“I think this is a new section of pavement,” Eleanor said, “I don't think this store was here two years ago,” I added. So was our conversation during the first drive across the bridge and up the hill to the little community of Pastor. Even though some things have changed there is so much more that is familiar that it feels like coming home. It certainly felt that way as we walked into the Church, hugging adults and children alike as there was mutual recognition. As Father Hipólito, the acolytes, and I prayed before beginning the service it felt both like being home at St. Anne's and preparing to lead the service again at Cristo Salvador. It is a joy and a privilege to preside at the Eucharist with this wonderful congregation, and my Spanish is getting better!
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| Sunday afternoon conversations. |
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| Yum! |
We were invited to a fabulous lunch at the home of Fr. Hipolitó and the wife Dulcina where we also watched the final game of the World Cup. Even though the Dominican Republic is a fanatical baseball place, the strong connection of a common language and heritage created a vocal fan base for the team from Spain and shouts of joy reverberated though the neighborhood when the game was won in overtime.
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| Spain! ¡España! ¡Campeones! Champions! |
While we were at the Church this morning we stopped in to check out the school which is being built across from the Church. It is up, the concrete block walls and the roof, but just. There will be plenty to do. It's really exciting to see Fr. Hipólito's dream come into reality. Within the next year there will be a thriving school for kids from the barrio.
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| A first look at the shelter project. |
It feels good, to see this neighborhood, and the Church become a better place. Tonight we walked to San Lucas, the beautiful church we worked on for several years. It is a thriving community, someday Cristo Salvador and the school will be just like it.
St Paul said in the letter to the Romans: "Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of God’s glory. Not only this, but we also rejoice in sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance, character, and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us."
Paul's right, you know, in the end it's not about being right, or successful, or powerful. it's about being faithful, and hopeful, and loving.
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