Construction is Everywhere

Construction still reigns in front of our house. The traffic and dog noise has been exchanged with sounds of a motorized water pump and bulldozers that run all hours. Almost zero trash accumulates in front of the house now but it has been replaced by a four foot high wall of dirt that spills right onto our door step and runs the length of our house. Getting in and out of the house has proven similar to mounting an expedition. We anticipate being without running water in the house for another 3 weeks. Standing in line for water has been an interesting time to get to know our neighbors and probably the single most influence that has made me feel in solidarity with the poor. Now, more than three months into my mission, I feel ready to let some of the creature comforts go, so the sacrifice is not as painful as you might think.

We are taking in many cultural traditions. December 8th is the feast day of the Immaculate Conception and a national holiday which speaks to the importance of Mary in the community. Advent, in Peru, is a time of reflection and preparation similar to the to the journey one takes during Lent. I have already been on two different retreats with the parish. The most recent retreat allowed me to escape from the construction. It took place at Paz & Bien, a retreat center thirty minutes on foot from our parish. It is green. On the same land, the Franciscans maintain a small organic farm with vegetables and cui. I have pictures under "Marcelle's photos" link on the right.

December is a tight budget month for everyone. Many families in our home health program have elected to rescind services this month in order to save money for the season. A company Christmas party often requires the employee to pay for his own plate. One last tradition- the chocolotada. It may be ninety degrees outside, but most Peruvians would not consider it Christmas if they did not have their hot chocolate in hand with a slice of Paneton which is similar to fruit cake.

We have hope this season. Thanks largely to the efforts of Todd and Julie who solicited for funds last year in the U.S., the construction has started on the youth center for the parish. Yea! It will be several months but we all look forward to having additional space to host activities for the parish youth.