Going Home

Going home soon

  I can't really say I'm homesick.  We've been busy and well taken care of so there's been little time to miss home. Having said that there are a few things I'm looking forward to. Green grass, Peanut butter and Gouda with a glass of cold milk plus a night in my own bed.

  Tonight we are having armadillo and octopus.  I'm really worried about this because they just don't seem to be meats people should be eating.  I'm not sure where they buy armadillo so I'm thinking it could have easily been road kill the night before.  They love their meat down here and they will try any animal that walks or waddles on 2 or 4 legs.  I see lots of dogs on the road so at least that's a comfort.  I'll stick to chicken and beef thank you.

This morning we went to church in Sao Jose, the first church plant in the early 70's.  We met a woman Dona (which means Mrs) Maria who has been attending here for over 40 years.  Say the name Vanspronsen and a bright smile crosses her face. Her husband has attended in the past too but sadly is stricken with Alzheimer's and no longer can come.  He has written and composed some of the hymns that the federation is still singing today.

After church we went to Dona Maria's home to present her with a "Proclaimer" (These are the audio books of the new testament in Portuguese that Mission Aid has been purchasing for the elderly that can't read or get out) Dona Maria was very thankful for the gift that Chris presented her. We listened to a part and read and prayed with her and some of her family. Her husband joined us, and perhaps in a moment of clarity, sang a song for us as well. In his state of mind he was still praising the Lord!. A touching moment.

This will be my last blog and I'm doing it this afternoon because I want a good nights sleep for the 400 hour flight on Monday. Blah....I'm not looking forward to it but I know what awaits on the other end and for that I am also thankful.

It's funny.... after almost 2 weeks I've begun to get used to the things that at first bothered me about Brazil. I don't see the cracked sidewalks, the laundry hanging in the streets, the dirty and bumpy roads etc. I've even become accustomed to the "Ish", to a point where I've almost become a fan of it.  What doesn't happen today will get done tomorrow or the day after....This has all been replaced with an appreciation for the unity they share, the families they cherish and the friendships that are forged. 

Much work needs to be done yet, and I do look forward to my years on the board.  I hope to come back one day soon again!  We've shared and learned and served beside our fellow brothers and sisters and I come back enriched because of it.

The people here desperately covet your prayers and support.  They are so appreciative of what the Lord has provided through our churches over the years.  Starting with a small church in a fishing village with a fluctuating membership of anywhere between 5 and 10 people to a federation that preaches the gospel of grace in a dark country. Who knows what the Lord has in store for the future for us or His people in Brazil. Let us be thankful we can be part of the harvest while the time is still here.

Thank you dear readers for walking along with me. Your encouragement was inspiring, and I hope you enjoyed my jumbled thoughts, typos and poor sentence structure along the way just as much as I got a giggle writing them.  I

By the way, they should ban the foam toilet seat. Mine here at the hotel developed a small crack in the plastic and it hurts to sit.  What a dumb idea.......