The event for today for us is moving day; we have been packing up our things for the past few days. A group of about 15 men made sure we were up early, ready to get a good start on the day.
At 3:30 AM they started with the skyrockets, and brass and drum band. It is now 4:32 AM and so far I have counted 64 explosions! (Thank you, Dad, for that skill )…make that 67. As long as I do not let myself get frustrated by the early call, it is kind of interesting to see the fervor that people have for this holiday, not celebrating our moving day, but actually La Purisima.
The whole country gets the day off, and what started this morning in our neighborhood with band and fireworks, will culminate back in our neighborhood today with a life-size figure of Mary being carried in from the main church to a stage where she is honored with ceremony, singing, lots of people, singing, street food, of course music and more fireworks.
I wish I could drop you into the celebration tonight…72. It would be one of those things that is a trademark of the country- God and his name are invited into so many things. The Holy Spirit pharmacy, the Baby Jesus clinic, the Thank you, God taxi, 76, the King of Kings bus; and while often these are used more as good luck charms, God has been invited in.
One of the phrases that I hear often is Gracias a Dios (Thank you, God), after a statement of good health, or family going well, or the blessing of a job. It rolls off their tongue to be thankful. What a blessing to be reminded to be thankful for everything. I need that reminder on a daily basis as life often takes over thankfulness.
It is now 4:46, and I think we wrapped up the morning with 76 explosions- not bad for a mornings work!
Love this post. I, too, am taken by the ready acknowledgement of God! What has happened to the U.S? 🙁 Hope your moving day goes smoothly.
Oh, my friend – I’m sure at moments it’s annoying but WOW – the joy and presence of the Lord and the gratefulness being “exploded” from the neighborhood! I LOVE it. You did an awesome job of creating a picture of it all with your words! Thank you SO much! I can see all the color, hear all the noise and giggled the whole while as you counted down the # of explosions. Praying for you all as you move! Very excited for you! God has been, is and continues to be so faithful to you two as you carry out His call on your lives together! I love you!