Back Home

Actually, this picture is from the beach that we visited on our last day in Brazil. Just had to add one more pic from our trip. ((SIGH))

We said goodbye to Juliana, Paulo, Carolina and Audir and boarded the plane in Curitiba. As I walked onto the plane, sadness filled my heart. I was sad to be leaving Brazil, the Lopes' and the friends we made along the way. Once seated on the plane, Jordan started to cry...having many of the same feelings. The river of tears flowed...Jordan, me and finally Lance. Going on a mission trip is different than taking a vacation. We were touched by many people, made good friends and became closer to the friends we already had. In many ways, they feel like family to us and saying goodbye was hard.

So...now we are home and it actually does feel good. Jordan is outside playing, laundry is going and we're settling back into life. I don't think any of the 3 of us will ever be the same from this trip. We have learned a lot about ourselves as individuals and as a family.

If our Brazilian "family" is reading this post, we miss you and thank you for a wonderful experience!!

The grand finale

We've had a couple of days of sight seeing w/ Paulo & Juliana. SO fun!! We've been to a little town near the beach, went to the beach and went out w/ Juliana's parents to a great restaraunt last night. It was great to see her family!! The restaraunt was like none I've ever seen!

Tonight we ate at a Churrascaria...BRAZILIAN BBQ!! It was great food, lots of fun and wonderful service. You start out w/ a sort of buffet and then they bring the meat to you...many different kinds, many times, and pasta and side dishes. Oh...and they had sushi! (Yes, Jordan was thrilled!)

We've had a great time in Brazil!! We are thankful for all we've learned, experienced and seen. We have been blessed by the people we have met and the bonds of friendship we've made!!

Vila Pantanal

SO...at breakfast yesterday, Carlos mentioned that Lance would be preaching at the service at Vila Pantanal that afternoon. Lance thought he was kidding. Well...on our way to church, Audir affirmed that Lance was indeed preaching at the service...in 10 minutes!! Lance had prepared a sermon before we came and luckily remembered most of it. I have to say...I think it was his best sermon!! God definately took over and allowed Lance to talk to the people in a profound way!

Vila Pantanal is where Audir is the pastor. She has taken on this church in a VERY poor area on the edge of Curitiba. It gets cold here at night...very cold and my heart aches for how cold they must be living in those small, wooden houses along a stream. (I am sleeping in sweats and have 2 comforters on our bed to keep warm.) We will go back and see the school on Wednesday. We have some craft items to take to the children...it will be neat to see them get excited about them!!

There were a few children at the church last night. I'll tell you...these Brazilian children are simply beautiful!! They crave and seek out attention and affection. In the 5 minutes after service last night, Lance had a little girl (4-5 years old) wanting him to hold her. Of course, he did. And somehow had her laughing!! God is surely in this place!!

Pop Rocks!!

We gave out extreme sour poprocks to everyone the last couple of days!! SOOO FUNNY!! This is Ana...she is Pedro's Juliana's cousin. She is a hoot! I could've taken about 50 pictures similar to this!! Most people liked the candy, some not at all and some wouldn't even try. I'll tell you this...we laughed so hard we almost cried!! So much more fun than our original idea of brining M&M's. And everyone liked that they got candy from the US!!!

We leave Mafra today to go to Curitiba (where Paulo & Juliana's parents live). We'll do some sight seeing for the next couple of days. I will miss the other missionaries at July for Jesus. And those children w/ VBS...will forever be in my heart!!!

Lance

Lance preached at a street service on Wednesday night. Apparently, it is a big deal to get asked to do this. He had only 5 minutes to deliver a sermon and an alter call. I think it took more like 8-10, but who's counting. It was to the point and powerful! Way to go, Lance!! And...the interpreter part (thanks to Pedro) went well too! They worked well together!!!

I am very proud of my hubby!!

Jordan

This picture is of Joradan & Louisa. Louisa is 10 years old and VERY sweet! She & Jordan are getting along well & communicating better every day. Jordan has become less shy in the last day or so and is opening up w/ the Brazilians more. She & Louisa even left my sight for awhile to go to the sleeping area so Louisa could give Jordan a scarf that she knitted!!

The other picture is Jordan getting a manicure. This is one of the services offered to the women of Mafra, but they wanted to do Jordan's nails. They are really pretty...pink w/ a flower on each nail.

Last night during our prayer time, we broke into groups of 7 and prayed for each other. Jordan stayed w/ me. When we prayed over her, one woman, Sandra, prayed in the English she knows. Afterwards, Vivian, who speaks only a little English, was pretty sure that she was speaking in Portuguese what Sandra was praying in English...at the same time. Only God puts the same words into two women's mouths at the same time. Vivian felt strongly that God has a plan for Jordan...her dream. So neat!!

I am so proud of the young lady she is becoming. I think the Brazilians see Christ shining thorugh her as well, even though they've only known her for a few days!! My prayer over Jordan was for God to continue to lead her and be strong in her life. I pray that she always knows God's love and follows his direction for her life. II pray that God gives me & Lance wisdom to help her through her teen years and help keep her on the right path.

VBS in Brazil

Jordan & I got to help w/ the children today. (Lance went to a different city to do contruction.) The children love to have their picture taken and then see themselves on my camera. They constantly want us to "fela engles"...speak English!! They don't even care what we say. We taught them a song in English and they made a dog during craft so I was teaching them to say dog.

Jordan is helping w/ a skit the rest of the week. She plays the filja (daughter) of a missionary. They keep her speaking parts to a minimum and she is having fun!

I was talking to the pricipal of the school (using Paulo as a translator) at the end of the afternoon and he has been praying for his school and the children. July for Jesus is an answer to his prayers. He became a Christian a few years ago and wants the children of Mafra to know God. I told him the children are wonderful and will always have a place in my heart. He told me to take the children back to the USA in my heart and to pray for his school.

So...pray for the children of Mafra. For their salvation, health and general well being. This is a tough life they are living. They are beautiful children of God!!

July for Jesus

We've been busy today! This morning Jordan & I helped get stuff ready for VBS. We cut out estrelas (stars) and corazons (hearts) for the children while Lance helped organize clothes and shoes for the store. He then helped unload a truck at the church with about 5000 pounds of supplies for the week (clothes, housewares, etc...) I watched the same truck w/ supplies at the school as well with LOTS of rice and beans!! :)

After lunch, we marched the streets of Mafra to advertise July for Jesus. They had a few men on a truck w/ speakers telling of the week and playing Christian music. A group dressed up as mimes, clowns, insects... Jordan was an ant (see picture). It was neat to see the townspeople all curious about us. I can't wait to love on them when they come to the school.

Jordan is meeting a few little girls here, but they are all pretty shy. She is reserved w/ speaking Portuguese and Loisa is timid w/ the little English she knows. We're going to have Pedro (Paulo's brother) translate a little for them so they are more comfortable.

I wish I could say in words what it is like to be here. The Brazilians we are working with are so passionate and have such a love for Jesus. They are very curious about us and want to talk to us and take our pictures. Many of them have commented about how beautiful Jordan is!! I think they are especially fond of her green eyes. Many of the ladies want to kiss her (on the cheek like the French) and hug her.

The weather is beautful, but the nights are cold. I could see my breath in the hotel room this morning. (They don't have any heat.) We are thankful for many blankets and Lance & I were so thankful for our Brazilian coffee this morning!!

It is taking awhile to upload pictures on Lance's old computer, but I'll try to upload a slide show in the next day or two.

Obrigada (thank you) to all of our family and friends in the US who are praying for us. Our health is good, our hearts are warm and we are learning to worship God in a new way!! Continue to pray as we work with the people in Mafra this week and that we touch their hearts for God!!

We're here!!

We've made our way safely to Brazil. We're in Mafra and will have our first service for July for Jesus tonight. Internet has been scant until now, but we should be okay at least this week in the hotel.

Flights were fine, but it has been a long 24ish hours. Looking forward to a full night's sleep in a bed tonight.

I think it is going to be a very spirit filled week!!!!

Off to Brazil!!

We leave in just 17 hours to go to the airport!! We'll land in Curitiba, Brazil at about 1:30 pm their time...2 hours ahead of central time...on Sunday. Please pray for safe travel, a healthy trip and for the people we will serve on our trip.

I'll try to update when I can!! Ciao'

Fourth of July

So, we live in this "Mayberry" town and have the cutest Fourth of July celebration. The parade is great...see pics above for the lawnmower brigade...my favorite part of the parade. Then, we head over for 25 cent hotdogs and a spelling bee. It is so fun! Ended the evening with great fireworks, viewed from our friends' back porch. We had a great day!!