This morning we walked to the mission's reforestation project and worked on a variety of jobs. The people here are full of ideas about how to use and reuse resources to make a better life. Instead of burning old trees, they are cut into spoons and other implements. Young people in the community are given jobs making and smoothing the spoons. This is not an easy task - several of us spent the morning sanding spoons. Others moved dirt to create a compost heap under the watchful eye of our young supervisors, Eduardo and Ober, both age 13.
After lunch we took a boat across Lake Atitlan to a nearby community, San Antonio Palopo. This is a country of great contrasts - many live in great poverty but we passed elaborate lakeside mansions on our way. San Antonio Palopo is known for colorful weaving and distinctive pottery. We hiked up to the church on the hill to enjoy the view of the lake.
This afternoon we learned more about the history of the mission from Chona, the long-time head of the kitchen and some of the challenges this community has faced since the death of Father Greg Schaeffer.
After a dinner of hamburgers and pasta, we celebrated Jack and Shirley's birthdays with a huge chocolate cake. We just rehearsed our two songs for tomorrow's very early mass. At the 11 am service we celebrate the baptism of Everth with Julie as madrina (godmother) and are invited to join the family for lunch afterward.
We remember the communities of Gloria Dei and Salem as loved ones are named and celebrated.
More pictures tomorrow.
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