The teams were busy little bees today, especially those working on the pipeline. I heard it was A LOT of hard work digging that trench. It will be worth it to provide an entire community with a water supply. This morning we took a team to Puerto Plata Dump and brought 90 hot meals of chicken, rice and beans. We had so much fun interacting with the people even though most of us don’t understand the language. As I walked up the hill to where some of the homes were, I tried to imagine what it must be like to wake up each morning and call this place home. It’s a dump. No one should have to live here. Their homes are constructed with garbage. There is no where to get away from the smell, but yet as we visited with the people, we forgot about the smell. We sang and danced and played games. They are so poor; yet they have joy that is not determined by what they have or don’t have. It is an honour to look them in the eyes, hold their hands and call them friends.
Well, it’s after midnight and I have an early morning. I’m going to visit the orphanage tomorrow. I’ll tell you all about it later. Thank you for taking the time to post comments and encouragement. The kids love reading your messages. I post them up on the pillars in the walkway. Their families and friends don’t seem so far away. Thank you for your support and for believing in us. Hasta mañana.
Hi Gabby and Melissa,
It’s so great to hear what you guys are doing… such important work…!!
It’s been really hot here, but I am sure much hotter there! Grandma called and wanted to know how you are doing… I told her you got there safely and are working hard. If you have a chance, send me an e-mail and say Hi!
Love Mom, Auntie Sandra…
and yes, Jake follows me around everywhere I go… he’s wondering where you are Gab. XXOO
Lea and Hannah, wait more good news … one more and doing well…
Lea and Hannah, wait more good news … one more and doing well…
Cathy
Great to see so much more work continuing. Lauren and Benson are already anxious to return next year!!
Benson has lost his retainer!! If it shows up at the resort, it is blue and white with the Toronto Maple Leafs symbol imprinted on one side!!
Danica up late reading what’s going on. Sounds like you guys are making a real difference. Andrew’s and your article came out in the paper, all the neighbors cut the article out.We are all proud of you guys.
Love Dad
Hi Jordan,
Glad to hear that you arrived. I did get your txt message.
Cathy’s description of what the group is doing is inspiring. Gloria and I looked at the previous’ weeks video and cried.
I gave Cathy Auntie Lana’s info for pick up for you and Rose on the return trip
Take care..love Mom
this is a messsage for any ballenas kids! i neeed a favor from one of you, or really anyone that wants to get in contact with me once youre back in Canada. its sandra again, from first week. there was a little boy named gerry at the school/community center who i miss sooo much. he is super cute and might be wearing a bergundy/red hat with a canada flag on the back, if you see him or if you know who im talking about…pleeeaaase find out his last name for me! i want to sponsor him but you need to know their first and last names and the village they live in, i dont know the name of his town either. please please please could someone figure this out for me! i got so attached to that little boy, it would mean sooo much. thank yoouu and you guys are sweeeet!
sandra, nanoose BC
hannah lea and molly! three baby kittens! all healthy and doing well. Raja gave birth to four but one was still born.
first born is all black with white stripe on tummy, name: Otis!
second born was black but with white chin, paws and tummy, name: milo!
third born looks more like raja, grayish black with white paws and white around eyes like raja! name: vincient (from LOST lol)
the delucas were here the whole time and zimmers watched last half!
i willl take good care of them! they all say hello!
love you guys!
Hello Kimberly & Kendra;
It was so good to hear from you last night so thank YOU for calling and sharing about your experience to date!
We know you’re working hard and we’re so proud of you….way to go!
Mom and Dad (Shelley & Phil)
Hey Pascale,
tu es la melleure,continue ton excellente job avec la gang, j’ai hate de te serrer dans mes bras, je suis si fiere de toi, a bientot
love ya
Pash
HI Kel & Michelle & Kayla and Christian,
she is a sweety.
I am enjoying reading the little blogs that are posted! It sounds life changeing. Are you surviving the heat?
We had a terrific weekend Sophie
Miss you lots see you soon
much love Yvonne, Quintin and Rachelle xoxoxo
Hey Kyle…. another pipeline… after last year you should be a pro at digging that! How’s the tan coming? Will we need to change your name when you get home? If you find out what time you will be getting in on Friday, we could pick you up then instead of Saturday…. let us know if you get a chance. Seeing you with that boy at the orphanage made both Dad and I cry….. we are so very proud of you!! The girls at work get to see the videos too ’cause Momma makes them watch! Seriously, they are all very impressed by what you are doing, especially because you’re a “teenager”. Celine is looking forward to having the chance to go next year. Miss you lots and love you tons! Great BIG HUGS!! Can’t wait to see you again… stay safe… have fun and keep up the wonderful job!
Love Mom Dad & Celine
Hi Danny,
It sounds like you have been very busy!It’s soo inspiring to read about all the work you guys are doing. but this is what it’s all about, touching lives one life at a time trying your best to help make a change. Tell your mom and dad I said hi!
take care!
Melissa
A great big hi to all the wonderful people from Sioux Lookout, Ontario.
To Nicole, Yogi, Elizabeth, Kaleigh, Alysa, and Aaron…..you are the best. We are very proud of the work you are doing. The on-line updates are great. Looking forward to seeing your photos and hearing your stories when you come home. It is amazing how much you are doing in only one week!
Aaron, your brothers all say hi….they missed you playing soccer last night! Take care of each other…..love to all!
Mom
To Midge Hutton,
I can’t wait to see you when you get home! We all miss you! Hope you took lots of pics! See you soon!
Love you,
Kihya
Danica,
We are so proud of you guys, can’t wait to hear all about it when you get home!
Love you,
Trish and Jaxen
hi De, manda was so made that she missed your call but your dad has had to tell every tom dick and harry about your adventure. bob and kiwi are down at the lake having a blast but were all looking forward to seeing your bright shinny face. love you lots Mom. p.s. still bone dry on the praries dad say’s to tell you there wont’t be any hay for you to cut when you get back if it dosn’t rain for a couple of days. see ya farmer brown
Hey Cassie,
We enjoy reading the updates on what you’re all doing. It all sounds amazing.
Hope you’re having a great time down there.
See you Friday.
Love Mom,Dad,and Vicky
Hi Alix and Zack!!!! It sounds really awesome what’s going on. Digging a pipeline, really important work, people need good water to live. We take it for granted, being able to just turn on the tap. And feeding in the garbage dump. I can’t imagine what that must be like. Hope the gloves are working out with buidling houses. It’s great stuff you guys are doing. Can’t wait to hear more about your adventures and see the pictures when you’re back. Are you already thinking about doing this again next year?????
Love you and miss you both lots!! Dad
Hi Marjorie:
You and the group are in my thoughts and prayers. I know you are likely really tired by the end of your day. Any blisters yet? I think callouses are probably a fashion statement for your group this week!
Rose and Doug’s 50th Anniversary party was a good time.Aunt Amy and Betty had too much fun! I went with Bev and Elaine.
In the event you have a flight delay do you want to ask if there is a possibility of staying overnight at Seneca.
Mom Hutton, ON
hi heather h
it was so nice to hear from you last night. sounds like your enjoying you adventure. work hard and we’ll see you sunday night. love you, dad
Hi Chris,
So great to read these updates! It all sounds so amazing.
Please call us if you can…just would like to hear your voice!
Keep up the good work. See you on Friday.
Love Mom, Dad & Nathan
Hey Cathy! Thanks for all the updates!!
Hi Mom, Dad, and Danny!!! I hope you are all having a good time down there! I’m very proud of you for going on this trip! Can’t wait to see you guys again!
LOVE YOU,
Carolyn
PS: Jonathan says ‘HI.’
Hi Kristin,
Thanks for calling last night. Only 3 more days until we see you now. I know you want to stay but we really miss you and I need you home - all these boys are getting to be too much for me on my own. Two weeks is long enough for me to be without you anyway. Take care and I know I’ve said it before, but we are so proud of you, we always have been. Love you, see you soon, Mom
Molly, Hannah and Lea-Marie
You are all in our thoughts, hearts and prayers all the time. It’s great to read Cathy’s updates every day and get a sense of what you’re doing - all such important helping! Bless you as you bless and love those around you.
We love you lots!
Hey people in week two. I want you all too keep this in mind. Heros aren’t given the name “Hero” because they have super human strength or the ability to fly. A Hero does something from the Heart. You all are Heros because you dojng this from the Heart.
Hi Larissa,
It was so great to get your call last night. We all miss you very much and can’t wait to see you on Friday and hear all of your stories. Meiko just sits by your bedroom door and meows. Sorry about your sunburn! All our love, hugs and kisses,
Mom, Dad, and Josh
Hi Alix and Zachary
Everyone sends their love and we are all so proud of you. Everyone I tell says that is so wonderful that you are giving of yourself.
I keep looking for pictures. Don’t forget to say HI MOM to the camera LOL.
Love you guys so much
Mommy, Maggie and Molly
HI JOSHUA MILLER:As uaual I figured you wouldn’t be able to call but that’s okay. We pray for you and the team daily and there’s a bunch from our church praying for you also. The house sure is quiet without you and you are sooooo missed. By the sounds of the daily reports, you all are doing great work. Keep safe and protected.Make sure to take lots of pictures. We LOVE you and miss you. See you soon.Love MOM< DAD and Ryan.XXXXOOOO
Your efforts do sound heroic, especially in the heat! It sounds as though even the baby kittens are cheering for you! Love, Della.
Hey Heather H… and all the Hero’s… and Hero helpers… it’s coming to a close for this year… but just like this time last year… I rather suspect… it won’t be Heathers last mission to the greater world… we’ll see where God guides you next kiddo! Could be right back there… where there is no lack of work to be done! If you go where God tells you… you can’t go wrong anyway!
Can’t wait to see you my girl… Sun 8pm… with smiles on… all of us! Please email me with the specifics of when you get to Hamilton… and who you are staying with… phone #’s etc… and your flight # here on Sun!!
Much love
Cheryl, Heather H’s Mom, Fall River, NS
Cathy, your awsome. Thanks for all your hard work and devotion to making our lives better, and fiving us a new perspective on how other’s live. We love you, and are so proud of you. Thanks for sticking by us through it all
Heather H, it’s Char here! Love you kiddo and am so proud of you. Sort of a chip off the ole block (aunt block that is,) aren’t you! Your quite a young woman. Enjoy your last few days. Prayers to all the Hero’s this year; and to all those you have touched with your efforts!
Love Char
HELLO ALI….EVERYONE HAS BEEN THINKING OF YOU….WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU….I KNOW YOUR WORKING HARD AND MUST BE TIRED…I HOPE YOU HAD A CHANCE TO MEET WITH THE PEOPLE YOU BROUGHT DONATIONS FOR….I’M VERY PROUD OF YOU…AND ALL OF THE YOUTH THAT ARE THERE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE…LOVE ALWAYS….MUM
Hey Alix and Zack - a quick note on some good news. You’re like grand cousins or auntie and uncle cousins…Alana gave birth this morning to a 7lb 13 oz baby boy!! His name is John William Callum Taylor - we’ll call him Callum. I guess we’ll see him in Vancouver this December. Praise God. Mom and baby are great. Love you guys. You are true heroes! I’m proud to say that you’re my son and daughter!!! Dad
Hi Melanie
We have been checking into the Hero Holiday website every day (actually several times a day) to read what you have been doing. We are so proud of you for being part of this amazing endeavour.
See you soon! Can’t wait to hear all the stories you’ll have to tell when you get home.
Love, Mom, Dad, Julia and Christopher
Hi Danica,
Every place we go, everyone is asking about you, and are all sending their best. Lots of relatives are calling as well.
We’re all really proud of you.
ps
Give Andrew a big hug from us.
We love you.
Mom, Dad, Brody (&Abby)
Hey all Week 2′rs keep it up* You guys are doing an incredible job, I kno many of us week 1’s are wishing we were still there* God bless you!