A week ago last Tuesday evening our summer visiting priest arrived from Africa - Fr. Christopher Emokhari ( Emohari). Fr. Chris is originally from Nigeria where three of our other African priests were from. He is one of nine children: one other son and seven daughters! All his siblings are married. He has been ordained for fourteen years. He has spent time studying in Italy as well as France. Hence he speaks Italian, French, English and his native dialects.

Presently he is a pastor of a church in Nigeria where he has about 1000 parishioners. His church is on a four acre parcel of land that is patrolled by two guard dogs, a Rottweiler and a German Shepherd. He seems a little surprised how calm and laid back Abby is; but he did get to meet Fr. Bob’s Honey at our July Fourth gathering. He likes dogs as you can imagine so they are not a challenge to him.

I am delighted to have Chris in the rectory. He is a pleasure to have around. He will be with us for the months of July and August so there is plenty of time for anyone who wishes to take him out and help him experience America for the first time.

As I write this column on Monday morning, I see the trucks from Kiley’s painting company arriving. They were delayed a few weeks at a previous job but they are here now and ready to begin our church’s restoration. They estimate that it will take about ten weeks to complete the job, depending on any complications they may encounter along the way.

We are able to do this work of course because of your great generosity. As you can see we are almost at our goal. I am most grateful for all your support.

We look forward also to the completion of our new expanded parking lot. I know this has been an inconvenience but it should be finished in the next few weeks.