St. Monica Mission Trip in 2008

We had our first mission trip meeting this week and have 21 people planning to go to Piura from June 13-22. Three of the missionaries are from nearby parishes and 19 are from St. Monica. Most missionaries have sponsored families. All of us are excited to meet our families, especially those 11 who are going the first time.

My Peruvian Godchildren

Today I was very fortunate to have Marlit, St. Monica's liaison on the Santísimo Sacramento staff e-mail me a photo of my two godchildren. They are the children of the family that Karen and I began sponsoring over seven years ago. I baptized Mileny on my first trip to Peru in 2003. She will be nine years old in two weeks. Cristopher, named after my son, was born just before my trip this June and I also baptized him along with 12 other beautiful children. I look forward to spending time with them in January.

Piura Family Needs a Sponsor

The parents José Santos and Gisela Guerrero are in their mid-20s. They have a daughter 2 and Gisela is seven months pregnant. They have one bedroom and two beds. Only their bedroom and kitchen area have roof. They do not have water and electricity. They cook with charcoal on their dirt floor. They just have one little table and two chairs. José works as a farmer and at odd jobs. Can you afford $25 per month?
Family photos

Reality is closer for a month trip

Actually going to Piura for a month in January became more real as I paid for my plane tickets. I did this far enough in advance to get the lowest rate possible. With this more solid commitment, I have stepped up trying to learn Spanish. Fewer people are talking to me in Spanish at St. Monica because of the success of our ESL classes -- many want to practice their new English phrases.

I am now writing my e-mails in Spanish to Marlit, our liaison at Santísimo Sacramento. I am preparing to lead a staff retreat and weekly lectio divina. I am also praying a lot for divine intervention.

Back to Normal

The Peruvians finished their missionary work in the U.S. and the staff is back to work in Piura.

There are 25 people interested in the St. Monica mission trip in June. Our first team meeting is October 14 at which time $100 is due to hold seats at group rates on the airlines.

Last Saturday good progress was made in the warehouse where goods are organized and packaged for the quarterly container shipment from OKC to Piura.

2008 Mission Trip to Peru

St. Monica is sponsoring a mission trip to Piura next year from June 13 to 22. Anyone interested should contact me ASAP since over 20 people have already expressed an interest. Our first group meeting will be October 14 at 2:30 p.m. at St. Monica Parish after the 1:00 Spanish Mass. General information will be presented and $100 collected to secure a group airline rate. The total trip cost will be about $1700. Information will be available about passports and required vaccinations.

Further meetings are scheduled at the same time and place on January 6, March 9, and April 20.

First death in a sponsored family

Recently Cruz María Vilchez died from stomach cancer. Dan and Elizabeth Clem at St. Monica support her family. Having heard of her situation an anonymous donor had helped Cruz with medicine. Cruz’s 12-year-old daughter, Maritza, was always at her side and continues to live with Cruz’s husband and son.

May Cruz rest in peace and may her family be consoled.