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.
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| The Finished Product! |
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| (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.
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| 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
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