Thursday, February 5, 2015

Faith and Katie Get Ready to Say Goodbye!

Hello and God Bless! It seems as if we have just arrived but already Katie and I have been in beautiful Brazil for over five months. As we continue to work we remember every now and then that we only have a little over two week left to serve God and those around us in this wonderful mission. Brother Francis Therese spoke to us at our Tuesday meeting about the importance of staying present. As the days slip by each one becomes even more precious. Francis Therese reminded us that we must live each moment of mission as if it is our last and that each day we should attempt to give all that we are and all that we have.  With that in mind, there is still much work to be done! This week I taught my last arts and crafts class. The children made masks for carnival.



The Finished Product! 



(I gave the boy rocket ship stickers to try to make it less girly) 


They loved the project and were very attentive and well organized. We have high standards for the children in the classroom at the Magedelina House. We expect them to be respectful, cooperative and to work hard on the task at hand. The children seem to respond well to our high expectations, and each week I have noticed a slow but gradual improvement. 


The Entrance of Alto


Katie and Gabi and I continue to make stronger connections with the women at Irma Dulce House. We sit in on two classes on Wednesday and Friday mornings. The Teachers Christina, Gina and Dani are all wonderful examples of Christian love. They know all of their students by name and greet each of them with a warm hug and a kind smile. Many of their students live in the Irma Dulce Hospital and have mental and physical handicaps. Their students come in, looking a little uncomfortable or out of place, and within minutes are happy and at ease. Brother Francis Therese has been coordinating with Irma House workers and within the next few months God willing, we will have our bakery up and working and being used by Irma House, as well as aid for members of the Alto community who suffer from alcoholism. In addition, Irma House is looking into having a counselor for the children of the Alto community to speak with.


This is my last opportunity to write a blog post with the Salvador mission. This has truly been a life changing experience. The people here live their lives with eyes ever fixed on Christ. At first I was struck by the amount of time we spent in the chapel on a daily basis (about 3 and a half to 4 hours a day) and wondered  if some of that time should be spent on projects instead. But now that I have seen the impact of this lifestyle I understand clearly that my perspective was flawed. God is our top priority. Above all else we are here to love and serve him and it is because of this conscious decision, to love and serve God, that the work we do here is fruitful. We are all peaceful and joyful on a regular basis, and doors continue to open for us.  In addition to our regular prayer schedule we have now added a Rosary, and things are now going even more smoothly. When Christ is truly the top priority and focus, He takes care of the little human things. Thank you so much for all of your support and God Bless! It has been an honor serving this mission.  As always you are in our prayers! 
-In Christ, Faith 


No comments:

Post a Comment