Meanwhile, at El Hogar we were faced with personal tragedy.  Tito Romeo Urquia, head of the workshops at the Institute, and with 24 years of service our senior teacher there, was shot.  Apparently, he had been to the bank.  As he was stopped at a light, two men on a motorcycle came up to his window.  No one knows exactly what happened next, but they sped off after shooting him.   He called Lazaro from his car, and Lazaro got help to him immediately.  He was taken to the best hospital in Tegucigalpa, but after four days of surgeries and intensive care, he died.  He has a wife and four children.  Over 300 people attended the funeral, which was held in a church in Comayagua that was built in 1550.  This is a huge loss to us.   Just two years ago we were able to offer our employees life and health insurance.  I feel blessed that that was in place.
 
At the same time that Tito was in the hospital, we had our prospective students for next year come to the Institute and the Agricultural School.  Once again, we have many more applicants than we can accept.  It is always hard to say "No" to someone who clearly has both the need and desire to be part of our programs.
 
Right now we are in that period of ending one school year and preparing for another.  We are working on budgets, home visits, hiring, evaluating and planning.  Classes are out, and the Institute and Agricultural School are closed for a while, but El Hogar never gets to close.
 
Thank you so much for keeping us in your prayers.  As we look toward the end of this year, I am very grateful for all God's blessings on us, and for having the support and good will of such a large community.  Next year also looks as if it will have lots of challenges, but we are hopeful that in the midst of all the challenges and sorrows we will also experience God's presence and blessing.

- Rich Kunz