Reception at Congregacion La Paz, Osorno

This evening the Osorno group went to a reception given to us by the Osorno Congregacion La Paz. Once again, the people were most gracious. Kate and I are staying with a lovely family, Deborah, y Raul, Christina and y Raul (Jr); while Jean, Ruth Ann & Linda are staying with Pastor Izani, her husband and son.

The church´s common area was packed and there was a wealth of conversation taking place, Spanish, English, a few words of French here and there and possibly some German. The talk was on religion, politics, economics, social problem but most espcially about how we are joined by God and his many blessings. A priest from a local parish joined us as well as some people who support some of the congregations sociatal programs.

We also met the oldest member of the congregation, Yolanda, who was a charter member of the congregation 35 years ago. She has just recently moved to be with her daughter and grandchildren but she traveled over an hour to be with us this evening. Yolanda´s son was killed during the "dictatorship" and talk of the "dictatorship" underlies many aspects of all conversation.

But, all of us who have been cold warmed up and were finally able to shed some of our jackets, vests and scarves when Elvis´song "Blue Suede Shoes" was played. Deborah and I just couldn´t keep our feet still and began to twist & shout and before you knew it all the ladies in the room had joined us. And we were told that Osorno didn´t have a night life:) All you had to do was look in the church.

Connie & Deborah traveled to Brazil a few years ago with a Women´s Delegation and to Connie, Deborah say´s hi!