Update from Patzun, July 27, 2011

We're wrapping up a very busy and productive week in Patzun. The internet connection I'm on is pretty slow, so I can't upload pictures yet, but I can assure you we've had a great time and our efforts here are greatly appreciated.

We conducted medical clinics in 6 villages and treated people as old as 89 and as young as 28 day-old twin girls. As I write this we're finishing up an inventory of the pharmacy in order for the next group to know what is here and what to bring. I'm also bringing back letters (and pictures) from the students sponsored by St. Mark parishioners. Once they're translated we'll send them to you so you can see how you're helping out with your financial contribution.

Tonight at dinner Madre told us how grateful she was for the support from the parishes in the Diocese of Fort Worth. She expressed a strong hope that St. Mark parishioners will be able to continue sponsoring students at the school, and perhaps organize our own trips to help out in various ways. (In the past our trips have always involved two or more other parishes.) Madre expressed a desire to set up an urgent care program, and told several heart-rending stories of people who have suffered and died because of the lack of urgent medical care in the remote villages the nuns serve. She also indicated that some houses need to be built (and the money raised for the materials) as well as other health and educational needs in the community. She and Sister Augustina hope to visit North Texas in November or December to meet with parishes and talk about the program.

The mission program with the Carmelite sisters in Patzun is unique. Instead of randomly organized groups coming to stay at the convent and help out, the sisters work exclusively with seven parishes in the Fort Worth Diocese. Those are St. Mark, Immaculate Conception, St. Joseph Arlington, St. John North Richland Hills, Holy Family of Vernon, St. Rita in Fort Worth and St. Frances Cabrini in Granbury. Madre prefers to develop a long-term relationship with the parishes so that she can keep them informed of the progress and needs in the 40 villages served by the convent. She also likes to get to know us and enjoys seeing people visit multiple times.

I wish you could see how grateful the nuns are for our help, and how appreciative the people are for the simple care we provide. Everyone on this trip is moved by the poverty of the people as well as their deep faith in God and their love for everyone. Hugs, kisses, and thank yous in three different languages are abundant, and the smiles of the children are unforgettable. The beauty of the countryside is surpassed only by the beauty of the Guatemalan people and the Grace of God shining down on all.

Going on mission is a sacrifice, but we cannot forget the sacrifices of missionaries who came before us. On Sunday we visited Santiago Atitlan, a beautiful city on the shore of Lake Atitlan. The lake is surrounded by 12 volcanoes, named after the 12 Apostles. In the center of town is the church where Father Stanley Rother, formerly of Oklahoma City, was martyred on July 28, 1981. His murderers have never been caught, but it is widely believed he was killed by government agents because of his support of the indigenous people during Guatemala's long civil war. The room where he was killed is now a peaceful chapel and museum. As we fly home to Dallas/Fort Worth tomorrow, people from all over the Americas will converge on the church to commemorate the 30th anniversary of his death and continue to pray for sainthood. To the people of the western highlands of Guatemala, Fr. Rother is already a saint. Seeing the sacrifice he made for the indigenous people makes our petty sacrifices on this trip pale in comparison.

Our visit here is nearly finished, but our work here is not done. The needs of these people in this region are great. However, one is always struck by their dignity, their beauty, their love of family, and their faith. As we return to our complicated lives, we will always remember and pray for the people who touched us in many ways this week.

Samra Bufkins