I love Boys Camp in Rome, but nothing can compare to how amazing it is here! The kids are absolutely beautiful and they are incredibly affectionate. You really don’t have to speak someone’s language for them to know that you love them. 6:15 seems to keep coming earlier and earlier in the morning, but it’s great to know that we’re using up all of our energy to carry God’s Name to Brazil.
One of my favorite things about Brazil has been the food! Mangoes, maracuja (passion fruit), other fruits that I don’t know the names of, amazing smoked meats, and rice and beans with every meal. We got a special treat for lunch today because Andre and some of the other Brazilian guys set up shop at camp and grilled/smoked sausage and beef for us… it was absolutely amazing!
The Brazilian sun finally showed its face from behind the clouds today, so we were super happy that today was water day! In Rec, the meninos got to compete in a water balloon toss and then played Drip, Drip, Drop (duck, duck, goose with a full sponge). In Arts and Crafts, the kids decorated cardboard guitars with Joey while I just sat there air-guitaring on one and looking stupid. In Man Land, we had a blast playing tail-tag and the boys had fun terrorizing Kevin and Daniel when they blindfolded themselves for Marco Polo. And in Gurl World, the meninas bonitas made bracelets with Adrianne and Stephanie.
But not only was today super fun, it was an incredibly important day here at camp, because the Gospel was presented – most likely the first time the majority of these kids have heard it. It’s nerve-wracking to have to sit back and let the Brazilian volunteers lead the Gospel presentation, but when we see the passion and the joy on their faces while talking about their Savior it is the biggest reassurance you can imagine! God is truly at work in this place! I love it!
-Nate
Team Update...Adrianne – I have experienced what it looks like to have a mustache thanks to Daniel and Stephen. (Photos and video to follow.)
Alison – Today she found out that Alison is a boy’s name when you’re in Brazil!
Daniel – I thought I was pretty athletic…but I keep getting my dragon tail pulled by all the little Brazilian boys. Also, I am still hoping to meet a Beautiful Brazilian woman, even if she is bearded.
Jana – I’m in love with the children of Brazil!! I also have a connection with all the owls here.
Jimmy – Loved watching the kids’ faces light up when they held a water balloon for the first time.
Joey – Absolutely loves dancing on stage and seeing the campers in the audience doing “The Joey” (shout out to C3 YELLOW!), and teaching the campers the “Round up” (preparing them for you, Will Marshall!) also…I have something growing on my toe, and that is not ok.
Juliana – Wishes more of my team spoke Portuguese!!! J
Marcus- Balao de aguas (water balloons) are flying in Brazil today!
Nate – I fed a monkey yesterday! A wild monkey! How’s your spring break going?
Stephanie – Hello, all you people from the other America!
Stephen – In America, I can normally talk people into getting what I want, but in Brazil, they have figured me out and I have to find a new way…
Whitney – Camp twice a day is fun! …but I’m really sore…
Kevin- Has discovered that wearing a hat and sunscreen makes my trip more enjoyable. Playing Marco Polo while blindfolded with Brazilian boys is not always fun or safe…
Gabe- was overwhelmed with the plethora of meat at lunch today. He’s also really excited about the Brazilian BBQ to come.
John- is speaking Chinese! (你好)
Maurice- Loves tonic water!
Mauricio- Oi!!
Marney- Is so proud of her nephews being at camp.
Melodie- Enjoyed her first passion fruit yesterday! wooo... and is loving taking photos of all the beautiful Brazilian kids today! J
4 comments:
After reading a few lines, I thought, "I wonder if Nathan wrote this?" Keep having a good time, ministering to the kids and sharing the gospel. Rainy, cold day in Spartanburg, SC.
Team 1, I get so excited every day I get your blog posts on my phone. My heart aches to be back in that beautiful country again. However, I am so excited that you are able to carry God's love and message all the way to Brazil. Finish strong! I'm praying as you meet the parents and decisions are made tomorrow!
Alison- Go Big or Go Home...or just GO HOME BIG!
-Brittany
Nate - you should ask Chris Chapman about his encounter w/the monkeys at Agua Viva during the 2010 IP. I am glad you are enjoying the Guarana! There is more caffiene in that drink than a Coca Cola classic. To think... it is a fruit?
Joey - I am really looking forward to knowing you better. It sounds like you are holding nothing back and breaking barriers with the Brazilian team/children as well as blurring the lines with our programs within camp. I am proud of you for learning all of the BC and GC tribes. Have you learned any of the GC man cheers yet?
Marcus - I hope that Portuguese cheat sheet came in handy!
Stephen - Remembering sitting in our prayer circle in Orlando last April. Keep praying expectantly as we know He is faithful to respond to prayers spoken in faith! You may be having a hard time getting your way, but I imagine those children have you wrapped around their fingers. Enjoy every second of it and stick with abracos instead of bejios with the guys maybe? :)
Alison Rice - I know you are not in Brasilia, but your heart is. I am so encouraged by your selfless prayers and support of your team! I know they are missing you and there will be fruit for Team 1 that comes from sowing and watering your are doing state-side!
Whitney - getting a workout, eh? I know your smile is drawing the country of Brazil to you! Keep smiling, know it is contagious and enjoy the daily aerobics w/the "Round Up". Yay for camp birthdays... especially in Brazil! You think you could get a slice of that back safely to the states for me?
JanaB - my friend! I wish I could be there to see you doing camp in Brazil. I trust you have grown to love Andre' and Marney as much as we all said you would... along with all the other wonderful Brazilian people - aren't they beautiful!? Believing for and with you.
Archer - are you kidding me... 5 lbs in a day? I definitely laughed out loud when I read that "status". Have you had a fresh mango from one of the trees at Agua Viva yet? How about there coffee... it will put hair on your chest - watch out! Maybe just the guys, but I wouldn't risk it. Ha! Remeber, you can't take a bad picture in Brazil. Take tons - I want stories!
Kevin - Glad you embraced the sunscreen. Jimmy and I had our feet roasted after the first day (training) last year. We were starting the Chaco tan early. Excited you are there!
Daniel - Do what you do... love them like Jesus with your smile, lots of high fives, thumbs up and running around like it's your job. Brazilian children are fast, aren't they! Be sure to slow down where they can catch you every once in a while. On the same note, if any bearded Brazilian women chase you... you might not want to slow down? Bearded women... I don't remember seeing of that when I was in Brazil.
Juliana - have I been praying for you! No accent, eh? Nice! I am proud of you and trust God has been revealing Himself in mighty ways. I am glad we had a chance to chat before you all flew out. To think - you still have another week! Keep your team from saying things they shouldn't. You remember Jessica's little hiccup last year - all smiles! Great memories. Excited to hear the new ones you all have created while being there.
Alison - I had no idea about your delay until Tuesday. I know God is blessing your team through your leadership! I am praying you keep those tid-bits in your back pocket and ENJOY every second... even those en route back. Did Whitney's birthday cake w/peaches put you in Jealousy Jungle? Surely not.
Gabe - are you kidding me? Brazil will never be the same since you've been there. I trust you won't be either. I wish I could hear you laughing in a crowd of beautiful Brazilian children. I know you are missing the sorority, but I have been praying God does what only He can - to not just offer peace in the distance but that He is growing your hearts where they are swelling and ready to burst. I've been praying for Allyson and the girls!
Jimmy - I cannot wait to hear stories from this week AND the week preparing! Praying for you. Be sure to give Marney and Andre' some extra hugs from me, alright?
Adrianne - I saw your picture with your friend sitting in your lap! I know God is just fanning an already growing flame in your heart. Praying for you.
Melodie - don't come back until you are ready... oh, wait - then you will never come back! Proud of you for carrying the Name. Love being a part of His Church and praying for you and the team. Did you all find any of the cookies with tatoos for your tongue? :)
Pastor John - Thank you for being obedient several years back with Trudy. Did you ever imagine that God would do this with your obedience? Awesome! Legal... D+!
Maurice - I hope you talked to the team about your packing techniques. I still need some lessons...
Maurico - Awww! I miss you and Joyce. Praying for you to be able to come here next year... PASSION 2012. Hopeful. Tell your Mom and Dad, "Oi!"
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