Love...

The last month and a half have been some of the most fulfilling of my life. The groups we have had here have brought with them compassion, and eagerness to learn, full enthusiasm, fun energy, and love. Here is a journal entry I wrote after we had 2 wonderful groups in a row:
When they arrived, I told them that I was happy to have them, that I was excited to meet them, but little did I know how much joy they would add to my life. I didn't fully appreciate the moment that they arrived. I hardly ever do. When a new group comes in, I am excited, anxious, overwhelmed with a lot of new names and faces. I often don't realize how incredibly beautiful the gift is that is about to unfold before me. As the days go by, we laugh, we cry, we learn, and we are transformed. We are changed by one another, we are changed by everyone we meet. By the end of the week, I know the faces, I know the names, they have revealed their hearts, and I desperately don't want them to go. I have fallen in love with everyone. When they are gone, I receive emails, photos, heartfelt essays, and I cry. I am so blessed to be here. I am so blessed to have been taught and touched by so many hearts.

It is funny how I have the same experience over and over. Each time I am nervous, and by the end, each time, I fall in love.

Lately I have been picking up the guitar more often. I am learning new songs, but still have too much stage fright to play them effortlessly. I need more practice. I did play one of my favorite songs, "Imagine" for a group´s final liturgy here. Today I said goodbye to 54 teens and their teachers. Who would have thought that a group of 54 teens would be so much fun? Last night we had our final reflections and liturgy. Their words of appreciation for the experience, for all the people they met, and for all our gifts from God were clearly sincere. I thank God for this work, that at times brings me to tears of gratitude and joy. I am so fortunate to play a role in such an important experience in these young adults lives. Here are some photos taken by students over the last month and a half:

This photo is taken from a final liturgy ceremony where several students read poems or reflections on their experiences here with us. We sang "Imagine" together, being reminded that we are "not the only one" that wants peace and brother and sisterhood of all in this world.

Visiting our friends, and a new mural!

When the group from Chicago was here , we visited our friends that live in a very indigenous village. Here I am in this photo, with the woman that made my shirt, as well as a skirt I gave my niece.
In this photo is a group of ladies that we have befriended. One is a social worker that set up a now fully functioning cooperative with the women. They sew clothing, make pottery, and have a bakery. The women each tell us their stories of how they became involved in the cooperative, and how it helps them to make a living for their families.

In this photo, one of our visitors takes a photo of the boys, and they love to see their photo in this tiny camera.
In the last week, we had work done on our pool, as well as a mural was painted for us. Two men from Canada, Collin and Bob, came for a week and a half to paint this beautiful mural. Here are some photos of the process...

And here is the finished product over the newly tiled pool. In the middle are the two men from Canada that created and painted this beautiful mural. Please click this photo so you can see it larger and get a more real sense of what it looks like!