Pavas from Dan's Point of View

This blog entry was written by Dan McFaden - our intrepid traveler who went to Pavas for a week and a half in May....

La Iglesia del Presebre (The Church of the Manger) in Pavas has a unique ministry to their community. I was blessed—and I mean blessed—to share many aspects of that ministry while I was there for a week and a half in May. Yes, I painted—as my shoes and a pair of pants will attest! I moved furniture and cleaned the front of the newly remodeled building. One evening I even served as the door watchman to prevent mischief.

I was able, however, to do much more. I had numerous opportunities to visit in the homes of church members, even sharing meals with them. I experienced firsthand the poverty of the barrio below the church building. In spite of that poverty, that we in the USA can only begin to imagine, the people went out of their way to be kind, especially with my feeble attempts to speak Spanish! They greeted me as they greeted each other, with hugs and even kisses on the check. And always, bengida—bless you! They are indeed our brothers and sisters in Christ.
I also got to work with some of the children. I was painting in the kitchen when they were served lunch one day, and many of them came over to me to say that they remember me. Several asked about the other members of the December team and were delighted to know that all will be going back either in August or January along with other members of the Walnut Grove. Needless to say, I can hardly wait to go back in January!

Those who are going in August will be working on three homes of church members. All three homes are in great need of repair. One grandmother, the sole support for her children and grandchildren, cannot leave her house due to unsafe steps—if you can call them that! Another family has a roof that leaks every time it rains—and it rained every day when I was there. The third house also needs steps and a railing so a special needs child can get up and down the steps without fear of falling. All of these, with as little as they had, were willing to share with me. And all of these home are “down the hill” in the barrio. The pastor, Don Rodrigo, accompanied me as we walked—yes, walked through the streets of the barrio. How else could I experience what life is like in that part of Pavas?

If you are planning to go to Pavas in January and you do not have a passport, I urge you to begin the process of getting one. Let Judy Vanstavern or me know if you plan to go or if you have any questions. We will have a meeting as soon as the August group returns. Judy, Ann, and I will be leading the team, so we have room for 9 more. Que Dios se bendiga! May God bless you!