Mission Trip P2
Mission Trip Pt 2 (Monday)
Today our team segregated itself into Men and Women work projects. The men attacked the wallpaper removal using manly tools like sanders, steamers, and large scrapers and “manly pink gloves”. The women polished the windows in the dining room so well that it was hard to see the windows. In addition, the ladies turned over the soil in the planters in preparation for planting.
During lunch we took a lot of time understanding the culture and beliefs of the staff at the retreat center. Charles the Director of the Christian Retreat Center, shared with us the struggles that churches have in France. Apparently, the French feel that religion is a very personal act and that any public display is strongly frowned upon. Because of this belief, church members in France seldom participate in church related functions such as Bible studies, and similar congressional life activities. There are no Christian Universities and very few Christian schools in France. In addition, churches have a very difficult time raising money in France.
Ian a lead helper from Ireland, told us about the Weekend of Emotions [WE] that is held here once a year. Charles apparently is a very well known and influential counselor. During the WE weekend this place is packed with over 70 counselors and people needing counseling who make reservations to participate a year in advance. Ian who had just arrived prior to his first WE weekend and was still learning French, asked a lady how she liked the sessions. The lady happily started sobbing and began telling him her life story. He just kept nodding and saying Oui as she shared her emotions.
Today the TV and a toilet for the center broke. Our church, Sequim Community Church has offered a gift of $500 for the center. The TV, toilet, and our building supplies will definitely fit that bill. Besides recreation, the TV is used for training and education for the counselors and staff. I saw a piece of paper in Charle’s pocket that said Vote. In a few weeks, they all vote for the EU Constitution, so I asked Charles if this was his ballot. He said, “No, this is my receipt for the new TV, my wife Francoise spends the money and I get the receipts!” We laughed and said that is the same for Americans.
Picture Set 1
posted by Bob and Gayle @ 9:22 PM
2 Comments:
Have finally found some quiet time to read all of the postings!! Bob, you are quite the writer. Such humor and vivid descriptions.
It has been fun to share your trip with you. It is too bad we can't do a blog for the Galapagos trip!
Tell the "Sequim Merry Maids" they looked just lovely and I lust after their fashionable pink gloves. How could one complain about work when it affords the opportunity to wear such high fashion! Hugs to the entire group. Beth
Bob and Gayle, Mart and I are so jealous....washing windows, cleaning toilets....such fun.
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