A blessed day!

Dear Friends in Christ -
It's Sunday morning, and having just finished a walk on the beach, I'm sitting in the breeze under grey skies and a thatched roof preparing for this morning's worship and writing to you.

We spent the whole day in Tacusa yesterday.  On the drive there from our hotel, we stopped at the church of San Marco, an Episcopal church where there is now no congregation.  It's a long story, but it's sufficient to say that the former bishop (before Wilfrido) damaged many,many things through his bad choices.

When we arrived in Tacusa, the community greeted us with joy.  The children came out in droves, curious and expectant.  We spent the morning playing games with them and singing songs.  They have been learning English, and loved to show off their skills, saying the colors and numbers in English as we said them in Spanish.  We had a conversation with them about what they like about their community!  Muy interesante!

The workmen worked on the church all day while we were there.  We watched them mix cement by hand and set all the footings.  By the end of the day they even had some of the rebar supports up.  Their goal is to have it finished by Dec. 23, the 50th anniversary of their town and the 30th anniversary of their church community.

Another amazing feast for lunch (chicken soup, crab, longostino - HUGE shrimp, lobster, ceviche, roasted plantains and rice) was followed by a walk down to the beach with the children.  

Then La Misa - the worship service.  Worship was held in the school building because it was the biggest building in town, and people gathered inside and outside.  Padre Raul asked me to concelebrate with him (a real honor, as he is a very important priest here, an assistant to the bishop).  El servicio todo en Espanol, pero no es un problem para mi!  Gloria a Dios!

When it was time for the baptisms, four members of our team became godparents.  One mother asked particularly that the Reverenda Janet be the godmother for her daughter, Farami, and I joyfully accepted.

Then it was time for me to bless the cornerstone of the new church. What a joy!  And we stood in the midst of the construction and prayed and shared and celebrated.  Afterward, the community shared a treat with us - they cut open coconuts for each of us to drink from.  Deliciosa!

All of this was followed by a brief rest at our hotel, a delicious dinner of steak and seafood and a walk along the beachfront, which was pulsing with life!

A truly blessed day!

Today, worship with another community and return over the mountains to Quito!

We're praying with you today as you pray!

Blessings, 
Janet+