Monday, May 27, 2013

May


I’ve been gone for quite a while, and its sometimes difficult to put my experiences into writing.

This past mother’s day the drug “king pin” of the Favela gave a rose to every mother. So every mother received a rose and had it nicely placed on a vase. It was interesting to see that there was a rose on the feet the statue of our blessed mother Mary. I wouldn’t be surprised if the rose was bought by drug money. Many people in the Favela feel that the Police do more harm. Last weekend the police threw 2 gas bombs inside a futbol game in the favela, afterwards came a small firefight. I was not there at the time but this is what Fabio (my friend from the Favela) told me.
From my understanding, in the beginning of each year the police are bribed to stay out of the Favela, if the demands of the police are not met, a firefight will commence. A couple of times I have seen a police man walk into the Favela carrying a gun in his hands. What do I think of it all?  The government is corrupt, the only organization that is big enough to assemble itself properly is the Catholic church, I feel because of this the bishops have a lot of power to sway people’s hearts and minds, I can see how and why the church here can get political. Is this a bad thing? My brain says yes, my heart says no. Its very easy to be looking from a far and say that Christ is not to be used as a platform for a political agenda, but amidst the chaos of it all when so many people are crying out for help “Socorro.” When they are all waiting for the messiah, the change in their lives when they are praying to God, When we are praying to God. Is it fair that you reader live in such a nice place, while these people have to struggle? I digress.Pray for answers

 Finally we have received some volunteers from the Favela. I have hope, but it takes time to sway the hearts and minds of people. It also takes time to see how God is working in your life. I think for most people in the Favela they look at us and wonder what our angle is. I am a gringo, a white man, I don’t exactly look like a Brazilian, but slowly I am taking in their culture and language. There is a young boy on the steps of the Favela who is a look out. I see him every day and say hello to him. Eventually after I understand the language well its possible to show them scripture and the word of God.
I have a friend named Daniel who is my new guitar instructor, so I’m learning classical brazillian guitar music. Daniel also took me out to go dancing with some of his friends. We danced to Forro. Forro is pronounced like foho. Its quasi salsa, and a lot of fun. I was dancing with several people they have a lot of patience with me. I’m having a great time here in Brazil, I’d be lying to you if I was just working in the favela and praying. There is a lot of culture to take up here in Salvador. J

In Closing I leave with a poem that a french volunteer gave me inspiration to write.

We are never alone

I took this journey alone
Not knowing who or what I’d see
I took this Journey alone
To see who im supposed to be..

But then I saw you here
Where I was supposed to be
The Journey I took wasn’t alone
It was them, you, and me

You had your task
I had my mask
You had your jobs
And I had my sobs

But now you’re not here
and my path is not less clear
The envy turns to fear
And now I wish you were here

But you showed me the most important part
It was not about creating or making,
Or baking, or art.
Its about doing things with love
A smile is a start

So I take this Journey
and I place you in my heart
So I take this journey
And today is when I start…



Thursday, May 16, 2013

This week at a glance.


Hello! My name is Maureen Poirier and I’m the newest addition to the mission team here in Salvador! I flew in just last week from Detroit, Michigan and will be staying with the Community of St. John for 6 weeks in total. I’m very blessed to have the opportunity to pray with and serve alongside the Brothers, Leo, and the people of the Salvador Da Bahia!

It has been 7 days since my arrival and much has happened.  I’ll break it down a little:

Work on the house:
The Magdalene house is coming along well! The projects of the week included; sanding down all the inside walls of the building in efforts to prepare them for a new paint job, mastering electrical wiring and laying a cement floor outside. The project I was most involved in this time around was sanding down the walls and I think we might safely say that with one more day of work we can call the sanding done!

Our lovely cement path, nearly finished 

A few volunteers valiantly sanding away!

A room to be sanded, and an image of a woman with a light - reminding me of the virgins awaiting the bridegroom with their oil and lamps! Come, Lord Jesus!


But, of course, the efficiency of the project isn’t all that matters here. O no. The journey counts as well! I’ve witnessed that the time shared in working has allowed for many thought provoking conversations, fraternal camaraderie, and welcoming and getting to know the community as they begin to get involved! This week has seen 5 surprise volunteers, 3 of them being local tweens (ages 12 and 13) who came by asking if they could help out for an afternoon – Alessandra, Joyce and Sammi are our new friends, and  God willing, they will come back!

Adoration in the Favela:
Friday nights here we adore Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament in Alto’s Church. It only makes sense to do so!  Because, it is Christ who is our life source and our mission’s breath!  Any work we accomplish, any relationships we make, any good we might do is first initiated by Christ. He inspires our hearts and we respond by the gift of His grace. I’m so happy that we might adore Him together in the favela. He is truly the one who unites us, who directs us, who thirsts for us to remain with Him. During adoration the community from the neighborhood led us in a Rosary. My favorite part was when the women sang between the decades ... I'm pretty sure all God's angels were smiling in these moments J  I sure was!

Mother’s Day mass:
On Mother’s day, we had mass in Alto’s Church with the Community. It was a beautiful liturgy after which about 20 children performed a group dance for their mothers and presented them with little gifts. Following, there was much lively music to celebrate J My prayer is that Mary our Mother might watch over and protect all those living in the favela, that she might bless this mission with much peace, and great hope!

I look forward to keeping you updated in the coming weeks! As for now, this is me signing out. May Christ's peace be with you in all things!

In Him,
Maureen Regina

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Work 5/14/2013

Here are some photos and video of the work we did today at Mary Magdalene House:


And the guys working on the ovens for the bakery: