Day 3

Today has been an extraordinary day.

We began at 5.30am for 6am Mass followed by Morning Prayer

The kids were so excited to have Cereal for breakfast (instead of rice).

After breakfast, we headed (by foot, much to Penny's horror) to the brothers' care facility to begin painting the children's section. We were paired up and given a wall... some sanded ... some scraped... all sweated... Eventually, half of us began to paint while others continued to sweat and labour...

(We have discovered tonight that they don't like the colour that they chose!!!! So tomorrow, we are repainting the room)

After lunch, the boys were given a lesson in hand-washing their clothes... they tried to swear the rest of us to secrecy lest their mothers should discover their new found skills... Too late!!!!

Then, we headed off to visit the residents of the Psychiatric Hospital. This was a very challenging prospect for 90% of us ... and ultimately about half found it very confronting and about half found the experience easier than expected.

The brothers do an amazing job in the way that they visit this facility twice a week to give haircuts, shave beards and cut fingernails as well as lead the residents in activities and song. We were blessed to help the brothers in singing and clapping and entertaining the residents thrrough dance (video of which will never be seen).

After evening prayer, the brothers led us in a walking rosary, and then we shared a supper with the brothers. We were scattered throughout the dining room so as to enable us to really meet and talk with these incredible young men. For many, this was really the high point of the day.

Following night prayer, we gathered for our evening journaling and sharing. It is wonderful how honest each of us has become in sharing our "high point", "low point" and "God was present when...." moments

All in all, the young ones are responding with great enthusiasm, positivity, and openness to the challenges of each encounter. Their participation in the prayer life of the community has been inspirational and it is obvious that they have been moved by the joyful prayerfulness of the young brothers who surround us.