you should see my toothbrush. this is the first time I have bought my own toothbrush and I figured I’d get one I enjoyed looking at since I have to pick it up multiple times a day…I got an “Incredibles” one with Violet on it:). hmm. let’s hear it for supergirl! (this is why everyone is scared at the thought of me living alone)
I went shopping with Edjane and Kattia today. I think the world is against me and my goal of trying to cook. there was no baking powder in the whole supermarket…and this was the largest supermarket in Carpina! and besides that, I did not know the word for it…try acting out “baking powder” without any English. it’s alot harder than most words in charades. It turns out their flour already has baking powder in it? I am not sure though since my Portuguese is pretty rough. but that is what the bag says when you translate it literally.
I tried a fruit today called sapote. I think it is the first fruit I really did not like. but it won’t go to waste because Ricardo likes it. but his taste can’t be trusted since he also like to eat fried ants (yep, that’s what he said. he says they are only in season in December…so I will write you about them then).
a friend wrote me out some recipes for deserts in Portuguese. I will be translating them, but as I read the names, one really cracked me and made me remember that yep, the culture sure is different here. the name is “crème engorda marido” literally “crème to make your husband fat.”
Karine and I made pudding and jello yesterday. have you ever had guava flavored jello? well, it is really good. I was thinking about eating the whole thing with a straw, but two things stopped me–one, Edjane does not need to think I am any weirder than she already thinks, and two, I could not find a straw. so a straw will have to do.
Jaciara wanted to watch the movie on TV last night, so she joined us in the room. I didn’t really care to watch it (I mean, I can only understand so much in Portuguese) but we all set out to watch it. and guess who was the only one awake by the time it was over? yep, me. and guess what movie it turned out to be? some movie about Brittany Spears. oh joy. I think, if it is possible, that her voice sounds even more whiny in Portuguese than English.
I’ve been on a cleaning spree lately. I cleaned the kitchen yesterday (there was a rat that got into some of the food and left some presents…try explaining that one in Portuguese too) and I was so happy that I got to do some “secret service” that I…well, it wasn’t a secret for long. oh well. I’ll have to find something else to do. I cleaned the room today and learned how to mop the floor with a cloth and your feet. I watched Edjane do it, so I tried. it is actually rather fun when you have some music on and dance around the room…the problem was I kept trying to get the corners and would bump my head on the shelf…
I got some mail from my family today…along with the most perfect gift. a bagel. yep, THE bagel. if you did not know about this famous artifact, it is something I picked up at the state fair a couple years ago. it is a fake bagel with a bug hidden and attached with a string. you pick up the bagel and get the bug in your face. I have scared everyone from my brother (who had nightmares, waking up yelling “the bug! the bug!”) to my pastor, who still reminds me about it at times. Every year we look for another bagel (mine is ready for retirement) and never find it. This year there was one more bagel. and now I am ready to terrorize a different continent with it. bwahaha (my evil laugh).
you know what? it is totally hitting me in a fresh way how God’s love is the only love with no strings attached. He lays it out on the street, as it were, and it does not matter if I despise it, accept it, ignore it, or chuck it, or cherish it…it is there and will always be there. what an incredible thought!
“Preach the gospel at all times. if necessary, use words.” St. Frances of Assisi
Comments (2)
Dear Rachel,
I don’t know if you realize how often I love to sit here and read about what God is doing with you in Brazil! It’s really wonderful… I *so* enjoy looking at your pictures as well.
LOL to the bagel. Phillip loves it… He’ll be so happy to think that it is now becoming WORLD FAMOUS!! Ahh, good times with the bagel.
Hey, you’ll never believe what I found the other day!!
I was organizing some old birthday cards when I found a picture!! Now if that doesn’t just make a day, finding something you forgot existed! But the best part was what is in the pic…
It’s Christmas time at ITC, with you and little Josh Crouch! I’m thinking it’s around 5 years old? VERY cute picture!! I’ll have to e-mail you a copy.
Many prayers for you,
Erin
hey girl! so good to hear from you…yeah, i have a copy of me and that picture with Josh crouch too…what a cutey. those were the days. i really liked your last entry about IIBC…i heard you just had your 2 year anniversary. that is so awesome. what amazing things God does for those who obey him. i´m glad you are reading my silly words and rambles…giggle…it is crazy. hey, do me a favor and tell Jessica Stucky i said hi and i´m praying for her…i never did get her e-mail. anyways, i love you all, give your mum a squeeze for me!