A trip to the Amazon

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Father, send now Your Spirit over the earth. Let the Holy Spirit live in the hearts of all nations, that they may be preserved from degeneration, disaster and war. May the Lady of All Nations, who once was Mary, be our Advocate. Amen.

Hey, all...peace...

Well, off we went to the edge of the Amazon this week. We headed out (Maribeth, Jim, Co, and I) to explore the possibility of having the Franciscan University medical mission go to this location in Ecuador when they come in March. It was a blessed trip, and it could be a truly amazing thing to have the mission group there. Highlights? Swimming in the Rio Napo and meeting a really beautiful bunch of mission priests. Oh, need I mention having a monkey climb all over me? (Check out the new pictures I posted.) This area, especially the pueblos deeper into the jungle, is really quite isolated. How amazing to have the chance to make the sacrifice to come serve these people, with hearts full of Christ´s love and medical attention.

The majority of my week was spent traveling, and although I love everywhere I have visited in Ecuador, it was great to come back to the Santuario. We arrived just in time to celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, a beautiful celebration of Our Lady...not to mention, two new misioneras made their consecration to the Lord and the community and another group of young people received their First Communion.

This weekend there is also a group of Ecuadorian seminarians staying with us. As impromptu as can be, the priest they came with asked me to share my testimony with them. It was such a beautiful thing. With Maribeth and Jim as well, we ended chatting with them for quite a bit...what is cooler than hanging out with future priests. :) Let us pray for our priests worldwide! What a vocation!

Well, the sun is shining this Sunday afternoon in December. Wild not to have snow or cold...but it is Advent time nonetheless, as we await Christmas when Christ is born anew in our hearts. And all is blessed.

My love from afar...

LOVE,
m