Coconuts & Roly Polies

The week came full on and as strange as it feels I was glad to be swept up in it. I guess I didn't update much this week because it's hard to find words for such an unfamiliar circumstance. Words are really a funny subject to Marcy and I at the moment. We're so used to trying to rephrase our sentences to those who speak a little English while also absorbing as much Portuguese as we can, that our overall communication skills have pretty much gone splat because of it. We've learned to embrace it though, it's fun.

It's really surprising and hopeful to see how well you can connect with people even when you don't understand each others' language. I knew at this point I would know of the members in the church, but there are definitely a number that I feel really comfortable around for only knowing them a week. Everyone here has such a welcoming nature about them. My favorite thing is that people don't just suggest things to do here, but offer to take you to do it..and mean it.

Paula told us that she would love to take us to see the countryside and also "the reality" of the slums. She thinks it's good for us to see all sides of Salvador; I agree.
Daniella told us that she would love to take us to visit her autism clinic where she practices art therapy. She prays for words of hope for those who've lost it.
We went this week to our first Brazilian birthday party, which is a must. It was for a 7 year old girl, Fernanda, but in this country adults also attend. Brazilian birthday parties put North American birthdays to shame. (Currently while writing this blog, Marcy and I heard them popping balloons from a birthday party for 45 minutes..at least)
Cibele told us that she would love to take us to see a professional soccer game with her; she said it's very important to her (..and all of Brazil).
Ana Carolina is taking us to her beach house tomorrow on our day off.
Others have offered beach trips and Brazilian food and to teach us Portuguese and anything really to help us get a feel for their culture.

As far as what we do with the church besides building relationships, I was able to participate in four Bible studies this week, took my first Portuguese lesson, will be teaching English starting Tuesday, helping a lot with the children's ministry, staff and prayer meeting with the missionaries, and just helping out where needed. Updates on these and more to come :)

It's been a blast. I won't say adjusting was the easiest thing I've ever done but I'm grateful for the warmth I've found among these people and mostly with God, my one constant.

It's funny, really. I have learned some pretty crazy differences as far as trains of thought go, etc., so I definitely realize..feel..and want to keep learning the contrasts between the two cultures. But the more I learn about these people, the more I realize we're all the same. We're really all the same.



This doesn't have to do with Brazil, and everyone who knows me I'm sure will laugh or roll their eyes at the fact that I feel the need to mention this, but of course I just need to. Tigger, one of our cats that we've had for 13 years got what they think was cancer and we had to put him down. I'm lucky and got to see him the weekend before I left. It just makes me feel better to remember him on here.