APDO. Postal No. 13, C.P. 76270
Colon, Queretaro, Mexico
To dial phone direct from U.S. 011 52 429 20245
Direct FAX from U.S. 011 52 429 20046
Mexico: LADA (91-429) 20248
DEAR FRIENDS AND BENEFACTORS:
June/July 2002
A SHARED THOUGHT:
I would venture to say that all of us harbor fear in our hearts or at least the fear of fear. Another possibility of fear that we have is that we most likely will continue to have some fear in our hearts for the rest of our lives. Fear is inevitable and only the very holy will be without it. (Thank God I don't know any of them because if I did, I would find them as somewhat irrational and difficult to deal with). Some fear is avoidable and other fear is unavoidable. The unavoidable must be made known and with the grace of God, forget about them. Example, what if my wife dies before me? There isn't much that you can do to avoid such events if it so happens. Just try loving her more each day and thanking God for the gift of her being given to you by God.
I would guess that each one of us probably makes about 40-50 mistakes each day. Mostly little things, such as ignoring God and the wonders of His creation, the universe in general. Passing up opportunities to go out of your way to life up a person who is just waiting to be hugged or smiled upon. Encouraging children by saying that they are beautiful and intelligent but that they can do better because you believe in them. I could go on and on but it might be just a wonderful opportunity for you to grow as an individual or better yet, as a family. If you occasionally have a family prayer and each one relating how he/she could make life more beautiful for oneself or better yet how one could make it a beautiful world and life for someone else. Children come up with some of the most profound ideas! I love this part of it because I know that the Holy Spirit is then working. They live mostly without fear. By avoiding fear one is on the road to freedom. What is freedom? There are many answers to this, such as finding the Truth, which is Jesus. I like to think of real freedom as an unconditional love for the Blessed Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. What a wonderful gift that would be and only God can give it. I ask for it everyday, but the good Lord doesn't just easily grant it. It must be fought for, begged for, cried for and perhaps most difficult of all, one must be detached from all material and physical beings. Jesus said it and He meant that it would be difficult: "Love Me more your own father, mother, children, brothers and sisters."
In closing: The reason why I like to know the parents of the children who come to us is that it
makes it easier to forgive their children. Parents of the vast majority whom I deal with are
really messed up. Most of them have reason to fear God. But is can be overcome with love.
With so many parents it would be better if they could spend some time with us rather than their
"horrible children". Who made them horrible?
NOTE FROM FR. JOHN HENLEY:
Our trip back to Mexico came at long last after packing and attending to last minute chores. I felt reasonably sure everything was ready to make our way to the Atlanta airport after my friend Dick Grutzmacher knocked on my door at my apartment at Golden Age Village about 8:00 AM on July 4, Extending my departure wishes to all I could extend my hand to in our haste to leave to get to the airport in time we departed for our flight to Mexico City. Finally we arrived in Mexico City, they say the largest city on earth and when you drive around in it, you believe it. We got through customs without much difficulty. We found that Fr. Norman was waiting for us at the depot, ready to pick up our luggage and make our way through the city to Santa Maria del Mexicano in Colon in the state of Queretaro. Dick went back to the ticket Window to clear his ticket on his return trip to Atlanta, to report to work the next day. It was a long trip but we made it and it was so good to see all the booming faces of the children once again and to share in the simple and holy lives of the elderly folks again. I wish to thank all who helped in any way to get us on our way and finally reach our destination... Sonia Perez, Dick, the folks at St. Ann's Church, Richard from Social Circle and those who helped us with our expenses. I've got all our people, children and adults praying a prayer of gratitude for your assistance. It really comes in handy as the inflation is hitting us hard. Poor Fr. Norman,, I don't know how he can joyfully accept the countless problems arriving daily. Fr. John Henley
NOTE FROM SR. MARIA TERESA:
My community held its annual Regional Assembly in Corpus Christi, Texas, July 14-20 We also had elections for Regional Servants. I got elected as Regional Sister Servant. I was thinking that perhaps I could remain here and do my work from here but to my disappointment I was informed that I would have to move to Texas and work from there. If I was not sure that this is God's will for me I would not be able to leave the children, so beloved are they to me. They gave so much meaning to my life and serving them was a joy and privilege. I am also grateful to Fr. Cliff for allowing me and the Society of Our Lady to be part of his work for Our Lord. I have been here seventeen years and everyone. has a permanent place in my heart. I plan to come see the Sisters and visit everyone as often as I can. Thank you for your love and support of this ministry. Sr. Maria Teresa Pacheco
RISING COSTS IN SANTA MARIA
Never a dull moment around our houses these days. Children coming and going. Others are
waiting to go but have no place to go. We do give them little side trips and swimming outings.
They are happy@ joyful. There is much love and caring. The very food of life! Other interesting
things that are happening is that; please sit down, the water cost for all of our State increased
400%- 500% per household. What a disaster!
Love and prayer from all of us and many, many sincere thanks for your love and friendship. We love you dearly.