Holiday

It's a long holiday weekend here in Brazil. And it's good to have a little down time.
Today is also the birthday of our daughter Natali. What a blessing she has been ever since we first met her. Happy Birthday,sweetie! Last week Sunday was a baby dedication at church. That was fun to do for a great family. Julimara and Manoel have two sons - João and Joel - so this was even more special as they now have been blessed with a daughter, Laís.

Unlike her brothers Laís is very calm and gentle.

This past Saturday we had a churrasco - Brazilian barbecue - with the praise team from church. Everyone involved with this ministry - from the sound guys to the pastors - were invited. It was good to relax and have some fun together, since usually, at church, everyone is busy setting up or taking down their own ministry. This group is such a blessing in the church, and each member is very talented. It is great to see these talents used for God's glory.

The time together went by too quickly. Along with eating and visiting, there was a devotional and prayer time, and of course singing.

Before we knew it folks were heading out. And, for us, there was another rehearsal coming up with the teens at church who were leading the worship service on Sunday evening.

They did a fine job.

One of the missionaries the church helps support was present to report on the ministry she's been involved with over the past couple years in Hawaii. When the service and rehearsal for Christmas cantata ended, a group of about twenty of us went out for pizza wth her.

Thinking of food, I guess I'll go out and get a piece of cake to celebrate my little girl's birthday.