First: we have experienced over 5 funerals within the past month. I remember back in September, when I was sad I couldn't attend a funeral that Isaac told me not to worry because he would experience many more. Oh, he wasn't wrong.
The first one was the grandfather of two of the girls involved in our parish activities: Marlenis (Teresitas) and Rudylania (Magdalena's Bible Study). The second one was the grandfather/uncle of two Bible Study girls, Yoryina and Migueli. The third one was the brother of one of our parish leaders, Mora from Sabana Cruz. The fifth one was my neighbor and former pharmacy director, Berihuete. The sixth one and most recent one was the stepfather of my good friend and parish catechist, Kuky.
These events led me to think of the meaning of life, death and heaven. I’m sure the kids were wondering the same. Thus, for our last youth group meeting in Sabana Cruz, we had the teenagers think about death as a result of our fallen nature. We talked about Adam and Eve, their separation from God after they disobeyed him, and how their decision affects us today. Of course we brought Jesus into the picture! We told the kids that God didn’t stay angry at humanity; rather, He loved us SO much He sent us His only son to redeem us from our sins. Not only did Jesus forgive our sins, but He also opened the gates of heaven for us. So, now we are able to go to Heaven!
But what is Heaven? Their responses were what you would expect: a place where there is a lot of love, and peace; a place where you can rest, and meet those who have gone before you. If heaven is the ideal place to be, then what are we doing to be worthy of entering such a place? We asked them to think about all those things that are preventing them from going to heaven and to write them down in small pieces of paper. After a few minutes, I played a song called Te Extrañaré by Tercer Cielo which is a dialogue-like song between a guy who tells the girl that he misses her, and she tells him not to worry, that she is in a better place where she can finally rest (it’s a beautiful song, I recommend it!). We then made a fire where we burned the pieces of paper with those things preventing us from going to heaven. It was one of my favorite youth group meetings!
Second: It was DR’s Independence Day on February 27th. Mairin and I have been working on a Ribbon Dancing Club since late January (with no previous experience!). I had the privilege to pick our first song which is called El Amor by Tito el Bambino.
The girls worked so hard for about a month, which paid off during their performance on February 26th. Everyone loved it! Mairin and I were so proud of our girls! Here are a few pictures and a short video of their performance :)
Finally: We have hosted three college groups so far: Marymount, Christendom, and Coast Guard. Marymount and Coast Guard spent their week up in the mountains with Fr. Murphy’s parish. Between both groups, they were able to build and paint chapels. Christendom, on the other hand, made latrines for one of our communities called Mamoncito. They did an amazing job, and now 7 families get to use a bathroom! It’s really neat seeing college students serve during their Spring Breaks. I now it first-hand it is a rewarding experience.
Please pray for those girls who have experienced the loss of a loved one, especially Marlenis, Rudilania, Yoryina, Migueli, and Kuky.
Also, pray for our future team of volunteers. We currently have two people who have expressed interest in serving within the next year, but they need our prayers and support!
