DR 2015 - Day 5

There were many successes yesterday. The tables have all received their first sanding. The painting is almost finished - just a final coat and some touch up is needed. The bracelets were made by the VBS kids with minimum difficulty. Transportation was smooth. Food was great. People are happy.

So, what I'd like to do in this post is introduce you to a new friend: Padre German.

Padre German and Rev. Laura

First, know that his name is pronounced Hair MAWN.

When Poly, Lilian and the kids went to Florida I knew the big hole in our VBS program would be the music. Padre Hipólito came up with a solution, a delightful solution. He introduced us to Padre German, the current vicar at Iglesia San Lucas, the very same church that St. Anne's missioners helped construct in 2001, 2002 and 2003. Padre German was born in Washington, DC, and lived both there and Boston. Since then he's lived in more places that I can remember, become a doctor with specialties in OB/Gyn and radiology. He has practiced medicine and taught medicine. Even today he works in the mornings at a radiology clinic and continues his day as priest in the afternoon. On top of all that, he has a beautiful singing voice, plays the guitar and loves Barry Manilow.

On Monday our singing was led and supported by Charlie, Ercilia and Padre German. Tuesday and Wednesday we have been singing with Padre German and we are very grateful!

Our new team member.

While we love his help with the music, Padre German is fascinated by our vacation Bible school. He loves all its chaos, all the energy and he sees with fresh eyes the love that flows between the mission team and the kids. He colors with the kids. He plays background music during craft time. He tapes vegetables into the garden. And he's even taken to driving some of us "home" in the afternoon.

So, today, we sincerely thank Padre German. He has the mind of a scholar doctor priest and the heart of child. Gracias a Dios!

Busy coloring mangoes and bananas.