Bells in Uruguay 2013 : Bellarmine Uruguay Experience

This morning we were blessed with an 8:45 wake up call, after having decided to attend the 10:30 mass at San Adolfo church, the local Catholic church. Some proactive Bells including David Dalton, Kenan Matthews, Brandon Brionas, Salvador Gutierrez woke up early to clean of a wall that they would paint later in the afternoon. Following the traditional breakfast of bread, butter and various jams, we prepared for what would be, for many of us, our first mass given in another language. I had no clue what to expect. How much would I be able to understand? Will I stand out in my hoodie and jeans? What will my first Spanish mass experience be like?

I walked down, removed my always controversial Chargers beanie and took a seat in the second pew next to the choir. We then received our Spanish song books and before I knew it mass was underway. The mass was similar to a standard Catholic mass in the States, with the added challenge of not fully understanding what is being said. We sang, clapped, stood, sat, kneeled, prayed and received communion. Following the communion, our group was called up and formally thanked in front of the church audience by the priest and a community leader Silvia. Following the mass, Silvia took a few strong men including myself to transport a bed, cabinet and other furniture from her house to a room in the back of church. Others, including Brandon Brionas, took time to spend some bonding time with Florencia's adorable two-year-old Sofia. We then returned to our farmhouse home to have lunch and got ready to paint.

We had another successful day at the school worksite, making a lot of progress. Today we accomplished painting an additional two walls, some doors, and the bars in and outside of the classrooms. After we finished working, Edith's daughter, Kimberly, brought us a basketball and we played a pick up game inside the gymnasium.

We ended a fun day with a trip to the local corner store, another wonderful meal prepared by Beti, and some of Beto's maté prepared in Pedro's long-awaited hoof cup.

I look forward to another rewarding day tomorrow in the service of others.

Bill Lewis