Last day in San Lucas

Today is our last day in San Lucas.  We have been busy since our last blog post!

First, something we didn't write about on Friday: Meeting all of the students that Salem sponsors!  We met with 15 students at a restaurant in town.  They were all so polite and quiet.  They each told us a little bit about themselves and the things they like to study.  It was very impressive that they all showed up to meet us, because it is summer break here.  A few of the students gave us weavings they have made for our church as a thank you gift.

Yesterday was also an important day.  We sang in church at the early mass (and even got applause), and because they song we sang (Shall We Gather at the River) is appropriate for baptisms, we also sang it later at the baptism service.  Julie, a member of our group was a stand-in Madrina (God Mother) for Salem member Betty B.  After the baptism, we were invited back to the home of Toribio's family for a celebration lunch.  The lunch was amazing, and traditional soup called 'Pepian' which is chicken, rice, and corn in a tomoato based gravy.  It was very wonderful to be invited into this family's home to share the day with them.

Today we went back to the community where we were building stoves to finish the job.  The families warmed up a little more to us today because it was our second time visiting.  The kids at one of the houses were very interested in taking photos with our cameras, and based on the photos below we think they did a pretty good job!

We finished two of the stoves today!  The money that we sent for two more stoves, will be used by local stove builders to build the other two stoves for two more families that need them this month.


Tomorrow we will head to Antigua for some sightseeing (there are very interesting church ruins in the town) and a final meal before we head back on Wednesday.  This has been a fun trip, and we have learned and experienced a lot, but we miss our home congregations and are ready to be home!