| Schedule of Activities | |
 8:30 am-12:30 pm: Masses
and Homily at SJA Gym; Youth with preschool Afternoon: Time with host
families 6 pm: Going away party and potluck
at SJA. Parishioners encouraged to
join!! 7-8:30 pm: Dancing at SJA. Parishioners encouraged to
join!! |
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Today was the frosting on the cake! Our awesome
liturgies at the 9 and 11 o'clock masses were a true tribute to
our loving, working relationship with the delegates. Aura, with
the interpretation of Ruth and the narration of Carol told us
about the delegates desires for peace and the important steps
we as Americans can make to help insure their peace. They
reflected on love of neighbor through acts of kindness and
solidarity. Then the delegation sang two wonderful songs with
their eyes full of smiles. I couldn't help but wonder if the
trombone was an instrument that they hear at their mass
celebrations. It was beautiful! As usual everyone got into
singing and clapping and the delegates seemed to marvel at all
of the ways there are to celebrate.
Candle sales and card sales took place and enough money was raised to insure that the delegates could reenter their country. Parishioners were eager to buy the items and support our Sister Parish. The comments from the parishioners were wonderful, as they felt that they had learned something about another part of the world where life is different and the same.
The afternoon was precious time spent with host families and then onto the farewell potluck at SJA Hospitality Room.
The party was a ball with lots of cool
decorations, and immense amounts of great food. There were 20
pizzas and a million brownies and cookies and Coca Cola so the
sugar high was just what was needed for the party to start
rolling. Tim and Mary Beth's little girl in her native
Guatemalan dress was absolutely darling.
Louise presented the host families with candles
and all involved were thanked for their commitment to the
Sister Parish Committee. Susan received a lovely plant for
being the coordinator extraordinaire. The dance party steps of
David Laufer were way fun and everybody joined in. Right before
take-off, the delegates entertained us with a traditional
courting dance in costume. Even Jessie, one of our own youth
delegates performed this dance
The night tied up with "Good Night
Irene, Good Night Irene." All of the delegates were most
gracious in their warm good byes and hugs. They were off to a
goodnight's sleep and early plane boarding with visions of SJA
dancing in their heads.
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Decklynn Theisen is
a first year member of the SJA Sister Parish
Committee.
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