October

I went home for a wonderful visit with family and friends. The Riehle Crew – all but Hunter.

November

The five deanery parishes met for a day getting to know each other. I trained a group of 25 youth to facilitate games. We heard 350 could show, fortunately only 250 came. In this activity, the young people need to work together to move the trolleys. It looks much easier then it is. Believe it or not the group on the left reached the goal first.

The Soy Project

I went out to the small community of Chiltupan for a train the trainer workshop on Soy. Some of you may recognize the flip chart on the left. Because of your donations we were able create it along with a manual that will help educate many communities not only about soy, but also how to eat a good diet.

Thanksgiving

Kim and I were responsible for the Turkey. We had the Maryknoll community over to our house for a scrumptuas meal.

The School of Creativity Camp-out

Each year courses are offered in dance, flute, guitar, creative writing, and drawing (last year I taught trumpet lessons) for 10 weeks to the children in the parish. At the end of the classes there is a camp-out. Each kid was given a bedroll to carry on their pilgrimage to the camp-ground. A part of the pilgrimage was to stop by to visit and pray at the chapel of Our Lady of Guadalupe. We had a good ole time singing and marching on our journey. Once we got to the place they were staying we had a few hours of playing. They loved the parachute games.

Christmas with the Elderly
We had over 270 elderly show up at the Christmas party. They enjoyed a chicken dinner, dancing and were so excited to get their gift of a bottle of shampoo and conditioner.

Often the elderly are the caretakers for their grandchildren. We had at least 20 kids that came that day as well. They enjoyed a plate of spaghetti and a tortilla.

Feliz Cumpliaños

On December 5th I celebrated 40 years of life.
One of the traditions here is to have the person take a bite out of the cake. You will notice the hand moving close to my head. Fortunately I only got a little on my nose. You got to be quick or you will get your whole face pushed into the cake.

Visiting Homes

The week before Christmas we visited many folks in their homes. This is one of my favorite things to do here. We were able to give each household a bag of beans, corn, sugar, dried potatoes and soy flour. Each kid also received a sweater. They were so excited to pick out what color they liked best. A few of them have them on in the picture.

Santa came to visit!
The Photo Project

Thanks to all of those who donated a camera, memory card, or financial donation. I have trained a few young people to use the cameras. Our first fundraiser was to take pictures with Santa. It was a great hit. All the money made will help purchase things that are needed; food, medicines, shoes, etc.

The Posadas
Each community entered the church with the baby Jesus. The little drummer boy showed up as well. It was an exciting evening.

Los Extrañeros- The Foreigners

Following Christmas Eve Mass everyone went back to their home to celebrate and share a meal with their families. Those from other countries came together in the house of the Carmelites.

Pictured from left to right: Pedro(Argentina), Fr. Amilio (Mexico), Steve (Ohio), Me (Indiana), Rogerlio(Mexico), Nato (Mexico).

Two thumbs up for friendship and fellowship, thumbs down on the Turkey. It was not cooked well enough. Three people got sick from it.

A Year as Housemates!

My housemate Kim and I at Devils Door. A beautiful look-out point just outside of the city. A year ago this month she came to live in community with me. We are looking forward to another gracefilled year as missioners.

Happy New Year!