The Calm Before the Storm

The real work begins tomorrow morning at 7 a.m. with a teachers meeting, but before that Ruth and I had a great weekend! Since being here a few days we have been able to see a little bit of the surrounding area. There is flush greenery all around us with large rolling hills in the countryside. Parts of town are formed in the valleys next to the river as well as along the main road. It is an interesting contrast to see that houses are made of dirty brick with clay roofs along side a Ford dealership with brand new cars and trucks. From what we have heard and even seen, there is a much larger gap between rich and poor all around Brazil, especially compared to America. Poverty is much more in your face here than in America. It reminds me so much of the Lord's words speaking of how we must take care of the poor and that we are saved by the grace of Jesus' sacrifice and not by silver or gold. What wonderful news. I hope in future conversations with the students and parents at the Alcance school this message could really be known. One of the school's three main purposes is to train the future leaders of Brazil. Therefore, I hope in our humble efforts we could help train Brazilian's 'upper class' to close that gap between wealthy and poor so that we might all be reminded that we are All God's children connected by the Holy Spirit.

That reminds me of service this morning. We were welcomed very graciously by the small, but fervent congregation today. The service was in Portuguese, which was difficult of course, but great practice. I also believe it was good to see and be seen in church with those we are trying to connect with especially since there were some who God has yet revealed Himself to. Though it was in another language, the gospel totally showed itself to be good news for all in the world. What stood out the most was that the singing seemed just as genuine; the tears seemed especially genuine; and God seemed to be present when Pastor Tele was speaking. The preaching was mainly from 1 Peter 1 and 2 with the words that will stand for all time.

After church I didn't feel very well; adapting I guess. Therefore, I stayed back while Ruth went with the other native English speaking teachers for an English class. It was made up of mostly teenagers being taught and there to learn/practice English. I must say it was kind of nice, though, to relax on my own and let everything sink in a little bit. After a few hours I felt better and decided to go for a walk. Little did I know that the Brazilians were going to play soccer in the field behind the Alcance School. What an experience! I tried to tell them that I was not good nor was I Brazilian. After a chuckle from the crowd they gave me a jersey and off we went. Being a male athlete and all I was forced to oblige. haha. It was nice of them to show love by allowing me to play. Later, Ruth, Betsy, and Emily came and the Brazilians again showed their love by allowing them to play as well. We all played for a couple of games. Ruth, of course, showed off her college soccer skills impressing the Brazilians. From their perspective I'm not sure if it was just the skills that impressed them or that it was a women with skills in soccer that impressed them: you see women don't play soccer very much at all here. Anyway, it was great to fellowship and play with Brazilians. The church family is very gracious around here. We are both excited that God has allowed us to be a part of the work He is doing down here.