Day 12... really?? Wow.
Today we awoke to dreary skies again - affirming that yesterday's sunny day was indeed meant just for us. But today's gray skies are in keeping with the thought that this is our last day with Edu.
Due to meetings and preparations this afternoon for the event, we made small plans for our down time.
Edu and Dennis wanted a relaxing day at the house - they ended up doing a little Alpha work and took a walk. Karen had errands. The rest of us wanted to head to a nearby mall to check out contemporary Santiago. But this time we navigated the subway alone! (We discovered it was something we could manage without Edu!)
The mall looks no different than at home. There are many brand name stores and the fashions are like ours - except with lots of boots and winter clothes in the windows. We could have been shopping at the Cornwall Centre. Carole wanted to test out MacDonald's for lunch. Apparently, it may taste a little different! (Mike this was for your benefit.) What we did discover was that MacDonald's makes sundaes with manjar sauce! Woohoo!
By 3:30 we regrouped at the house again.
The equipment came for the simultaneous translation. Karen and the guys and some tech type fellows set up the equipment. A translator named Guillermo, "William" from Brazil showed up. And we began to shift into the next gear.
After setting up in the venue - which is on the grounds, half a block away - we had about 1/2 hour to have some time for prayer with Edu. Through many, many tears each of us prayed blessings on him.
Edu had to leave by about 8 tonight and the local team here was to come meet with us at 7pm. There was about an hour of transition or overlapping from our Arica connections to our Santiago connections. Good-bye. Hello!
We met about 10 people from the team here - musicians included. Dave had a practice with them here in the house about an hour ago and as I type, one of them is playing a gentle song in the main room amidst the visiting. Dave seems quite pleased with the team he will be working with. We will be sharing our living space tonight with Father Carlos, and the musicians.
We start with prayer at 8 am tomorrow. Please hold us in your prayers - that we can have a powerful impact here. Many people coming are "Alphagetties"! Some are from Santiago, some from Valparaiso, San Fillipe and 4 from Argentina!
We are getting excited again. Stay tuned!
love Ramona
I guess the ol' adage that "Time flies when you are having fun!" falls so true at this time.
ReplyDeleteI can tell you will all be heart struck with the task of leaving but I am sure you have all left your footprints with people you have touched.
I continue to watch the blog and think of you all lots on your travels.
As always, prayers and thoughts for your travels, teachings, and friendships,
Brian
Ramona & Team Friends,
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the info. I finally got some
time to read all the updates. Very informative
and inspiring. May the Lord continue to bless and protect and guide you as you share "His gospel of peace" in Chile and train up others to do so. Will continue to keep you in prayer.
In Christ's Love
Gerry Johnson
2.18 I'm in the airport, the same place where 4 days ago i was very exited because i was thinking in met with my new friends, this time is different, now i have to much feeling rounding my heart and head.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to think that I am here missing you all guys, but at the same time I'm really happy because you gift me a lot of things in muy life now.
I was talking with a friend and I said to her something that I dunno why told to you...
These days with you guys I feel something that i've never felt before...
Never i've been felt SO LOVED as the way that I felt with you...
Family, romance, friends..... never been the same ... so i was wondering ...
This is a true proof of GOD's LOVE ?
I think so ...
Thanks you Guys ...
Skype call 2morrow :)
pd. Happy anniversary DENNIS, god bless your beautiful family.
Don't forget i'll always be in yours group prays..
I love you so much !!!!!!!!!!!!
u rock!!!!!!!!
Still praying for you guys up here in saskatoon...hope your new venture is filled with the Spirit's blessings!
ReplyDeletebob and joan williston
Good morning....it's just after 8 am here and I woke up thinking about all of you and your day ahead of you. It is awesome to hear that some Alphaghetties will be present today, and it confirms that the Alpha ministry has certainly gone world wide, so amazing, praise God. I know that you will have an amazing and powerful impact on these Alphaghetties as well as the folks that are experiencing Alpha for the first time. There is something powerful about how you run the Alpha Course. You know that I am speaking from experience and from the other people's testimonies of how different and intimate the one at Holy Child is. As for the Alpha Course at Ressurection, how it is going strong and how also the Alpha Marriage Course was offered there. I see commitment, dedication, hard work, but most importantly the love for God that each of you have to offer by accepting God's offer to "come and follow me and I will make you fishers of men" - Carrie and Dennis both being away from their spouses on their wedding anniversaries, Ramona away from Ray, and all five of you away from your children, friends, and family, not to mention what you do all year round for this ministry,(huge sacrafices). God has got you totally covered.
ReplyDeleteCome Holy Spirit and hover over Dave, Carole, Ramona, Carrie and Dennis with your protection as well as everyone in attendance at the workshop this weekend and continue to bless each and everyone of them with your gifts and fruits. I pray for the people that are in attendace that they will open their hearts and minds to what You have to offer each and everyone of them. In Your son's most holy name, Jesus. Thank You, You are Awesome!
Edu's testimony of God's love is so powerful and evident that the Holy Spirit is there with all of you and He continues to do amazing miracles and He is contiues to touch the lives that God has planned for Him to touch through your pressence. What comes to mind to me once again is "Be still and Know that I am God". I get through my prayers this morning that God is working through you and you are His instruments. He is there with you, enjoy, relax and breathe, it is all good! Take care and God Bless. Talk to you soon. Hugs.
WOW!!!!! Stephanie said it all, thak you Stephanie. I must admit I was brought to tears by Edu's statement that he had " never felt so loved " for those of us who know you all, we understand only too well that kind of love, it must have taken his breath away. As I write this, you are well into your Alpha presentation in Santiago. How lucky the participants are to have you there, being God's servants is what he had planned for you all along and I am sure he is well pleased with your mission. Take care of each other and enjoy all that surrounds you, it is all God given. Love to you all.
ReplyDeleteDespite the presence of pie, I still miss you. But the work you're doing is outstanding...
ReplyDeleteDid Jacquie give you pie?!
ReplyDeleteThanks Edu.
ReplyDeleteHope your production went well today.
What more can I add from above. My prayers continue to be with you.
ReplyDeleteYou guys rock! Your experiences are stories that will be told to many for a long time--just think you are the beginning of SOMETHING BIG!
Miss you lots!