The First Two Weeks

February 20, 2008

Dear Friends and Family,

Our adventures began as soon as we landed in Sao Paulo. The airport was crowded and we had to maneuver 18 suitcases and 2 guitars, and 6

personal items. Luckly, though one luggage was lost, we were glad to recover it a couple of days latter.

In the first few days we kept busy getting our very small apartment ready. We had to buy a sink ( it was not in the apartment and the shower head which was broken). Thank God for my friends here. THey had a couch, table, rugs, linens, towels, some kitchen items and other small furniture nice and clean. Our last conquest was a bed frame, which came two days ago. We were sleeping on a mattress on the floor. The DTS leader offered us a bed that has been recently donated to the Base.

The laundry issue is a bit more complicated. I share a machine with two other families. However, I do not have access to a dryer so I find myself hanging clothes on the line at 8:00 in the morning. It this really happening???

The boys live on the other side of the base in the boys' dormitory. I hear that it is as loud as the college dorm room. Kevin and Seth share a room with Mark ( who speaks a bit of English) and another guy that wants to learn. Kyle and Elliot are in the next room and share a group with a german-brazilian named William who also speaks a bit of English and a boy named Rafael. There are twicw as many girls as boys here. The last count was 41. They come from all over Brazil ( near and far). The classes are in Portuguese/English and the Students may complete their written assignments in their first language.

The food at the base is Ok. Lunch time is better. Lots of Rice and Beans and vegetables – a bit of meat. However, we promise to take the boys to a CHURRASCARIA – ( where they serve many choices of beef cuts). Remember, we are in Gaucho Country – the Home of the Brazilian Cowboys. Dinner is very simple – a basic chicken soup or chicken and rice.

Saturday is the boys' only day off. They have classes in the mornings, work in the afternoons and practice classes at night – (drama).

They manage ,however, to come to the apartment for the extra treats and the comforts of home—like delicious tropical fruits, local sweets, hot tea and daily fresh bread.

The mosquitoes are always with us, but we are surviving and learning the local tricks to get rid of them.

The roads are confusing and in need of repair- but no one here seem to mind.

We are using the project van when we need it. Bruce is not use to driving it and it does not have power steering. But it is a vehicle an we are glad to have it. For quick trips to the store we take the Base car ( have to keep mileage records), go with a friend or take the bus.

I began filing the boys documents, I have to go there tomorrow for the next step.

I will begin teaching at the Project house this coming week. I will have two English classes which will meet twice a week – Thank God for Mari, she will be my helper . I have devotions with the Children once a week and I also have to work at the Base kitchen once a week. Home visit to the participant families are done once a week at the Community. On Monday nights, we are intercession for the project, Tuesday morning, intercession for the Base and Thursday night the weekly Base service. As you can see, there is always something to do. I am excited. I see this time for us as a family, is a time to learn all that we can.

Bruce’s schedule is getting busy also. He is scheduled to preach every weekend. Thank God, there is a young man here that is available to translate for him. Most of the churches are with 30 minutes, but we have a friends that has invited him to a city in the state of Sao Paulo. It will take more time and effort.

Well, I am due in the kitchen now. I am learning to cook for 100 or more.