Day of the Dead

Last week we mentioned the approaching festival. This week some neighbours added a rather extravagant display outside their home. At night the skeletons' eyes flash! Just yesterday flowers were added to the creation. We passed a shop yesterday which sells ornate crosses mostly made out of wood. There were spiders webs draped across the crosses. How confused can it get?
The La Loma church is situated close to a huge cemetery area and it was noticeably busier today. We found out that many will be going to visit the tombs to 'talk' to their relatives. Pastor Miguel talked about those who prepare an altar and decorate it with flowers and food - the like of which they didn't do while the person was alive, offering the best of what this world has to give. Of course he went on to talk about the surpassing glory of Christ and the hope that we as Christians have of an eternal home prepared. We are passing strangers here - our home is heaven. Once again many responded to the appeal, this week committing to run with perseverance the race set before us. We are so happy to serve in La Loma and to be under Miguel's ministry.

Looking around today I had a smile on my face. It has been very cold this week (for those of us acclimatised to warmer temperatures) and everyone was wearing heavy winter coats which they didn't dare take off. Even the music group were all bundled up and Miguel preached in is full length wool overcoat! What makes it seem colder is that there are no heaters anywhere, there's a tile floor and metal seats...but there was plenty of fire in the pulpit!