April 14, 2007

Dear Family and Friends,

Happy Easter! The Easter season is upon us for the next few week until Pentecost and like we said in Berkeley, this is the season in which "we are compelled to feast."

This year's Lenten Series dealt with issues and conflicts, past and present, in the Anglican Communion and how it affects the Diocese of Panama. We had a faithful group and excellent discussions. After each class, which was held on Fridays, we walked the Stations of the Cross. Michael put a lot of work into his lectures and is putting them into a booklet for the members who were unable to make the lenten series.

Holy week was busy as it is everywhere in the Episcopal Church. We had a contemplative Maunday Thursday, very nice Good Friday service of the Three Hours, a beautiful Easter Vigil, and lovely Easter Sunday services. We posted pictures of these services on the blog, so be sure to check it out. I have a new Godson, Alberto, who is a member of our 10:30 Spanish service. He's 11-years-old and a sweet kid. Pictures of his baptism are also on the blog.

This year, Michael is planning to attend the special Convention for El Camino Real. Michael really wants to participate in the election of the new bishop. He's wanted to attend the regular Diocesan Convention every year, but it simply isn't possible. I know he's looking forward to seeing everyone there and being part of the excitement of the election and convention.

I'm planning to visit Anne and meet her beautiful new daughter in Boston. God willing, I'll be going at the end of April and staying for Mother's Day. Please keep us in your prayers because I'm waiting for immigration to approve our visas. We're in limbo right now with them.

It seems like there's always something. The display for the computer at home is no longer working right and needs to be fixed. Michael had to bring home his computer from the church so I can complete my homework and participate in my on-line class. At least it's only the display this time and not the computer.

If you haven't been to Padre Mickey's Dance Party lately, please do visit. I've been putting up pictures of the girls at the Hogar weekly. This week I couldn't go because we had to take the computer in to see what was wrong. But I take pictures every time I'm there so I can share with you what the girls lives are like. Of course, like I already mentioned we have lots of pictures of Holy Week. Michael put up a very funny post for April Fools Day that you might enjoy. He adds posts daily. Friday is a fun day so hope you enjoy his silly Friday posts.

God Bless all of you for supporting us with prayers and donations. We are most grateful to each and everyone of you. We're still a little short for two plane tickets. We have faith in God's will for us and know God's plan is the best.

With much love in Christ,

http://padremickey.blogspot.com

Your missionaries in Panama,
Mona and Michael Dresbach
mgdbach@hotmail.com  - Michael
mldbach1@yahoo.com  - Mona

Please pass this letter on to everyone. If you would like to make donations or a monthly pledge to our mission, please contact St. Francis Episcopal Church, 1205 Pine Ave., San Jose, CA 95125, 408-292-7090. Please feel free to check St. Francis' web site at www.stfrancisepiscopalchurch.org , which includes an archive of our letters and pictures of our mission.