| Day 4 (Tuesday, March 4, 2008) - DATELINE: CUERNAVACA |
After a great breakfast that included atole (a drinkable form of oatmeal) we headed to Holy Trinity,
our worksite. We traveled with Bishop Delgado and his son, Luis in the Suburban donated by Saint Dunstan’s
several years ago.
Fr. Ralph paints the Marcel Marceau Memorial window.
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We were fascinated by what followed. The bishop has an artistic eye. When he saw the trim color that had been
purchased, he was not happy. It was a dark brick color, way too dark for the bishop’s taste. Over the period of
about two hours there was a lot of negotiating with the rector and a professional painter. They painted trial
patches, then mixed and mixed some more. Finally, everyone was happy! I was so proud of the bishop for the way
he negotiated, when he had the authority to dictate. It was a great lesson in gracious leadership!
One odd incident caused us to worry about Fr. Ralph. He swears he saw a bull running down the street in front
of the church. No one else saw this apparition! Had he fallen asleep and dreamed this? Was it some kind of holy
vision – after all, he is a priest! We decided to play it safe, so we immediately made him get in out of the sun.
Better wipe up quick before Karen sees what you did to her ledge!
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I, Bob, had a great conversation with Fr. Ivan this morning. He shared how he was eager to evangelize his
community, but really didn’t have a model to follow. He asked how we evangelize, and I was able to give him
some insight. Fr. Ivan is an amazing man. He and his wife own a house in another state. They basically live on
the rent that they receive from that house. He has advanced degrees in music and theology. His music training
was classical. He sings opera, plays piano, violin and cello. But he said today that their life is given to God
to help people, not to make money. He called his work an investment in peoples’ lives. May his tribe increase!
Today, we completed all the interior and exterior walls. We painted ‘till we could paint no more. We cleaned up
our brushes, and just as we were leaving, the night shift came in. This crew was made up exclusively of church
members. They all greeted us and thanked us and offered us cookies. They got right to work cleaning up the floors.
They are proud of their church.
Don Camilo does initial diabujos design work.
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Rev. Gillian and John Ball invited us to their home this evening. It was wonderful evening getting to know them
and another couple from their church.
I feel so blessed to be part of our team! Marilynn is a bundle of enthusiasm. She is so gracious,
and as she puts it, is always ready to step and fetch. David works hard, makes us all laugh, and touches
us deeply with his music and the sharing of his life story. Karen is a trooper! She is an amazing worker!
She has artistic skills that make her a world-class painter. Fr. Ralph works way too hard – remember, he sees
bulls! And I, Bob, am far too humble to tell you what an asset I am!
Keep us in your prayers.
Yours because of Jesus Christ,
Bob – for all of us
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Click here for more great photos from the mission trip to Cuernavaca.
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On to Mission Trip Day 5...
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