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!!

Trip to our home state

Went back to our home state this weekend to see my grandma, Marie, who has been ill...and the rest of the family. Grandma came home from the hospital on Friday so I was able to help get some things together for her. She is doing better each day!!

We had a great time and I had to share these pics of my niece and nephews. What a stitch they are...so much fun!!

More Summer Fun

Okay... I'm posting another slide show. Just having so much fun this summer. We started out w/ a slumber party and the girls slept out in a tent in the backyard. Way fun until all of the girls ended up in the house at 6:45 am...too cold. :)

Icthus was a blast and Jordan got a pink (go figure) shirt. The alter call on Saturday night heralded about 1000 people!

Lance & I walked the Relay for Life in memory of his dad, Bob, and in honor of my mom, Charlotte, & Lance's sister, Colleen. It was a hot night, but we had fun.

Jordan got to go to Minnesota for a long weekend. She went to "bring your kid to work day" at General Mills w/ Aunt Colleen and had a blast. She put together a box of Hamburger Helper, Mongolian Beef and we ate it for dinner tonight. Quite tasty!!

Of course, more pics to come later...especially after the big mission trip to Brazil!