Brazilian Hospitality

We woke up to a warm breakfast and began our day with a huge crowd of kids that our missionary usually works with. We sang many songs to them and they sang to us! A man shared a message and the kids paid close attention. We passed out balloons and bracelets; the kids were so excited. They would swarm whoever had the bag of goodies. At one point, one of the students was handing out the bracelets and a child wouldn't let go of the students hand until they were sure the bracelet was theirs. The littlest things delight them. We then ate lunch downtown; there was only one place opened because it was Sunday. It suprised some of us that everything was closed. We weren't expecting the day of rest to be observed here.

We then came home since nothing was open and rested or played outside with some kids from a local church. Tonight was our night to go to a church service. It was incredible! We got to here them sing "I Surrender All" and many other songs in Portuguese. We read a few different passages in Psalms and Acts and ended with our whole team coming to the front of the church to sing. We started out with the Hokie Pokie (yes, our missionary wanted us to sing it), and ended with Amazing Grace and How Great Thou Art. They actually started to sing along in Portuguese on How Great Thou Art - that was amazing. To sing along with other believers in a totally different language is so neat. We thank God for that oppertunity. It was amazing to get a glimps of Philipians 2:10-11 "so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW...and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Afterwords, some of the people wanted to greet us. We began shaking hands and saying hello; it turned into hugs and kisses on the cheek! These people barely even know us, but we already have a special place in their hearts because we bow to the same Creator. They weren't afraid to bend over backwards if we needed anything; they wanted to make us feel completely welcome and loved. How is it that a people who seem less fortunate are actually the ones teaching us about loving others? Just to see them smile at us is enough. Then, they bring us things like ice cream! It's amazing how giving they are. They asked if anyone in the group played guitar or drums. Candice, Jordan Bowen, and Ethan gave them a great show! People kept wanting more and more songs to be played. It was so much fun. We went outside and one of the singers rode up in his motorcycle and let Tony drive it around the block!

As we came home tonight, we decided we had much to learn from these people. Tomorrow we plan to a school to visit 300 students, finish work up work around the mission house, host another VBS session, and then will end the day at the missionary's house. Please pray that we are open to whatever God has for us here; may our prayer be "Thy will be done."

Good night friends and family!