I don't even know where to start with this. So I will just start writing and see where it goes. But as you read, just keep in mind that there are many sides to everything and the reality slides between all of them. Last night a group of boys came to the leaders and said they didn't like the way things were going and wanted to leave. The main concerns were after a day and a half, that this wasn't the trip that they signed up for, since we could no longer go to the villages; there was too much free time; there weren't enough spiritual activities and there were things going on with which they weren't comfortable. I think all of the concerns were at least partially valid.
Next: First, we met with all of the boys and talked to any one who wanted talk individually. I spoke with all of the boys from O'Hara. Then each school met as a group. The consensus was that we need to stay and work this out. This decision reflected not only our personal growth, but concern for the students at Regis, who have been so hospitable and worked so long on mission. The other side of the proverbial coin: service is an individual activity, person to person, and can be small but still meaningful (like distributing the left over hamburgers to the homeless, which happened); that the free time was valuable because it gave people time to discover the Mexican culture honors family, hospitality and friendships; there has been time for personal prayer and reflection and since it was open ended, could have been as much as anyone wanted; some people did not get into a situation with which they were uncomfortable (especially the people who were visiting the cathedral and had no idea what all the fuss was about). Anyway about 4:00 this morning we decided to make this work. So thanks for your prayers!
We reworked today, moving back Mass time until noon and time with our hosts until 3:00. We brought donuts in and the returning missionaries worked on some ideas. At 8:00 tonight we will begin the master plan. We opened the afternoon because some of the kids already had committed to go visit a group foster home as a Fraternity service project. As I said, there were two side to the story. For some people a lot of very positive things have happened.
After Mass this morning, Ana Lopez had the mission cross for Cerro Blanco blessed, along with the Bible and misc. church articles including a plaque of Saint James (the name of the parish). Father also blessed the boys...and wow, it worked. He also invited us to all the parish services including daily morning Mass. Ana Maria and both Ricardo's parents were also at Mass. So I filled them in on the happenings of last night. A phone call later and Ricardo's mother received permission from her mission group for us to accompany them all week. They are working in one of the neighborhoods not far from here painting houses and fixing things in homes in one of the poorer areas of town. Ana Lopez and Ana Maria have volunteered to shuttle us to the other school to meet the other group. So that takes care of service every day from 9:00 to 5:00. We still will meet our fraternities every day. Monday for an Olympiad, similar to what we would do in the villages on Wednesdays. On Tuesday we will do the fiesta popular which usually occurs on Holy Saturday. Wednesday, our normal day of retreat is replaced by Fraternity Day, which with be a prayer day and dinner out with the fraternity (usually Easter Sunday). Thursday will be the washing of the feet and adoration until 11:00 pm. Good Friday, each Fraternity will have responsibility for a station beginning in the late afternoon. Saturday is the blessing of the fire, in the morning we are hoping to invite some of the remaining Fraternity members for discussion and recreation. And Easter Sunday, after Mass, the Fraternities had already scheduled a day of service at a nursing home. Maybe God was just waiting for a re-commitment. We would leave for Tucson on Monday as scheduled. Brother Rodrigo also has another lead for service at a children's group home. If that comes through we will try to send some people there.
This morning I met with the returning missionaries and we have established prayer groups to lead prayer and work groups to keep the house clean. We will cook more meals here and will have to pack lunches. Tonight we are going to meet with both groups together and talk about both the positive and negative things that have happened. We will then ritualize the putting of the bad behind us and celebrate the commitment we will make together to move forward. The leadership group is putting that all together.
By the way, in case you were wondering...the hamburgers weren't so bad. They had fresh bakery buns!
1 comment:
One of the most important lessons we can teach our children is that life evolves. It is not static. It is hard to plan. We have to be open to the idea that the spirit moves in unusual, sometimes ordinary, and sometimes extraordinary ways. I'm glad there will be a service opportunity in the village. Thanks to the parents of those students who have helped to make that happen. Thanks to ALL of the adults for your exercise in tolerance, understanding, patience and "boyhood." I can't wait to talk to Matt about how's he doing and what he's feeling. Holiest of holy weeks wishes for all of you.
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