Opportunities and Experiences

I will forwarn you ... there are a ton of pictures in this post.  Brian and Patrick are safely home from their mission trip to Gallup, New Mexico.  They helped some folks who needed it, bonded with people they might otherwise never have known, experienced different cultures, got a little spiritual enrichment, and came home changed for the better.  Enjoy the pictures.  And, thanks Dave, for being a better photographer!

The Great Southwest

Brian and Patrick outside of the mission where they stayed

The Catholic High School where they worked tiling the floors (see below), updating bathrooms, and setting up computers.

The Navajo reservation where they served food and helped the needy with the Sisters of Mercy, Mother Theresa's order.

Contemplating life ... love this shot!

These two pictures (above) are from a side trip to Red Rocks.

The Grand Canyon.  The Colorado River (above) seems small in this picture.  Below are some kids enjoying the view and I am sure making some of the adults a little nervous with how close they were to the edge.

Sweet Baby Patch!

Powerful

Brian and Patrick spent Sunday at the Grand Canyon.  After several days of mission work, they were ready for a break.  This is the photo Brian sent at the end of their day.  Amazing. 

Brian said this trip has been so powerful for him, more so than the mission trips to Mississippi the last two summers.  The damage from Katrina was every where.  It was clear what work needed to be done and there was a sense of accomplishment at the end of every day. 

In New Mexico, their work focuses on meeting the needs of the poor and the elderly.  The needs are equally as great, just subtle. 

Whether they are hanging drywall in Mississippi or setting up classrooms for a new school on an indian reservation, they have made a difference in the lives of those in need.  Pretty powerful experiences.

Away they go ...

Wednesday, July 21, 2010, 4:45 a.m. 

Me:  "What the ..."

Brian:  In a sweet, I want something voice.  "Here's some coffee.  I know it's early but we've really go to get moving."

Me:  "okay.  Okay.  OKAY."

Brian is off to get Patrick up and I'm downing the coffee like I'm in college again.

Patrick stumbles into the bathroom grunting responses to Brian's incessant questions.

Me:  "He's got everything.  I stayed up helping him finish his packing last night."

Brian:  Clearly iritated at my iritiation at his incessant questions.  "I am just checking.  I don't want him to forget anything."

Okay, time to regroup.   Check my iritability.  Forget that's its entirely too early in the morning after entirely too little sleep. Remember why were up and having these conversations.

Brian and Patrick and about 30 other people from our church left for Gallup, New Mexico for a week of service activities on an Indian Reservation and with the Little Sisters of the Poor.  As part of this trip, they will have mass at the Grand Canyon!

I am so excited for all the opportunities awaiting them.  Here's the safe arrival pic of Patch and his friend Rob.