Theology 2 in Venezuela #1

(Administrator's note: The following series of blog entries are from electronic journals submitted by members of Theology 2, recounting and reflecting upon our current visit to the Archdiocese of Saint Paul/Minneapolis' mission parish, La Parroquia Jesuchriso Resusitado, in the diocese of Cuidad Guyana, in Venezuela. We have been sent here for a two week cultural immersion to practice our newfound Spanish skills, and to become better acquainted with the Archdiocese's mission parish and their pastor, Fr. Greg Schaefer.)

(July 17 2007 by Allan Paul Eilen)

Our group arrived in Caracas a little after 6:00 AM and waited for Fr. Schaeffer to arrive from Puerto Ordaz. He was excited to see us upon his arrival (@ 7:30 AM). The feeling was mutual. At this point, we visited for a little while before checking our bags in and getting our tickets for the flight to Puerto Ordaz. Since our flight wasn’t until 10:30 AM, we had time to get breakfast. Fr. Schaeffer treated us – I had a ham and cheese croissant, along with some fresh squeezed orange juice. Upon arrival in Puerto Ordaz, Antonio met us in his pick-up and we loaded everything and everyone, including Frs. Laird and Schaeffer in the back for the brief (10 minute) to the Mission, whereupon we met Fr. Tim Norris and Mary (a May graduate of UST, who is volunteering to teach music to the children for two months before she goes home to Long Prairie, Minnesota). In addition, we met the two women (can ‘t remember their names at this point) who will prepare our meals. The highlight was that Fr. Schaeffer called bishop Moriano, who came over immediately to join us for lunch (beef, salad, rice, etc.). We had a good visit with him (he brought his assistant and a seminarian with him). After saying “goodbye” for now and receiving his blessing, we got a quick tour before checking into our rooms to catch up on some needed rest – I probably slept for two to three hours. At 6:00 PM we gathered with their community for Mass and dinner (chicken, macaroni & cheese, salad – oh, and a cervaza) afterwards. After helping with dishes, we gathered with Fr. Schaeffer and a group of leaders from the local barrios to introduce one another and share some brief conversation about their work with the poor, before enjoying some cake, cookies, and Pepsi (No Coke!). I checked my e-mail, prayed Night Prayer with Fr. Laird and my brothers, before typing this journal and getting ready for bed. We worked out a prayer schedule for our time here as follows:

Morning Prayer: 8:30 AM (breakfast on your own beforehand).
Evening Prayer: 5:30 PM
Mass: 6:00 PM
Night Prayer: 9:30 PM
Buenos Noches!