Lions, Beavers, Otters, and Golden Retrievers OH MY!!!

Oi! Before I tell you about today, I want to tell you about our debrief time last night. Around 8:30pm last night we all met in the living room at Agua Viva to recap the day. Most people agreed that the day flew by and the language barrier was not as much of a problem as previously thought. Brent challenged us to be intentional in training and developing the local volunteers as part of the WinShape International Project. It was a great time to share stories and invest in one another.

Today, we got to sleep in and it was the bomb dot com! Breakfast started at 6:30am and we left a little after 7am. The van ride over to Igreja Batista El-Shaddai was, as always, eventful. Our team is really bonding and it’s cool to see the unity of all three camps form.

We set up camp and before we knew it the campers began to arrive. Since, it’s the second day we knew most of the campers, but we also had several new campers in the morning session. Everyone jumped right to play games and do some dancing before the skit and Groupo Grande.

Groupo Grande went very well- the campers participated in the songs and motions, and we’re engaged as Marney and Elena shared the Bible story. Small groups also went well and the campers really participated as the Brazilian volunteers led them in the Bible lesson.

During the first Officina it poured, but that did not stop camp! Ironically, in the rec portion, we did a water relay that the campers loved! I love seeing the excitement in their eyes as they really embrace things we as Americans consider simple. In crafts the campers made/painted a fish wind sock. Girls Only started off with a song led by Mrs. Trudy and then decorated cookies. It was a blast! Boys Only made an “interesting” limeade drink. Marney shared with us that she talked with several of the boys during this officina about some things they could change in their lives to please God. Then towards the end of the officina KT shared with the boys the spiritual applications of the ingredients in the limeade.

We had a great morning session and God is working in mighty ways. The Brazilian volunteers continue to serve alongside us with incredible patience. We had a great lunch and several people enjoyed a restful nap in the sanctuary. Toby has marks on his forehead and Lauren just “wakeyed” everyone. Now it’s time for the afternoon camp!! Vamos lions, otters, beavers, and golden retrievers!

JC Ndzomo- squeezed a lot of limes today, along with KT.

Jessica Hendry- has had enough blonde moments in one conversation to last her a while, but don’t worry she’s coming home with coffee beans.

Jon Gill- is getting his voice back—watch out Brazil, I’m not sure if you’re ready for this!

Lauren Bennett- has found a sweet little friend/dance partner named Adriana (Adrianne in English, which is probably why I like her so much). 334ever2.

Toby Sanders- is currently enjoying his nap time. Trust me, he is snoring quite loudly.

Whitney Corley- almost dominated some Brazilian boys in a dance off (well, that’s what she thinks).

Tori Frazier- She was very excited to squeegee the floor today.

Whitney Stancil- would like to “out shout” to everyone back in the states! If you don’t understand don’t worry, because neither do we.

Alyssa O’Leary- cannot seem to keep a straight face on stage- probably because she is standing next to Jon Gill.

Megan Gaither- loves getting to wear shorts for the 4^th day in a row and all this great food (especially the beans!!)

Katie Underwood (Me)- stood on a soap box today about personality tests. Don’t put me in a box!

Juliana Anderson- connected with some of the Brazilian team by singing popular American tunes during naptime.

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- at the sight of water games pulled out his rain jacket faster than the Jamaican bob sled team. (It’s not my fault I came prepared!!)

Ken Thomas- created a handshake for the boys that is catching on like wildfire, and thinks his limeade recipe will go worldwide (NOT!).

Norma Thomas- has a new hairstyle thanks to the Brazilian weather. The “flipped out” hair-do is working well.

John White- thinks the combination of JC and KT in the kitchen is not a good one. He wants them to learn how to use a measuring cup.

Trudy White- has eaten a guava every single day; even when it’s warm… gross!

Brent Fielder- is amazed at the efficiency of the Brazilian version of the hand slapping game, “Eeeps Ipes Opes Ooops.”

Angela Fielder- “Water games under a tent in the rain doesn’t make sense.”

Posted in: 2010,Brazil,WSCIP