With advancing years I have noticed that more frequently people ask for my health with a concern not previously detectable. In Tijuana they divide the priests in age groups; I am graciously included with the old farts. One says to the other, ”the weight of the years has taken its toll on me. I am stumbling to the finish line.” The other answers, “ I am a new born baby.” “How so?” “ It’s true! I have no hair, no teeth, and I just peed in my pants.” There go I but for the grace of God.

Today we celebrated our chapel ‘s feast day. 20 youth performed the ancient Aztecan dance (danza no baile.) It connects them with their cultural heritage, enables them to find the sacred in the movement of their bodies, and experience collective beauty. In past years we have had 50 dancers, but covid 19 has limited everything. We continue with Mass outside. Who needs cathedrals to pray?

Thanks be to God, we have finished the retreat center for youth groups, etc. It encompasses 2 conference rooms, 2 bathrooms, 4 private spaces, a kitchen, small reception area, and a tool room after five months of work

The sisters also had a suspended ramp 40 feet long by 9 feet wide that was shedding chunks of concrete. We demolished it and are now building a new one. Who knows how long this will take?

The granddaughter of a deceased friend is a psychologist . She asked for help to build a small house 20’ by 14’ with a bath. We will help her in exchange for her helping our challenged kids equaling her hours of service to ours of construction. There is always the risk of taking the bacon and running, but the reward will hopefully enhance the lives of some of our kids. It is always difficult to get professionals to volunteer.

My carpenter friend Tono has wanted to sell his land for some time. I offered him a plan to use the land at a reduced price. Serving Hands International has provided me with two portable classrooms. I am always grateful to them. They asked prayers for their founder Terry Caster of A1 Storage who is going to have a shoulder replacement. We only have to level the land and build a retaining wall and a perimeter wall.

We move our Christmas party for the kids to after Epiphany to celebrate the diversity of gifts who are our children to us and the inclusion of all Wise Women and Men. We will share a simple gift and community meal. All are welcome 11:00 at CANOA. We will acclaim with Isaiah that the Lord will blossom forth justice in the desert and praise before all peoples especially in the hearts of our children of other abilities.

MILESTONES: Deceased: Jose Hidalgo Hinojoso my great friend who accompanied on all of the projects from the hospital in Tijuana to the orphanage in Peru, of respiratory failure. Honest, faithful, trustworthy Graduated: Blanca Panduro from Tijuana UNUS University with a degree in Physical Therapy- the same course as for medical doctor learning all bones, nerves, muscles and distinct types of therapy. Next year she will become the directress of CANOA. Your support paid for her degree. 50th Wedding Anniversary My sister Carol and husband Tom: Anything that we can do to promote the dignity and sanctity of the family merits admiration. Actions speak louder than words. Threatened: the president and secretary of our Tijuana non profit organization. The secretary and her husband picked up their four kids and fled. The president has more limited options as she has cancer and needs treatment. Gunfire almost every night has replaced the quiet of a semirural village where when I first came 39 years ago no one locked their doors. Born: Emanuel, God with us in a stable among poor shepherds to bring us great joy.