As one of our own dies and passes on from this life to the next, God never ceases to amaze me by creating a new life here among us. From death always comes new life...

Returning here to Cusmapa after my trip to the US was not easy. Tuesday I held choir for the first time, and it was the first time for me without our friend and brother Manuel with us. It wasn't easy holding back the tears. While I was taking attendance I ran across his name and wasn't really sure what to do, if I should cross it off or what. "Profe," said Roberta, a 14 year-old in choir, "you have to put a "P" by his name as he is always present with us." How true are those words from such a young soul. After having been a member of this choir for nearly 5 years even though he is no longer physically present with us, he will be with us each time we come together, each time we laugh together, each time we cry together, each time we eat together, and each time we sing together. He lives on through the voices of Coro Fabrettino.

As I said since his death we have already welcomed a new life into our community. On Tuesday morning a 17 year-old girl named Frania who was also a part of the choir for many years gave birth to a baby boy. His name is Jose Gabriel, and oh how tiny and precious he is. Once he is able to talk he'll be able to sing too, and once he's old enought he'll be part of the choir. I think he's almost ready for us to put a guitar in his hands too!

UNTIL NEXT TIME...