APDO. Postal No. 13, C.P. 76270
Colon, Queretaro, Mexico
To dial phone direct from U.S. 011 52 419 292 0248
Direct FAX from U.S. 011 52 419 292 0046
Mexico: LADA (91-419292) 0248
DEAR FRIENDS AND BENEFACTORS:
June/July 2003
A SHARED THOUGHT
Every one in a while, very notably after a couple of weeks dealing with serious problems with our "wild kids". Meetings, heavy decisions etc., my mind really begins to ramble somewhat. That is my present condition. It is not a time when I should be writing this letter, but if I don't they will be shutting off the electricity, beans will be left out of the daily diet and worst of all the 65 teachers, cooks, workers won't be able to feed their children either , so here we go, may the good Lord enlighten me. I would like to back-track a bit and repeat the best definition of faith that I am aware of "Faith means that you want God and want to want nothing else" This is what every saint lived. Think about that for a while, or even a bit longer and than look into your heart and mind and examine your life style. The first thought, if you are serious about your relationship with God you immediately should shout out: "Lord, increase my faith. For I am only living a superficial life of self-deception". If we have just a slight concept of what we will be faced with for all eternity, this thought will be motivational for the thinking person. Somewhat God fearing I would say! Yet we have the tendency to ignore He who created me, sustains me, gives me the capacity to love and serve. And besides all of these unmerited gifts, he died on a miserable cross to save us.
A few years back a gentleman dropped by Santa Maria looking for food and lodging. After talking to him, I found out that he was some what of an artist. I asked him if he could paint a life size Moses and Abraham on the walls, he said he would like to try if I could give him some Ideas. They turned out to be a "mini-master pieces" These two men are my old testament heros. Moses, the great lawyer and Abraham the great man of faith. (Just in passing, I might relate that the artist had a conversion during the time of this painting). The story of Abraham moves me every time I read it. God intervened sending the angel to prevent this sacrifice of his beloved son, yet when God the Father, his loving Father had the chance to do the same with Jesus as he cried out. "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me". What did our father do? For the love of the likes of you and me, to paraphrase what he said was similar to this "My heart is bursting with pain and sorrow, but my love for you knows no limits, take him, kill him that you may have life" The love-faith of Abraham of God was a complete, absolute commitment to God and God's love for us very, very full of our human feelings. You are, we are, so important to him and his love is without conditions not like our love, filled with so many conditions. In closing I would Just like to sum this brief thought on faith by stating that without this faith, not that plastic faith that is so popular today. We would be like wild animals living in the jungle. Don't join them. Pray for them. Faith is life, energy, motivation, desire, love, joy and every thing else that God is and one day we will be!
OUR SISTERS ON TWO WEEK RETREAT AND MEETINGS.
We all had the joy of Sister Mary Angelica's religious profession on July 15th in Robstown, TX. Sister M. Angelica was a product of our program and afterwards went to Rome for more studies. She is a real "gem" like the rest of our sisters. They do wonders with our children. They are a real blessing.
VOLUNTEERS FROM SAN ANTONIO TX.
A wonderful group of 15 hard working, dedicated men and women spent a week here in the "Nursing Home" repairing the roofs and painting them with a seal and painting all the rooms of our guests, visiting with the elderly and playing with the children. This is the second year that Rick and Shirley Jones led this expedition. A Scout group of San Antonio worked on many projects during the year, car washing, garage sales etc. and presented us with a $3000 US check. A wonderful group indeed.
SECONDARY SCHOOL RESTORATION.
Today is July 23. Our goal is to have functioning our new Secondary School August 18th when the children return from vacation. Our workers did an outstanding job. It is really a beautiful product that I am sure God is well pleased with it. The group from Colorado, Le Roy Salazar and friends of Santa Maria in suppling some $30,000 dollars, a week of work and giving all of us a great thrill having them around. Le Roy's wife, Michelle also brought down a wonderful group of young adults. Friends are a great blessing indeed.
GRADUATION DAY.
This is always a great joy for the entire staff. Our celebrations are always 1st class. Lots of singing, dancing and play acting and awards presented .Out of the schools in our sector which has 16 schools, we rate #2. There were some 60 graduating, a good size number for us. Now they will be entering preparatories, universities and others in vocational schools. They all send to each of you their sincere appreciation for making this dream come true.
VISITOR FROM COLORADO. A FREQUENT VISITOR.
June Bausipan visited us from Col. Spring and remained for one month. It was a real work month for her as I didn't have another bi-lingual person. June was able to go through all of Fr. John's papers, documents etc. And sending all valuable documentation to the Dioces of Atlanta, Ga. June moves around like she has roller skates on. You just make it a point to stay out of her way. She always brings much joy and laughter to all of our elderly and children.
AND MORE VISITORS FROM WISCONSIN
We had also the pleasure of having Sarah and Molly Martin visiting and working with the children for an entire month. I wish to quote my brother Ray from California who was visiting here at the same time. "Sarah and Molley Martin are two young ladies who are breathtaking overwhelming and paralyzing whom all the children fell deeply in love with". I might just add that they also are blackbelt karate winners.
Thank you very much and lots of love and hugs from all of us to each of you. Children, Sisters, staff, Father John and Fr. Cliff Norman.