We have a new cat

Thanks to the great network that is work and email; we now have a new member of our family - 'Shadow'.  She is a beautiful, panther like gato with a stride longer than a Mexican border stop.  So far she gets along with everyone in our home, but we haven't done an over-nighter yet.

Look for pictures soon of our new cat and us.  Con paz.

 

frank     

The Orient and some stones

Just returned from a trip to China, India, the UK thanks to my dear employer, Uncle Bill.

It was fascinating to see the modern version of Beijing, pre-Olympics. The city is bursting with development activity, while standing poised to show the world it's best manners. One observation: for a city this large [population ~12 mil] there was virtually no garbage anywhere.

Bangalore, India was not the same. Where Beijing is orderly, clean and poised; Bangalore is a beautiful chaos. The city [and India in general] reminds me so much of Mexico. To walk around among the locals feels like a second home, all aspects of humanity spill over into the streets - it's lovely!

The UK was also lovely, but in a timeless sense. We had time to visit Stonehedge - which is about as timeless as humanity can get - driving through the English countryside to get there. The farms are beautiful landscapes shaped to exploit color, pattern and season. Compared to Bangalore, it's a quiet affair, livestock and birds make the most noise.

I'll upload pics later. Con paz.

frank

Virginia

After a decent nite rest was able to get an early walk in, around the town center. This college town is filled with many [as Ian calls them] Norman churches. The Catholic church, St. Mary's; is near the hotel. All of them are lovely reminders of our faith.

I read the ascension passages, from John and Luke. My morning prayer was filled with hurt, feeling the pain of children killed, whether in Iraq or Virginia. Help us Father please to move away from this violence, to be instead peace makers, lovers to each other. The children deserve our [adult] best, no? What are we teaching them? As someone in Bangalore asked: what must the world think of America?

The sun is rising on a beautiful day in Cambridge. Please know I love you with all my soul, heart. We travel together.

frank

Last week of Lent: Sunday reflection

We got up early and went to Vashon Island, to see Michael's lambs. As I understand it, he became a shephard by accident, starting with one lamb but now has several. They are lovely creatures, set on a beautiful farm in the middle of the island. The mothers are fascinating to watch, as they constantly herd the little ones away from the strange creatures [three humans trying to feed them]. Eventually one of the little lambs came to the fence and ate grass from our hands, nibbled on our fingers.

The voice [bahhhhhhh] of the little lambs is primitive, like a universal wail of an innocent soul. How could Our Father not hear this voice, in any place, any context? There is a connection to this past Friday's sister parish [Chiapas] gathering, where Jeannie talked about the lost sheep. Wherever we go, we can be heard, and found.

Tonite's Palm Sunday mass included a dramatic version of the Passion of Christ. Even in this abstract form, it's difficult for me to watch, and absorb it's full intensity. There is pain at the deepest level, to imagine the great goodbye between Christ and His immediate community. He knew what lay ahead, they perhaps did not but would eventually become fully aware of the dawn of His ministry. Until then, oh what sadness must have overcome them to witness the steps leading to the dawn.

As a greater, extended family we have suffered deeply the past few years. We have felt loss, we have felt troubles in many forms. We may have even strayed from the herd, unable to grasp the meaning of it all. No matter where we go, there is always a path back to the Good Shephard. One of my enduring prayers is that we come closer together, to be one family seeking the truth about our suffering. We all suffer, we all grow weary from the weigth of our daily chores. Let us be one in this journey, to turn the grey into bright vivid colors of love and beauty.

con paz,
frank