August 10-17, 2006
Ten parishioners left for our Church’s Venezuelan Mission Trip. This mission trip’s three-part focus is on school children activities; medical planning support and development; and new businesses to provide jobs. Included below are experiences and insights collected from those who participated.
August 16, 2006 - Email from Kevin Brink
Hello to everyone. We are sorry this took so long to send, but as you can imagine, access to computers is limited.
We made it safe and sound on Friday night. Interestingly, this trip started with many festive activities. Friday night at 10 00 (sorry this keyboard is very different in finding anything other than letters and I cant find many punctuation marks or symbols, I can{t find a colon for 10 o[clock, or an apostrophe) we went to a girls{ 15 year birthday party. On Saturday we went to a wedding and on Sunday we had the dedication of the new Parish Center (it{s BEAUTIFUL) followed by a 5 hours festival in the middle of the day. All had much dancing and music. We will tell you all about it when we return.
Monday started with work in the barrios. So far we have put a roof on a house (we had lots of foreman!), worked in the soup kitchen for kids, worked at a daycare center and have toured various houses, and places which have MANY needs. The challenge is to prioritize as there is not nearly enough money to solve everything.
One of the highlights is traveling and spending time with Father Tom McCabe, Father Tim{s replacement in January. He is a fabulously spiritual man. He seems very excited about bringing his talents and time to help with a very serious situation. More on him when we return. Also, we have been spending time with Bishop Pates, Father Patrick (I can{t remember his last name but he was the priest here before Father Greg for many years). Trust me, Bishop Pates is tired of us asking for more Archdiocese help and resources!
Please continue to pray for us and our safe return. Rest assured that we are praying for you daily. We return late Thursday night and can{t wait to see you all and share our experiences with you.
God Bless you all,
Kevin L. Brink
|
