Monday update

What a great Easter we had here in Elias Pina. The Easter egg hunt was a blast and the kids giggled and smiled and it brought so much joy to us to be part of that. We were able to do our evening sharing with some of the boys from the Catholic parish. This was such a deep sharing session that many tears were shed by all. We were able to tell them what it is about their country that we think is so beautiful. Most of us mentioned the generosity and love the people have for everyone. After they Dominicans were able to share their opinions of us. Fr Don (a retired priest from the GB diocese who is there visiting) asked the boys if they were envious of us. They were surprised by the question and asked "why" - Fr Don explained because we have whatever we want. Rafael said, "no, there is no reason to be envious, each person is special because God made them special." What a lesson for all of us to learn when we so many time sit in judgment and envy of others. Rafael is 19 years old and had to quit school this year at the university to come home to Elias Pina and work to provide and take care of his 15 year old brother after his mother died (his father died a few years ago). So much faith for a young man who could be very angry with God. He simply says "God is good!"
Today we spent time on the playground during recess time. We also did some laundry and worked in the bakery. We weren't nearly as fast or as good at rolling out the dough as the Dominicans but they taught us and were very patient with us!!
We finally know what we will be doing the rest of the week - tomorrow (Tuesday) we will paint a chapel in one of the many campos in the mountains. Wednesday we will be accompanying Fr Mike to a different campo for Mass and then in the afternoon we will make our way to the home for malnourished children in Las Matas. Thursday morning we will be visiting the Catholic school and then the students will have the afternoon to spend with their families before we end with a pizza party on Thursday night and leave for the capital on Friday morning. Just talking about it makes everyone sad because they know that the time is going to go very fast. We miss everyone back home but we have also come to really love the simple life here and the people we have met have become like a second family to us. We pray for all of you each night as we gather to reflect on our day and pray. We love you all!!