Lava, Lava EVERYWHERE!!

We began the day with a wonderful breakfast at Aqua Viva (scrambled eggs, homemade bread, pao de quejo [cheese biscuits], fresh pineapple, bananas, a wide variety of homemade jellies, fresh fruit juices). The whole team has been amazed by the delicious meals that are prepared for us daily. After breakfast we headed off to camp to begin preparation for Day 3 of camp.

As campers began to arrive, you could feel the excitement in their voices and see it in their eyes. They were greeted with a high five from Trudy and checked-in like other mornings. After they checked-in, they could play four-square, draw with sidewalk chalk, play tic-tac-toe, play circle hand games, or just talk to the funny sounding Americans.

Groupo Grande started with a high-energy dance to Beach Blast. After getting the blood pumping with some fun dancing and singing, Marney and Elena did a great job teaching the children the story of the paralytic man that was healed by Jesus after his friends lowered him through the roof. Their use of drama and teaching with props were really effective in helping the children understand the power of Christ and how he desires to begin or continue to work in their lives.

The officinas were a hit again today. In “Girl World”, the girl campers were treated to a trip to the hair salon. We pretended to wash their hair and then each camper had their hair specially brushed and combed. Each camper left with their own comb. In “Man Land”, the boy campers were exposed to a world of explosions. We showed them how to make a volcano and what happens when you put the candy Mentos in a bottle of Diet Coke. JC shared with them a spiritual application about the Love of God that related to the explosions they had just experienced. All the campers loved recreation – Jon did a great job of utilizing Brazilian volunteers to help communicate and lead the games. The campers have been working for two days on their windsocks and today they finished them by attaching the strings and putting on the streamers. Norma and team have done a great job making crafts fun for the campers.

The children in this community are beautiful. Their smiles will warm your heart. Their hugs and handshakes remind us that simple things (seemingly small things) can make a difference in someone else’s life. We are reminded each day that these children are faced with critical decisions that many of us have never encountered in our lifetime to date. We are reminded that the only way they will make it is through a relationship with Jesus Christ. As bad as we want to – we can’t save them…but we can introduce them to the ONE who can. This is our focus and our mission as we conclude camp here. We will tell them about Jesus with every opportunity we are presented.

Please pray that we will finish strong. Also pray that as we meet parents (guardians) tomorrow night that they will be receptive to the message of Jesus Christ.

JC Ndzomo- is enjoying spending time with campers and learning a new language.

Jessica Hendry- loves spending time with the Vermelho (Red) Team, they are so cute! She is also proud to have only asked for a translator once today!

Jon Gill- Jesus, awesome kids, guarana, and Brazilian hot dogs…another day in Brazilian paradise!!!

Lauren Bennett- the only thing better than one Brazilian “hot daag” is two Brazilian hot dogs… two camps = two snack times… the red team is the best… & a special shout out to Josh Rhodes back at the Connect Office… hope you are keeping everyone entertained with some Lady Gaga.

Toby Sanders- Has been enjoying the company of his new Brazilian friends as well as his new American friends, and overall is having a blast, despite having to say “No Entendee” ( I don’t understand) way to much.

Whitney Corley- in response to a certain comment to a previous post, Haley Denise Trammell broke her foot last summer. Please tell me whose accident prone. J Also a huge shout out to all my friends and family. Miss you all!

Tori Frazier- She found out that doing hair is not her forte but pictures can be.

Whitney Stancil- could get used to being called “tia” by all of the children. She has also lost all of her wacky apparel via Daniel who went to school wearing it.

Alyssa O’Leary- Have you ever seen Grease? Alyssa resembles Frenchie in her beauty school drop out scene. She has been beautifying the hair of the Brazilian girls.

Megan Gaither- got her hair did by a camper this morning. Also, hello to my family back home!!

Katie Underwood – really loves the Time Amarelo (Team Yellow) spirit and campers! Yellow- Yellow- Yellow- Yellow- Ama-re-lo (to the tune of Ole Ole Ole)... (Josh Rhodes- see LB’s status).

Juliana Anderson- was teaching the Brazilian kids how to play “Strong Arm” or “Braco Forte.”

Tricia Watts- had her day made when a camper named Matthew ran up to her, yelled her name and then gave her a kiss on the cheek. Awe!

Jimmy Simpson- really enjoyed the Brazilian hotdogs today… he’s wondering if Speedy will try one when he comes down?

Ken Thomas (Me)- is enjoying having fun with campers while not having to worry about cell phones, computers, meetings, etc.

Norma Thomas- finally had a diet coke thanks to her new best friends (John White and Andre)!!!!

John White- loved sharing his diet tonic water with the bulldog nation & LB!

Trudy White- Enjoyed her day at the Beauty Salon and styling girls hair at camp.

Brent Fielder- Loving hanging out with some great kids and trying to figure out what they are saying! I WILL learn Portuguese soon!

Angela Fielder- It is a warm day outside with Bucket ball, but the tent is a blessing today.

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