As we boarded the bus for Alejandra, I noticed how quiet everyone was. It´s much harder to work on the third day than on the first. I am getting back some of that high school Spanish -- and appreciate the puzzlement as we try to communicate with the parishioners. Father Arturo is very pleased with his newly painted and cleaned sacristy (I worked mainly in the sacristy all day yesterday and today). It has only been painted once since 1952, and I chased many spiders out with a broom when we began. Team Gelly did an amazing job on the windows and the floor of the sacristy. They scraped and scrubbed with water and paint thinner on their hands and knees -- according to James in a way he has never done at home. Darryl led the rest of us in painting -- painting more than just the walls :) (the pants my husband wants left in Mexico).
We made a last-minute decision to clean out the closet holding the vestments and to give it a fresh coat of paint. I was very frustrated when I went to get more blue paint. A new bucket was opened and I hoped to paint the closet in one coat. The custom here is to water down the paint from the Comex store. That meant at least two coats -- more work for me. I am still asking God what the message is for me here. I picture Father Arturo in his new office, clean, smiling, pondering his sermons. He can now see clearly out his window. My view is not clear. What are God´s intentions here -- for me, for this project, for the future of la iglesia, for the Anglican Catholica Church in Morales?
Tonight some of us attended Spanish classes to prepare for our fiesta with the parishioners tomorrow. We divided into two groups -- those with minimal and conversational Spanish skills. We learned a few phrases to converse during the fiesta. ¿Como se dice -- no habla Espanol?
The teachers are part of the new language school here at the diocesan center. The center hopes to become more self-sufficient with this new program. We pray for its success. The teachers were energetic, knowledgeable, and are certain to help get the program off to a great start.
Time for bed -- eucharist service at 7:45 a.m. Hasta mañana.
clp
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2 comments:
Sometimes all God wants is clean windows and another coat of paint and tired eyes that give thanks for both.
JH
This is not a deep or reflective comment. I just have a few questions I've been holding in all week ...
Is it really, really hot? Is everyone feeling well? Do you see any interesting wildlife? Are your beds comfortable? Has it continued to storm at night? Spiders? Have you made any friends? Did you pack everything you needed? How's the Spanish coming along? Did you love the Temple of the Sun today? Is anyone homesick? Do the local children continue to help and play? What's the best part of your trip so far? The worst? How's the food? Are you drinking enough water? Do you want to go back some day? Still have your passports? Are you taking lots of pictures?
Of course, I'm not expecting any answers to these questions in the blog. I just want Darrell and Maddy to know what they're in for when they get home -- in addition to a million and one hugs.
HURRY HOME! YOU ARE MISSED. ALL OF YOU!
(Have a safe trip, everyone!)
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