Dear friends and family,

26 hours and counting until the Walsh family takes to the air making our way south to the balmy 80 degree weather in Honduras! We are flying through Houston (so that we can visit our dear friends Karina, Carlos, Sophia and Sebastian Nolasco on the return trip). We will spend Saturday night at a Houston airport hotel (some of you remember sleeping on the floor in the Houston airport- I really hope to avoid that this time around!) and then fly to Honduras Sunday morning where we will join the 6 Daltons who will be flying in at the same time from Atlanta. May our travels go smoothly and according to plan!

We have packed the toys, gifts, activity supplies, games, crafts, sporting equipment, clothes, sheets, school supplies, socks and undies that so many of you have provided- 5 huge bags so far! We have your letters and photos safely packed to be delivered upon arrival. We carry all of you with us on this adventure. Thank you for joining us on it! We hope to update the blog every day and share with you the special stories of being at El Hogar for Christmas.

Claudia Castro, Director of the Elementary School at El Hogar, reminded us recently that, in the midst of our joy in being there, this can be a very difficult and painful time for the 40 or so children who remain at El Hogar during the holidays- those who have no one to call family and/ or no home to go to. May we give these children the love they need and the knowledge that they are special and valued. We know we are blessed to be with them.

Merry, Merry Christmas to you all!

Betsy, Bill, Pete and Matt