<<< 11/02/2023 Hello family! This getaway was a surprise for me. First, because I didn’t think God would speak to me so directly and clearly during Masses and Holy Hours. Second, because I reaffirmed that not everything has to be perfect to have a good time with family, as many here used to tell us before any group activity. Unlike the others, I couldn’t spend 100% of the time sharing with all of you: for long stretches, I had to step away to check Teams and work messages. But well, you have to embrace plan B, right? Which in this case was to participate in some way. These days in Chaclacayo I would sum up in 3 points:
- Live loving, intensely, giving the best of myself to others: from a smile, a big hug, advice, words of encouragement, a “how are you” or “how can I help you?” Without expecting anything in return. Just the desire to help others already fills one with joy and much peace in the heart.
- Thank God for what we often take for granted: from the sunrise, hearing the birds singing in the mornings, sharing quality time with family, friends, partner, having a job or business, walking, feeling, hearing and smelling, arriving home, so many things… the list goes on, but how important it is to remember.
- Pray for everyone, for one another: prayer is the greatest gift of love we can give to others. When we ask God, our Father, with all the faith and hope we have in our hearts, let us pray not only for our desires: let us remember those around us, always under the intercession of Mother Mary (that’s what I call her), who is always attentive to the needs of each of her children.
I want to thank each one of you for the welcome and joy received throughout these days. Although I couldn’t talk to everyone, I want to thank Renata, whom I met in the Slope group last year, and who invited me to the Holy Hour in Lima; José and Nati, for always being attentive to answer questions; Marcia, for her patience and listening to my stories these days; Pablo and Esther, for telling me about their work on the bus and in Chaclacayo; Leo and Diego, for accompanying me to buy ice cream! and sharing their experience on the getaway; Héctor, for the hug when he saw me cry at the nursing home remembering my grandfather; Aitana, for recommending places to visit when traveling to Spain; Cristina, for sharing her experience as a doctor; Pablo, for happily receiving the little meditation book; Victoria and Walter, for listening to me sing… (I hope you’re all in this WhatsApp group).
To finish the letter (I usually get carried away when writing), always remember that God’s timing is perfect. Here’s an example: I have always found a Chapel or Parish near work to go pray. The Chapel of Jesus Host is literally a few blocks from the office, and interestingly, it was here where I met Hakuna last year.
A big hug, family! I hope to share here soon the song I wrote to Jesus after a Holy Hour. God bless you. Lots of encouragement and full speed with the prayers, for one another! I pray for you.
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