No Generation "GAT" Here!

Whew! Day 1 of the first GAT - Alpha Arica.
Up early to catch the cab at 7:15. Prayer was scheduled for 7:45.
Nervous energy and not enough sleep left a couple of us groping for coffee and a piece of toast at 7:14!

Off we went to the venue - San Marcos School gym.

We gathered with about a dozen young adults for prayer. They were the group hosts and helpers for the day. Dave led us in "Come now is the Time..." I´ve never heard a more beautiful version - in Spanish.

About 100 people came in and found their seats by 9..or so. And we began.

Our translator for most of the talks was Fr. Santiago. We had a "wee" practice with him prior to starting. (Fr. Santiago is from Scotland.. and Santiago in English means "James"!)

We greeted guests at the door with our broken bits of Spanish, but a smile and kiss on the cheek goes a long way. (Lots of cheek kissing goes on here. We´ve decided to adopt this charming custom back at home!)

Our talks went fantastic! We were in the zone all day. The biggest struggle however was not so much our talks but the delivery within translation. The talks end up being twice as long and thus people are sitting in chairs that much longer as well. It seems that personal enthusiasm and passion are also difficult to translate. But we all believed we had done well. We think you´d be proud.

Carrie continues to astound us with amazing pictures. She is finding that people here, love to have their picture taken - especially if she shows them their picture!

Dennis is enjoying communicating with people even though he can´t. We think he is learning sign language because he seems to have had many conversations with guests. I saw him in alot of cheek kissing at the end of the day so people are enjoying him too.

Carole has had an offer to learn Salsa dancing from one of the young men here. He teaches dancing. (Dave, do you know about this offer?)

Dave was approached today and a lady asked him in Spanish if he had any of his cds for sale!

I´m still in awe of the amazing young group of adults that come from St.Ignasius Church. They are so full of life, energy and passion for their faith!
What could we offer them? They certainly have been refreshing for us. Many of them are ready to take off with Alpha and tonight we were talking about "spotting the stars". A couple of the young ladies have spotted my fish ring and fish earring. They got very excited! Most of these youth belong to a "in the Spirit" type of group and the icthus is the symbol they use.
Father Juan of this parish, is excited to start Alpha with and for these young people. What a treasure!

Tomorrow we start at 9 with mass. We are most eager to develop further relationships and connections with these beautiful, hospitable people.
It will be difficult to leave on Monday.

Thank you for your love and prayers.
A prayer request for tomorrow would be that the translations will effectively touch people´s Alpha hearts.

love Ramona
ps - my sunburn is almost healed - no blisters, no peeling : ]

We're Ready!!!

Wow......what a day!!!!
It just keeps getting better and better...
I'm going to keep this short, as tomorrow morning will come very soon and its already pretty late.
We had an incredible day. Fr. Santiago picked us all up in a car this morning with the intent to show us “more of whats around Arica.” We started off touring the biggest “farmer's market” I think I've ever seen. All kinds of produce, with a lot of things I've never seen before. By looking at the landscape around Arica, you wouldn't think anything would grow. Not so in the Azapa Valley. All is irrigated, and growth is abundant, which is where we headed to next. We found ourselves along a very narrow winding road, desert sand and hills on one side, and green fields on the other. What a paradox!

Our next stop was a retreat center that is a popular stop for area residents. A beautiful place with all kinds of different native fruit trees and 50 foot Eucalyptus trees towering overhead. We all thought it would be a great place to have our next retreat....maybe a bit of a commute though. An true oasis in the desert!

We continued on our journey to a museum a short distance away. It contained artifacts and history of the Chinchorra people, the true natives of the region. We were treated to seeing some of the oldest mummies in the world, dating back 5000 years, along with all the artifacts and history of the people.....translated of course by Fr. Santiago.

At Father's suggestion, we then stopped at, I believe he said, was the only small village (pueblo) in the area called San Miguel. We took a peek in the local church, which by the way stands open doors to the public always and “almost” open roofed as well. A lot of cracks and seams showing up there but since there is virtually no rain in the Arica area, not a concern for upkeep. A beautiful church. There was a small, round seating area outside where we decided would be a great small group discussion area, perhaps after returning from our new retreat location....a bit of a commute.....

We decided we would stop for some lunch at a small “eatery” in San Miguel. Just so happens the best place to eat was just outside the doors of the cemetery... a quaint little place, translated called “the spot of death...” No reflection on the food though...it was fabulous. We also spent some time in the cemetery being amazed at the customary grave sites. Unbelievable tributes to lost family and friends.

It was time to end our tour as our first meeting with the entire local team was to take place shortly. We returned to Arica and proceeded to St. Ignatius church. It never ceases to amaze me how our Father works! You would not believe the amount of young people that are spear heading this event...and hard working, dedicated, faith filled young people. The seemingly endless amount of work our cohort, Eduardo, has done and continues to do, is nothing short of inspirational. Endless blessings to him and all who have done so much to bring Alpha to Arica. After the meetings were complete, we all headed over to the high school where the training event begins in the morning, a few short hours from now. The room is set and ready to go....

Thanks for all your prayers! You are all here with us, every step!!

peace and blessings to all
Dave

Getting down to business...

Today was a day of mostly business.
It started last night when I received the email regarding Fr Carlos being sick and not being able to do his talks and then agreeing to do one for him.
After reviewing the talk it was evident that it would be best if a local priest gave this talk regardless of their Alpha experience.
So after talking with Edu and Fr Juan and exchanging some email with Karen Tigar (Alpha RM from Argentina), it was agreed that Fr Juan would do the talk.
Karen quickly was able to find the Spanish Script and email it to me which I was able to send to Fr Juan. It´s really amazing what technology allows us to do!!
I reviewed the script with Fr Juan at our meeting with him this afternoon and we´re all set to go. Thanks for all your prayers regarding this talk, it all worked out as it should.
You can continue to pray for Fr Carlos so he will be healthy enough for Santiago and pray for Fr Juan as he prepares to do this talk.

We had a terrific prayer time together as a group last night with some fantastic sharing and after some more prayer this morning the ladies headed out to shop while Dave worked on the powerpoint presentations and Dennis worked on his talks.

We were picked up at the hotel at 1 PM by Edu and his friend and driven to St. Ignatius Church where we met Fr Juan, Fr James (from Scotland or as he is known now in Arica Fr. Santiago), Patricia, Gloria(the cook) and several other youth. They provided a wonderful meal for us and their hospitality was second to none.

During and after the meal we discussed Alpha and many details about the training event. It was very exciting sharing our experience with them to help them prepare for their Alpha course. One issue for the training event that they were struggling with was regarding the lunch for both days. They don´t have enough money to provide lunch and the attendees would have to leave the venue to get food. We didn't think that was the best situation because it´s at lunch that we can network with the folks and get to meet them.

All five of us looked at each other and it was as if we where all thinking the same thing. "We´ll donate the money to provide the lunches". So we made the offer to Edu and Fr Juan.
To me it looked like Edu was processing what he just heard and he was trying to express something and then his face went blank and simply said "Thank you".
They will put a donation basket out for the lunches and we suggested they then use that money for their first Alpha course. I think they could hardly believe it because Edu asked again if they should give the donation basket money back to us. I believe they are truly grateful. What a blessing it is to be able to provide seed money to another church to be able to start an Alpha program. It´s only because of the hard work of the whole team and the grace of God that makes this possible.

What an awesome privilege to be able to work with these wonderful people and we haven´t even met the complete local team yet. That will happen tomorrow evening starting at 5PM and will continue until we have reviewed everything with them. Please keep this meeting in your prayers so every detail can be discussed and looked after.

Tomorrow morning Fr Juan will take us up the valley further into the interior to see more of the country side. Looking forward to another God filled day and the surprises God has for us.

God bless and take care.

Love
Dennis

The Other Side Of The Mountain...

Absolutely incredible day! Started this morning with breakfast and a beautiful morning prayer around a special candle that some awesome friends gave us...(thanks guys.) Headed out to the bottom of the mountain wondering what was on the other side. The mountain was quite the climb. Quite steep, but had several places to stop and rest, take pictures and give great thanks to the Lord for the incredible view. Carrie was determined to find out what was on the "other side" of this mountain.
We have lots of pictures to show of these stops along the way. Finally made it to the top and on the other side was the most spectacular view of the ocean and extremely high waves.
Now we had to go down the other side just to experience closer all that was being offered. We found a great restaurant that was very inviting. Clearly the Lord had our table already reserved. While we were struggling with menu selection a very kind lady from the next table quickly came to our rescue and offered assistance in ENGLISH!!! We clapped with joy when hearing her voice and she helped us and the waiters communicate to each other. It was awesome. Can you imagine...these people were from Manitoba, CANADA!!! Her husband was actually from Regina. This was so awesome. We couldn't believe this.
Afterwards we carried on around this mountain to come beautiful beaches that had shells of all kinds. I picked up an empty clam shell that had a star fish in it and just above the star fish was a baby star fish. Yet another little gift from God of how beautiful His creation is. Had to do the "Alpha" thing and throw the star fish back into the ocean. Thought of all the Alphagetti's when I did that.
Tonight we are going shopping. Most shopping takes place in the late evening. Stores close somewhere around 4 to 7pm. Then everything opens again and the streets are filled with people, music and shopping.
Weather has been great. Beautiful sunny day today. We wear shorts and the locals are all bundled up in sweaters, long pants and light winter jackets. Their winter is a nice spring day for us. Stopped for a refreshing break this afternoon around a great water fountain. Took off our socks and shoes and put our feet in the water. Not sure what the locals thought of this as everyone else was bundled up for winter.
So far...great people, great food, great prices and "to die for" manjar, which we have eaten everyday. (google it)

We have a special prayer request. Fr Carlos from Santiago has a high fever and under doctor's orders, cannot make the trip to Arica. Dennis will have to cover his talk. Please pray for both Fr Carlos and Dennis. For Fr Carlos that his temperature return to normal for our training event in Santiago and for Dennis that he "easily" learns this talk.

Thank you for all your prayers regarding our health. We are all feeling great. One little exception...Ramona has a red sunburn that required some ointment. Please pray for soothing on her shoulders and back. (Momma Delia, nothing to worry about here. I promise we are taking good care of her.)

Missing all of you,

To Ray, Brian, Karen and all of our kids...we miss all of you lots and lots.
xoxoxoxoxoxo

Carole

Culture Shock

Arrived in Tacna at 5.30am where we were met by Edu. We were so tired at this point we just wanted to get to Arica and SLEEP. BUT the border only opened at 8.30am so we waited and waited and waited for a small yellow school bus (that´s another story for another time LOL) The customs going from Peru to Chile was interesting, a real eye opener for the freedoms we enjoy. The landscape wasn´t at all what any of us were expecting, all desert and very little vegetation. Our feet landed on Chilean soil at 10.30am. The hotel was very welcoming, clean and boy were those beds and pillows the best any of us ever had. After a couple of hours of rest, up we got and went for a walk through town and along the beach. Looking forward to climbing a mountain tomorrow morning and enjoying the local culture. Having some technical difficulties so you will have to be patient to see pictures, hopefully the wait won´t be too long.

Blessings to all of you,

Carrie

We're In Lima! Sitting in the airport. 2:15 am. Next flight leaves at 3:30 to Tacna.
We're tired and getting punchy. All is well...except for the slight TURBULENCE!
Thanks for the prayers. Keep it up.
...is anyone still at the Regina airport waving goodbye?

We were thrilled with the personal send off at 5:30am
Muchas Gracias!

Beautiful Blessing for the Team at church this morning.
Thank you for all your prayers!

T minus - 19 1/2 hours
(Estimated Time of Departure - 7 am! ... convening at the airport by 5:30am)

Carrie's Request

My nephew and his wife are expecting a baby while I am in Chile and I NEED to know when the addition arrives. So, along with all of you, we will find out together when my sister replies to this blog.
Lord, be with Vicki and Jeremy as they await the arrival of their first child. Empower them with your holy gifts that they may raise this child according to your will. I pray for a safe delivery and speedy recovery. Amen
~Carrie

Exodus 17: 9-13

The entire team was involved in a powerful prayer using Scripture from Exodus 17.

It is the story of Joshua fighting the Amalekites under the persistent intercession of Moses, Aaron and Hur.

9 Moses said to Joshua, "Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands."
10 So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. 11 As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. 12 When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. 13 So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.

At our GAT training, Frank and Allen – our trainers, introduced this scripture as an analogy of the intersession needed from all those at home to pray for the success of this trip. The value of the Home Team was not lost on us. Holy people lifting holy hands for victory while the mission is underway. We know the success of the mission is dependent on our persistent prayer.

But if we read a couple more verses further, we find the origin of the name ‘Jehovah Nissi’ – the Lord is my banner.

… 15 Moses built an altar and called it The LORD is my Banner. 16 He said, "For hands were lifted up to the throne of the LORD. (Exodus 17)

What a beautiful image of us not only lifting up hands but looking to our banner – Jesus - for encouragement, union and victory.

By the way, the Home Team is meeting for prayer next Thursday, July 15 at St. Joseph the Worker Church (Bond Street) for 1 hour – 7-8pm.
Everyone is welcome. Come raise the Banner!

3 more sleeps. Well maybe 2. Not sure if we'll sleep much Sunday night!
Sunday morning you can find the Away Team at the 10:00 am mass.
Father Lorne will be extending a blessing to us at the end of mass.
Please join us if you can!

(ps - 2 new links - Weather in Arica and Santiago)