When we go out on the veranda in the early mornings the mountains are the first thing we see. Sometimes mist covers the bottom half of the mountains and it looks like a couple of small dark islands out there in a sea of mist. Adding to this beautiful first morning at BH are blue skies, a light breeze keeping us comfortably cool, birds singing, and maybe a dog or two barking every now and then.

Two other sounds come and go as well, the voices of little children and pitter patter of feet, our guests here at BH this week, as they play and explore this beautiful place.Little do they know that this time next week they, after their surgeries, they could be facing a much better future. 

As I begin this journal our Cleft Lip/Palate Surgery Team is on its way here to Honduras from several points on the map.In addition to traveling from the Barnabas Foundation's headquarters in Virginia, others on our team are flying in from Seattle; Pittsburgh; Washington D.C; Montrose, Colorado; and Orange, Conn. Several of these dedicated medical professionals have served with us on past teams; others are first timers with us. When they land, the team will come directly here to Barnabas House for final screenings and other preparations for the surgeries which begin tomorrow morning.  We'll spend tonight in a hotel in Siguatepeque.  Remember, it's pronounced: Cee  guata paykey, and say it real fast.

As I went to get a cup of coffee a little while ago,  saw a scene which I suppose is universal -- a dozen or so of our little ones  sitting, standing, and some dancing around in the covered walkway, as a TV monitor played a cartoon with plenty of music, dancing and color.  Kids were having great time and I later realized this may be the first time they have had such entertainment. Not a lot of electronics way out in the mountains --possibly because there may not be a lot of electricity up there either.

By midafternoon the low walls bordering the outside of the carport are lined with mothers sitting and holding their children and waiting for the team to arrive.

3:24 p.m  -  the team just arrived here at Barnabas House  and action has picked up.  Screenings begin and surgery schedules set for tomorrow. Keep us all in your prayers, especially the children. These precious little ones will shortly have a chance for a normal life thanks to the team onsite here and thanks to you all on the home front for your support. 

Papa Joe for the Cleft Lip/Palate Team.