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