Hello All

Greetings from Cochabamba.
I am finishing my last few weeks of language school and will soon be moving out to the barrio full time. I spent last weekend in the barrio for the first time because the rooms that we added onto the chapel are almost done. We now have electricity and running water (most of the time) and am slowly getting all the comforts of home. The bed consists of a mattress on top of 2 benches from the school but is really comfortable. We will soon be getting (or borrowing on a permanent basis) some chairs etc. for the house.
The leaders of the parish met on Sunday to outline some of the priorities that we want to be working on. Their biggest concern was for the youth. With many parents working overseas, the large presence of drugs, alcohol and gangs and the high percentage of sexual abuse they are very concerned about the future for their children. This will be a top priority as we begin our ministry within the barrio.
I will have mass up the mountain for the 2 new barrios this Saturday night. As more people move in the community will continue to grow.
People have asked if they could help in any way with the minsitry here. Please feel free to make contributions to Maryknoll in my name and we will be able to use the money for our work in the barrio.
Please keep me in prayer and I always love hearing from my friends back home.