On Wednesday, October 19th, we were privileged to welcome 35 Sisters representing several women religious communities from LCWR Region 12 – Leadership Conference of Women Religious.
During the past five years, grants from the LCWR Region 12 Border Fund have provided major funding for books and visual aid materials used in our English as a Second Language (ESL) program. This past year, funds awarded from the LCWR Region 12 Border Fund were used to replace the flooring in Casa Belen with wood laminate.
The LCWR Sisters were divided into three groups during their visit to La Posada. The groups rotated so each were given a tour of the facilities by Margaret Mertens, CDP, an introduction to our clients and ESL program by Therésè Cunningham, SHSp, and a presentation of La Posada’s origin, history and mission by yours truly. Their two-hour visit concluded with refreshments and fellowship in the company of clients and staff.
On Saturday, October 22nd, we welcomed 24 visitors fromIncarnateWordCollege inSan Antonio,Texas: 18 college students, two professors, a guest speaker, two women from ARISE (an agency that empowers women), and a bus driver. The focus of the morning’s activities was to help these students become aware of the social issues and the plight of immigrants, asylum seekers and asylees who are the victims of injustice. Michael Seifert of the Equal Voice Network gave an hour-long presentation before the students were divided into two groups to hear personal testimonies from our clients and to learn about the mission and ministry at La Posada. The morning concluded with a spaghetti luncheon prepared by our clients for our special guests. After lunch, we said goodbye so they could visit another shelter in the area.
In retrospect – our clients, staff, mission, ministry and God’s Providencewere introduced to approximately 60 people this past week. Blessings indeed!