New Pope! Bells, Birds and firecrackers

This morning I pulled myself together and went to a meeting of volunteers who visit the sick in a nearby deanery. Fourteen women, the doctora responsible in the diocese, and 3 priests. In this country, visiting the sick is strictly on a volunteer basis, and those responsible are working to create a little organization and give some formation to the folks. When they visit, they go in pairs, find out if there are sacramental needs (Communion, Anointing) and if there are material, emotional, social and spiritual needs. Then they go to the priest, or social worker, or wherever they can scrounge up the help needed in a particular case. This morning they spoke of a girl, 13, with diabetes, going blind, no money for insulin. As we mulled things over and talked about plans, suddenly, the bells of the church began to ring and fireworks went off, nearly drowning out the incredible racket of the birds. All morning there had been a terrific cacaphony of shrieks, tweets, peeps, howls, calls, crowing, melody, with timpany of dogs barking. Over this I tried to follow a discussion in a language not my mother tongue. But when the bells began, everyone (except me) knew what it was right away. Habemus Papa! As one, we all got to our feet, ran across the patio to the priest's house to watch the tele. There was electric excitement in the room. We waited with the rest of the world, finally bringing in the tacos and gelatinas as time dragged on. When Benedict 16 emerged, more excitement, and when he gave his first papal blessing, everyone stood up. These folks are not jaded nor disillusioned with the faith. After this 3 hour meeting, I returned home to hear a single beautiful birdsong in our own garden. Tonya tells me it is called Primavera (Springtime) and only goes to sing where there is love and happiness. In the last two weeks I've heard 2 people describe our home here as "a happy marriage". I guess it's going to last. What do you think, folks? Should this blog be out there available in the larger world? Let me know. Is anyone reading this?