each have such material blessings awaiting us in Huntington Beach, while our adopted brothers & sisters - young and old alike - had so very little??"

 Five hours later (2:00 AM) a small group drove the donated Jeep Cherokee 20 miles over deep chuck-holes to the family dwelling of Anna Marie. The child’s mother and family were waiting as the youth’s casket was carried in, placed on a candle lit table and opened to expose her small tender body. Fr. John spoke softly in words of loving comfort including our Church’s beautiful prayers for the expired. "During this 45 minute period we felt as though we were watching and seeing Christ on Earth!!" (Jim & Herb)

The following day, Thanksgiving at home; 74 newly repaired and freshly painted bicycles were given to parish ‘Delegate of the Word’ members who to that point had always walked the 43 square mile parish brining the Word and Love of Christ to His children.

That afternoon two pilgrims (J&A) traveled by bike’s via dirt roads and washed out bridges to attend a young man’s 6^th grade graduation from his small village school. Following the ceremony they were invited to this home, where in the middle of the dirt floored thatched structure stood a table with benches illuminated only by candles. As the proud family stood back, the three were the only one’s honored to sit and eat at the table.

Returning to Urraco in total darkness and with 9only fire-fly’s to light their path, our two knew for certain that this would be their most memorable Thanksgiving.

That evening following Holy Mass, Father John carved a single 17 pound turkey for 42 people to share in.. While most of us had local food and only a small taste of the actual bird, spirits were high as the old man who had donated the turkey; as thanks for the pilgrims love; entertained us with his violin. This Thanksgiving Day proved to each pilgrim that Ms. Kate Smith’s song and prayer were answered – God Had Blessed the United States of America.

During the remaining two days in Urraco, one group; via a zero-star train; went sightseeing at the Honduran coastal town of Tala, while others did either R.C.I.A. work with local mothers and their children or played basketball with locals on the newly built court.

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Flying Pilgrims - Part IV

On the last day of the pilgrims ‘1989’ visit to Urraco Pueblo; each took a ‘two bucket’ shower; dressed, donated remaining personal items and boarded the rented bus for our trip to the airport. While every departing pilgrim wore a smile, each were deeply touched by not only what he/she had experienced during the visit buy by the large number of adopted brothers and sisters who had come to say Gracias, Adios and Via con Dios!

Knowing the missionary work in Urraco would be continued by the saintly three (Fr. John, Sr. And & Sr. Laurinda), kisses, hugs and feeling’s were shared as we boarded our homeward flight.

 At 4:15 AM the next morning; following an eight hour aircraft mechanical delay in the ‘empty’ Guatemala City airport; we at long last arrived at the LAX airport to find not only our happily awaiting families but many Project Gracias brother and sister volunteers. With such an ending, each pilgrim knew that he and she had during their adventure, ‘received far more than they had given’.

Some have stated, "not that much was really accomplished during Project Gracias’ original efforts". Many take issue!! For the hundreds of individuals involved with this great apostolic labor, each would gain new friends plus a ‘parish’ and ‘self pride’ that would last a lifetime. For our brothers and sisters in Urraco Pueblo, they received a treasured gift of ‘hope’ coupled with a positive knowledge that someone; other than God Himself; loved them, was interested in their well being and would - with dedication - work to provide a new-sprung future for their children.

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Rebirth of Project Gracias

Following the pilgrims' return from Honduras, the reporting of their journey to the St. Bonaventure parish plus assorted news-media coverage's, a general meeting was called to establish follow-up plans. The primary goal of this "rebirth meeting" was simple- "What do we do and how do we do it?".

While establishing this initial "road map of events", it should be noted that unlike Corporate America, with its unlimited funding power, this unique assemblage was set up and remains simply a group of dedicated volunteers. Just people, no more, no less.

When a mega corporation, U.S. Steel's president was asked what he attributed his success to, he replied, "I must be right fifty-one percent of my business decisions and be able to cut the losses of my wrong decisions!" While not U.S. Steel, supporters of Project Gracias cut their losses when making wrong decisions: the "fish farm project" and the funding of a parish lay person to live/work in Urraco. But in turn, over its eight year history, it has built a success record that any profit or non-profit organization could admire.

Three goals were agreed upon by all in attendance during Project Gracias' re-birth meeting, they were: 1) That support of the Nutrition Center be continued 2) That a method be found to supply fresh drinking water to the city of Urraco Pueblo 3) That we garner added funding for Padre Juan's special needs.

During the very first year of funding our sister parish, Project Gracias was the only body (private or governmental) which rendered aid during Urraco Pueblo's worst floods. To this date and on a yearly basis, hundreds of malnourished infants are nursed to health as their mothers are instructed in proper nutrition habits with your Nutrition Center. Additionally, thanks to Project Gracias' funding, coupled with efforts by others, the population of Urraco Pueblo have enjoyed fresh drinking and cooking water since mid-1996.

Project Gracias' initial re-birth was headed by two men, Jerry Long and Bob Kraig. Each, while never having visited Honduras themselves, had been active supporters since Project Gracias' first meeting in the spring of 1989. Their president/vice president roles took the organization through it's first years (1990-91) of renewal. It was Jerry's concept to produce a monthly newsletter which would keep hundreds informed on the club's goals and function as a method of soliciting contributions. This concept, which continues with this issue, is responsible for raising over 50% of Project Gracias' needed yearly financial sustenance.

Two other successful fund raisers, the Lenten Fish Fry, conceived and headed by Diana (Wehenkel) Figueroa and our monthly Recycling Project, created and chaired by Debbie Kagawa for two years, have continued since 1990. Emulating Debbie, additional young mothers, such as Pam, Sara, Vivian, and others, left their infant children with their husbands to baby-sit while they worked recycling. It was these people and others, such as Ed Giardina, Bob Utsler, Christ Grisey, Frank LaChance, Jeff McDonald, and many more who, while never having visited Honduras, joined in far greater numbers than the pilgrims to give life to the new Project Gracias.

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Past Articles From
Mission Newsletters

For purposes of space, the articles from 1997 have been removed from this web site.  If you're interested in any reading any of those articles, please email Giles Meyer and he'll fax or mail you copies.

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Copyright ©1998 Project Gracias