We saw the number of locals adults and children show up at the church in growing numbers. The adults want to be a part of the change that the "gringo brigade and the bishop" have triggered. Their was one little girl that came to the church yesterday. Today there must have been a dozen. The kids are so welcoming and warm. They don´t have the reservations that we grow into as we become adults. Futball and the hand games that the girls like to play seem to be the catalyst that brings these friends and our girls together. Some of the kids really like to try their English also. They say the words repeatedly until they get it correct. What wonderful curiosity.
Their were about 4 people who were members of the church who helped yesterday. Today we had about 8 locals who worked with us. I can´t wait to see how many join us tomorrow. There is not much conversation between us because of the difference in language, but I wonder what they are thinking and talking about. "What do the gringo´s get out of this?" Regardless, we work together and what we or they will get out of this may not be apparent today or ever. Our expectations are so different than theirs. Even with one coat of paint on the interior, one lady said in Spanish that it looked like heaven.
Today the priest was 6 feet up on a ladder painting the interior and singing some gorgeous songs. The local and visiting ladies talked. The men gringo and local seemed more intent on silence.
We had a wonderfully reflective meeting between adults and kids this evening. The number of insights is amazing and spectacular of what we will take from this trip. Hopefully we can maintain this contemplations upon our return for a long time to come.
I can´t wait to see the Temple of the Sun on Friday!
DWF
2 comments:
I KNEW you wrote that even before I got to your initials at the bottom. How nice to hear your "voice" after almost 4 days. I miss you! Can I say that here? Send my love to Maddy, too.
DWF - very nice observations and other comments. While those thunderstorms can be scary, we know that they herald that cool air that lets blessed sleep come. Hope all is well and my best to everyone. BTW - Jen - No, you can't say that here!!! What do you think this is, a community??? :-)
JH
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