Free Day! Exploring and Enjoying God's Blessings!

Saturday was a free day to enjoy God's blessings in the beauty of Alter de Chao, nicknamed by the people "The Amazon Carribean." With Sr. Helena serving as the guide for this group, Some Sisters chose to take the public bus to Santarem to visit the cemetary, diocesan museum and the Colegio Santa Clara, etc.

Others, took a boat ride to the next island. Where Sr. Paulina found this creation of bamboo. The one on the right is a symbol of the mythological caipora, hobglobin that lives in the Amazon. Another myth is of the mula-sem-cabeca, a mythical priest's mistress who becomes a headless mule on Fridays and runs about frightening people. Perhaps we can all relate to one or the myths from our own cultures!

Some, strolled around the peninsula town, taking in a bit more of the history and the people.

And, some went swimming! Sr. Petronila then ordered a most delicious lunch of fresh catch from the Tapajos River for her group.

We also welcome Sr. Mary Persico who arrived as our second facilitator!

In the afternoon, an adventurous group under the coordination of Sr. Livramento, went river dolphin searching. Sr. Beatrix was lucky to see the elusive pink dophin. For the rest of us, a fin, or a bit of head or back off the grey dolphins surfaced above the water to tease us. Yes, there are different types of dolphins in the different parts of the vast river.

What was most amazing, was sitting in the middle of the huge river, with the motor of the boat turned off and listening in stillness to the absolute calmness of the expansive river we were on and sky above, for the "snorts" of the dolphins-- their breathing. All eyes would turn to the direction of the sound hoping to see a jump of the dolphin. But, they seemed to be on their "free day" just playing among themselves in two's or threes underwater for the most part.

Truly, today was a "heaven on earth" day. And with the experience of attentively listening for the "breath" of the dolphins, we look forward to celebrating Pentecost tomorrow and the beginning of looking at Chapter proposals. "Come Holy Spirit!" Breathe within us; blow through us, that Your Reign and love may be felt and known throughout all mission corners of the earth!