What a difference a day makes!

A week ago, our waterbed sprung a leak. That sure changed the plans for the day. Still don’t know how it happened, but waking up that morning, sheets and blankets were wet, and somehow the plastic liner didn’t keep the water in so it was draining all over the floor, and no way to find the leak. We ended up hitting several mattress stores during the day, and were shocked at the prices, as well as delays in delivery time – mostly around two weeks. We finally found a store which had one we liked in stock – though not our first choice – that could be delivered that afternoon, so we got it. The rest of the day was spent draining the old mattress, dismantling the frame and cleaning up the water on the floor before setting up a regular bed. It has been quite an adjustment after twenty years of waterbed, especially the part of getting into a warm bed on these cold nights.
Bathrooms are an important part of Brazilian culture. In fact, we have four of them in our apartment; however, there’s no hot water so it is cold washing hands and dishes. We have electric showerheads to heat water for taking a bath. Sunday, getting ready for church, the showerhead in Sue’s bathroom blew out. I know how to fix, but hate messing with, electrical and water stuff. Finally, yesterday afternoon, I got that repaired so no more cold showers!

Today, everything around the house finally seemed to be back in working order. Now as I finish this up and want to post it, I find out that the internet service in our building is down. Cyberspace withdrawal has begun! Yea, internet is back on this evening.

At church, we ended the month of first year anniversary celebration. Each Sunday the musical presentations became more impressive. This past Sunday night a twenty-voice choir presented numbers from Bach to contemporary Christian music. The church was packed to the gills, and by mid- service there was standing room only in the entry hall. In the main auditorium, tables were all decorated for a carry-in meal - not casseroles like in the states, but Brazilian finger foods. It was amazing how many people “forgot” to bring something to share, but that didn’t hold anyone back from eating. Thankfully there was plenty brought in from folks who remembered. (In case you weren't sure, the pictures included here are from Sunday night since I figured they were better to post than the bed or shower!) As the “Building Community” visitor campaign came to a close, there were over sixty guests who came out to church by invitation of members throughout the month.

During July, pastoral home visits are going on as we try to touch base with all the members during this month of winter break from small groups. Each day and each visit is different.

Mama mia, thatsa spicy meatball.

“Winter” arrived here on Sunday, but the windows are open right now to let in some warm air this afternoon since temps are in the 70s. I can tell the windows are opened because my eyes are itching! Have to enjoy it though since another cold front is supposed to get here on Thursday. We thought of going to see Transformers today (yes, it opened here a day before the states), but there was just too much work to get done. Now, I’m pretty much caught up, and even worked ahead a little on some stuff. Sue has an ESL student here right now so I have to find something quiet to do for an hour, so why not this.
There were plenty of different things to do this past weekend. The cherry blossom festival was held in a nearby city, but not a lot of blossoms were out as it’s been so cold. On Friday night we went to Vanice’s birthday party with several friends. Guto and Vanice were the first people to welcome us to Bauru ten years ago when we checked the place out before moving here, and have been a tremendous help in getting ministry started. There never seems to be a lack of conversation when that group gets together. We got home from that about one in the morning.

Thankfully, didn’t have to get up early on Saturday since other people were in charge of setting everything up for the church couples’ dinner celebrating Valentine’s Day. We, and Tim and Andrea, were told that all we had to do that evening was come and enjoy ourselves.

There was even a guest speaker invited. Eighteen couples came out for the evening.

Unfortunately, I came in third on the game they did, but the prize was only a box of chocolates for 1st and 2nd place winners, so who cares!!

Again there was plenty to eat – Italian cuisine with lots of spices and especially garlic – and conversation didn’t lack either. Though honestly, two nights of small talk was enough for me. And we got home way after midnight again.

This was the third Sunday of the month-long celebration for the church anniversary. The musical group in the evening was five ladies, and their music was inspiring, especially the last number they performed. When they finished, people couldn’t help but applaud. It was excellent!

One of the ladies in the group is the mom of one of our former young people. She thanked us again for helping with her son. Talk about a transformed life, to remember Junior and the life he was involved in when we first met him (one of his milder things was his several piercings; one was an ear/nose complete with chain connecting them) and how he loves the Lord today. Only God can bring about a change like that!

On Sunday, as I preached about open doors and obstacles, I recalled different doors that were opened here for ministries since our arrival, as well as remembering some of the difficulties along the way – there were plenty of both, but God’s blessings outweigh the problems! This coming Sunday is the last of our month of first anniversary celebration, along with a choir presentation and a carry-in meal, I will be finishing up a study in the book of Colossians.

Father’s Day isn’t celebrated here until August, but it was fun to catch up with Natali and Aaron who took the time to call their Dad for stateside Father’s Day.

Speaking of August, we’re working on preparations for August Family month, with a different theme for each week, some weekly family seminars, and guest speakers. It takes a lot of planning, but when we’ve done this in the past, its helped families and people still talk about different activities we’ve done.

Sue’s ESL class must be about done because I’m about done with this. Tchau.

I’ve got my love to keep me warm.

We just had a nice visit with Natali via computer this afternoon – a good break for all of us! There was a lot of running to get done after my pastors’ meeting with Tim this morning, but we managed to get home in time for the call.

It’s hard to believe that a week has gone by since the long holiday weekend. Last Thursday was a holy day here, and kind of quiet around town, except for one street three blocks down from our apartment.

The catholic churches in town had set up street displays extending five blocks leading up to one of the churches. I walked down to get a closer look before all the activities got started. It was great to go out and just walk in the sun with the cold weather we've had here!

Each parish had colorful displays on different blocks. Though they did not do sand paintings on the streets this year, as I’d hoped, it was still very colorful, and lots of flowers, with different representations of Jesus’ life, Paul’s missionary journeys, and other Bible stories.

I considered staying to observe the mass, but as crowds began to build up, I decided it would be easier to watch things from a sixteenth floor balcony back home.

Friday Valentine’s Day here was also kind of quiet because of the previous day holy day. We went out to lunch, I got my wife some roses, she made me a chocolate cake – and I can’t believe I ate the whole thing! Nah, yes I can! Then we stayed home, watched some movies, had some popcorn and just laid low.

Saturday was spent with the teens from church. They’re a great group, but they didn’t think it was fair that they couldn’t go to (or afford) the Sweethearts’ Dinner that we’re having this Saturday for couples at church. However, they seemed to be appeased when we told them we were planning a fondue night just for them on July 4. And with the cold winter weather these days it should be just right for fondue! And we can use our chocolate fountain again.

Sunday was the second week of celebration for the church’s first anniversary. Of course, numbers were down due to the long holiday weekend, but the singing group that presented - brothers and sisters – chose incredible music with excellent close harmony. I wish there was a way I could include their sound instead of just showing a picture.

They had presented in our old church for an anniversary five years ago. It was also Pastors Day so there was a special presentation and slideshow of the lives of Tim and Bill starting all the way back to baby pictures and through each of our lives. And boy, we’ve been through a lot! We were each presented with a leather framed picture. Very nice!

And now, it’s almost the weekend again. Tonight is our next to last small group meeting before winter break. I know most people don’t think that temps in the forties are cold, but we’re in the tropics here! We’ll dress warm because with the size group we have we sit out on the veranda beside the pool at the house where we meet. Brrr!