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There’s something you must know…this is my first time in Brazil. The one word I would use to describe my experience so far is ‘speechless.’
It’s my response to seeing the land and the people. It’s the expression on my face when I’m trying to understand Portuguese. It’s the cry of my heart as I watch and listen to my brothers and sisters singing to the same God. Speechless.
Well, here’s what’s happened since the last update. Sunday night we were able to be a part of the church body in Brasilia at Memorial Baptist Church. The people welcomed us, and the pastor shared with the church why we were in Brasilia. It’s very encouraging to know that our brothers and sisters are lifting us up in prayer as we lift up another part of the body in Brasilia.
After the service, we went to dinner at a local pizza place. There are several unique experiences to note from the pizza place.
· People eat dinner late – it was after 9pm
· Various pizzas are brought to the table – buffet comes to you
· Dessert pizza has cheese on it
The most notable experience from this pizza place was when the servers started distributing these metal saucers shaped like cymbals to everyone in the restaurant. Then an Italian song came over the speakers, and everyone started beating the metal cymbals together! Hahaha! It was so loud…and fun! And, it happened twice.
Sunday was a late night followed by an early Monday morning to begin our first day of camp at a new church in Riacho Fundo II. Dressed, fed, and ready to experience our first day with campers, we arrived at the church and began setting up. The Brazilian volunteers arrived excited and ready for the day, too! Before you knew it, the campers were lining up at the gates, registering, getting their nametags and wristbands, and entering the main room where they were greeted by friendly faces.
The morning and the afternoon sessions were a blast! From dancing to cheers to learning new songs, to hearing MaĆra share the message to skills, the Lord was at work amongst us. Even though I could not understand everything being said, I knew the message being shared. It brought joy to my heart just to see the volunteers get excited and communicate the Good News to these children, to engage in conversations with the campers throughout the day, and to really pray with and for these children in their community.
Flavia, a volunteer, shared a story at the end of the day about going to pick up children from the nearby housing area. In this particular area, families are trying to put a roof over their heads and live very simply. The parents work and are unable to bring the children to the church. When the bus pulled up, lots of children came running out wanting to go to camp. They ran out of room on the bus and had to turn some of the children away, crying. This is hard to hear. But, I find peace and hope in the Lord knowing that these children are not left behind. They have the opportunity to hear the Good News from their friends that did come. The volunteers at this church can begin to build relationships with the families in this area. I pray Ephesians 3:14-21 over my friends at the local church, that they may live in the truth that He is able to do immeasurably more than they can think, ask or imagine.
Thank you Father for this opportunity to see You in the lives of my Brazilian brothers and sisters.
-Mary Ann
Nicole- Well I found out girls love to talk in any country. I had three girls trying to talk to me in Portuguese. They would talk so fast and I would say “No Intendes” , with a big smile on my face. Thankfully Angela started to translate for me and help me understand. They were so sweet and we learned a lot from each other. Shout out to my first graders. Stanley is enjoying Brazil. Love you mom!
Stephen – I will never forget the sound of Brazilian children singing “Here I Am To Worship” at the top of their lungs in Portuguese.
Danielle – Grateful for my new Brazilian friend Odine. So glad the round up is back in my everyday routine!!
Wilson – Apparently, the kids think I’m Jackie Chan. I’m okay with that… Day 1 was a blast. Thankful for what God’s doing here in Brazilia.
Mark – 1. So apparently some of my campers said I look like a Brazilian; much to their dismay my Portuguese is way below par. 2. Currently teaching Wilson Yang how to become more gangsta #challenging 3. We showed up today and the Lord absolutely showed off. I pray that we continually show up and remove ourselves from the picture so that He may be all that is present.
Rubenacker – “Chegou, chegou, chegou para ficar. O verde e’ a cor, que veio pra ganhar!” Proudly chanting Time Verde’s new cheer all day– thanks Brazilian partners.
Juliana – The Round Up never fails to bring a smile to my face. Today was a great first day, well done for the glory of God!
Haley- Today I tried to speak Portuguese to a camper. She started laughing so hard that she cried. True story.
Grant- Today was Awesome! The Brazilian kids said I had a funny accent and my Portuguese sounded funny, and Brazilian Pizzerias are the best! I love you Mom, Dad, and Jared, thanks for the prayers!
John White III – Saved the day by running to the papelaria for page protectors. :)
Matt Brown- Grant: “When are we going monkey huntin’?” It was absolutely amazed to watch our Brazilian teachers teach the children about Christ, even though I cannot speak Portuguese! It was truly a blessing! P.S. Jimmy, Mark is safe for now……………. :)
Brent – Great first day of camp in Riacho Fundo II. Had a great time practicing some of my Portuguese today with the campers. Can’t wait to see what is in store for our team this week.
Angela- It is very fun to be with a new group of campers. These kids are excited about camp and I can’t wait to see how they change throughout the week.
Trudy – Girl World…it’s the bomb! Just to see these precious little girls, their smiles and hear their cute conversation- is refreshing to see and hear. Please continue to pray for transformation as each days goes by.
John IV- Favorite quote.. Brazilian volunteer “Do you guys like the Americans that have come to help us” little Brazilian boy “Yes we like them all… even the Chinese guy”
Kylie- LOVED today. Awesome how God answered prayers of a sweet volunteer for more children to come this afternoon and how she praised him for answering her. Fun day with the girls in girl world talking about being on Jesus’ team.
Reese- “my favorite thing was getting wet by the sponge at rec. I also liked the croco-gee-lho song and playing tic tac toe and hangman with my new Brazilian friend.”
Wheeler- loved his new friend Luiz, getting pushed on the skateboard in the streets of Riachofundo, and getting taught on the guitar by Jonas.
KatieRose- After a hilarious language lesson from Time Azul’s Mariane y Alice in Girl World today, I now consider my Portuguese proficiency to have moved up to the level of an 18 month old. Also loving spending time outside of Camp with our incredible translators.