Note: Joint committee meetings were held on July 21, 24 and 28 while the delegation from TN2 was at St. Joan's. The minutes of all three of these meetings are included below.
From TN2: Alba, Juan Carlos, Padre Juan René and Alejandro
From SJA: Ross, Katharine, Michael, Louise, Claire, Pat, Mindy and Joel
We spent the first several minutes of the meeting simply talking and getting to know one another. Some people shared stories. Alba, for example, told about her memories of coming to Guatemala City from San Marcos (in the west of Guatemala) at 13 years of age.
Leslie lead us through the delegation schedule, and before we knew it, the time reserved for the meeting was almost over. We took a break and toured the gym which was still set up for Camp St. Joan. The theme was Mexico, and there was much to talk about as we recalled what we knew of Mexican history in response to the great decorations.
We discussed the things we wanted to accomplish during the joint Sister Parish committee meetings during the rest of the delegation. The most important things we wanted to discuss were:
We adjourned quickly so the delegates could proceed to the Red Ribbon Ride site.
From TN2: Alba, Juan Carlos, Padre Juan René, Alejandro and Shannon (via teleconference)
From SJA: Mindy, Ross, Rick, Michael, Louise and Leslie
We decided to look at the purses and other things Alba and Juan Carlos brought at the meeting on Saturday. We were undecided as to what candles or other things to order at the present time. We suggested that there be some smaller things to give people a wider range of donation possibilities.
Eluvia will be coming. The details of the visit will be worked on during the Saturday meeting.
The Women's Group is still working with the funds from last year. Alejandro will send the Women's Group report in Spanish.
The Scholarship Group reported that they need the second half of the funding for the year since funds are running low. We discussed the process of sending funds and how to keep track of who gets what support. Mindy will update the budget report for Saturday's meeting.
Ross will send an email to the SP list and ask for first come/first served response to the dinner at the Blue Nile.
We decided that the committee will not meet on August 1st. The next committee meeting will be on August 22nd when Eluvia is be nere.
Ross will send out an email reminding people of Saturday's committee meeting.
From TN2: Alba, Juan Carlos, Padre Juan René and Alejandro
From SJA: Mindy, Ross, Rick, Louise, Judy, Ashley, Claire, Pat, Bernie, Avis and Leslie
Louise brought some fabric and we all participated in making a prayer blanket dduring the meeting to go back with the delegation to be a tangible sign of our prayers and support for those in TN2 who need it. We were all thinking especially of Estela and her family at this time.
We received a book of art and letters from the Scholarship Group, a report from the Women's Group, a report from the Scholarship Group and a report from the Youth Group. We passed around these items and discussed them.
Alejandro translated the report from the Women's Group and we discussed it. Alba said we don't owe them any money for the candles. She also reported that the new kitchen is done except for painting. They have the paint, but no time.
We watched the Youth Group DVD which contained pictures of the alfombra they made.
Alejandro translated the report from the Scholarship Group. The group needs $1326 for scholarships for the rest of the school year. Mindy will check our records and send what's needed. We will also send some for the women's group if they need it.
The Youth Group is needing to come up with new ideas to attract more members. We'll have more discussion on this during the August 22nd meeting. Ross will invite the new SJA youth director to the meeting. This is also a topic that Eluvia has an interest in.
The Walk for Justice will be on September 16th at Boom Island. Louise presented the purpose of the walk and the process for people to volunteer for it. It can be used to raise money for Sister Parish. If we get several volunteers we would be able to raise a substantial amount of money for the organization.
Eluvia will come to Mpls with Louise and fly back to Guatemala on August 27th. We will pay the cost of her visit. Ross will coordinate the visit.
The next meeting will be August 22nd, while Eluvia is here.