Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

We traveled to San Luis Mission, a National Historic Monument, for a tour of a living museum this morning. It was a Spanish Franciscan mission built in 1633. Through the dedicated work of archeologists, the mission buildings have been recreated. All the docents are dressed in period costumes dialoguing with visitors giving information of what it was like living in this mission. We spoke with a Spanish trader, blacksmith, Spanish woman, married with 3 children, a fort guard, and a Franciscan priest.

The buildings are impressive, especially the Council House which served as the city hall, ceremonial center, and lodge for the more than 1,500 Apalachee residents at Mission San Luis and the Franciscan Church with a massive interior with large beautiful artwork.

The Spanish people lived along side the Apalachee Indians within the mission. Most of the Indians were converted to Christianity but still maintained

their culture.

The mission was part of Spain's effort to colonize the Florida Peninsula and to convert the Apalachee Indians to Christianity. The mission lasted until 1704 when it was evacuated and destroyed to prevent its use by the English. Many of the Apalachee Indians were shipped to Cuba.

After the tour we enjoyed lunch at the Wells Brothers Bar & Grill. Tim had a hamburger with red peppers, bacon and cheese along with onion rings. Pat had a Reuben with sweet potato fries. Very good.

We then headed to the FSU campus. Nice campus with an impressive stadium. Not surprising given the football program.

Afterwards, laundry time and back to the camp for a get together

featuring a very talented woman who plays the synthesizer, flute and mandolin. She was accompanied by two men playing the guitar. A sort of sing along. Very entertaining. Wine and cheese with our next door neighbors from Wisconsin. Small world again, the guy went to high school with an old acquaintance from Sewickley.