What kind of Cat House are they runnin' over there?

I have a new baby. Warm and fuzzy and really, really sweet. No, really!

After securing a puppy dog, Lily Grace, for our boys, I promised no more pets. In fact even considered laying off one of the two cats we currently employed. Wouldn't it be perfect - ONE CAT, ONE DOG, TWO BOYS. A plaything for each. 

The one I wanted to give a pink slip to was this gray thing. Esther was brought to us by a really good friend, who shall remain nameless to protect his reputation, back in October of 2006. He found her under a bridge on the way to our house and since I had put an old kitty, Twooz, to sleep a few months prior he thought I might enjoy a new baby. Well, here's the thing. I didn't really mind putting the old girl to sleep because she was annoying and weird. Guess what? So is Esther! See how she looks in this photo??? I'm feeling really guilty for wanting to get rid of her but I had devised a plan to take her to the SPCA after Hurrican Ike and tell them I found her in my back yard - well, it would be TRUE!

Now, one of my favorite guys EVER is this one. Steady Merckx (merks). Named after greatest bicyclist of all time, Belgian rider Eddy Merckx. My Merckx is a handsome guy, cool cat, king of the driveway. He's a dream (except that one time he peed on my laundry - well nobody's perfect!).

So to the the new kid. His name is Moto (Dawkin calls him Albert Felinestein). We were having a garage sale at my parents house a week ago and this couple walked up with a little girl holding the kitty. My dad asked if we could pet him because we love kitties (my parents had four but in August/Sept. lost two of them in 3 weeks!). The little girl replied that they had found him and we could have him. I heard myself reply, "I'll take him." WHHHAAAAAT? Who said that????? To be honest, I had been thinking about getting a kitten for Lily because the other two weren't so nice to her. And Adam had Ebony and Tom Jones (a doberman and orange kitty) while growing up who where the best of friends. 

Of course, I was preparing myself for babyville and had already thought I would be losing sleep that night to care for the newby. Nope. He found the litter box all by himself and curled up in our laps for his naps. YIPPEE! So I have to tell you my plan is working. After an initial couple of hisses and canine marks on the ears (not the cat's, mine!), the two are becoming friends.

Need a kitten fix? Come to my house. No sense in all of us having to buy baby food.

. . .live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 1 Peter 3:8

Trying

Stinkin' challenges! I've  been trying for days to get a post up of the Komen Houston Race for the Cure but it's been TRYING me and my patience - blogspot didn't want to cooperate. Here's a cute guy sampling. . .

It's coming soon. . .

A woman's wisdom gives her patience. It is to her benefit to overlook an offense. Proverbs 19:11 Ouch!

Oh, Sweet Pumpkin!

No doubt September is the month of the year I look forward to most of all. Partly because it's my birthday month but the weather begins to change and my favorite thing of all happens. . .Starbucks brings back the seasonal Pumpkin Spice Latte. It warms my very being and makes me grin just at the sniff of it.

Last night, at the near conclusion to a date night, after a particularly difficult week, Adam and I skipped into skcubratS for a tall something or other (it was our comfort dessert after our out-of-the-ordinary thai dinner). We stood in line and I was contemplating what my order should entail. . .decaf tall skinny cinnamon dolce latte? nonfat green tea latte? tall soy chai? But alas! I almost took a little cheerleader bounce (nope, never was - should have been - evidently subject for another post) and clapped my hands - IT'S SEPTEMBER, me thinks, DECAF TALL NONFAT PUMPKIN SPICE PUHHHHLEEEEESE! YES! - I am now close to ecstatic - it's just those little things that thrill the heck out of me.

My mind searches back to my most favorite of all September Pumpkin Spice remembrance. It was September 1, 2006. Adam and I had just landed in a delightfully cool, light sweater necessary, Seattle with great anticipation of his brother's Labor Day weekend wedding. We knew we had a little drive before we reached the true destination of Port Townsend and so after securing the rental car and playing with it's GPS chick, Adam found us a Starbucks! We walked in and once again, there was the cheerleader jump and subsequent PS actions after. I could smell it - and boy was I happy - IN Seattle, IN Starbucks, WITH my PSL. Life was good. 

Not sure how many PSL's I secured that weekend, but they were all my favorites - well, except for that one last night.

May the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful. Psalm 68:2-4

Grace+Suffering=Strong

The God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself, restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:10

Does anybody need this?

I do. 

"After you have suffered a little while. . ." Do you ever wonder how much?

I do.

And the God of all grace. . .will make you strong, firm and steadfast.

I will be.

Amen.

Wouldn't it be fun. . .

to join in on traditions from other cultures? If I could have a Quinceanera, this would be the dress I would get! And that tiara too. This Sweet Potato was posing for her Q photos on the Sabine Street Bridge last night. We were there after bible study hanging out at the Skate Park (I know, you are probably thinking how multicultural I actually am - SWEET!). Since, I am not celebrating my fifteen birthday this year, perhaps I could go ahead and find all those celebrations I missed in my youth and lump them into one big melting pot.

Okay, in lieu of my thirteenth, I could celebrate with a Bat Mitzvah. My dear friend, Rabbi Eve, could no doubt handle that one and we would all spend Saturday morning in Temple where I would get to read from the Torah, have a great lunch and then get all dolled up for a fun party that evening with lots of gifts. 

For my fifteenth, the above mention Q and the DRESS! We would all go to Mass on Saturday morning where the Pope, er, I mean Priest would give a great service and then we'd have a party that evening and I would ask all of you to "sponsor" various items so it could be a really big party and it wouldn't cost any of us very much money. I would still want you to bring gifts.

For my sixteenth,  well come to think of it, I did have a sixteenth birthday party. It was sweet. Moving on ...

For my eighteenth, Socially elite parents (not to say that mine aren't) generally present their daughter at the Debutante Ball. You get an escort, wear a fabulous white dress, curtsey, and go to a really fantastic fancy dinner. You should probably go ahead and bring gifts just in case.

So, this year I will actually be thirty-ten, not so sure about a party but definitely thinking pink dress and gifts.

But Moses said, Those aren't sounds of victory, And those aren't sounds of defeat, I hear sounds of people throwing a party! Exodus 32:18 Msg

New Look

WHy diDn't AnYOne tell me that stinkin' pink was so obnoxiouS?

But I trust in Your unfailing love; my heart REJOICES in Your salvation. Psalm 13:5

I wanna be. . .

a real blogger. One who is diligent in posting daily with quips of wisdom and hilarity. Anybody have wisdom for me?

Where's Noah when you need him?

Dove died. 

Prez and VP cried eyes out. 

I gave the big black bin a present. 

The End. 

He waited seven more days and sent the dove out again and this time it did not return to him. Genesis 8:12  Hallelujah!

THiS shOuld WoRK. . .

Do you ever wonder about the Reality TV Crew that must be following you around but neglected to tell you?  

To begin, I ended up spending way more at time at school after dropping off the Vice President (son #2) this morning. Ended up volunteering to decorate for an event (Tomorrow!). Lovely. I am so way overcommitted for the next 5 days that I'll definitely need an extension on the "Only 24 hours in a day" thing. To avoid all the droning details, here are other highlights: (special note - Mr. Wonderful is Out of Town)

-Spent an hour and a half at the ceramics store trying to finish the tray I've been working on for the VP's Pre K class Silent Auction art project. Of course, not thrilled with it's prefired look but praying the "Let's make it pretty Angels" will visit the kiln while firing.

-Started my afternoon cookie baking for Wednesday Night Bible Study. Found a killer chocolate cookie recipe online. Went to put in the chocolate chips and low and behold, I didn't have any. This should work (uh oh!) - there was half a bar of unsweetened chocolate. Chunks are cool! BLeecckkk! The cookie was delish then after tasting the chocolate pieces, you wanted to grab a drink of KoolAid.

-Phone ringing from President (son #1) explaining he has found a deserted dove chick on his walk with friends and can we take care of it? Ummm, let's see, Mercy is one of my spiritual gifts. When someone tells me they are sick, my whole body hurts. HOWEVER, I do not have the SPCA Mercy gift. We have been through at least 3 spring chicks in the last two weeks because they fall out of nest and dog or cat gets them and then brings them into the house. My preference is to open up the big black bin and help them get to heaven quicker. Cruel? No, just busy. Let's move on.

-Just finished cookies, about to leave for church and my doorbell rings. Sixteen year old neighbor guy (who I haven't spoken to in probably four years) asks if I can take him to his church. WHHHAAAATTT? Seems he's locked himself out of his house and if I can take him to his church his mom will pick him up from there later. Where is church? Only 6 miles away, but alas, 6 miles the opposite direction from where I'm headed and into the muck and mier of 5:30 pm Inner Loop HOUSTON TEXAS traffic. Deep Breath. . ."Yes, I'd love to. . ."

-President walks in with dove (not really a chick, now is it?), CAGE and cover. Where did you . . .? Walking friends just happened to have one and knew we'd need it. Seems the birds name is . . . PECK . . .and Pate. Cute.

-After drop off, sit in traffic less than one mile from church for twenty minutes. Lovely.

-After church, President, VP and I excited to watch GMA Awards that we DVRd while at church. We all love tobymac so fast forwarding it to him was a treat.

-It gets late, boys get rowdy. I'm trying to do a little work. Prez comes to me and tells me VP tells him I said he was mean. HUH? I call to VP. Did you say I said Prez was mean? Yes. I've already fuss at you for something else in the last five minutes, we don't lie, I'm giving you a spanking. (spanking occurring) Between major sobs, VP says (warning: he has elephant memory) but you said brothers ARE mean sometimes. OUCH! Did I say that??? Yes, I distinctly remember saying that about 5 weeks ago! Please forgive me! Now I'm sobbing. Will you forgive me please???? I love you .. .  .. ...and so on and so on.

How was your day?

...as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.  Colossians 3:12

My Seven Things

So now Michelle's gotten me out of the blogging slump - she tagged me. We are good friends for sure, but unlikely ones in the sense that we only talk at weddings, see each other through blog photos and generally visit through an occasional blog comment - BUT I'd take a bump on the head for her any day!

The Rules:

Link your tagger and list these rules on your blog.

Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.

Tag 7 people. - I don't have that many blogging friends. My generation can't get with Blogging!

Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

My Seven Things:

1. I was born in Tokyo. My dad was in the Air Force at Taichikawa Air Force Base. I've threatened my parents for years that I am going to get a tatoo - small black print on the bottom of my foot that says "Made in Japan."

2. I take Funeral Notes. Yep. Writing down the qualities of people who have gone on in hopes that I can achieve some of those great characteristics that people obviously appreciate. Today's funeral notes of the Great GrandChuck include - humble, sweet, gracious, church member, kindest face. Oh yeah, I need me some of those.

3. My latest purchase on itunes was That's How You Know from Enchanted with Amy Adams. I love show tunes and singing to them. I think Dawkin (5 yrs) does too because he gets really excited and sings the Reggae guy's part. The movie was showing on Costco's tvs yesterday and I almost started gliding up and down the aisles like she does - Pate the Great (9 yrs) was really getting embarrassed (that was the best part!). click on the title to watch and hear. . .

4. I love red bell peppers! My favorite is to eat them like an apple and just bite into them. I like them with cottage cheese, eggs, hummus and of course, icing! I've got them growing in my garden - come join me for some in about. . .58 days!

5. I don't like to watch tv unless I'm tired or sick. If I am going to watch it, I better learn something from it - Preaching or Cooking!

6. Someone recently called me an "Over Achiever". I took offense to it (not in front of them) and have now been trying to work through my being offended - is it good or is it bad? I mentioned it to a bestest bud and she agreed. Hmmpffff! Now, I was offended twice! 

7. I like to make lists. Things to do. Things to put away. People to call. House jobs to take care of. Etc. But no one in my household reads, abides or cares about those lists. So I just make them to organize all the thoughts in my head (there really isn't enough paper).

The people I would like to know more about. . . Kellie, Dana, Courtney and YOU!

God loves the pure hearted and well spoken; good leaders also delight in their friendship. Proverbs 22:11

Okay, I feel like a new woman. It was an amazing day and I feel refreshed. Here's how it went: Meeting at church this morning over exciting Easter decor. Scurry to house where the boys and I had a great time finishing an installation and playing with new friends. Meet at park with Most Gracious High School friend and her two boys - had a blast. Run to precious friend's house to play with her and son - watched Enchanted (loved it!), jumped on trampoline (back flip baby!), had two cups of coffee (bad idea!), got new makeup (yippee!), enjoyed my girl. Go home (it's 6pm already!) and see most beloved husband. Finish project with the President (number one son) - send him off to sleepover with neighbors. Feed Vice President (number two son) dinner. Collapse in uncomfortable office chair to finally resolve computer issues (laptop and desktop - eeccckkk!). I take care of laptop but desktop still not cooperating. Mr. Wonderful offers to assist (we've only been talking about this for 3 months), "Okay" I huffing-ly step away. After about 45 minutes, the heavens open up, the Hallelujah Chorus is blaring and. . .MW has returned itunes to it's rightful location in my life - YEEHA! I can barely wait to hear all the sermons I've missed and the songs the President and I have vowed to download. Well, the evening ended with a little kissy poo for MW. . .

Here's the great script installed today (see photo) that tells my story today - He is so good:

...Run with endurance the race that is set before us. . .fixing our eyes on Jesus. . .Hebrews 12:1,2

The Happy

There are so many great everyday memories from my trip to Brazil. Here are some of the thoughts that warm my heart. . .

-Kilo restaurants (it would never work in the states)

-Blind puppy dog, Joe. He does so well in the apartment except for those times he gets excited and goes "bam!" into the wall. . .

-singing backup with Georgia to this great reggae, portuguese, worship song

-walking on the multi designed black and white Rio stone sidewalks

-seeing the beach out the window each morning (even through the rain)

-listening to Patti prepare for lessons and conferring with Georgia on portuguese translation

-acai smoothie (the c should have that little squiggle underneath it - pronounce A sai ee)

-good sweet papaya and mango every morning

-shopping at midnight

-dinner at 10pm EVERY night

-the yellow heart plate and matching mug from the girls' kitchen

-taking the stairs to the 6th floor apartment

-deelicious fresh brazillian coffee each morning

-laughing about all the old 70s and 80s Christian Music Artists (we were rolling while belting out "Via de La Rosa"

-my last moments with Patti, Georgia and their precious friend, Marcia, in the chaotic Rio airport - they waved goodbye, I waved goodbye, they jumped up and waved, I tried without security accosting me jump up and wave - it was a very sweet time for me - I didn't want to leave and they didn't want me to leave (I think!)

So I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun. Ecclesiastes 8:15

Circunstancias Severas

While I was in Brazil, Patti taught in church on Matthew 11. It was in portuguese and having Georgia translate would have been disruptive so I just listened wide eyed hoping to navigate the foreign waters and gain something from the lesson. I did. Over and over again, she mentioned the title of this entry. Confirming with her later as to what was said, it was indeed, "severe circumstances".

Tonight, at Texas Children's Hospital I visited a situation that could be viewed as such. Circunstancias Severas. Twelve year old, Carolyn German, is in a fight for her life over a nasty little (large) pelvic tumor growing at an alarming rate. I describe Carolyn as "Tinkerbell with glasses" because she is this pixie precious girl with cropped strawberry blonde hair and the most beautiful pure skin you've ever seen. She is friends with my niece, Landon, and my brother, Mark, used his amazing networking personality to coordinate a fundraising benefit for her family in August 2007. The event raised over $50,000 for the family's medical expenses. They LOVE Mark (well, truth be told, we all do!)

The visit came as the result of my precious friend, Lara's, request for prayer for Carolyn at a bible study the night before. One of the ladies from bible study, Cami, introduced herself to Lara and told her she wanted to go to the hospital and pray over the precious girl. Jeff, Lara's coworker, had already mentioned he wanted to go and pray after she had forwarded an email requesting prayer that my brother had sent out. Lara called me after securing the team and said "Let's go!" I'm dizzy trying to explain but I hope you are getting that this was an unusual group gathering (one ordained from YOU-KNOW-WHO). I may start playing 6 degrees of somebody here in a minute.

We arrived in separate vehicles but left with a united heart. Cami, Jeff, Lara and I walked in to a full room unknown and unsure of what would happen next. We introduced ourselves, received a big hug from Carolyn's mother, Adrian (after I reminded her I was Mark's sister!), told them why we were there and I proceeded to fuss over Tinkerbell lying in bed. She was intentional about whispering to me with closed eyes that we may have been told she only had 4 weeks to live but that was a rumor. Nobody knows how long, she said. I agreed and we reached out for hands (with everyone), surrounded the bed and begin praying. Cami led us in a petition to the Almighty that was strong and deliberate. Others joined in with heartfelt and sincere pleading. I was stroking Carolyn's arm (she had already told me my cool hands felt good to her skin) and I felt the tears well up at the thought of the pain she must be in. 

Circunstancias Severas.

I had prayed most of the day that our visit would be uplifting and an encouragement to the family. That we would be joyful and share the love of the Lord in a way that was appropriate to the situation. When we departed an hour and a half later, there was laughter and smiles and the peace that surpasses all understanding (from YOU-KNOW-WHO) radiating from everyone. It wasn't us - it was the Lord, Jesus Christ. We were all just using our gifts - spiritual and otherwise - to share with the victims of a severe circumstance.  I had prayed that we would decrease and He would increase. 

Will you pray with us too? 

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks,  he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.   1 Peter 4:10-11

I have so much more to share with you about Brazil that I do hope you'll check back here. When I returned from my trip, there were high expectations to daily encourage you with scripture and give you delicious details but, alas, I am but a wife, a mother, daughter, sister, friend, chef, family coordinator, business owner, laundry do-er, church member, etc. 

AH! You have your own list? SO you know EXactly what I mean. . .

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as if working for the Lord and not men. Colossians 3:23

The Word

As mentioned previously, we, Stuck On The Word International (yikes!), installed scripture while in Brazil. The same verse in two different churches in two different cities. Communidade Oceanica Batista Niteroi and CBO Cabo Frio. It was so emotional for me and so exciting for everyone else.  

I loved seeing God's word in a different language. Portuguese is romantic and harmonious to hear. Since I am so visual, every scripture I put up seems to burn in my memory (exactly what I had prayed for many years - that scripture would be easy for me to memorize! God is faithful!) 

Of course, you recognize the verse above, well maybe not visually! John 14:6 - Jesus answered, "I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Isn't it amazing! God's word shines All over the world!

These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts...Write them on the doorframes of your houses and your gates. Deuteronomy 6: 6, 9

The Photos!

I've been trying to add pictures like this one (I only took 456 in 8 days) to the posts - if you have been perusing, go back and look at the ones added so far. . .

The children gathered around me after presenting me with a piece of paper that announced "we are glad you are here!" (you know me and Portuguese - I'm not sure that's what it said...)

And He took the children in His arms, put His hands on them and blessed them. Mark 10:16

The Mission

Back in September, the 23rd to be exact - the day after my birthday, make note - Patti LaCarter, Missionary to Brazil, spoke to our Sunday morning Bible study class at HFBC. At the end of the description her work, she said, "If anyone is interested in coming to Brazil, we would love to have you." At that moment, Mr. Wonderful elbows me and says "You should go." Now, as a sanguine personality, I am always ready for any adventure (or party) and it's generally the aforementioned Mr. Wonderful's job to keep the Sanguine in check (read, responsible and grounded).

So, after hearing from the Voice of the Holy Spirit, I told Patti and her ministry cohort, Georgia Costa, I wanted to come. We exchanged emails and promised to get in touch. I reviewed the calendar for dates and confirmed January to be best. As the time came closer, Patti's parents and I met up for the trading of delivery goods and Georgia's new guitar that didn't make the last trip.

Patti and Georgia are Church Planters and two strong Christian women that are driven to share and educate. Still not sure exactly what I would be doing to help them, I did know it was fulfilling one of my lifelong dreams - A Mission Trip (also something on The List we will discuss later). I prayed and ask the Lord to help me be an encouragement to the members of the churches and to Patti and Georgia. That was my request over and over again since I knew I wasn't going to teach VBS, build a structure or administer health care like so many other mission trips others have taken. Then I realized the opportunity to share my love of scripture and deliver a verse in their own language of Portuguese. Yes, I had a mission. But installing scripture designs would take two hours max - what would I do the rest of the time? God will take care of it, I deemed.

With bag checked, backpack over the shoulder and Georgia's guitar case in hand, I walked through the airport like a Rockstar! Everyone knew I must be Someone traveling to Brazil with A guitar. (I've decided to buy a guitar case to carry with me on future airport jaunts and Rockstar dark glasses with fancy cowboy boots too, just for fun).  I do not play the guitar or any instrument, for that matter, but maybe it could make The List. I think I've just sent you on a tangent. Where were we?

Oh yes, Patti and Georgia guided and directed, drove and interpreted. They displayed such faith and trust in the Almighty that I was encouraged. We've said it over and over - He is faithful. Their own testimonies of how they got there, how churches were organized and the events leading up to their working together were miraculous. It was an opportunity for me to be blessed. And for me to share. . .

My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:2,3

The Doubleheader

Our schedule for Wednesday night including speaking to the youth group at church and then going to a home to speak to an adult small group. I thought I was ready for the youth - I mean I WAS a "youth". I WAS in the "youth" group. Yikes, I wasn't ready. The beautiful young tan faces watched me as if I had two heads, staring at me like I had never been a "youth"! The Brazilian teens tend to start dating very early and have sex pushed on them at very young ages. I talked to them about the priorities they make now will impact the future they have later. Not to be in a hurry to grow up. Enjoy your teenage years - there are only 7 of them! I tried to be youthful and exhuberant but then they just looked at me like both of my heads were being cut off, slowly. Ooohh, I couldn't wait to get to the adult group! We scooted out of the YOUTH GROUP with a hearty "ciao ciao"! They replied in kind - GO AMERICAN GO! Not really but you can imagine, like I, that they wanted to.

We arrived at Tania's home, which was so beautiful - dark wood with delicious white leather sofas. I considered, for a moment, life at my house with white leather sofas, two boys, two cats and a dog. Well, you know the conclusion. The Adults kissed me (I am now soo good at the kiss kiss on each cheek greeting!) and told me how wonderful it was that I was visiting them. Patti had briefed me on most everybody (there were 16) so I was able to speak with some wisdom to their situations. I opened telling them that when I go home, I will probably speak with a pause after everything I say since I've gotten so used to constantly speaking with an interpreter!

Once again, I talked about priorities and making your Christian life and your relationship with God number one. Ephesians 4:13 speaks of this -"...until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ." When Georgia and I were in downtown Rio on Monday, I saw these beautiful, large oak trees in the middle of the city, surrounded by concrete. I mentioned that those trees only survive and grow because of their deep roots in one place. They all seem to nod as if fully understanding what I was explaining. And afterwards told me how much they appreciated the encouragement. Thank the Lord! I didn't really have two heads. I love Adults! Hmmm, reality check, I am one.

...warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 1 Thessalonians 5:6

The Rain

The Brazilians are baffled. It's Summer here, most everyone is on vacation and the weather is acting like Winter. Rain has been coming on and off (mostly on) for the last four days. Temperature is below 70'and do you really think I brought "Winter" clothes? No. I purposely left them in the closet of the house in Houston where it is Winter. Patti and Georgia had repeated, "Are you sure you want to come when it's so hot??" "I like the heat," I replied, hopefully. I was so bone cold the whole week before I left that I was repeatedly stopping for a soak in the warm tub with images of the sand, sun and surf all at my beck and call to warm my pale skin (I'm really mad at my left brain now - see previous blog).

But, the Lord is good and in control. With not much else to do in the rain, the Brazilians are coming to church. Yesterday, we drove three hours to Buzios, a delightful fishing village with beautiful beaches and cobblestone paths. In the evening we drove over to Cabo Frio where Comunidade Batista Oceanica has a second church, pastored by Hopson and Nudaby (husband and wife respectively). We visited with them over coffee and snacks before the service and then installed the second scripture I'd brought. Once again, I was completely and totally moved on how the Lord would bring me so far to do this, all the while a precocious seven year old boy played with the tape and vinyl scraps I was dropping below the ladder (you are going to get a kick out of the photos if I can ever figure this thing out!). The people started coming in and watching me. They all oohhed and awwed over the chocolate colored verse on the wall - "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."John 14:6.

During the service, Patti asked me to speak on how I've stayed faithful to being a Christian. It seems, the Brazilians like to try new things and hop around to churches regularly. I talked of truly devoting myself to the Lord when I was 16 and how I've been in the same church for 24 years. They couldn't believe it! They were enthralled with Adam's Crossrider ministry and wanted to know all about Motocross. Graca asked me to pray for her husband, Sondro, who is not a Christian and rides motocross. The Crossrider's Bible Study will be praying over him this evening in Houston.

Afterwards, we seperated into smaller groups to pray for one another. Patti, Nudaby, Saleen and I ended up together. I felt a pain in my heart for Saleen as I grabbed her hand. She said she was going through a difficult depression due to some financial issues (Patti interprets). After we prayed, I hugged her and began to pray over her in English - she was hugging so tight that she wouldn't let go. I haven't stopped thinking of her and know when she makes it on the otherside of this her own ministry will be all the stronger. Will you say a prayer for Saleen that the Lord would comfort her and give her wisdom? Thank you.

The photos then began of everyone under the scripture and with each other (you really are going to like them!). We left for dinner - it was early - only 10:00 pm. We got to walk down Rock Street in the rain in Buzios after that and Patti and I bought Board Shorts at the store, South, at 11:45 pm! These people are crazy! Thank You Lord for the rain. . .

I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Philippians 4:12

The Girl

I still can't believe I am here. The Brazilian people are amazing - friendly, loving, lots of kissing! This morning I slept until 10:00 am (which is so hilarious because I kept telling the girls that I get up really early). We don't get home until about midnight each evening and then I've fallen into a pattern of having half a papaya (enzymes I'm thinking will disenegrate all of the bad stuff I've snacked on for dinner-we can all hope for the best!) and then I write to you. So, I get to bed about 1:00 am which would totally make Adam laugh.

Georgia and I went to downtown Rio today to file some paperwork for the church. The office was across the street from the U.S. Consulate and so we decided to go for a visit. CLOSED the security guard told us. WHAT? hmmm, seems it's MLK day in Brazil for the Consulate too. So off we went to Copacabana (not the New York nightclub the song inspired but the real place) and then for lunch in Ipanema. Yep, me too. All I could think of was the song. And lo and behold, we walked past the restaurant Garota de Ipanema (The Girl from Ipanema) where the song was written, originally named Velosa, but if something works, go with it. I have a photo but not so savvy on the upload yet.

It's been raining the last two days and acting like winter they tell me. This evening (8:00 pm) we walked to Lousia's apartment for the College Small group. Nineteen people aged 14 to 28 were there. I had no idea what exactly we were going to end up on but I started with "Priorities, Purity and Peace". Sharing that when you start your day with Jesus as the number one priority, it will help you stay pure in heart (which will help you stay pure in other areas) and will lead to tremendous peace in your life no matter what the circumstances. Blank faces stared back at me and I thought they were going to get up and walk out! I kept talking and just prayed (while Georgia was interpreting) the Lord would make it work. HE DID! (did you really have any doubt?) Afterwards, one of the girls I thought would leave told me she needed to hear exactly what she heard -Hallelujah! My precious Luciana told me through tears and an interpreter that she thought I had come to Brazil just to encourage her. I started crying and told her how glad I was to hear it because I really didn't know why I had come!

From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. Luke 12:48

The American

Today was tremendous! I was able to rest this morning and catch up on my Breaking Free homework though the beach activities were calling to me from the window (the bay is across the street from Patti and Georgia's apartment building). It seems Sunday mornings, in Brazil, are the time to do your excercises on the sand and anyone can join in. "Must stay on task" the left brain said (must remember to turn down left brain volume, right brain said!). We left for church around 5:00 pm and upon arriving, I installed the first International Design from Stuck On The Word. This is huge. I could barely finish installing it because I had become so emotional thanking the Lord for His faithfulness and the over abundance of grace He has allowed me. Church started at 7:45 pm and after a few songs I stood up to speak. Obviously, I had been prayed for. Thank you. I wasn't nervous and I knew the Lord was in control. So Georgia interpreted what came out of my mouth. I didn't feel like it was so wonderful but it must have been what He wanted. Patti gave an amazing sermon on Doubting God. Well, it looked amazing - you know I really didn't understand Portuegese! Afterwards (church ended at 9:30 pm) several women came to me and, in broken english, told me how it had resonated with them. Five year old Marianna (did not speak english) told me she loved me! Not sure if it was because we both had on blue beads or since I told her pink was my favorite color too (hey, glamour talks in any language). I got to visit with several women. One loves HFBC because she was saved with a member from there. Another asked me to pray about her boyfriend accepting the Lord and how she was really trying to live a good testimony. Another wanted to continue my talk on how the Lord is Faithful. I was blessed. We stayed at church until 11:00pm (everything is very late here) and them came home to a yummy papaya. So as the clock is approaching 12:45 AM, I bid you Ciao!

We are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Jesus Christ, so that we can do the good things He planned for us a long time ago. Ephesians 2:10 NLT

The Adventurer

In Wonderlust, Vicki Kuyper writes, "Out of all the journeys I've taken, it is this one-the one that leads me closer to God and toward becoming who He created me to be-that holds the most adventure, beauty, and unbridled joy. I arrived today in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, after four months of contemplating my first mission trip. Delighted but sleep deprived from flying overnight in a chair that wouldn't recline, I've hit the wall. The one that says, "What are you doing? Why aren't you home with your family in your own bed?" Here's the answer: Because the Lord wants me here. He made it clear to me that this is where I am supposed to be today. Now I have to continue the journey toward becoming who He created me to be. Relying on His faithfulness to work out His purpose for this trip. Over and over again, experienced missionaries told me I would be changed as a result of my journey, at the moment I would settle for "prepared". My gracious hosts, Patti and Georgia, have asked me to speak in church tomorrow evening. Now my prayer is for words. . .and sleep.

Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. Psalm 84:5