Classes were canceled today because of a teacher meeting they were having for the whole district, but we only found out after driving all the way out to Higuerito. Oh well! Since I have some free time, I can post! Here are some little tidbits of interest from the past week or so:
1. We're having fall weather here! It was cool all day yesterday and I had to sleep with socks and a sweater! It was 62 this morning, and now its almost midday and only 67. Love it.
2. I rode a motorcycle, donning helmet and all. Now, I wasn't driving, so don't get too excited. It was loads of fun, and didn't seem nearly as dangerous as they say, especially where there are basically no other vehicles on the road and just miles of mountains. The interesting thing on a motor cycle is that going uphill is much more fun. Going downhill, you really have to work to keep from sliding forward. Motorcycles are also much smoother rides here than the trucks.
3. I successfully made yummy homemade pizza, which was our Sunday dinner.
In terms of mission work, classes are going well, though I am frustrated with lack of Mass attendance. The rule we have made is that the kids must do two things to be able to receive the Sacrament. a) pay attention in class and pass an oral test given by Fr. OHare or I, and b) go to Mass in their community when it is offered. The kids are doing well in class, and I am confident they know the basics of the faith I have been teaching. But almost no one is going to Mass! The communities were without a priest here for so long that they have little understanding of the importance of the Mass, and of the Blessed Sacrament. They would much more readily go to a prayer service or bible discussion at someone's house than come to Mass. To help encourage them, I am now attending Masses in the communities I teach on Sundays, which make for a busy day. Hopefully this greater presence and some accontability will help them.
Happy Feast of Christ the King on Sunday!!
The trail on the way to La Horqueta, one of the more remote campos in the San Jose parish. We had to leave the truck just after the river and hike up the last 1-2 miles. Great views. The road was originally built by the bishop, but now has deteriorated. The people in La Horqueta were a bit troubled because recent rains have harmed the bean crop. The greatest joy, though, was to witness my first marriage here. A couple in La Horqueta, after having lived together for many many years and raising six kids, they had their marriage blessed by the Church. Fr Murphy and I were both very impressed because the father remembered the birthday and year of each and every one of his children, including the one that died as a baby! (That is not very common here...especially for dads - many people dont even know their own birthdays!)
Chapel in Billiguin...a mountain town with a vibrant community. They even have the Blessed Sacrament reserved in their Church!
Me with some of the people of Pashutico...outside the chapel after Mass.
A bike without pedals or a seat and with wheelchair wheels held on by tire tubes...is still a fun toy if you are a young boy in Billiguin. They alternated between playing with this and playing baseball with a ball and stick.
Orange tree on the trail to La Horqueta.
Oscar and Anardo contemplating the assasination of Cena, our Thanksgiving turkey.
