In Thanksgiving for Our Mission Team Serving the People of Playa de Oro and being -Love is the Mission

Some gifts are easy to name, Mass and Holy Hour by Fr Mario and Brother Johannes. A warm meal by Ericka. A safe ride by Romelio. Full water jugs by Paula. Pizza delivered by Julio. Blood pressure, blood sugar taken and medicine provided by Karen, Liam and Jesika and Mario. A prayer offered at the right time by Augusto. A hand on a shoulder when words fall short by Steven.

Other gifts are quieter. They look like people showing up before sunrise to make sure Rhonda has her coffee by Karla, packing supplies by Flor, checking lists and organizing by Corina, carrying heavy suitcases and staying until the last thing is loaded back on the bus by Jeff. They look like a mission team serving the people with patience, joy, and steadfast love.

This thanksgiving is for that team.

We give thanks for those who keep showing up

Every mission has people who become steady pillars. They may not call themselves leaders. They may not seek attention. They simply come. Their presence is a big part of the mission itself-Corina and Karla, I do not know what I would do without you!

To all the doctors, nurses and medical team who have tried to come once a year, if they can get the time off and if family commitments allow- Taylor, Kala, Kellan, Jason, Megan, Emily and so many who have come in the past. That kind of faithfulness cannot be measured by hours served, its measured through love repeated over time.

This thanksgiving is for you

Faithful presence is a ministry. It tells people, “You are not forgotten.” It tells the team, “We can keep going.” It tells the community, “This care is not temporary.” "Soccer" Megan and "Slime" Kate this thank you is for you too!

The people who come almost every time carry a special grace from God. They bring memories and trust. They help a mission become more than an event. They help it become a relationship.  And for that I cannot thank you enough!

AND...For those who have always wanted to do a mission, there is room. There is room for questions. There is room for first steps. There is room for you! Our next trip is in January!

A prayer of thanksgiving for the mission team

God of mercy and love,

I thank you for each and every individual person for serving.

For giving of their time.

Their smiles

Their hands

Their hearts

May all that we have done been done with love.

Amen.

IN THANKSGIVING FOR ALL PRESENT, PAST AND FUTURE LOVE IS THE MISSION MISSIONARIES,

RHONDA