July 20th-30th, 2007

Saturday, July 21st- The First Full Day of the Delegation

The first full day of Delegation ’07 began with breakfast and an opening meeting in the Upper Room. As she has on so many occasions, Leslie Knoblauch generously provided a lovely meal for Sister Parish folks. Alba, a third-time delegate, moved participants with her personal story of violent realities of Guatemala’s civil war reaching her community when she was eleven years old. Alba expressed her appreciation for the fulfilling relationships she has built with the St. Joan’s-TNII Sister Parish community.

At midday, it was on to the Red Ribbon Ride in Nerstrand, MN. While some members of the caravan stopped for ice cream, others “took the scenic route” through Northfield; but alas, the group united at the final pit stop of day three of the Red Ribbon Ride. The dedicated ride crew supported and entertained riders with their cheers, creative Dr. Seuss costumes, directions to food, and critical information (ie. 10 miles and 2 big hills left for the day). Michael Branigan recruited strangers and friends alike to share their stories with the delegation about why they participated in the Red Ribbon Ride.

Pulling away from the pit stop, Padre Juan Rene said with conviction: “before I die, I want to do a ride like that.” On the ride back to St. Joan’s Padre revealed that his hobbies include futbol and basketball and that he has a deep appreciation for the film “Nacho Libre”.

Next, the group reconvened at St. Joan’s for reflection followed by a welcome party in Hospitality Hall. After a couple hours of vibrant conversation and potluck indulgence, Claire Branigan and Alba stimulated the group’s blood flow with the simon-says-be-a-plant game. Perhaps not surprisingly, Juan Carlos, Alba’s husband, made it to the final round of competition.

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Jenny Linane is an active member of the Sister Parish Committee and was on the 2004 delegation to Tierra Nueva Dos.