Santiago Starts Up

Here we do the foundation first, then the walls, then the floor. Thanks to the efforts of our latest team, St. Peter and St. Paul from Arlington, TX, three levels of sillar stone have been raised. How exciting it is to see the church take shape.

Independence Day

Happy "Fiestas Patrias" to everyone! Our mountains have cooperated with the independence day celebrations beautifully. Here is Misti in her white poncho and our flag flying proudly on the roof.

NOTE: If you don't fly the flag today, you may get a fine. Also, if you don't VOTE on election day, you WILL get a fine. Hmmm.... something to think about!

Arlington Team Arrives

Joel's mom and dad are on this team that came in today for a week. They will help at Santiago Apostol with the walls.

Sag Fam

This is just a good pic of the Sagrada Familia kids.

Karola Graduates

Seminarian Karola received her Bachelor Degree in Psychologia this week. It was a delight to be present to support her hard work. In October she will get her Master's Degree and her "Titulo" which allows her to seek a professional position.

Amazon River

Wayne and Lynnea came in as Joann left. They are discerning a call to serve more in Peru. Wayne was a missionary child on the Amazon River. Since 2003 they have been returning to minister along the river regularly. They were a delight to meet. May God bless their time and make clear His will for them.

Joann

Joan finished her visit after an "adventure" to Juliaca with us. She returns to seminary in Austin with fresh insights on the effects of short visits of missionaries on the kids at the Casas Hogares. She also experienced the arrival of the "NANI," an adventure in itself! Best wishes for your seminary year, Joann.

Visitors

We had a big "English Night" where we had the English speakers over supper and sharing. It was fun for all and we had some good reflection on scripture, too.

Kevin Teaches English

Kevin has been diligent teaching English to the Sag.Fam. kids. Maricruz got distracted by the photographer! Go, Kevin! Some of the seminarians have taken advantage of practicing their English with Kevin also.

Misti

In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. Psalm 95:4

Edgar Works on Stained Glass Project

Edgar is intent on arranging the plastic beads just so in the stained glass project.

Attack of the Nani

Sherry, or "Nani" as she is known to the kids,brought down another neat project for the kids. This time she taught about setting the family table, setting the Lord's table, and the specialness of sharing the meal. The Sagrada Kids learned how to make pizza for the special family meal and, of course, there was an art project or two. Even the "non-pizza" kids decided that their OWN pizza was pretty yummy!

Naty

Naty was excited to be with her son Luis at the installation in Juliaca. Both she and Rojelio rode up with us in Padre Juan Carlos' van. Maybe I can find a picture of the flamingos to put on the blog. We pass a lake that is part-time home to a flock of flamingos! Not what one expects to see at over 12,000 ft!

Our Fledgling Launched

It was a delight to see our seminarian launched into full-time ministry. Luis started seminary a couple of years before we moved here, but with pursuing his university degree, he didn't finish until this June. Luis will be full-time assisting Padre Ruben here in Juliaca. In about a week or so they will welcome the first team to be under their charge-Father Eric Menees and Deacon David. There church has been providing transportation monthly for the seminarians to go to Juliaca while we waited for a full-time clergyman.

Installation In Juliaca

Bishop Godfrey installed Padre Ruben and Luis in grand style. We had regional clergy present and also two clergy from Lima. Front Row: Deacons Maria and Pastor. Second Row: Padre Juan Carlos, Padre Ruben, Obispo, Padre Anderson(boy, did HE suffer from altitude!), Padre Alejandro, Lay Minister Luis, Padre Ron

Drive to Juliaca

Joann Signs Up

Joann signed on to the adventure of accompanying the bishop in Juliaca at the installation of Father Ruben as the priest-in-charge and Luis as Lay Minister for the mission. Our "chauffeur" was Padre Juan Carlos. Fortunately, we had an uneventful drive up to Juliaca. Our high point was 14,830 ft. Not an elevation where one is inclined to jog around!

Welcome, Joann!

We´re pleased to have Joann, a seminarian from Texas, with us for awhile. She is doing a study on the effect of short-term mission teams on Casas kids and at risk populations. Her earrings were of great interest to Lizet!