The Draysons settle back into Northern Argentina
Arrival of the fittest
Thank you so much for your prayers over the last few weeks. Nick arrived back in Argentina on August 21st and got straight back into things with visits to forest communities and rounds of meetings with church leaders. Catherine and Stefi got to Salta exactly a month later, having stopped for a few days in Buenos Aires en route. Catherine’s recovery is slow but steady, and she appreciated the extra weeks in Guernsey, and she and Stefi were able to help each other with the packing and lifting as well as the emotional ups and downs of the moving on.
Language hurdles
It has been extremely hot here, an early spring, and that adds to the pressures of adjustment. Nick has tried to get on with learning to speak Wichi, both in Juarez and on the trips he has been doing, and now Stefi is getting stuck into Spanish in Salta. At times it seems too much, and there is always plenty else to do. But we must stick at it as it will pay off.
Women’s conference
The weekend of Oct 14th (Mothering Sunday here) the Wichi women hold their next conference. Amidst all the Centenary celebrations it will give them the chance to make their own mark on the future of the church and influence its impact on their communities. Catherine is trying to pick up the threads with this, and there are other women involved at different levels.
Major changes
25th November is the date of the Diocesan Synod, when Nick will take over as bishop from Greg Venables, who has ably led the church here through some rough waters. The way ahead is still uncharted, but we pray so much for wisdom and courage in carrying out the next steps. Nick particularly needs to build an able and trustworthy team around him.
As ever, love and grateful blessings to you all,
Nick and Catherine
(The Diocese of Northern Argentina is one of our 3 link dioceses).