November 12, 2011
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Pretty Amazing Time
I figure a trip to the Amazon is a pretty good excuse for not posting regularly, but since I’ve been home a while now, it is time to figure out a new excuse. Or post. Or both. It was an amazing two weeks with my cousin, Lillian. It is my pride and joy to show people around Brazil, and after giving out countless invitations, I was so excited to see someone respond—for it is quite a long commute!
Lillian packed two very large suitcases, as well as two full carry-ons full of presents and supplies for the children at Living Stones (and for me—YEAH CHRISTMAS IN OCTOBER!). After our amazing trip to the Amazon, she also prepared a week full of sharing and Bible studies, and taught the kids while I translated. Lillian also brought some presents for the mothers of the children, and we were able to visit their homes.
Each one of the families were open, and some even invited Lillian to come sit in their small, sparse homes. They were quick to get their picture taken, and hugs were shared. The children (who call me “mom,”) were calling Lillian “grandma” before the week was over.
In January, when I started walking to Cajueiro Claro for Living Stones, the children would not even come into the church for the first couple of days. They would peek in the windows, and scamper away any time I tried to catch them. It took a couple of months before they were comfortable with giving me a hug, and a few more weeks after that before they would attempt to return my “good morning” that I said every day.
When Lillian came, the children proudly sang “Open the Eyes of my Heart” in English for her, giving her “good morning” handshakes and hugs. Some of the mothers have been stopping by the program, bringing bananas or potatoes, and taking time to talk with me in the kitchen while I am making lunch. It is a beautiful thing to watch the changes that God is making in this community, as it slowly opens to His light and love.
Lillian woke up and called each day an adventure, ready to tackle anything. And a lot of things happened:
we celebrated Paulo’s birthday
went to Acerolandia (only the best popcicles in the WORLD)
visited some homes in Paudalho and went to the dump
Celebrated Geu’s birthday
Went to the beach
Celebrated Lucas’ birthday
visited Tracunaem and bought some of the traditional pottery
Celebrated Diego’s birthday (there were a lot of birthdays)
Celebrated one year of Cajueiro Claro
(more about that, and more pictures at http://buildinglivingstones.blogspot.com/2011/11/celebrating-wonderful-year.html) Enjoyed lots of amazing Brazilian food, including this special meal with Tele and his family
went to English classes and church in Paudalho
took a bus and walked all around Recife with friends,
And lots more fun stuff–she was a trooper! We walked all over, taking buses and Kombes and meeting friends and making friends…it was a wonderful, blessed time. Thank you all for your prayers, and thank you Lillian for an amazing time:).
So who is next to come visit me in Brazil?!?
