FW: Mission Update - Friday night 3/18
Charlotte Lees
Charlotte Lees
Parish Administrator
Saint Joseph's Episcopal Church
3300A S Seacrest Blvd.
Boynton Beach, FL 33435
From: Father Marty
Sent: Friday, March 18, 2011 10:19
PM
To: Charlotte Lees
Subject: Mission Update - Friday night 3/18
It was another great day all around for the mission team. We started the day after morning prayer with a bus ride to Boca Chica, where most joined Saint Joseph's School in their parade. This is the week they are celebrating their anniversary (11th for the school, and 40th for the church), and for three nights the church has an "evangelism campaign" (revival). The parade became a means for Fr. Sandino to advertise for the church and school, as one of the TV stations interviewed him during the parade. We marched through the streets of the town carrying little flags. We were right behind the majorettes and the musicians. It was quite an experience and gave us a chance to experience the culture in another way.
Afterwards, the nursing team was so proud to introduce us to all the new friends they had made during their ministry at the seniors' home. Both the nurses and residents participated with us in a hymn sing. The drum we had brought was such a good tool for therapy for the residents that we have decided to gift it to the nurses to continue to use with the residents. They were thrilled.
After lunch provided by Fr. Sandino and Ysabel, Barbara MacKenzie presented certificates to all the staff who had completed the training with her during the week. We also presented the two fishing poles that Fr. Sandino had on his wish list, which were provided by Harry McDaniel. Fr. Sandino was most appreciative, and the entire team was given gifts of coffee, cocoa and vanilla to bring home. After some emotional goodbyes, we boarded the buses for an afternoon swim at the beach on the way back to the Kellogg Center. It was a gorgeous day, and some enjoyed a dip in the ocean, while others enjoyed a refreshing libation under the umbrellas. It was a relaxing break from what has been a very tiring schedule.
Everyone had a chance for a quick shower and a change of clothes prior to our departure the evening at San Gabriel in Consuelo. This time the concrete team got to show off their work. Fr. Guelmy was already preparing the grills for the barbecue feast of hot dogs, wings, and shish kebab. We were able to spend time with both the people with whom we had worked, along with some of the parishioners and their families who would benefit from the new basketball court. Already, they told us, the kids had immensely enjoyed the new playing surface earlier in the day at school. (Prior to this, there has been no surface other than the rocks to kick around a ball.) Fr. Guelmy will now be working to get the court painted and the basketball nets put up.
Towards the end of the evening, Fr. Guelmy and the parish presented handmade gifts to each team member. These were handicraft paintings done by a partner ministry of San Gabriel Church, whereby single mothers are taught painting skills so they will have a means of income. After a final prayer circle and sharing of the peace (on the basketball court service), there were some extended goodbyes before we loaded the bus for a spirited ride back home for the night.
Tomorrow we will start to finalize our preparations for our presentation to the parish on March 27 at 9:30am service, and we will participate in the last night of the "revival" at Fr. Sandino's church. (We will try to squeeze in a visit to the Miraculous Caves for those who have not yet experienced them.)
Happy Feast Day Saint Joseph's! Love to all.