We left Rio do Sul at 7:30 AM, took a bus to Florionapolis, flew to Rio and then bussed it through the city. It's been a long day, but we made it to Rio (the big one) this afternoon and came to our hotel and then directly to the beach which is across the street. Thus far Rio is a mix of conflicting emotions. The beach is absolutly breathtaking. So, so beautiful. Yet as we came through town we had to drive through the slums which was very sad. I thought it looked kind of like the houses in Slumdog Millionaire for those who have seen that. Two very different areas of the same city.
The kids loved playing at the beach. Most of them swam as it is much warmer here than it was in the south of Brazil. We swam until it was dark then ate at a restaurant seaside where we had fried chicken and fish with french fries. Typical American fare. It was good, but their ketchup is really wierd and not good at all and they don't put salt on french fries. It's the small things you notice. Tonight we had some time to reflect on what we were allowed to accomplish over the last ten days and share some stories and how we were able to impact and lift up each other. It was a great time.
Two last things and then I'm heading to bed. First, I have some pictuers of kids at the beach that I'll probably put up tomorrow. I don't have them loaded yet on the computer so I apologize for them not being up, but I hope you understand. Second, our schedule for the next two days is as follows. Sunday morning we have our final de-briefing at 10:30. Then we are leaving at 12:30 to go to a bbq hosted by the local e-free churches. After that we'll have a little time to shop and pick up some items to take home before we brek up to attend three separate church services again this Sunday. Again, Ricky, Daryl and myself will be preaching. Pray that it will go well for all three of us and that the message will be His. On Monday we will head to the Christ the Redeemer statue and then it's off to the airport for our trip home. It's hard to believe it's almost over.
Oh yah...this is really the last thing. over the past three days I've been collecting the posts and read them to the kids tonight. I had 25 pages of material to share with them. Thank you to all who have posted. Keep it up for just another couple of days and we'll be home...bw
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Hello to Jake and everyone! Glad to hear that you made it back through the mountains and to your final destination for the day! Kudos to the wonderful bus driver who kept you all SAFE!
ReplyDeleteJake...hope you are taking lots of pictures. Take a bunch of the Christ statue. That will be an awesome site. Glad you are having some down time to enjoy yourselves and do some relaxing. Was the beach fun? Glad the weather is a little warmer for you. I'm curious to hear about this ketchup thing?!?!?!?
We plan to have a Father's Day brunch tomorrow and then a fun afternoon at Don's with his side and ours. Pulled Pork is on the menu...go figure. Also...green bean casserole...I know you are sad to be missing that!!
Enjoy your last couple days on a different continent...WHAT AN ADVENTURE! So awesome the impact you all have had on the people of Brazil! Just amazing!
Love you and keep allowing God to stretch you!
Mom
Hi All...would have loved to be a mouse in the room when you were all reflecting on the past 10 days. Despite your exhaustion...the exuberance that His Spirit gives when you know what you're doing is His path and will...there's nothing like it is there!?
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned going thru the slums...nearly rips your heart out doesn't it? Don't ever ever forget the sights of the slums...that's what God sees everyday and that's what will draw you back to serve wherever He leads. I'm praying He leads many if not all of you back to the fields that are ripe for harvest. The experience you all are having, most have never had nor ever will. You have been chosen for this trip, this work. Stay close to Him...listen to Him...He will continue to direct your path and if you choose to walk it...the joy, the challenges, the excitement of being in the center of His will for your life...living for Him...there's just no greater joy in life.
Love you all...thanks so much for taking the time to write letters to your Dad's for Father's Day. It was WONDERFUL to hear from you.
Jon...miss you Bud.
Lv,
Mom
ahhhh, finally a little down time for the team! How awesome to be able to just relax, enjoy yourselves, and reflect on a job well done. You are still in our prayers as I'm sure that with the exhaustion and the need to relax and recharge, there is probably also a bit of a let down.
ReplyDeleteSam,
So glad to hear that your leg is doing better. I made an appt with Kathy for Tue evening that will be easy to cancel if you don't need it. The girls are back home with me and we will all be going to Aunt Robin's tomorrow for dinner. It will be good to see all the Smiths. I can take a picture of the 4 wheeler all sad and lonely with out you on it if it will make you feel better.
As I'm typing this I can hear the rain starting again outside. Love the sound and the smell! Annie was able to get the lawn mowed this morning before the light sprinkles we had off and on all day... excellent timing!
Enjoy the rest of your time in Brazil - take the time to really enjoy your teammates! Love you much! Can't wait to see you on Tuesday morning!
mom (rhoni)
Hey Ty Y,
ReplyDeleteIts been crazy here with Cole's mowing service. He is really getting a lot of jobs and the weather has been making us fall behing...But with a stiff upper lip we forge forward...Just as you must in your current mission quest...Keep up the good work and I cannot wait to hear all your stories and see all your pics.... Look it's not even 3 AM... God Bless you and your group and all that hear the word.
Love your Dad - Miss you Much..I am so proud....
PSOh and thanks for the fathers day email and fishing pole.. its the best...
But the best father's present will be seeing you again... even though its a few days later...
It's been fun following your trip, thank you so much for all the updates. Sean M. is your camera full? Hope you can get more photo's today. I can't wait to hear all about the trip. Travel safe.
ReplyDeleteKelli W.
Darryl,
ReplyDeleteHAPPY FATHER'S DAY from me! It's great that you get Brandon with you today so it can feel a little bit like Father's day for you. But, the rest of the family will be missing you oh so much. I have printed off your Father's Day message for your Dad and will take it to him today.
I finally video connected with Sara and we talked for about 30 minutes. (Actually, I figured it out literally 2 minutes after we hung up the night before. She said there were a lot of tears at your goodbyes.
I am praying for you as I write this since you will probably be giving your sermon/testimony again soon. I am so overwhelmed by the blessing that God has given me in you. Your commitment and willingness to serve him in this way is beautiful to behold. Thank you so much for being such an incredible spiritual leader for those around you and most especially to your children and me! Your example has inspired much so much in all of us.
Lord,
Give the team strength as they finish the work that you have given them for this trip. Speak to their hearts as they reflect back on their time in Brazil and let them know what you want them to take away from this trip. Give them joy as they realize the amazing impact they have had on people that you love and adore just as much a them. Motivate and inspire them to continue in this ongoing "mission" for you. Wrap your hands around this group as they begin the long journey back to their families. Keep them safe from all harm and begin the renewal of their minds and hearts. Praise you, Lord! I shed tears as I think of what you can accomplish with just a handful of willing hearts.
Amen
Team,
You are great! Hopefully, you'll forgive me if I get a little sappy today. It' Father's Day and it's been a long two weeks.
Love you all!
Deb
Hey hey hey!!! Happy Fathers day!!! Miss you a ton...like more than you know!!! Anywho, I hope you are having a great day. I hope that today is your day dad. oy lawve Yew fathaw(insert british accent). Can't wait to see you soon!!!!!! ....and for Brandon.....hi
ReplyDeletePraying this morning Daryl, Ricky and Brock for your messages tonight. May the Holy Spirit speak His Words. Probably the tired-est you've ever been while giving a message......all the more for God to take over. 3 churches are going to blown away by the Power of God tonight!
ReplyDelete11 Corinthians 12:9,10
"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulities.
For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Ricky, Daryl and Brock,
ReplyDeletePraise God for you all! What lights you are to the all you encounter in Brazil, but to the team too. Thank you for all you do. Your words will be God's words. He will take care of you and deliver the messages to those who are ready to hear it! Praise His name.
Miss Madi!
TWO DAYS! Of course, I'm counting. Duh.
Last night at dinner, I was telling dad about all the good things Lynne says about you. He smiled so big and said, "I want Miss Madi home!" As do I.
But you have stretched yourself and allowed God to use you for His glory. Nothing is more worthy of your time and energy.
I hope you were able to get some sleep last night. It sounds like you had a wonderful day at the beach. I know how you love the beach. Palm trees?
Tell everyone hello for us. We will see you soon. We ask God for his continued safety net as you travel home.
Love you!!
Mom
Sean H.,
ReplyDeleteAnother beautiful beach to add to your list! I can only imagine how your head must be jam-packed with all the experiences you have had over the last 12 days. Lock it all in your memory (or write it down) because you know I will enjoy hearing every story. I saw this guy at Barnes & Noble yesterday that looked so much like you that I nearly lost it. I miss you so much. But I am deeply thankful that you went on this trip. I bought Dad a new Birds of North America guidebook for Father's Day (along with a big bag of chocolate-covered raisins, or course!) Lauren finished splatter-painting her bedroom, so all her stuff is moved out of your room...just in time. See you (and hug you) soon!
Brock,
Thank you SO much for all the posts & pictures. It has been so fun to follow your amazing journey this way.
To the team,
I am so proud of each of you and the work you have done. God called each of you to be part of this mission trip and you have given it your all...day after day after day. Well done, good and faithful servants.
Kathy Higgins
Alek, ok so, I am not sure what is up for Fathers Day today, probably get to pick the resturaunt that we go to, probably the good ol stand by Bleachers, or what ever it is called now, cause there is never anyone there, and I will get the chicken fingers!
ReplyDeleteMiss ya bud and am looking forward to hearing about the trip and the students there.
Enjoy the time off, and the long ride home. We are praying for your trip.
God's Speed.
Thanks Brock for all the posts...God bless.
Hey Dad!!! Hope you get these messages from the family today!!! HAPYY FATHER"S DAY. I hope that Brandon or Emily remember to give you your father's day card today!!!( Emily or Brandon please remember to give my dad his card!!! LOL) We all miss you so much. I hope you have a great day and that God gives you the strength to finish stong. I am sure all the kids there are adoring you, but just remember I am your only daughter and I love you 10 times more that they do!!! LOL Your great, you have been such a great spiritual leader in our family and you always lend a helping hand. You have provided for us and made us feel safe, but most importantly taught us to trust God and make Him #1!! thanks so much for loving all of us the way you do! The kids say Hi and that they love you and miss their nana's grandpa!!! Can't wait to see you when you get back!!!
ReplyDeleteBrittany, Kevin , Callie and Carter
P.S. Brandon we miss you too!! PLease give Dad a few extra hugs from all of us here!!!!
Hi Ty!!
ReplyDeleteDad & I went to church and then I took him out to Applebee's for lunch. We had an awesome server, named Cole! ha! He did a great job.
Hope you are taking lots of pictures and some w/YOU and your friends in them.
Praying for a safe trip home for you and your team. Can't wait to hug you on Tuesday! Stay Strong!
Love ya!
XOXOXO
Mom
Praising God once again for you all and can't wait to see you all safetly home!
ReplyDeleteI miss you Abigail and can't wait for a hug...
With a grateful heart,
dusty