I'm back!

I made it home shortly before 2pm... about 26 hours after leaving the house yesterday morning. Whew. I'm glad to not be confined to a seat in an airplane, airport, or bus anymore! I got business class on the way down, so that was nice. I was a bit restless, though, so I'm pretty exhausted. But I guess I'll get over it in a week or so. :o)

Had a bit of a scare when I got here... At my first stop at customs, the lady scanned my passport and as she was handing it back to me said, "And you know you can only stay in the country for 13 days, right?" My jaw dropped, and I said, "You do mean 90, don't you?" She showed me on the screen where it said I could only stay for 13 days, and I told her that was ridiculous - I went home to get a new visa so I'd have 3 more months, and no one told me I would only have 13 days. She checked with some other agent, came back, and told me that 90 days was right, and I should have no problem. I had her make a note of that in the system and on my customs paper. I will follow up at the Federal Police next week to make sure I don't run into any problems. Ahhh visas... they're fun times!

My bags arrived no problem, but the handle broke on one as we were unloading the taxi. I knew its days were coming to an end...

It's time to attack the bags. The goal is to be unpacked and organized TONIGHT. Then I'll head to the church around the corner for the New Year service. Here we come, 2009! (I hope I can stay awake until then!)

You too...

Going through security at the airport:
TSA agent: Have a good flight.
Kara: You too!
Kara thinking to herself as she walks away laughing: You too! You have a good flight too! Ya know, cause you're gonna fly some day, right? I hope you have a good flight too... When you fly some day...

(See Brian Regan )

Party time

My mom and I went over to Kevin and Jenn's tonight for "the last supper" - before I leave again, that is - and a game of NERTZ (an amazing card game).  As soon as we walked in the door, Emery smiled and said, "Tea party."  And went straight to her room.  The table was all set up for a tea party.  As my mom and I came in, Em said, "Sit down, Mama.  Sit down, Nyanya."  So we took turns having a tea party with Em.  I must say, she makes some spectacular tea.  And I don't even like tea.  Then again, maybe that's why I liked hers so much... 

Seriously? The ice cream man?

It's 39º outside, and I just heard the ice cream man drive by.  I swear I only hear him in the winter... and sometimes the fall.  But never when it's blazing hot outside!  Why is that?   Does he actually sell anything when his freezer isn't even necessary to keep the ice cream cold? 

nice try

So I get a call on my cell today from a restricted number... which is always kind of weird anyway.  But you just never know... it could be a friend from Brazil.  So I answered.  The guy rambled off a 30-second schpeel that I didn't quite understand.  By the time he came up for air, my head was spinning trying to figure out what the heck he just said.  So I said, "whoa, whoa, whoa, hold on.  What is this?  Who are you?  What's going on?"  He tried to convince that he was from Alltel, and I owed $14.95 from my last bill.  When I told him I had no way to pay that at the moment, but that I was down the street from Alltel and would go there to pay it, he said that if I hung up, my phone service would be disconnected.  He assured me he was just trying to save me the $80 reconnection fee I would have to pay if that happened.  Nice guy, huh?  Well, he didn't fool me.  There were a million reasons why his story didn't line up.  Not to mention the dog in the background didn't help....   Needless to say, I hung up.  ... and my phone is definitely not disconnected.   Nice try, buddy.  Now go find a real job. 

An Aunty Christmas Eve

....not to be confused with an Anti Christmas Eve....

I got to be Aunt Kara (or "Nyanya," as Em still calls me) all day on Wednesday.  Both Jenn and Kevin had to be at the church for the Christmas Eve services all day, and Jenn had to run some errands before, so she brought Em over around 9:30 Wednesday morning.  We started the morning off with the last piece of "chawchit" from the advent calendar while we watched (Curious) "George."  We played, cleaned Aunt Kara's room ("nyanya messy room"), and had some lunch.  Then I gave Em a bath, after which she decided she wanted to cuddle, all wrapped up in her towel, for a little over an hour.  Every time I tried to get her dressed, she'd say "no! no! hug! hug!" - which is her way of saying "hold me!"  So I enjoyed my pretty little niece for an hour or so.  Then it was time for a nap.  Three hours later, she still wasn't up, and it was time to get ready and go to church.  She was beautiful in her Christmas dress - and it was the first thing she wanted to show mommy and daddy when we got to the church! 

I think I might finally be caught up

on sleep, that is.  

I've been home for just over a week and have been going non-stop it seems!

Monday night was the big surprise.  

Tuesday - work, dinner with mom and her coworkers, then swing dancing.  

Wednesday - work, errands, a run, church

Thursday - I finally realized how tired I was, being 5 hours off, jet lagged, and going non-stop.  So after work, mom and I ran an errand, picked up a video, and had a quiet evening at home.

Friday - work, rocking climbing, and a Christmas party

Saturday - after a whole 4 hours of sleep, it was off to Wolf Creek for a day of snowboarding, followed by the Pagosa hot springs!

Sunday - drove home from Wolf Creek and headed straight to mom's church, took a nap, family dinner, and service at my church

Monday - snowboarding in Taos with Kevin.  I got to bed about 9 Monday night.  I was exhausted!

Last night I took the night off and just stayed home.  It was nice.  I can't believe it's Christmas Eve!  I have Em today while Jenn is at church doing worship for the Christmas Eve services.  Mom, Dad, Em, and I will join Kevin and Jenn at the 6pm service.  It is sure to be a special Christmas!

Here are some pictures from this week....

I'll Be Home for Christmas

I love surprises!  Whether I'm the surpriser or the surprisee, I love them!!

A couple months ago, shortly after I had returned to Brazil, I found out I would have to return to the States in December to get a new visa.  At first, I didn't want to tell anyone in case it turned out I didn't have to come... wouldn't want to get anyone's hopes up and then trample on them!  Then I decided it would be great to keep it a secret... at least from Mom and Dad.  So that's exactly what I did!  By the time I got here Sunday at noon, very few people knew - about 3 friends, Kevin and Jenn, and that was it.  Kevin and Jenn were on their way home from a mission trip in Mexico, so Brandon picked me up from the airport and let me hide out at his place all day.  We went to church in the evening, and it was so great to see everyone - they were all surprised to see me too!  But not as surprised as my mom and dad were... I spent the night at Kevin and Jenn's on Sunday.  Kev, Em, and I got some Christmas shopping done on Monday, and then it was time to prepare for the big surprise Monday night.  

I'll let the video tell the rest... 

I love the beach!

I went to the beach this weekend. :o)  It was spectacular!  Maddie and Lydia (the two American girls that are here) met me at my place at 7am on Saturday, and we were off to the bus station.  Turned out the 7:30 bus was already full, so we caught the 9am bus to Praia Grande.  When we got there, we found a hotel - beautiful, clean, two rooms, four beds and a couch, full-size refrigerator - right off the beach.  We spent about US$32 each and were set, breakfast included.  Both Saturday and Sunday were beautiful and sunny.  It was a perfect weekend.  We even made it back in time for church Sunday evening!  It's funny to think that we were out on the beach in the hot sun this weekend when, if I were at home in Albuquerque, I would probably have been snowboarding or bundled up to stay out of the cold! 

On the way to Praia Grande there is a scheduled stop to stretch, go to the bathroom, get a bite to eat or whatever (it's a 4-hour drive to Praia Grande from Campinas).  The place we stopped (a truck stop, basically) was apparently having a North Pole convention - complete with multiple Santas, elves, and a Mrs. Claus (far right).  Mrs. Claus was a little crazy... the last thing I saw her do was stand in the first lane of traffic, pulling up her skirt to show a little leg as the cars passed... 

the view from the hotel 

me, Maddie, and Lydia! :o)

a few days off...

After working 10 days straight, I finally got a break!  We had a guy come last weekend to help us organize our thrift store, so that meant I worked from LAST Monday straight through until yesterday.  So I got today and tomorrow off, and it turns out Monday is a holiday, so I just might have 5 days straight off. :o)

This morning I went to a second-hand store with the two American girls that are here right now (Maddie and Lydia).  We found the most ridiculous pair of shoes I've ever seen!  Check 'em out...

I also got my hair cut, got a pedicure, did a lot of reading, and went to dance class.  Tomorrow I have to do laundry (it's been about 3 weeks... I'm overdue!), clean the house, and try and get plans set for going to the beach this weekend.  :o)  Life is rough... 

my debut

So Thursday was the big night... my big dancing debut!  It was sooo much fun!  The entire show went well.  Once I arrived, I jumped in with everyone else doing makeup, hair, etc.  Our instructor asked us to go out onstage so we could mark our places and run through it once.  So, like a good little girl, I went.  We were just standing around though, so I decided, "Forget this... I'm going to keep getting ready until we're actually needed out here."  And I was soooo glad I did!  I went backstage to the dressing room and my phone was ringing.  I could tell it must have been my mom, and when I answered, instead of "Hello," I got, "1...2...3.... HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!" from the whole gang!  It was so great!  :o)

I got a little bit nervous right before we went on - mostly excitement - but I just kept dancing and pretending like I wasn't nervous!  We got out on stage and gave it our all!  We were definitely one of the most upbeat groups - hip hop as opposed to ballet, salsa, tango, etc.   So we really got the crowd going.  I did mess up twice, but they were minor errors, and the feedback I got after the show (from Corenne and Vitor) was that they couldn't even tell!  I guess that's the way it usually goes. :o)  

I certainly am not great at hip hop... then again, I've only been doing it for about a month and a half... but it was fun!  And who knows, maybe this was just the first performance! :o)

What's your name?

So one of Nayana's classmates came over tonight, her and her 10-year-old son Joao Pedro.  That kid had more energy than he - or any of us - knew what to do with!  My favorite part was this...

He had been talking to Rosangela for a while, then she went into the kitchen.  A minute later he went into the kitchen too and asked her, "What's your name again?"  Of course she replied, "Rosangela."  His reply got the "Quote of the Day Award": "Rosangela?  Ok, I'm going to call you Beth.  So, Beth...."

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Today is my dad's birthday.  This is how we do birthdays now... Skype style.  Sometimes we lose our connection (which is the case at the moment), but for the most part it works out pretty smoothly, and it's definitely a great alternative to missing out on birthdays all together.   They're enjoying cake, and I'm enjoying the conversation.  Soon we'll do gifts, and they'll be off to dinner and I'll be off to bed. 

Happy Birthday, Dad!  I love you!

the best time of the year

Christmas is on the way!  ... even if it is in the 80s and 90s every day and bound to get hotter.   (then again, this week has been really nice... sunny and warm during the day and very cool at night.  It's perfect!)  

Yesterday when I got home, there was a box in my "closet" (the laundry room).  I knew it was on the way, and I was so surprised and happy to see it had arrived!  Its contents included a couple cards (from mom and dad), some presents, stockings for me and both roommates, jelly bellies, and an advent calendar.  I was already planning on decorating the house for Christmas this weekend, but the box definitely closed the deal.  I waited for Nayana to get home, and we got busy putting up the tree, stockings, and lights.  It didn't take long, but it sure changed the feel of our little place!  I actually kind of want to invite someone over now. haha. 

On another note, I'll be performing with my dance class on Thursday.  I'm pretty excited!  We have our general rehearsal tomorrow, one more class on Tuesday, and the show's on Thursday!  I'll let you know how it goes...

ahhh sweet sun!

My phone rang a little after 8 this morning, waking me up.  I wasn't thrilled at being woken up, but it was an invitation to have breakfast with Corenne and Nayana at Corenne's (Nayana had spent the night with Corenne, as Philip is in the States), so I got over it real quick.  I packed up my laundry, came over, and enjoyed blueberry-chocolate chip pancakes with the girls while my first load was going.  The sun is out today, and it's not raining, so we decided to take advantaged of the sun!  I went home and changed into my suit, and we're enjoying the (hot!) sun (and some relief from the clouds every once in a while), music, and a nice breeze out on the deck.  What a beautiful day!  

i wonder how old it is....

Check out the phone Lucia gave me for my desk today. I literally was taken back by its massiveness when I saw it. Too bad it doesn't work. It's sitting in my trash can now.

Evicted

We (Hope Unlimited) recently began renting a small commercial space across the street from the office. The deal finally closed last week, and the keys were handed over to us. During the past months that the space has been empty, a homeless man "moved in," spending his days and nights curled up in the corner of the covered patio in the front. Today it was time to ask him to leave, as we cannot have him there when we open it up for business (the space is probably destined to be some sort of extension to our current thrift store). The local police came by just now, at our request, to ask the man to leave. I watched the scene. From my viewpoint from across the street, it was peaceful and quick, no hassle. As I watched the man, dirty and covered with torn, ragged clothes, pack up his blankets and a few items - undoubtedly all he owns in the world - tears came to my eyes... and they don't seem to want to go away. We took this man's home from him. But then, what else were we supposed to do? He couldn't stay there, right? And I wonder where he'll go now. I wonder what his story is. He crossed the street and walked down the sidewalk that passes our office. I walked the length of the office "next" to him, walking at the same pace, looking toward him through each window as I passed, and hanging my head as he did when a wall separated us. He, in his rags, with his world packed up in a bag and thrown over his shoulder. Me, in my dress pants and high heels, my world spread across continents and oceans, and I usually don't have enough room for everything. What do I do? How do I help? I pray that God will use me as a part of His team here at Hope to continue rescuing even more children, saving many of them from the destiny of this man. But there's got to be more I can do... there has to be more...

"A religion that is pure and stainless according to God the Father is this: to take care of orphans and widows who are suffering, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." James 1:27

Come Just As You Are

Saturday night, I got on the bus with the girls at the girls' ranch to head to CM for church. Lately there have been lots of new faces - mostly because I do not make it out there very often. There was one girl at the front of the bus whom I'd never seen before. I, with a big smile on my face, said "Hi! How are you?" She replied, "Not good." I said, "What? Not good? Why not good?" She replied, very matter-of-factly, "Because I'm here." So I said, "you aren't happy to be here? I'm super happy to be here!" (And I genuinely was - it had been way too long since I'd been on the bus with the girls, so I was excited for the ride.) I continued to talk to her for a minute, found out her name, and found out that she had just arrived the day before (Friday). I did get some smiles out of her as we spoke, but it was obvious that she wasn't so sure about this place. It seemed as though she could already tell it was a good place, but that didn't change the circumstances of her life, it didn't change her hurts, her sorrows, her wounds and scars. She's 15 years old. Her name is Zelia. Pr William spoke on Heb 10:19-25 - about having boldness to enter into the sanctuary, the holy of holies. He talked about giving our problems to God, but doing it completely and with faith. At the end of the service, he asked for those who wanted prayer to come to the front. I noticed that Zelia went forward. She was one among many kids, all on their knees praying. I don't know what she's gone through in life up to this point. I don't know if she has ever been in a church before. And I don't know what the days and weeks to come will hold. But I began to pray that she would truly give her worries over to the Lord. That she would be covered with Jesus' blood so she could enter into the holy of holies. That she would know Christ as her Lord and Savior.

madness

Saturday, November 1, 2008: opening day of Wal-Mart in Campinas. It was madness. We left.

Friends!

Well, I think I officially have one "new" friend, along with a few more potentials. And I can't tell you how happy that makes me!

Last year I met a guy named Vitor while I was going to school here. We went out a few times, but not much. Last night we went out to go dancing, and - skipping lots of details - danced about 2 songs and talked from about 9pm till 3am - roughly. It was so great! We plan to go running on the days we don't have class - Mon, Wed, Fri.

Today after dance class, the girls invited me to get a bite to eat and then go dance some more. Totally cool - and they invited me out tonight, too. I don't know if I'll wind up meeting up with them, but it's nice to know there's another possible friendship.

I've been needing friends outside the Hope Unlimited realm. My world is too small - work, church, roommates, friends = all connected to Hope in one way or another. I think I'm on the verge of branching out... Praise God!

I didn't vote

I didn't vote this year. I fasted and prayed on Tuesday for the election, but I didn't actually cast a vote. Why? Because I requested an absentee ballot, and it never came... until yesterday. I was a little annoyed to begin with, but then I realized I hadn't received it because it was "Missent to Taipei" - as was stamped on the front of the envelope. How you accidentally send mail to Taipei instead of Brazil, I don't know. But oh well - I got a laugh out of it anyway.

someone burst my bubble

yep, it's true... the "bubble" that I live in has been burst - we now have access to the outer world right here at home: internet, TV, and if we had a phone, we'd be able to use that too! of course there are both pros and cons, but at the moment, we are happy as can be with the upgrade. :o)

Dialogue in the Dark

Note: Although posted on Friday, Oct 24, this was actually written on Thursday, Oct 23. Also, it's another long one, but I hope you'll stick with it - or at least skip to the last 3 paragraphs or so.

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be blind? I have. I’ve often wanted to “see” what it’s like to be blind, or deaf, or maybe spend a day in a wheelchair. Yesterday, I finally had the opportunity.

There’s an exhibition at the Galleria Mall this month called “Diálogo no Escuro” – Dialogue in the Dark. Here’s how it works – you pay to enter, put all your things – purse, cell phone, glasses, anything that could fall – in a locker, and a lady takes you in a small, dark room. Inside the room, the only light is an “Exit” light, and there is a container full of walking sticks. Everyone grabs a stick, introduces themselves, instructions are given, and it’s time to go in. You follow the wall with your hand as you walk down a “switchback” hallway – designed to keep all light out from the inside. Once you’re completely inside, it doesn’t matter how wide your eyes are open or how close your hand is to your face, you can’t see. Anything. At this point, you meet your guide (who happens to actually be blind), and the experience begins.

We went through 5 different environments – First was a forest, including trees, dirt, plants, a river to cross, a waterfall, a breeze, and the sound of birds. Next we came to a city street, complete with the sounds of traffic, and a parked VW bug. You walk down the sidewalk where there’s a gate at the front of a house with a dog barking out front, and after crossing the street there’s a motorcycle. Then it’s on to the fair, with all its smells and lots of fruits and vegetables to touch. After the fair, it’s time for a boat ride. The boat sways as you enter, and you can hear the sound of your walking stick hitting the wooden floor. The boat sways the whole way “across the lake,” and you feel the motor shake and the wind blow as you cross. Finally, we come to a little restaurant, where you can buy water, soda, chocolate, and/or chips.

At this point, we sat down as a group and “debriefed” after our experience. It really was incredible.

Before going into the exhibition, everyone saw each other. But, having just met, no one remembered well what the others looked like. So, during the hour and a half that we were in the dark, we got to know each other by our voices and the feel of our arms or clothing. I formed opinions, as I guess I always do (without even noticing), of the people by the way the interacted. Gustavo was loud and had something to say about everything, but he included everyone and enjoyed everything – out loud – a very fun person. Raquel was sweet and slightly – but not in a bad way – overwhelmed by the experience. Max was the “class clown” – with a comment about everything. Tulio was quite shy. And so on. Over all, I liked everyone. Really, everyone. In fact, I thought – if someone would be willing to give me a ride home, I wouldn’t think twice about it – it’d beat the bus. And plus, these people were my friends now, right? I felt I knew them could trust them. When we got to the end, our guide did not come out into the light with us – meaning we never saw him. I was tempted to ask if we could see him. I was tempted even to ask if we could go back through the whole thing with the lights on to see what it was really like. I kept my mouth shut, though, and I was glad. Fabio was there for the second time, and he shared something that happened the first time he went: a man in his group said to the guide at the end, “So are you going to go out into the light with us so we can meet each other?” The guide’s reply was, “But we met each other an hour and a half ago.” Silence.

It’s incredible how much our vision dictates what we do and defines how we perceive our world and react to it. I’m almost ashamed to admit it, but when we got out into the light, I didn’t like my new friends as much. I literally thought, “I prefer you all when I can’t see you” – although I didn’t say that. By their appearance, I may have never even cared to talk to most of these people. My new friends dissolved before my eyes. It was incredible. For a second, I wished I was blind.

It might have been a challenge getting through all 5 environments. But now is the real challenge – how do I hold on to what I’ve learned from this experience? How can I let it influence the way I treat others? The way I relate to the world around me? The way I relate to God?

Walk by faith, not by sight.

Sick

I thought I would post my favorite poem in light of the fact that I got sick last night. :o( I can't say I was as bad off as little Peggy Ann McKay, but I was pretty miserable. I'm still not 100%, but I'm hanging in there... came into the office at 11... I don't know if I'll last the whole day or not, but we'll see...

Sick - by Shel Silverstein

“I cannot go to school today,”
Said little Peggy Ann McKay.
“I have the measles and the mumps,
A gas, a rash and purple bumps.
My mouth is wet, my throat is dry,
I’m going blind in my right eye.
My tonsils are as big as rocks,
I’ve counted sixteen chicken pox
And there’s one more–that’s seventeen,
And don’t you think my face looks green?
My leg is cut, my eyes are blue–
It might be instamatic flu.
I cough and sneeze and gasp and choke,
I’m sure that my left leg is broke–
My hip hurts when I move my chin,
My belly button’s caving in,
My back is wrenched, my ankle’s sprained,
My ‘pendix pains each time it rains.
My nose is cold, my toes are numb,
I have a sliver in my thumb.
My neck is stiff, my spine is Weak,
I hardly whisper when I speak.
My tongue is filling up my mouth,
I think my hair is failing out.
My elbow’s bent, my spine ain’t straight,
My temperature is one-o-eight.
My brain is shrunk, I cannot hear,
There is a hole inside my ear.
I have a hangnail, and my heart is–what?
What’s that?
What’s that you say?
You say today is … Saturday?
G’bye, I’m going out to play!”

Jaci Velasquez

I'm listening to Jaci Velasquez right now.  Album: Heavenly Place.  Released: 1996.  That's right - 1996.  I'm goin' old school.  

I'm exhausted today... I stayed up late to hang out with the fam for Kev's birthday last night.  I don't regret it one bit.  I baked a cake for his birthday (and one for mom's) yesterday and enjoyed my piece of cake while they dug into theirs thousands of miles away. :o)  It was soo great to see the fam... and it will be great to take a nap when I get off work in an hour...  Thankfully I have been working on organizing a cabinet here at work today, meaning I'm not just sitting at my desk.  That's a good thing - I might have fallen asleep already if I was just sitting.  

ridiculous

So whenever something needs to be communicated to us tenants in my apartment building, it is posted in the elevator.  The most recent one shocked me... Apparently there have been complaints of noise in the building (not about us, for the record), so a reminder was posted that we should respect our neighbors at all times, especially during quiet hours, blah blah blah.  The memo also reminded us that the penalty, by law, for "disturbing the peace" - as we in the States would put it - is... are you ready for this? ... 10 months (minimum wage) salary... a.k.a. R$4,000, a.k.a. US$2,000!!!  $2,000!!  Is it just me or is that ridiculous??  I could be fined $2,000 for wearing high heals (one item mentioned - twice - on the list of "noisemakers" on the memo) and bothering my neighbor as a result!  If you ask me, the crime does not fit the punishment. 

I lost 2 hours and I can't seem to find them...

I'm a little upset.  I've lost 2 hours this year and haven't gained any.  Usually, due to our beloved "Daylight Savings" system, we lose an hour each spring and gain it back each fall.  While this remains true, I have added another factor into the equation, and wound up losing 2 hours and gaining none this year.  This weekend, Brazil lost an hour (they, too, participate in the daylight savings system).  Since I was in the States at the beginning of the year, I lost an hour there too.  Two hours of my life - gone. Vanished.  Into thin air.  

Who ever decided it was a good idea to change Time anyway?  I'm moving to Arizona....

photo booth at 2 am

yikes...

what a day!

Really, I have to start with last night... definitely a cultural experience... Hugo, Nayana, and I went to a Bible study at church last night. It started at 10pm. Yes, 10pm. Which, "culturally translated," would be about 8pm for us. We started a little bit late, but regardless, it didn't get over until 12:30. But of course that's not too late for sandwiches and soda afterwards. And after that, some people went over to this girl's house to watch a movie. We didn't because, with no car, we had no way to get home. Anyway, we got home close to 1:30, and Nayana and I were going to watch Elf. I turned on my computer and decided to open photo booth... we laughed until we cried at the pictures we took! (I'll have to post them later because I'm not on my computer right now.) Neither of us lasted very long once we started the movie, but that was ok... we woke up at 10:30 this morning and started where we left off. When it was over at noon, we discussed whether we wanted to try to make it to hip hop class at 12:30 or not... by 12:10, we decided it was a go. So we jumped up, threw on some clothes and headed out. As we got around the corner, headed to the bus stop, our bus passed us. Thankfully I noticed and took off running, Nayana following close behind. I made it just in time to hit the side of the bus, and the driver stopped and opened the door for us. Phew! We made it to the studio about 2 minutes before class started! Class was crazy! We started learning some breakdancing moves, did some headstands, and more... It was great, but I'm going to be hurting tomorrow! Fast forwarding a little bit... we borrowed Corenne's car so we could go to the Extra store (Note to Dad: the fondue stand was gone!) and then run an errand for Corenne at Decathlon. On the way to Decathlon, I noticed some steam coming from under the hood of the car, and the check engine light kept turning on and off. We were almost there, so I decided to continue on. When we came back out to head home, the car wouldn't start! An hour and a half later, the tow truck came to take us home. (By the way, the car had just overheated and now turns on just fine - but we deemed it better not to drive it until it's been checked out.) When we got in the cab of the tow truck, the driver gave us both a pack of snacks and water, apologizing that the water wasn't still cold! I couldn't believe it! I told Nay and the truck drver I need to call a tow truck more often.. haha. We finally made it home, well after dark. It was quite a day! Hugo called and invited me over, so here I am... we had some dinner (at 10:20) and now we're watching a movie with his roommates. Tomorrow I plan to participate in a bike race... we'll see how that goes! :o)

sad story

I have a weather "widget" on my computer that gives me a 6-day forecast, as well as the current temperature.  The sad thing is - as the day gets hotter, not only does the current temperature go up, the expected high goes up as well.  Every day.  And I'm proof that it's accurate, as I begin to melt at my desk...  

It's been in the 90's all week this week.  no air conditioner.  and it's not even summer yet....

Hiphopopotamus

I joined a dance class last night - a hip hop dance class!  It was so much fun!  I'm terrible, but then, I guess if I was good, I wouldn't be taking a class.  Hopefully by the next time I see you (whoever "you" are...) I'll be able to show off my mad skills.  At the end of the class, the instructor (a white girl about my age... which I think means there's hope for me...) had us all form a circle as we kept clapping and moving to the beat of the music.  Then she danced her way to my side and pushed me into the middle.  Haha.  I threw down my best move and then left the floor the next brave soul.  The "next brave soul" obviously knew what he was doing... very much unlike me.... oh well, I had fun.

p.s. I found this picture online - apparently this kid is referred to as "Li'l Crazy Legs." Other than the fact that he's male and black, I hope to be like him one day.

good times

This weekend was great! Besides a bike ride on Saturday with Nayana and Hugo and making chocolate chip cookies (a batch which actually only produced about 9 or 12 cookies because Nayana accidentally set the bowl of dough down only a quarter of the way onto the counter and it flipped upside down onto the floor as a result - which really was ok with me because I wasn't planning on baking any more of the cookies anyway, since I had already been at it for about an hour and a half and still had 2/3 of the dough to bake) ... anyway, besides all that, I got a ton of reading done - which was spectacular! - and I drew a picture. I have been wanting to get back to drawing for a while now. It's been about 4 years since the last time I actually sat down to draw. It's not perfect by any means (as you can see below), but I like to think it's at least half way decent for being the first after a 4-year break. I swear it looks worse on the computer, but oh well...

Spam

I got a spam email today from "Dudley Fernandez." Don't you wish that was your name? I sure wish I knew a Dudley Fernandez.

Stuck in the Middle

I feel a little stuck in the middle at times - not quite on to my "new life" in Brazil yet, but certainly not living the "old" one in the 505. I currently have no cell phone, home phone, internet, or TV. I joke that when I go home, I go home to my "bubble," and unless you come knock on my door (well, technically, you have to ring up on the intercom), I'm sealed in. Honestly, it's sort of nice at times. I read a lot more. And run. And ride my bike. The down side is, I still feel slightly unsettled, like I'm suspended between two realities. Plus, it's easy to get behind on life. For example, I came to the office this evening to get caught up on my personal emails and maybe talk to some people. I got to talk to my dad, but I haven't answered a single email - and it's about time I go home and go to bed! Anyway, I figure things will happen when they happen, but I do get a little anxious sometimes for them to happen sooner rather than later. I wouldn't mind it if you joined me in prayer on the matter.

How Great is Our God!

Let me just start by saying, I think this is going to be a long one. But I believe it will be worth it, so I hope you’ll stick with me until the end.

It’s funny how it doesn’t seem to matter how many times I come to Brazil – the day always arrives in which I just can’t take it and am ready to go home. I miss many of the luxuries of home – air conditioning, a car, internet at home, a wash machine and drier. Really, being without these things is more of a blessing than I realize at times, but it’s hard to keep that outlook when I’m drenched with sweat on a hot, muggy day as I walk to buy the few groceries I am able to handle for the 15-minute walk home.

I’ve been conditioned to expect luxury as the standard, and my lack of luxury (which is really no lack at all – even in the “unluxurious” state I find myself at the moment, I have way more luxuries than I need) right now has left me grumpy once or twice this weekend.

Today was a rough day. I couldn’t necessarily even tell you why. Yes, it had to do with feeling my lack of luxury, but there was more to it than that. I finally decided this evening that I just needed to spend some time with my Lord. So I packed up my Bible, journal, and a pen and went to a café. I had decided I would skip church this evening. I needed some alone time with God. Well, He had other plans…

On the way to the café, I was praying, asking God to meet with me. I even told Him where I was headed, just to be on the safe side. I wouldn’t want him to show up at my house and me not be there. I began reading my Bible, looking forward to a long evening of just me and the Lord. Five chapters later, I didn’t quite know what to read next – nor what exactly to pray at that. I decided maybe I would go to church after all, and timing was just right. I arrived just before the service began.

The message was on the armor of God – Ephesians 6:10-20. What a great reminder that our struggles are not against flesh and blood but against powers and the rulers of darkness. (I imagine they have something – ok, maybe everything – to do with my “down” state today.) The message was great, also a reminder that we must put on the full armor of God daily. But the best part actually came after the message was over…

Pastor Derli gave a testimony of something that had occurred this week. He went to Vitoria – where the other Hope Unlimited campus is located – for two days to do some work there, as he is currently director over both campuses. When he arrived on Wednesday, he noticed a new boy sitting at the entrance. He went up and introduced himself to the boy, “Hi, how are you?” “Terrible,” was the response. “I see you’re new here. My name is Pastor Derli. I hope you know you are very welcome here.” “Pastor! I don’t want to know anything about any ‘pastor!’ You don’t touch me. If you lay your hand on my head, I swear I’ll turn my life over and never stray.” Pastor Derli explained he knew at that moment that this was a challenge from the enemy. The boy said some cross words to Derli, and they soon parted ways.

That night, Pastor Derli was awakened. The enemy visited his room. Derli could feel his awful presence. The Spirit of the Lord woke Derli before the enemy could touch him, and in Jesus’ name he rebuked the spirit and it left. This happened three times. Thursday morning, Derli knew the day ahead of him was not going to be easy. But God had been preparing him during the night.

And during the night, the enemy had been working on the boy. He packed his bags and was ready leave. The psychologist spoke with him that morning. She didn’t get far, and he was still planning on leaving. Derli called and asked to speak with him, right as he was about to leave. He went to Derli’s office, and the battle begun. The boy was very hostile as Derli began speaking with him. He told him again not to lay his hand on his head. The boy told Derli that the last pastor who laid his hand on his head died. Whether or not that is true, he was clearly challenging Derli. The Lord was testing his faith, and the devil was tempting him to run away in fear.

Derli asked the boy why he was so adamant that he not lay his hand on the boy’s head. Marcos Venicius, now age 15, was baptized into an Afro-Brazilian religion known as Umbanda at the age of 3, consecrating his body to the devil. He told Pastor Derli that when a pastor lays his hand on his head, the devil comes and beats Marcos – and it is not nice. The conversation went on, and Marcos finally said, “Ok, you may lay your hand on my head.” Pastor Derli asked if he could call in the psychologist, and the boy said yes – and that he could call in more people. A small group formed in that room, and Pastor Derli laid his hand on Marcos Venicius’ head. The enemy began speaking through the boy, telling Derli he would kill him. They had pulled Marcos’ hands together so he could not use them. He began using his head to fight instead. Finally, through Marcos, the enemy told Derli, “Alright. I’m leaving today. But I’ll be back. And I’ll be back to kill you.” And in the name and almighty power of Jesus, he left.

After 12 years of being subject to the power of Satan, Marcos Venicius gave his life over to Christ and is now at the beginning of experiencing the freedom he has in Him.

God’s met with us tonight in our small church in downtown Campinas. He met with me. I felt His presence perhaps more strongly than I had ever felt it before. I felt Him wrap His arms around me. I was reminded, as I now remind you:

Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm…pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints…that in proclaiming [the gospel we] may speak boldly, as [we] ought to speak.

Adventures in Campinas

Well, I can't believe my dad has been here for a week already! It's been great to have him here - and we've done a ton! Here are some pictures to prove it...

out for pizza with the clan.  this is Teri, Corenne's friend

downtown

at Taquaral park after a run.  (well ok, I ran, he walked)

at the hippie fair - he bought me a beautiful ring!! :oD

we took the gang out for a train ride... great fun!

My Dad's here!!!!!

My alarm went off at 5:30 yesterday morning.  The plan was to be out the door by 6:15, but of course it was closer to 6:30 when I actually left.  I ran to the bus stop, afraid I was going to miss my 7 o'clock bus to the Sao Paulo airport.  By the time I caught the bus and arrived at the bus station, it was 6:45.  I had time to buy my ticket, grab a bite for breakfast, and still sit for about 10 minutes before my bus was off.  Turns out, I planned poorly anyway.  I should have taken the 6am bus.  We got caught in traffic (in Sao Paulo, the third largest city in the world), and I didn't make it to the airport until about 9 - and hour after dad was supposed to arrive.  He had actually arrived early, so he had a nice long wait, but we did find each other!  More traffic on the way home meant it took us about 3 1/2 hours to get home (instead of the normal 1 1/2 it should take).  He's only been here a day and a half, and I feel like we've already done a ton!  A quick lunch yesterday, followed by the best ice cream in the world, some grocery shopping, unpacking (he brought some more of my stuff for me - felt like Christmas!), pizza (all-you-can-eat 40 flavors including corn, broccoli, stroganoff, filet mignon, french fry, chocolate, ice cream....).  This morning we went to the hippie fair and then walked around downtown.  Had pastels for lunch - another Brazilian treat.  Now we're taking it easy for a little bit and, weather permitting, will go to Taquaral soon.  

Cultural Lesson #... I've lost count...

So, last night definitely qualifies as a cultural lesson.  I had been invited to a friend's house (Hugo's) for dinner.   I did not realize a bunch of people had been invited and that there would be a whole group of us, but that was the case (and really, that's beside the point).  He told me anytime from 7 on was fine to show up.  To me, that said the invitation was for 7.  But, in my "cultural wisdom," I knew it would be ignorant of me to actually show up at 7.  So, I timed things so that I got there around 7:45 or 8.  Now, let's think about that for just a moment... in the United States, if you are invited to dinner at seven and, without a phone call or any other notice, you do not show up by 8, one of three things has happened: 1. You were attacked with a case of amnesia and completely forgot.  2. You died.  or 3. You decided you completely hate the people who invited you.  I was quite proud of myself for foreseeing this cultural difference and was confident that I would arrive right about the time dinner was being placed on the table.  Turns out I need to go back to Brazilian culture school.  I arrived close to 8, and by 10:45 when we still hadn't eaten, I was about ready to go home without dinner.  Around 11, people were still showing up, but we finally did have dinner.  And it was quite spectacular, I must say.  I, in my American way, managed to get out by about 11:30 and home by midnight.  I'm still not quite sure how I managed that... 

swollen

So, Saturday was fun.  I got to check my luggage twice - something I've always dreamed of doing.  It's such a bummer when I check it once and don't see it again until I get to Brazil.  (In case you're not picking up on my sarcasm, let me help you: start picking up on my sarcasm.)  My favorite part about Saturday was not only that I got to check my luggage twice, but that my hands swelled up quite nicely from pulling about 200 lbs. of luggage.  (yes, about 200 pounds!  I had a lot of stuff!)  By the time I arrived in Brazil (about 18 hours after the journey began in NY), the swelling had almost gone away.  Hopefully you can tell I'm not fibbing by checking out the before and after pics (Note: the "after" picture was taken moments ago, after the swelling had gone down completely)...

 

it's just the beginning

If you ask Nayana, she'd say I hit the ground running yesterday.  I'd say I just picked up where I left off.  I arrived in Campinas shortly after noon.  The plan was to go for a run at Taquaral park, but we wound up going out with Corenne, the kids, and Corenne's friend.  After that, I didn't even have time to take a shower before church, but I'm pretty sure I didn't stink, so I think it worked out alright.  Nayana went to church with me - it was great to see everyone again.  After church we met up with a couple friends (Thayan and Igor) for a little while, then it was off to bed.  I was fine all day yesterday, but I could barely keep my eyes open this morning!  It's been sort of a slow day, primarily because Philip isn't here.  But I can now say I have arrived at the end of my "first" day of work.  The plan is to go for a run at Taquaral now (since I missed out yesterday).  Then maybe some organizing and reading at home this evening.  

Back to Brazil

Well, I didn't exactly keep up with the blog while I was home... at all. But I'm back at it now, and I intend to keep it that way.

I made it to Brazil safe and sound. I think I actually slept about 6 hours on the plane! That's definitely a record for me! Plus I slept most of the 1 1/2 hour bus ride to Campinas. No one was home when I got there, so it's a good thing I had my keys. I dropped my stuff off and came next door to Philip and Corenne's. Nayana was here with Corenne's mom and her nurse, but no one else. Philip is in the States, and Corenne is out with the kids and a friend who is visiting. We just had lunch, and I'm thinking I might go for a run in about an hour, then church this evening. It's been cold and cloudy since I arrived, but it looks like the sun is trying to come out now... which means it will probably get hot!

bleh

in case you're wondering, i didn't make the flight.... meaning i've been here in the airport for 9 hours now.... this is getting old....

Adventures

I decided just sitting in the airport wasn't fun enough for me... so I opted to venture out a little bit... check it out...

The Eiffel Tower is great... you should go if you get the chance!

Gotta love a good ride. 

Sunset on the beach - breathtaking. 

BEAUTIFUL waterfall!

I even got to stop for a picnic at the Girard house.  

On the road again

Well, I'm well on my way.  I'm sitting in the airport in Washington DC right now. 

 I was scheduled to have a 12-hour layover here, so my plan was to take advantage of a "free" day in DC and go see the monuments and such - which I haven't seen since 1999.  I did not take into consideration, however, the fact that I have my carry-on bag with me.  I really don't want to be lugging it around all day.  So plans changed.  I'm on stand-by for an earlier flight.  I sure hope I make it on - cross your fingers!