Sunshine

This week sunshine has returned to Arequipa. Most of our days have been beautiful until late afternoon when it still is clouding up. However, there is no rain. The calla lillies are starting to bloom. Mama June really loved them as we do. This has been a pretty typical week:
Monday Ron had a lengthy meeting with Padre Salvador and Vicki and Ron participated in their small group called "The Buffalos"(long story!) They will wait until July to divide into two or three groups.
Tuesday Ron met with the director of San José in the morning, did some counselling afterwards, taught class in the afternoon, and did some more counselling.Vicki met with our short-term intern, Joel, and practiced music.
Wednesday Vicki went to church for the intercessory prayer time and took an older parishoner out to lunch while Ron prepared for his other classes and had an impromptu counseling session. In the evening we went back to church for the Eucharist. Vicki is adjusting to the presence of a new trap set next to her flute. An interesting challenge.
We had a nice Lenten Bible study with Sandy and Gloria on Thursday. Gloria, too, is adjusting to the trap set!
Today, Friday, Ron updated a bit the blogs, wrote an article for the seminary, paid bills, and worked with Maria on Casas finances. Meantime, Vicki practiced music for her rehearsal tomorrow and continued correspondence while she oversaw the household needs and finances. We popped by the Casas to find everyone in a good mood and busy. The cement for the new construction has cured nicely.
Tomorrow on Saturday Ron will teach two seminary classes, meet with the clergy in the afternoon and work more on his sermon for Sunday. Vicki will keep up correspondence on upcoming teams, join the seminarians for Morning Prayer, and rehearse for the Sunday service.
Sunday will be church and probably will be followed by a nice lunch out.

Farewell

After a BUSY week in beautiful Arequipa, the team was entitled to a relaxing dinner out before heading back to the USA.

Music

Tia Mary Margaret brought her violin and exposed our Casas kids to some more music possibilities. Each of the San Jose kids was able to hold a little violin and try it out after having heard the instrument played. They thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

On The Witness Stand

Lawyer Richard put "witness" on the witness stand in a mock trial. Some of the girls are considering a legal career and got a kick out of the proceedings. The witness was finally judged guilty even though he protested loudly.
Various members of the team shared with this graduating class just how they chose their careers and professions. We had priests, a nurse, a fireman, a lawyer, a human resources person, a relator, a musician, and an accountant among the group. It gave plenty of food for thought.

Baseball

At San Lucas the P.E. teacher had some baseball equipment but didn´t know how to play the game so he asked the team to show them how it was played. It was great fun. Joel had some ideas for "Chicago" style baseball, too. The team brought additional mits, bats, and balls.

Paint and More Paint

Another project that the Redeemer team completed was painting. They painted both classrooms upstairs with a nice, bright coat of paint, and they prepared and painted the entrance hallway to the church. It was great to get these projects done. Every one of them gave themselves whole-heartedly to the work. Freddy and Juan from the church helped out as did Jhass, Karola, Chris, Joel, Deacon María, and Fiorella. Padre Juan Carlos was pleased with their efforts, too.

Now Ya See It, Now Ya Don´t

Many thanks to these 9 folks who really gave their all to boost our ministries here in Arequipa. The seminarians were excited with the tranformation of the "blue room."

Godly Play

This is a wonderful way of teaching younger children about the Bible. The team presented teachings to both the San Lucas kids and the Casa San José kids. Everyone enjoyed it thoroughly. Also, they left several sets of materials to use in the future with other stories. Thanks so much!

Okay, What's Our Assignment?

Irving Redeemerites in front of the hotel after a good night's sleep. Ready to serve. Of course Vicki had everything well planned out so they could maximize their time here.

Sharing the Vision

Of course we always try to share the vision for all the ministries here in the South. We were able to accompany Padre Juan Carlos up to our mission post "Santiago Apóstol" where St. Matthew´s Cathedral,Dallas, has raised funds for a church building.

Welcome, Redeemer, Irving

We are delighted to have our close church family and friends with us. They arrived here this morning. By God´s Grace they didn´t miss their flight in Miami. Fortunately there was another team of 50 scheduled on the same flight to Lima who were delayed as well and so AA held the plane and they all made it to Lima on time.
Here they are being greeted by a group of San Lucas kids.

Tuning Up

Gloria Johnson launched into the music arena today at the 10:30 a.m. service. She´s been carefully listening to the music and made her debut today. Give thanks with us for her offering!

AMAs

For the World Day of Prayer, the ladies in AMA did a program for the parish about New Guinea. Vicki lead the music for them and pulled in our young guitarist, Giancarlo, the son of Padre Juan Carlos and Deacon Maria. Good job!

Saying Goodbye for Now

The seminarians are sad to see Padre Marvin leave. During his time this year he as taught 3 full courses, gone to share Eucharist at Santa Maria Magdalena in Juliaca each week, visit the Casas and taught English, counselled seminarians, and made a million more friends! Of course we will miss you! It has been great to see Bonnie and one of their grandsons, Tyler. Blessings, friends.

Hard Life

While Padre Marvin has been here, the seminarians have accompanied him on various trips, including this one to beach. Daniel seems managing the hard life of seminarian rather well, don't you think?