August 9, 2005

Yesterday morning while the friars were in their weekly house meeting, we decided to visit the Saint Benedict Joseph Medical Center, which is just a few minutes away from the friary. Since the friars were not available to drive us, they gave us the keys to the pickup truck, and I gave myself a crash course in driving a stick-shift! Thanks to one of our neighbors, we were able to get out of reverse and into first gear!

After returning from the hospital in one piece, we joined the friars for lunch and then accompanied Brother Matteo on some errands. This was our first trip into the center of Comayagua. There we were greeted by a man from the "tourist police" who immediately recognized us as Franciscans and took us on a tour of the cathedral - even though it was closed for the daily "siesta".

Our next stop was the marketplace where everything from fruits and vegetables to meat and fish and American toys was being bought and sold. It gave us a taste of the local culture beyond the extreme poverty of the friars' immediate neighborhood.

In the afternoon, we were able to visit an orphanage which is a few minutes walk from the friary. Approximately one-hundred children who have either been abandoned by their parents or are truly orphans currently live there. Brother Matteo and Brother Youssef spend time there each week. We were grateful to spend a few hours with these children who are so eager to receive our attention and affection. It was especially a treat for Rosann who has visited many times and has been able to watch the children grow over the years.

Please pray for these precious orphans.

Sr. Clare