By the hand of Mo. Immaculata

On June 8th, Sr. Johanna and Sr. Magdalena presented this magnificent piece of handiwork of the young professional, Elizabeth Tombrock to the Sisters in Santarem to add to the historical collection. It was in excellent condition. Notice the fine details of the table cloth-- a masterpiece of skilled perfection and grace!

Luz, Camera, Acao!

Bom dia! How I miss saying that now. Here in Hawai'i we say "aloha kakahiaka"!

Just a few last things...
*Here are some videos (amateur, but now I know to move a bit more slowly when filming) that I wanted to copy to your DVD's, but was technologically challenged, so couldn't.

*If you open your photo DVD with Windows Live Photo Gallery (not Windows Media Player), the pictures should show up chronologically with a little introduction screen to each day's events.

*To enjoy these video clips, remember, if you press the CTRL button on your computer along with the + sign, you can enlarge the viewing screen.

I'll begin this sharing, with this song that still plays in my head...Come on, sing along!

Lasst uns miteinander, lasst uns miteinander
singen, loben, danken dem Herrn!
Lasst es uns gemeinsam tun:
Singen, loben, danken dem Herrn...

From the Amazon story-- a beautiful choreography of the forests come alive...

Here's the "boi carinhoso"! *Listen carefully for "SMIC-ey"!

And, the final procession of our Lady with the people!

Other "Action" and songs...

from Brazil- after the elections...

from Namibia- the offering of the Gospels...

from Asia- after communion reflection...

Here is our musical priest, Fr. Amarildo (and Sister Francisca)...

Do you know your river geography? (an original composed and sung by Sr. Magdalena)..

Don't forget to exercise and do the "hokey pokey"!...

or...to swish your skirt!

Caught in a heavy downpour one evening, we couldn't believe it, but were so glad that Sr. Livramento does have friends everywhere! even in Santarem!...

Everyone is probably talking about the Tapajos and Amazon rivers. But, you really need to be here to experience it. Can you recognize the voices? (Sr. Joanne Riggs and Sr. Grace Zhang)

I am shy. But, being with all of you brought the best out of me. So-- courage forth to all of you-- don't be afraid to sing, dance, compose, just be...to learn a different language-- to speak with your hands, smiles, heart... E Haku I Ka Pu'u Wai..."Weave One Heart"...

And, my "favorite"--- sunrise at Alter do Chao. I didn't know the big monkeys on the other island woke up at the crack of dawn until Sr. Janis Jordan explained it to me. So I missed getting their vrrrooooommmmm sound. But, here, sit back and enjoy the early morning sounds and the fish jumping in the Tapajos...Adieu! Peace and blessings always!

Centennial Celebration- Santarem!

A picture is worth a thousand words...

As I end my secretarial work, the task is now turned over to you. Yes, I know you shall continue to share the rich stories that I've only touched the tip of in these blogs, newsletters and photo collages. As we all go forth, tell the stories of...Santarem, Alter do Chao, of the little Sister with great creativity who designed the centennial logo. Tell the stories of international guests, and how in this 100th year, the two provinces of Brazil are sending their missionaries to the USA on the GLT team, as well as how Germany and the U.S. continue to be where there are needs to be addressed. Tell the story of the 100 orphans, the penitential washing of the feet, the unique sounds of offertory praise from Namibia, the Gospel read in different languages...the crucifix Mo. Immaculata prayed before. Tell the stories of generosity, faith, hope, commitment, sacrifice, deep joy. Tell the stories...Celebrate your stories!

Peace and prayers! Thank you for this grace-filled opportunity to serve! Tchau! Paz e bem! Aloha!

Closing Ceremony

Under the beautiful blue sky of Alter do Chao, and to the accompaniment of the musicians of Our Lady of Saude (Health) church, the SMIC's gathered for their last time in this little village for the Closing Ceremony of the 2010 General Chapter.
Our presider for the Mass was the bishop of Santarem, Bishop Esmeraldo Barreto de Farias. In his homily he spoke of how God is the first missionary, having come to visit us. We in turn, are called to "visit" others and to proclaim the good news to them. SMIC has done this magnificently across lands and seas reaching out from Santarem to Germany, USA, Namibia, Angola, Taiwan, China, Philippines, Vietnam, Salvador and Belem! During the mass, Bishop asked for volunteers to share what touched them the most during the Chapter. Sr. Janice Jolin spoke on the unity as an international congregation that the SMIC's share with each other, and for mission. Sr. Livramento spoke of the concerns over ecology and other needs of the world that arose in discussions, and the commitment the congregation has to work for the good of all. Bishop even recorded their responses! :)

Here are a few other views higlighting the different parts of the mass. From the beginning of mass, to the presentation of the decisions of the Chapter from Sr. Veronica to Sr. Livramento (introduced by Sr. Ana Angelica and Sr. Janis Kordan as translator), to the presentations from the provincials to the outgoing and incoming GLT.

After anointing the Chapter delegates, to go forth and continue to share God's blessings, Sr. Livramento invited the Chapter observers to step forward and be anointed as well. *Note, the design on the banner was created by multi-talented

Sr. Wandeleira (Belem Province)!

From Sr. Veronica's closing words (translated by Sr. Janis Jordan: the "Exhortation and Blessing" of St. Francis-

"Let the Sisters be always mindful that they should desire one thing alone, namely, the Spirit of God at work within them. Always obedient to the Church and firmly established in the Catholic faith, let them live according to the poverty, the humility and the holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, which they have solemnly promised to observe."

Presentation of the Gospels by the Namibian Sisters.

Celebracion Sao Jose!

Welcome to the celebration of Sao Jose! A wonderful feast and celebration commemorating the history of the SMIC at their 100 years anniversary in Santarem, and of the Amazon people. Everyone was told to dress up-- colorful! Sr. Gizele, principal of Colegio Santa Clara and her staff prepared everything in detail for this amazing celebration-- from the set up of the place, to the program, to...as seen here, even serving us dinner! Here's Sr. Gertrud with a staff member, as well as two girls that performed for us the "Cassava" dance-- telling the history of this root, that has found so many uses in feeding us!

It was an exciting time also to see old and new friends. Recognize them?

It was also a recycle-conscious event! Look at this soda plastic bottle turned into a stalk of corn! After eating the corn puffs placed inside, we used it to collect our trash as well!

And in the finale, our Lady appears! Yes, hope for the people through the faith brought to them through the early missionaries, Dom Amando and Mo. Immaculata. Fireworks were set off galore!

Caranhoso has been performed for over ten years!

It's become an exciting tradition- the folk tale of the ox! *oops! my video won't post. :(