God's Minute

To say that life has been an adventure this past couple weeks is an understatement.  Last week I was in Chile and this week I am in Lima, before I head back to the mission in Otuzco.  But really the past couple weeks have been mission as well.

Santiago, Chile: Visiting kids who are on kidney dialysis with Hermana Leti

We played games with them all afternoon, while that sat in their chairs for dialysis.  It was a really powerful experience...just letting them be kids, even though they are sick...they do not often have this opportunity.

Talca, Chile: The Marianist Sisters in Talca 

from L to R- Marcela, Carmen, yo, Adelia y Patty

I had the opportunity to visit with some CLM folks in Chile too...but didn't have time to snap a pic

It is such a blessing to see the Charism in action in other parts of the world

Talca, Chile: Visiting the Brothers before class 

Santiago, Chile: Part of the Marianist Sisters Community 

from L to R

yo, Asuncion, Leticia, Carolina

This is the chapel in the Sister's House, I love the carving and getting to spend some time with Asuncion who is 90 years old and 70 years of Religious Life was pretty cool too

Santiago, Chile: Taking to the streets to feed the homeless a late night meal 

These folks were so pumped to share their lives with us and were excited to be on camera!

Santiago, Chile: The tomb of Padre Alberto Hurtado, the second Chilean saint 

His witness to justice and work are truly inspiring

Callao, Peru: Festijoven...here is Chami...this was a gathering of teens from all around the Callao area, the Movimiento Marianista had about 50 teens there

Lima, Peru: Circuio Magico, this park had water works which lit up at night...

It was a really incredible visit

Callao, Peru: Part of the Brothers Community

John, yo, Hno Santy

Through all these adventures and others which I did not capture on camera (Mass in the prison, meeting various Marianist Family members and attending CLM meetings, sharing photos with the Sisters about culture and sharing stories) I have been learning about what a good friend of mine calls "God's Minute".  I strive to grasp God's presence in every person I meet, even if it is just for a minute.  I am called to show God's love through smiles, hand shakes, kisses on the cheek, listening, praying, sharing a meal/pan (bread)/cafe.  I must live my life enjoying people for who they are, as they are.  I have to embrace laughter whenever there are large differences and to keep the faith even when some Church people are not faithful to serving God's people.  Looking forward, yet remaining present to my here and now, must be my daily mission.