PENTECOST
We celebrated the feast of Pentecost, the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples, by holding an all-night vigil May 30-31, from a 9:00 pm service in the church to a closing mass at 5:15 am (I was impressed that Father Carlos was up for it -- I myself was falling asleep in the pew). The light ceremony during the opening service is shown below (I helped make the styrofoam flames).
Other activities to pass the night included group games in the patio, a music concert with Roger and other guys from the parish, a talk and small group project, and a bonfire in which we alternated singing songs with people sharing prayers/testimonies(see below, and more photos at link at right). We had a great turnout, about 80+ people (even a dozen or so adults from the community) started and we finished with over 60 tired folks at 6:00 am. It was a first of its kind event in the parish, and was organized by JUMIFRA in conjunction with the Carismatic Renewal group at the parish.
WINTER
It`s refreshingly cooler these days, some days sunny and others a bit cloudy. Our electric shower head provided luxurious hot showers for about a week and a half before giving out, so we`ve resigned ourselves to do without. Courtney and Julie opt to heat a bit of water on the stove, and Jane and I just tough it out and try to shower at warmer times of day if possible.
PROGRESO MARKET
Big local news is the impending closure of Progreso Market, the colorful but unsanitary and chaotic open air market where we buy fish, vegetables, and most other food. It apparently is all city land, gradually confiscated by squatters over the years and now the city is opening a new market at another site and for a couple days last week cleared everybody out -- though at least for the moment the stalls have returned as of a couple days ago. The small-time sellers will not be allowed in the new market, so there is a lot of consternation and protest -- and for us it might be a lot more inconvenient to shop soon.
That`s it for now, will fill in more gaps soon. God bless.
