BUSY BUSY BUSY!!

You should see the place! Remember the bishop loans us a little house next door to the parish office in a suburb of the city. This area used to be an independent village of indigenous folks and retains that quality even now.

As the word got out that the Bishop was coming for a three day Pastoral vist, the pace of cleaning, repair, gardening and general bustle gradually picked up day by day. Now the Visit is just 3 days away! Yesterday at Sunday Mass, the pastor asked "the ladies" to bring plants and shrubs that could be planted to beautify the extensive gardens here. He mentioned how "deacon Dick has given us a good example" with the transformation his supervision has brought about in our formerly sad garden patch, now full of blooming roses, banana and coffee plants and lots more.

This morning, sure'nuff, folks started to arrive with arms and wheelbarrows full of multi-colored flowering plants, and the digging and planting has been going on all day. A whole row is going in beside the portico where we park the Jeep, and lots more all over the grounds. There is the wall out by the street, then large gardens and playground stuff (rusty but well used), then another iron fence and gate that is shut at night. Behind this is the Office, Father's little house, and ours. A Work Day is announced for Thursday morning; the bish arrives that afternoon.

We'll all meet him 3 short blocks up the hill and process down to the church. Houses along the way will be decorated (in the ubiquitious white and yellow), and even Protestants, Jehovah's Witnesses and athiests, will be watching from doors and windows with friendly, welcoming smiles. The band will play,(maybe more than one, simultaneously) fireworks will go off, vested acolytes will march proudly with candles and incense and the bells will ring, NONSTOP. Children will toss flower petals in our path and people all ages will hug and greet the bishop, many kissing his hand or ring with genuine filial affection and respect.

As usual, he will walk smiling through all this, hugging all comers, radiating love and respect for his flock. It is a good way to see a Church that too often finds itself in the media under the Bad News department. Come down and see. Bring a camera and a heart ready to fall in love with a whole town.

PS: This is rainy season, and now, late afternoon, it's pouring. It's slowed the gardening a tad, but the planning committee is hard at work, seated on benches under the portico. As soon as it gentles down to a steady rain, not downpour, the gardeners will be back at it. See you Thursday.