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