Jenny - Stamped and Sealed

Wedding and flower arrangements

2010-06-26T08:27:00.003-04:00

Lisa and the girls
The whole group, quite the bunch of kids!!!

can I just say it - Awwww

Lisa and Leah, growing up into beautiful women

Laney and Emma helped me get all the flowers in the arch.

The bridesmaids. I had such fun doing their bouquets!!

Laney and Jessica, two very beautiful flower girls

life at the beach

2010-06-25T07:58:00.007-04:00

Summer is here!!! So exciting. So every minute of our day is planned around when will the sunshine!! I am so thankful for the little spot where we live. It truly is heaven on earth. We walk over to the beach on the pond between showers, or we camp there for the day. If I want to make a nice dinner, I take my bike. This way I can ride back, throw chicken in the oven, ride back, throw some rice on, then everyone returns for a nice homecooked supper.

When it is going to be a super hot day, then I try to make a trip to the ocean possible. It is just an hour and a half away. The other day we had a 90 degree predicted with no sea breeze. We went to our favorite spot on the beach and enjoyed a day of sun, waves and sand.

My other favorite summer past time is reading favorite books. I started Anne of Green Gables again. I don't know why, but even after at least a dozen times through I still love this book, every page. I still get choked up when I read about the beautiful dress Matthew gets Anne. And I know I will cry when he dies!!! I love seeing the relationship between Marilla and Anne grow, and how Anne's heart is so open and how Marilla slowly opens her heart.

My garden is growing. I love watching my zucchini grow, and I can just taste my spinach and chard. I am waiting for big leaves before I pick them!!! Tomatoes are getting big, so exciting!!!

Well, I would post more, but... I am off to the beach!!!

Where did the last 6 months go??

2009-09-30T22:14:00.003-04:00

Okay, so I finally realized that no one was going to write here if I didn't do it. No kidding, I know, I know, facebook status updates is not the best way to keep track of your life. I really do like keeping this blog cause it is a way for me to remember all that has gone on over the years. And of course a great way for you to share in my crazy thoughts and bizarre life pattern.

It is weird to come here and think " I am not a missionary anymore". Course I know that isn't true, that we are all missionaries, but that our career as missionaries has stopped for now at least. I will miss it so much, though I must say that this past week as I taught at the local school, subbing in many different grades, that no matter where I go or what we do, as long as I can have a part in kids lives, I am feel like I am doing what I should be doing.

My married life, too has changed drastically. First we moved off the school base, also known as the fish bowl. Since then I have felt like I can enjoy my personal time with Scott more, that I don't have to feel like people are just around the corner. I can talk and not worry that someone will show up at the door at any minute. I can cry, yell, laugh or whatever and not have to wonder if someone hears me. It is quite freeing.

My married life has also changed as Scott recovers from his accident. I have had to carry more responsibilities, be the one to jump up and give a helping hand, juice, heating pad, ice, put socks on, or fix his hair. It is a change, yet it is good, I am realizing how much Scott does each day to make me feel special, how he cares and worries about everyone. He is getting better each day and really is close to normal, as the pain in one place subsides he notices other places he is hurting, but I think it is all good, he is getting better and this is great news.

It makes me sad to think he doesn't have his bike. He dreamed of this summer through the last three years, talked of it to his kids, and had it here waiting for him when we arrived. It was his get away from life, yet it was also so handy, our second vehicle. Boy could we use one of those right now. Now what is he going to do??? We kayak and we walk, but he so loved that bike. If he had any memory at all of the accident it might make it easier to think of riding again, but right now he really isn't that excited about getting back on a bike.

The kids have adjusted well to life in the states, even with all the hard times. First with us not sure if we would go to Michigan, and they waited patiently as the decisions came together. Than it was the jobs, and as we wait to see if Scott will get a job, they have to put their little dreams on hold. We are going to the fair next week. This is a BIG deal here in Maine, and they are quite excited. There are lots of fun rides at the fair and they will have a great time. The hard part for Laney coming back in is the constant talk at the school about germs, flu, etc. She worries so much, but we are trying to help her put these concerns into perspective.

I am happy to be here, I do wish it wasn't so far away from family. I really miss them. I haven't seen any of them since I got home in May, but I did get to spend time with them in December, and we are praying we can go out west for Christmas. Especially to see my sister before she and her family head back to Africa.

I am busy with my gardens this week, now that it is raining, it is a good time to transplant. I hope i can get some more done this week, I have been working every day, so I have had to put the flowers on hold, but maybe Saturday between showers I can finish.
Well, that is about all I can think of to write right now, it is all random and crazy, but at least it is something. I hope I can write more often as life settles down here and we snuggle in for winter.

Adverbs, Short stories, and a giggling girl

2009-04-23T21:22:00.003-04:00

So we are winding up our year. This means that short stories are due in just a week, and we have reached the end of our grammar book. In some ways it is my favorite part of the year. I love reading the stories these kids write. First, of course, they have had quite the unusual lives, so they have some neat experiences to draw from, that and the fact their brains haven't been fried by too much tv. I like the part when they hand them in (the rough drafts ) and I get to read them and help develop the plot and clean up the story line. I like writing, but I think I like the editing process better. So that has been what I have been doing lately. One girl's story is really fun, cause I have actually been to the tribe where she grew up, and made the hour trip into the woods with her and her family. I can picture the trip as she describes the biannual journey from the northern part of Brazil to here in central Brazil, it is not an easy one, let me tell you!!
Then we are winding up grammar. Last week and this week we worked on adverbs. I know I have been getting to deep into the subject when it continues all night in my dreams. Things like, Adverbs can be anywhere in a sentence, well, almost anywhere, before or after a verb, or in the middle of a verb phrase, or at the beginning of a sentence. Then we learned that adverb phrases come immediatly after the adjective or adverb it modifies, and that adverbs come immediatly before the adverbs or adjectives they modify, then there are adverb clauses that start with those lovely subordinating conjunctions, and they can come at the beginning of a sentence or after the word they modify. Are you seeing why I am having nightmares. I try to tell the kids that adverbs are simple, then get lost in the explanation. Ahhhhhh but we have held on, and managed to get through that section, now we are on to sentence structures... I won't even try to explain all the different structures there are!!! But we had fun. I realized that I love puzzles, and connecting random things, that is why I love grammar. I encourage the kids that if they don't understand it, they must at least memorize everything then they can just fill in the answers and get on to the next thing ( that was how I passed geometry).
I do love these kids, they are always ready to laugh, and we do lots, especially when we are tired of grammar and enjoy just making fun of the horrible sentences they have in the book to work with. I am going to miss this group, they are unique and normal and always ready to enjoy life.
So on top of grammar and short stories I have a little girl who is growing up. She is full of energy and sometimes I can't believe how big she is getting ( especially when I pick her up to put her on the back of my bike). She will be 5 in July!!!! I didn't notice this silly thing so much with Jonathan and Laney - they kept each other so well entertained. Emma gets bored, and she gets silly and soon you realize she is just bouncing off the walls. If I let her outside she picks every flower off my plants, sits by the fish pond and fills it full of sticks, leaves and grass, or is in the dirt road playing with mud or rocks. If that fails to entertain she finds the cats and torments them. On the brighter side, she doesn't run off to the playground or a friends house as much!!! Whenever you tell her to do ( or not do ) something she says "okay!" but then you go inside, and she is right back at it!!! So we get out her puzzles and she does all 10 of them and then is ready for something else. I have tried to keep her from watching much TV ( I am sick of Wally - after watching it just a few times, she walks around for hours playing Wally) but I think the more she gets up and moves the more she gets up and moves. I have seen her spend a half an hour or more with a piece of paper opening and closing it and laughing. But she is always happy!!!

The definition of trust

2009-03-17T09:48:00.002-04:00

So yesterday was one of those days, where my patience was at it's end. I am tired of waiting to know what our future holds and was praying for a way out of this situation. I don't want to go through this trial, I want OUT!!!
I was talking to my mom and she said "you need to just trust God" and I quickly replied "Mom, I am not worried about what my future holds, I just want to know what it is!!!" She said again, you just need to trust God".
Well, I thought, I am!!
So last night was our ladies Bible study and we covered Daniel in the lions den. And I opened my Bible to Daniel chapter 6 and across the page was a devtional that said "Learning to wait on God:Trust" Amazing, Daniel was simply waiting for the morning, and deliverance. Sue Monk Kidd says " if like Daniel you are waiting in some den of helplessness, won't you spend the time as he did - trusting God?"
Hmmm
Trust is something I do while I am waiting??
Here are some of the definitions of trust...
Trust used as a verb -
1.
to rely upon or place confidence in someone or something
2.
to have confidence; hope
Synonym
1. certainty, belief, faith. Trust, assurance, confidence imply a feeling of security. Trust implies instinctive unquestioning belief in and reliance upon something: to have trust in one's parents. Confidence implies conscious trust because of good reasons, definite evidence, or past experience: to have confidence in the outcome of events.
-Dictionary.com UnabridgedBased on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009

Did you see that first sentence? Trust implies a feeling of security??
And it is an unquestioning belief?

So am I trusting God as I wait?? I am afraid not.

Lord teach me to trust you, to wait in the security of your presence, knowing without a doubt that even the answer when it comes is also part of you plan, not just the answer. How your timing is not my timing.

Philippians 4:6,7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

I can pray about the need for an answer, trusting Him, with confidence and hope that he will answer, thanking Him for all that He has done for me, from the beginning of my walk with him until now. The amazing security that comes from understanding that He has plans for me, plans to prosper me and to give me a hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Thank you Lord!!!

The process of letting go

2009-02-22T15:51:00.005-05:00

The next step is here - return to the states and interview with the leadership at our NTM Bible Schools for a job.

Our flights are booked and we leave the 28th of May. Soon after we arrive - like within days - we will drive or fly to Michigan for the job interview.

So many questions come to mind as we head this way.

1.) When would we move??

2.) How much will it cost to live in the USA, will our support be sufficient?

3.) Where will our kids go to school?

4.) What will my job be?

and so on...

But first we have to move.

This process is not like the typical moving process. We must sell almost everything. We get 10 suitcases and 5 carry ons to bring all that we treasure most - and also the necessary things ( like tax record for 7 years!!!). A few people here have offered suitcases, since most people returning to the US are just going for a month or two they don't need all that space. But still at the most I can see us having around 15 70 pounds suitcases to pack.

So we must sell, give away or throw away the rest - you know the stuff you hang on to that has not value to anyone but you - like kids school projects, cards old videos etc. Then when we return to the US and we must decide what we need to replace or what can we live without. A lot of the stuff we are selling are things we need to replace - yes, even the kids toys, hopefully we can find stuff at garage sales for good deals...

Most of our kids toys, and most of our books will stay.

Most of my kitchen stuff will stay, bedding, curtains, pillows, etc,

Of course, all furniture will stay.

What goes with? our favorite stuff, like the kids favorite toys, my decorations and pictures that give our home the same feel no matter where we live, clothes, of course my scrapbooks ( man are they heavy) and card making supplies!!! My favorite books, and smaller kitchen tools. Quilts, computers, DVD's (thank goodness those are smaller than videos) and so on. It is exhausting!!! You try to imagine what is going to fit in our few suitcases and hope for the best.

The hard part is that we are selling our stuff to friends and co-workers. People with little money, and big needs. How do you ask for a fair price. I can't ask what it will cost to replace it if I am going to buy it new - I am selling a used product, yes, a lot of these items I brought from the US, and you can't find them here, still is it fair, I don't know??

As you can see it is hard to let go.

I do think we have put good prices on the stuff, as most is already spoken for, just a few things to sell.

So please pray for us as we go through this, it isn't easy, I find myself worn out with the thinking.

The waiting place

2009-02-03T10:34:00.004-05:00

Sometimes my life feels like that part in this book where it says sometimes you are at that waiting place. As many of you have experienced personally, waiting is not something we humans enjoy. I am also one of those crazy people who like to plan things, and like it when I can plan out my near future and get excited about what is coming next.

So here we are, ready for the next step and waiting for news on where that will be and what??? It is not easy. Scott and I find ourselves looking at each other and say things like "maybe we will hear today??" or "what if it that isn't what God wants, then what???" Along with the waiting is the need to plan for our time in the states, to schedule meetings at churches and with friends and supporters. Yet, we really should know what we are doing before we make those plans, so we wait...

Please pray for us as we wait and pray that God would make our hearts ready for this next step. That where ever we go next it will be a place we can be used by God to the best of our abilities. Pray for our support needs for this next step. As we change locations it will affect our support as often it is based on where you are working.

So while we wait, we work, each day busy with the job in front of us. Lives God is touching, kids He is preparing for a life of service. Our senior class and their exciting future. As always, no matter what stage of life we are in, we are surrounded by people to serve and minister to. So we stay engaged and stay focused - but it isn't easy!!!

That's what we are here for

2009-01-31T17:16:00.003-05:00

I know it might not sound like much but running to the airport in Brasilia ( a 2 hour trip each way) to transport missionaries to and from airports is what Scott is doing today ( that and preparing for his message on the persecuted church for tomorrow)
The wife of the airplane mechanic kept saying thank you. Yes it had been a busy week as we helped them purchase tickets and fly the same day to Manaus. Joel had to take his passport in person to the customs department before they would release his tools. Janelle and Joel are here with New Tribes Missions to work with Missionary Aviation Fellowship and Wycliffe in a team effort to get as many missionaries into the remote areas of Brazil to reach the unreached.
We have spent the week helping with meals, and babysitting, arranging the return ticket and picking up Joel tonight at the airport. But it is with joy, that we can have a part in their lives as they prepare to serve others in a remote region of the world.
As Janelle was expressing her thanks and lamenting the bother they were being I said and was reminded myself, that this is what we are here for. And it brought such joy to be able to say it. I love the fact that by serving others we are helping in the big picture of tribal missions. That we are using our special gift of helps ( Scott and I both love to serve and he has such a servant's heart) to reach the lost.
Not all of us get to be in the tribe, some of us are at home in the US praying, teaching to prepare new missionaries, giving, some of us are in a foreign country assisting in schools, in finances, in supply buying, as pilots, and some of us are in the tribe, but we are all involved in tribal missions.
God has opened the door of Brazil in 2000 when we and one other couple worked through much discouragment and finally were able to come. Now many new missionaries are coming, it is exciting to know that through our work with spreading the word of Brazil opportunities (over 90 tribes still unreached) that people are hearing and coming to help. I am so thankful that though our part was just a small part, we have been able to be a help to these new couples coming in. To help them as they adjust to a new culture and share some of the things we have learned and help the adjust. Now these families are moving into unreached areas. One families is head up this month, and will be settling in. We can't wait to see how God will use them!!! A chance for people who have never had a chance to hear, who have asked for missionaries and are finally going to hear the Good News. Praise the Lord!!!

hair cuts, smiles, cats, cards and flowers,

2009-01-21T17:11:00.008-05:00

Here is my new cut, what do you think? It feels so good!

Okay, so I was having fun playing with my new hair cut!!
And Laney was willing to take pictures

Laney took this picture of Emma
Emma has learned to smile for pictures and we are having fun, but trying to not wear it out!!!

Summer is here and we are busy trimming trees and trying to keep up with the lawns, Uncle Buck is busy day and night with Mangos and trees and grass, Thanks for keeping our place looking so nice ( yes and the rest of you - Uncle Miles and Tim!!)
Even Jonathan is learning how to help

My favorite vine that grows all over the front of our house is covered with flowers
A new flower, I really like that yellow, so cheerful on these rainy days

A rose, hidden in the vines of the purple flower plant
This is right by our front door, and my violets seem quite happy here. I like seeing them when I come and go.

fun card projects

New Year's lunch

Beef Tenderloin, baked to 160 degrees, and so yummy!!!

Nothing better than taking a nap with your best bud
What does Tigey do when I add a special touch to Laney's room??

Make it his new favorite place to sleep.

It is dark, but he is snuggled just under this window in Laney's room

He is always doing something cute, whether sleeping or awake, what is he doing now??
drinking from the ice water our guest was soaking her feet in!!!!

My trip - journal entries

2009-01-01T15:03:00.009-05:00

I finally feel awake enough to try and put into words all that Laney and I did in the US last month. It was a wirllwind trip but so fun. I still can't believe we saw as many places and people as we did, yet so many we missed. I still can't believe that with all the crazy weather out there, that we made it everywhere we planned to go.

First we went to Boston, and spent a couple days with Scott's sister Mel, and her family. It was nice to see Laney with her cousins and enjoy some quality time together. It turned into true quality time when the ice storm knocked out the power to over 500,000 people's homes including theirs. It was quite the adjustment from tropical Brazil to ice storm/no heat Massachusetts!!! But we took advantage of the lack of desire to be in their freezing home and spent more time at the mall than usual. We had no TV to watch so we caught up on years of conversations. The one thing I did get to do was go to the Ladies Christmas Party for their church. It was fun seeing Melissa as the Pastor's wife and how she is serving there, the relationships she is building and the many ladies whose lives she is touching.

After that, we scooted up to Maine. I was sad to leave those poor freezing people, but looking forward to being home. We stopped in the near by city to see the Christmas Spectacular - a variety show at my friend, Sarah's, church. It was spectacular!!! Laney and I throughly enjoyed the christmas, Maine, -ness of it all. After that, we drove home to Hartford.

My friend Lori lives about a mile from our home ( and Scott's folk's home) and I thought I would drop in and surprise Lori, she knew I was coming, but didn't expect me on her doorstep Saturday night. That was fun. Laney saw her friend, Kristen, and they were busy catching up. We didn't stay long, but it was so nice to at least see them for a few minutes. then on to Grammy's and Grampy's house.

It was so nice to walk into their cozy wood heated home and snuggle into a warm bed. Sunday morning we were up early and headed to church. It was like home to walk into church and see so many friends. People who have had a part in Scott and my life for many years. Wayside Bible Baptist Church is a place where I feel like I grew up, were Scott and I learned how to serve and what gifts God had given us. I lost count of how many people I hugged, and said hello to. There wasn't enough time to catch up with everyone, but just being there was water to a thirsty soul. Sitting in church, and chatting through coffee hour, sitting in Sunday School and being taught, it was good.

After church Laney and I headed back to Scott's folks cabin for lunch and snuggled up and watched a movie. We then headed up to Rumford to see my girls, the ones I nannied for years, and their mom, Diane. It was so nice to see them all, to hug and catch up on all that is going on in their lives, to meet boyfriends, and hear about their school and sports activities, it is hard to believe that Chelsea, who was 5 when I started that job, is 21!!! Where did the time go.

Monday started with a visit to my chiropractor and then a luncheon at my friend Sue's house, many of my favorite people were there and we talked and ate for hours, it was perfect. After that Shawn and I headed to Augusta ( the capital of Maine and a great place to shop) to do some errands and to meet up with her daughter - one of my favorite babysitters - Kayla and we had supper together at the Olive Garden. It was so nice, we talked the entire time, never quiet a second, so many things to catch up on.

Dave and Sue, Home away from home

Tuesday was packing day and getting ready to head to Alaska. It was a bit overwhelming, getting all the gifts together for my family, things I had made and I wanted to have wrapped, and ready. Then we met Sarah in Auburn again, and headed south. The original plan was to leave in the early morning and drive to Boston for my flight, but it wasn't going to be a fun trip with wintery mix predicted for those hours on the road, so she paid for Laney and I to stay in a hotel near the airport. We stopped for dinner on the way and I had to have Lobster, it was sooooo good!!! I even shared a few bites with Laney. AHHHHHH

Sarah and I at the Weathervane
Wednesday started out good, our flight left on time ( or only 30 minutes late - even though it was snowing) and we landed in time to run and catch our next flight, to only sit on the tarmack for an hour!!! We landed an hour late in Anchorage, tired of sitting, 11 hours of travel all day is a killer, and we still had 6 hours of driving before we arrived in Valdez. Charis and Jerry met us, and we headed out. Surprisingly it was still daylight so we could enjoy the amazing views, Alaska is for sure breathtaking!!

We arrived close to 11 pm Alaska time, 3 am Maine time, 6 am Brazil time. Laney and I were beat. It was so nice that my sisters were up and waiting for us, and hugs and chatting took place.

Laney and our roommate in Valdez
Thursday dawned around 10 am and Laney and I awoke in a winter wonderland. We spent most of the day just lounging and chatting with the family. That night was the shower for Charis at the church and we just hung around until then. Bruce, my brother, was flying and it looked like he would get in around 3 am, but then we found out it would be 5 am due to flight cancellations and rerouting, love travel in the winter!!! The shower was very nice, it was fun seeing how many people we excited about Charis's wedding and Jerry. She was spoiled with lots of nice gifts and of course the food was GREAT!!!

Katie and Tasha

Friday was fun, Bruce arrived around 8 am, and the talking began again, it was such fun to be together, just David, my oldest brother, wasn't there. But the rest of us, spent lots of time catching up. Bruce was so tired but he didn't want to sleep until night. Jamin, Becky's husband had driven Bruce up and so the two of them were pretty wiped. The house now was full, it was a 3 bedroom house, with one bathroom, and a half kitchen. That poor bathroom never had a break, but we all seemed to manage to get in when we needed to. The kids (all 6 of them) were content, they had X-box, provided by the bed and breakfast owners, cartoons, and cousins!!! What more could you ask for???

Bruce and the cousins

Friday was our Christmas Eve, so we had plans for lots of good food, and passed around our gifts, some were opened, others were saved for Christmas. We played games and had a ball. It was so nice to be together as a family!!! Friday, my sister Becky drove Bruce and I up to the pass, we had both driven in in the dark so had missed the view of the glacier and the amazing mountains. It was worth the drive, plus time with sisters is just more fun.

Becky and I at Thompson Pass and it was 20 below!!! but beautiful

Saturday, was THE DAY!!! first we had a brunch ( amazing food!!!) and then the rehearsal. The piano I was playing was awesome - and I don't exaggerate!!! It was fun watching the wedding being set the little kids practicing their parts, etc. We left, for a few hours, and then it was time. We got there at 4 and everyone got dressed. Charis was beautiful, Sandi was pretty and the kids were adorable. The men were there, and dressed ready for the fun of the day. And it all came together in a moment, the best part as they said their vows to each other. There wasn't the usual, tons of speaking and singing, it was really just about them and their vows. I loved the simplicity of it all. My Dad and Charis

Danny and Amanda - Becky's kids

The reception was decorated very nicely, and the food was more than I have ever seen at a wedding, it was so good. Charis had friends who really did an amazing job on everything. I was quite impressed. They did it all, and we could just enjoy being together. It was quite the gift.

And then it was done, and time to head home.

Sunday we drove out to Anchorage, it was a nice drive, long, but breathtaking, so worth it. We had dinner together then headed to the hotel. Bruce and I would spend the night and fly out the next day, Becky and Katie ( my two sisters who live in Alaska) would drive home and mom and dad and Sandi and Caleb would fly out at midnight - that is until their flight was cancelled and they got stranded until the 26th!!! the rest of us made it out but they had to stay. It was a forced vacation, but they said it was put to good use, and were able to even catch up on e-mails and letters, and other computer work.

Hanging out at the hotel grabbing last minute memories

Laney and I flew home for three days straight, 45 hours of flying, but we made it home at 2 am for Christmas, it was the longest trip in my life, but it was so good to be going home that we didn't complain, and we slept tons, just unwinding from the crazy past two weeks. And we celebrated Christmas Eve at 2 am when we arrived,

There is no place like home!!!

some favorite photos from the wedding

2008-12-31T14:13:00.006-05:00

Can you picture a better setting for a Christmas wedding??

Or a happier bride??

The couple

The kiss

Happy the day went perfectly and they are married.

Even the littlest enjoyed every bite at the reception

My sister Sandi was the maid of honor and added to the sparkle of the day

Here is her family

and the next one on the way

This is what Sandi does when I go to take a picture and ten more cameras start snapping!!

Sohpia and Aunt Charis
My family

Laney and Sophia building a friendship

It has been a while

2008-11-29T05:29:00.004-05:00

Our first place Word of Life - a very nice apt

Yes, I can't believe all that we have done since I last posted. It has been a very busy month. We snuck away on the afternoon of the 13th of November with the Senior class and headed to a town near here that has a nice water park. It was the perfect rainy day ( cause all the water is hot) and we spent all day enjoying slides, lazy rivers, wave pools, volleyball, etc. We stayed at the Word of Life retreat center it was just 10 dollars a person so a very nice place to stay. We ate cereal and peanut butter and jelly - we were saving up for our big dinner in the city.

Scott and Jonathan - our to fearless leaders

After we left the resort town, we headed to our local huge city and spent the day enjoying the mall, eating out our favorite Brazilian restaurant - see the meat on the stick the bring to your table until you can eat no more - and every kind of meat you can think of - beef, chicken, pork, lamb, and all kind of different cuts. Plus the pinapple that is sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar and roasted over the fire, too.

Leah - enjoying every bite - see the meat in the background?

Lisa - Does she look like Becky ( my sis ) ?

Two happy people enjoying time away from all the crazyness of life

The last day we spent at another town that is in the mountains and has a really nice downtown - the best place to shop for gifts and tourist items, and then we went to the waterfalls, 6 that fall and you climb to the top of the hill, with pool after pool to jump into until you are too tired. One pool is 30 feet deep and the kids climbed up on the sides and jumped into the water, they really liked that!!! Here is a picture of one of the old churches.

Favorite place!!!
My three favorite Senior Girls (Rebecca is the other one)

We got home tired but content. It was a good trip and other than some money being stolen from one of the cabins and a lost camera it was perfect. The seniors are a neat group of kids and we are enjoying the time we get with them before they are off to the big, wide world.

Since sneak it has been busy, busy, busy. Working on Christmas cards, sewing a fun quilt, making Christmas presents, getting the cantata ready to go ( Sunday we will perform at our local church - even some songs we worked up in Portuguese, and the narration is also translated). I helped a little with the kids play, set, costumes, props. And I am even working on a recital piece - a duet. It will be a busy 9 days before I hop on a plane and head to the USA!!! First stop Massachusettes, then Maine, then Alaska, and home in Brazil for Christmas.

The tree is up, Emma told daddy today " isn't the tree beautiful, Daddy??" And Thanksgiving was fun, with all the trimmings, even though it wasn't a day off - Scott covered my morning classes so I could cook to my hearts content.

More updates to follow ( hopefully I can at least post the highlights from this next weeks activites.

One of those days

2008-11-04T13:32:00.004-05:00

Some days go so smoothly you love every minute, other days don't quite go like that.
First, Emma is in run away mode, so we have to be aware at all times where she is and yes, keep the doors locked. Not that she gets into much trouble, she goes and visits neighbors: Pickle the parrot, or Blitzen, our neighbor who give her rides on his carrier bike, Aunt Gina's place filled with friends - the hampster, Guinea pig, lots of fun toys, or follows the cats on their adventures. Anyway, she is always off to new places lately, and we find ourselves having to humbly call around looking for our lost daughter.
Second, My English class is working on a research paper. It isn't always easy to explain the whole process, and some are doing well, others are still trying to understand it. One I think has given up.
Third, it has been very hot, which just adds to the struggle.
Fourth, PE yes, in the heat, and I want my girls to do well, to play hard, and play their best. I know it is hot out, and the sun is bright, but still we need to do our best. How do I coach without sounding like I am yelling at them?? And you know how it is with girls, it is always personal, we taking everything personal. ( do I need to quote You've Got Mail?)
And last of all, it is election day, and who knows who will win. But whenever politics is in the forfront, things like Anti-American sentiment becomes very apparent. We are so hard on our country. America is still the best place in the world. It is an amazing place, where we have so much freedom and opportunity. Where the church is strong and serves. Christians are committed to missions and reaching their world and making a difference. They see outside their own world to the world beyond. Yes, there are lots of bad people in our country, people who do what is right in their own eyes, but still way better than what is around the world.
What makes me so sad is our MK's who grow up in foreign countries where it is quite popular to speak poorly about the US can fall into that same mode. They don't feel at home in the US, they hear us constantly talk about how our country is turning away from God and how bad things are going there, and they can't contextualize this thought. They don't know that there are millions of amazing, sacrificing people in our country, people who believe in right, and standing for what is right, and making a difference. So I find myself saddened, I can't explain to them well enough about what makes the US so great. They have to go there, they have to see it with their own eyes. They have to get to know the people. Because it is all about the people!!!
Scott and I mailed in our ballots. We wanted to have a clear conscience that we did our part. Everyone must do their part, but God knows what is best for our future, what will bring out the best in our lives, and our country. Sometimes he allows difficult times so that we will learn and grow. Let's be Jacob's and hang onto God until he brings out a blessing from this circumstance. Let's not let go when the going gets tough, lets stand strong and be shining lights on a hill, no matter who is president. Because it really doesn't matter. I truly believe this. I don't look to the government to make my life better, it has to be me, being what God has called me to be where He has put me ( and all of us doing our part) that makes our country great!!! It is each person, individually that makes my country great. It is all of you, that have had a part in our lives and work here, that make me proud of being an American!!!
Okay, enough, but I feel better just putting these thoughts down on paper. Thanks for listening

Other pictures

2008-11-02T13:24:00.008-05:00

I should write a note and tell you all the busy and fun things we are doing, but my brain is too tired from the never ending heat!!! So when it cools down and I can think again, I will send you a nice newsie note, until then, enjoy the snapshots of our busy week.

We went camping last weekend, lots of fun, nice cold water and good food, just a little too much sun. But it could have been cold and rainy so we enjoyed every minute.

Nothing like being stuck in the woods for some good girl bonding time. There were lots of boys there, but we didn't take pictures of them - they were usually eating or jumping off cliffs.

School dress up day - Even Emma wanted to dress up, that was fun!!!

Emma, a true Cinderella, lover of all animals, birds, bugs, and rodents!!!

Emma has been hanging out in the mango tree this week, which is fine with me, at least she stays in one place for five minutes!!!

Thanks for all your prayers and for your part in the work God is doing in Brazil. I know it is a small picture of world missions, but these kids are amazing, and we love seeing God working in their lives, they are our future, and their folks are pretty neat, too.

Picture Day

2008-11-02T13:06:00.004-05:00

first helicopters grounded then tornados, what next??

2008-10-19T19:19:00.005-04:00

Yes, Friday Laney and Jonathan were working away in their classrooms when out of nowhere a strong wind hit their classrooms and really did some damage. Thankfully no one was hurt, though Laney knowing in a fire we evacuate, started to run out of the room. Karla tried to call to her, but it was so loud, thankfully Laney stopped once she hit the door, cause pieces of roofing were flying everywhere and she could have been seriously hurt.

All the kids pitched in and the debris was quickly gathered from far and near. Scott and others worked until dark to get the roof repaired, as rain was coming (it had been a couple weeks since we had had much rain) but they got it covered and in the middle of the night it started to rain and rained for quite a while. There was one spot that didn't get covered, but thankfully most of the classrooms stayed dry. The overhang is still without roofing, but they should be able to fix that next week. Though now I am sure they are wondering if they should restructure the entire overhang roof, if a little tornado (just a big dirt devil really) can do this much damage. (notice the blue skies) It was a very hot day - one of the hottest I can remember.

Volleyball

2008-10-15T13:20:00.003-04:00

So yesterday I started a new quarter with my girls for PE. I decided that this quarter we would just do different things: Kickball, Volleyball in the sand court, Swimming, Ultimate Frisbee, and who knows what else we will think of.
I haven't played volleyball for at least a year, and I had sliced my thumb pretty bad, but I couldn't resist. So I played. Now I have got my strategy down perfect.
I make the girls run around the track and do situps and push ups until they are so tired they can't see straight then we go play sports. This way I look like some amazing sports fanatic, and they continue to stay in awe of me, (Not really) but wow, it is hot. We played yesterday and it had to be at least 90 degrees out, and the sand was burning and our eyes were getting fried, but I must confess I love to play and we had a good time.
Next semester I will be coaching them in volleyball. I am looking forward to that, this quarter I am trying to just have fun. Maybe Friday we can just go swimming - if it continues to be this hot, I would say - we must!!!

What do you do when you find a dead snake in your car port??

2008-10-06T11:36:00.002-04:00

Skit night, Field Trip, and emergency landings

2008-10-05T06:41:00.009-04:00

Laney Posing for a picture

Laney and friends performing for talent night
Love the Lord your God in a round
Pilot Joy flying the kids around Anapolis

the kids with the Wycliffe pilots

The kids with the Governor of Goias

Who had to make an emergency landing on our soccer field

when we had a bad storm last week

answered prayers

2008-10-05T06:35:00.002-04:00

So a while back I had asked for prayer reguarding a couple things. One was the pavement and as I wrote in the previous message that is finally coming to pass. The other was for the dollar to strengthen. God is so good because the last 2 months we have seen the dollar slowly recover. It is a HUGE help to us. Our money was hardly covering just the very basics like groceries, but this month it is back to the level it was a year ago - which is still significantly lower than what it was all last term, but so much better.
The other prayer I had been praying last week was that we could also receive an extra gift or two so that we could take advantage of the higher dollar - cause it wouldn't have helped that much with a low month. Well, God pulled off a big surprise!!! Some people gave this month that don't give every month, my sister gave some extra from her Alaska rebate, and then a church which had promised to support us over two years ago, but never had actually sent any support, sent a check, retroactive!!!! We were shocked, and relieved!!! So before the dollar drops again Scott quickly paid as many bills as we could, we will put new tires on the car - they were hanging in there by a few threads, and I will get Emma to the dentist.
Thanks for praying!!! God answered in a way that really let me know he is in control.

The fun side of the political season

2008-10-04T15:10:00.007-04:00

Today is election day and so they were out in full force yesterday spreading the word as to which group you should vote for. So for a half hour trucks, motorcycles and cars drove by our house, honking their horns. I thought you might enjoy politics in Brazilian style, here is a quick clip - to get the full effect, you have to crank the volume on your computer. The only thing I don't have on this clip is the loud firecrackers going off every few seconds - and if I had gotten a bit closer you could have seen our new pavement - laid yesterday!!! I hope all this traffic doesn't ruin it, but at least they could all drive by and we didn't get buried in dust.

Praise and Prayer

2008-09-11T15:38:00.004-04:00

AS life goes flying past, I thought I would stop for a moment to share some of our daily thoughts.
We have asked for prayer this year as we watched the dollar fall. It wasn't a huge concern until it dipped below R$2,00 for $1.00 ( our American dollar = $ Brazilian Real = R$) When we returned from furlough it was at about R$2,25 but a month ago it had dropped to R$1,54. This meant that the same amount of Brazilian money we spend each month was costing us almost $500 more American money. But praise God, it is starting to improve. We are at $1,80 and maybe going up a bit more.
We also asked for prayer for the roads around the school to be paved. They have been hard at work now for months, and we hear rumors that they will pave, rumors that they can't pave cause the money is not available. So we wait.

Dry season is at its worst point. Some days it is down into the single digits of humidity in the air. Often it is over 100 degrees, but we know rain will come and hopefully soon. It is hard to stay focused and on task each day, but we manage.

Emma has been sick with a high fever this week (it seems she had something similar last year at this same exact time) I hope the rest of us manage to avoid it. Scott is getting back into the swing of things. This week I think he finally has caught up on all that got behind while he was at his grandfather's funeral.

The school year has become routine. It has been fun to get to know our new students and teachers. We are slowly growing into a student body with all its quirky parts. My choir will present some hymns and praise and worship a week from Friday. It is fun with over 20 people in my choir. I have a good group of singers for each part. I love hearing the songs come together. I don't have much to work with (choir book wise) and so often I take hymns and worship songs and try to put together some nice medleys, It is more work, but eventually we get all the parts right. I am so thankful for my home church being willing to loan us a Christmas Cantata each year. I can't wait to start this next one.

thanks again for your prayers and notes of encouragement, I treasure each one.

Happy Grandparent's day

2008-09-07T09:20:00.002-04:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Uncle Jack's paintings and other photos

2008-08-16T18:00:00.008-04:00

We see cowboys around here quite often. It is cattle country.

This captures one of our favorite towns. It is near here a quiet colonial village.

What a great smile!!!

what a cat!!! He and Emma are often lounging together

Jonathan and his buddies

Sometimes life feels like the movie Groundhog day.

2008-08-16T17:35:00.002-04:00

Scott and I watched Groundhog day last night. This morning when I woke up it felt like the movie. Here we go again: same routine, same people, same food, same kids, same husband :o). Life here is good, but it does get so mundane. I am sure you read my blog and think "how neat, and exciting!!!" Sure if you did it for a week or a month, but year after year, somedays it is hard to feel like what you do even has a purpose.
Well, I think God knew I was going to feel this way. Cause he planned for me to also be in the middle of something that would give me a peek at why we are here and doing what we are doing.
Next door to us lives a retired couple. They have been here in Brazil serving as missionaries for more than 40 years. They worked in a tribe for a while until they were needed at the boarding school. So they packed up and moved here. They first worked as dorm parents ( I think like 30 little kids!!!) they also worked in the cafeteria, Uncle Jack taught art classes for years (he is an amazing artist!!!) and Aunt Babbs was always beyond busy.
They are returning to the states next month, and we are planning a nice going away party for them. One of the elements of the night will be notes from their "kids". I have been receiving them all day. And they really touch your heart. What do the kids remember about Uncle Jack and Aunt Babbs ( besides her unbelievable pizza??) That they belived in them, that they listened to them, that they loved them; they saw that they mattered!!!
What a great reminder for me to keep doing what we are doing. Even if it often does feel like the same ole, same ole!!!
So what did we do this week. Well we are senior sponsors so that means we have to help them plan their sneak and help them with some fundraisers. So yesterday, Marcy - our cook, helped us make 120 donuts and then today we sold them - with free coffee - and they washed cars. I am enjoying Basketball coaching for PE, and find it is also an opportunity to get to know the girls on a real level. All the stuff that gets held back all day comes out on the court. So I am finding that there is a bit of counseling ( as one of my students called it) also pushed into my busy day. But the best part is the friendships we are building. We watched Olympics last night with one of our families. Their daughter is a kick!!! What fun to sit and just laugh with her about the craziness of life. Oh yea, that and I accidently poked Emma in the eye!!
What a sickening feeling that was!!! She came bouncing in ( like she does these days) and I held out my hand for her skirt to put it on, and she somehow met my hand and my thumb jabbed right into her eye. Thank the Lord it just hit the side and not the Cornea!!! Oh, that was a long moment!!! Emma is fine today, just has a very red eye!!!
Continue to pray for us as we work here. Life just gets busier. Next week we have another student joining the school. She is not a missionary kids, but a Brazilian businessman's daughter. She attended an American school in Belem and they are moving near here and wanted her to be able to complete her American education. So that will be neat. Her parents are involved with missions and I am sure this girl will bring a unique flavor to our group here.
Pray for our finances. The dollar regained some of it losses this week (about 8 cents which can be over $100 savings per month!!!) This will help. We have also lost 3 supporters. Not easy when things are already tough, but God continues to provide, just the in-between times are hard!!! Each month we see how he allowed us to stay here. But it feels like a month by month situation lately. So thanks for your prayers. They are vital. Not only for our finances, but for peace and understand through it all. That we won't be caught up in worrying about things we can't change and focus on the job we are here to do. He gives us this strength for each day and we press on!!
Keep in touch, we love hearing from you, how God is working in each one of your lives.

Almost there!!!

2008-08-09T12:27:00.008-04:00

Thanks so much for your prayers, we are so close to having paved roads around our house that we are actually getting excited. It sure is a mess, though, and I am getting tired of my whole house shaking from the packing machines. But it will be so worth it. Already the dust is less around here partly cause few are driving by cause of the road work. Yes, I can go more than a day without dusting or mopping.

Here are a few pictures of the road, and a couple pics of Jonathan with his buddies - Jonathan took the pictures of the road work. what a guy!

What a week

2008-08-07T11:29:00.002-04:00

Yes, School started this week, and it has been fun, busy, challenging, and sad.
First, it has been really fun getting to see old friends/students; seeing them excited about this year. We have been officially asked to be the Senior class sponsors. This is great, though not as great as I thought. When I first heard about being Senior sponsors I thought we just went with them on their senior sneak. But of course it is more complicated than that!!! We have to help them plan it, plan lots of fundraisers so they can afford sneak and plan graduation!!! But it will be nice to spend time with these kids before they leave. There are three boys from the other school that have joined our group (Wycliffe missionary kids) but they seem nice. So it went from 2 girls and 1 boy, to 4 boys and 2 girls. I wonder where we will gofor sneak??
It has also been fun to get to know all the new kids - like 18 of them!!! We weren't planning for that many but had a couple more come in the last day so now I am short a grammar book which has made life a bit more challenging ( and the copier isn't running yet!!!) but we are getting a good start. Covered capitalization rules and on to punctuation. ( It is fun trying to teach kids to capitalize words they have never heard of cause they don't live in the US!!!). Girls PE started well, I loved the reaction when they saw it was ME and NOT Uncle Andy teaching them!!! Precious!!! And choir starts today - I wonder how many I will have in my group this year????

It has been busy as Scott is teaching 3 classes and helping out in other areas. Busy because two of our teachers have become unexpectedly unavailable. One because their baby was born and developed pneumonia and is in ICU, the another was sick and passed out. She fell and broke her face in 4 places. Both are on the mend, but it has been sad and challenging to cover their jobs. The lady who fell will have to have her jaw wired shut so she won't be able to teach Portuguese for over a month. She is the one who has been leading our Bible Study, I guess she can type her notes and someone else can read them :O) Emma is adjusting to our schedules pretty well. Aunt Gina helps with her 3 days a week, and then Scott watches her the other 2 (8-10am when I am teaching English).

Tomorrow we celebrate 16 years of marriage. Isn't that amazing. And we still love each other, love doing things together, and love our family life!!! God is good!!! We had hoped to get away for the day, but as usual the $'s are not there when you think they will be so we will wait and save it for another day. I will make a nice steak and salad and we will snuggle up and watch a favorite movie ( it still sounds like a nice way to spend the day ) oh, yea, we will make our kids go to bed at like 8 so we can enjoy our evening - no naps for Emma!!! What should I make for dessert??? Hmmmm. any suggestions???

Well, I am off, if you remember pray for baby Colton he is 5 days old today. Pray he can leave ICU soon so his mom can hold him!!! Pray for Coleen, she is having surgery today on her jaw. Pray for no infections, and for a quick recovery. Thanks so much for your part in our lives here.

more projects accomplished!

2008-07-26T06:44:00.011-04:00

Here are just a few of the things we have been busy doing.

I made jam again, so good to have enough to make it through the year with, by the time we run out we will be tired of Strawberry Jam for sure!!!

Scott built a bookcase, actually 2, a smaller one and this one. He found the pine planks, very rough, and sanded them down and put these together. He truly loves being creative with his hands. It was fun just sitting out watching him go to town on it. I held a board once in a while when he needed me.

I finished another quilt, this material was in my bedroom in Anapolis, but when we moved into the house, I made my room blue to hold all the nice pictures I had from our guest room, so then I knew I had to do something nice with the other material, and i made seat cusions for the dining room table chairs

This is my sister's finance, Jerry, I am getting very excited to meet him and see her with him. It looks like Laney and I will go, which will be very special!!! I found good tickets into Boston, and now just need to find a better price for our tickets to anchorage. Because her wedding is the 20th, it seems that all the specials are blacked out for her wedding week. GRRRRRR

Missions

2008-07-12T06:51:00.003-04:00

I was so blessed today but the show I watched on Life Today (via the internet). It was Beth Moore talking about her book Voice of the Faithful a daily devotional written by missionaries around the world.
As she and James Robinson talked I was hit again by how precious you all are to me. How your part in my life is vital. How your prayers and support are a big part of why we can stay here.
Beth said " They're just ordinary people, just courageous" ( of course, I don't think of myself as courageous, but I know my man, Scott, is!!! He amazes me the way he tackles each project. and along that note please pray for him. As my trip is getting planned and my family is coming together to see if there is enough money to fly all of us five back to the states, Scott is hurting because why is there enough to spend on tickets but not for our support we need to stay in Brazil and provide for the things he needs to do his job - i.e. laptop, etc...)
James also said " That the missionaries wouldn't have been enabled without the enablers". That is what you are as you pray for us. How important prayer is!!! How important it is that you keep connected with us, and share with us your lives. It keeps us here. Yes, giving is important, but first and foremost is prayer.
James Robinson also said missionaries are "effective because someone else not only prayed but they connected with them" Yes, again that connection is vital for us missionaries. How much your love and support gives us the strength to go on. Thank you!!!!!
Beth continued "They count on a relationship with us as much as we count on one with them. They've got to know that we are there!"
This is so true. What is amazing to me is that you can send money and that is great. But what fills up our hearts without a doubt is when you write and when you pray. These are the things that give us the strength to continue.
So along that note. I just want to say thanks!!! Thanks for your friendship and your caring. It truly does touch our hearts. Please keep us in your prayers. Especially as Scott starts a new ministry here with the students - our future missionaries. For our trip home this Christmas, wisdom of who should go and how we should best spend our time. Yes, for our financial needs they are great, but more for Scott, that he would feel the support of our pastors and churches, friends and co-workers. Remember whether you go or whether you stay, we are all missionaries, and each one of us has a calling on your life, they are different callings but they all have the same goal, just like here on the foreign mission field we all have different jobs but we are all here for the same purpose to reach the lost for Christ!!!
Thanks again for all you do!!!

Zoo, movies and Asphalt!!!

2008-07-11T10:18:00.008-04:00

Hey, why don't you sit and relax for a moment?? Take a lesson from this Tiger.

So where do I start?? Well first of all, we have heard that the pavers are in town, and there are strange sticks,rocks, etc. marking where to pave. So this alone is amazing. I haven't seen anything yet, but it is good news. Hopefully they won't run out of asphalt before they get to our street...

We took the kids to Brasilia yesterday, it was going to be our special day for the summer. The zoo was our first stop and we all enjoyed it. Who wouldn't on a perfect cool, but sunny day? It cost about $2 to get us all in and we spent more than that on popcorn, but who can resist fresh buttery popcorn?? Anyway, what fun! Emma really enjoyed walking around and seeing everything and never complained of being tired. She was just getting into it when we left a couple hours later.

Our next stop was a mall that is near all the embassies and they cater to kids that speak
English. We went there to see Kung Fu Panda ( we have never seen a cartoon in English in Brazil!). I wish you could have seen Jonathan's face when a boy there in our same room asked Jonathan where he lived. The look on his face was priceless!!! You can tell it had been a long time since we had gone somewhere and someone had spoke to them. Jonathan's response?? Can he sit with us? In other words..."if you speak English you are my friend"!!!
The movie was great! Yes, you could dissect it and find things wrong with it, but the truth in the movie was that we are all different, yet special, a message that never gets old. Packed along with lots of very funny and exciting scenes, it was a truly enjoyable experience for all, parents included. My favorite part... when the wise turtle tells the kung fu master " The past is history, the future is a mystery, but today is a gift that is why it is called - present" So true to remember!!

After all the fun we stopped at Walmart to get our usual cheaper groceries and packed the trunk full of milk, bread, sugar, toilet paper - you get the gist... Then we ended the day at McDonalds, the kids playing in the only playland I have ever seen in Brazil for about an hour, just great free fun!!! What more can you ask for in a day? We were tired but content after a long 2 hour drive home.

videos of Emma

2008-07-05T18:10:00.003-04:00

Emma is growing so fast these days sometimes it is hard to believe how big she is. She does love to play and sing, a lot like her sister in that way, but a lot like Jonathan in her love to line up things and run.

Wow, july already

2008-07-02T07:11:00.004-04:00

So here it is one more month and school will be starting, and I still have a list of projects I want to get to. I haven't even started the scrapbook projects I have been dreaming of, and I have a quilt and pillowcovers I want to make for the living room with some favorite material I used years ago for curtains. It is still nice material and it has been sitting in my sewing box since we moved out of our house in Anapolis.

I finished my first quilt. I was going to sell it but I can't, it is just too pretty, I think this will be Emma's (not that I will let her have it yet, but something she can take with her someday) This quilt has strawberry shortcake and holly hobby material in it. My friend Norma gave me a bunch of scraps on furlough and I have finally had time to do something with them!!

So today I will start my next project. I have a crick in my neck, but really it will feel better if I keep moving.

Yesterday was our Bible Study day, we studied the Approaching and Approachable God from the second part of Genesis chapter 18. I can still hear my Dad preaching a message from that passage like it was yesterday. ( I miss hearing him ) Anyway, it was a good study reminding me how much God wants to have a relationship with me, how He wants to teach us. And it also devels into the whole concept of the righteous and the wicked, and how he does care about the righteous. Even in verse 25 you see Abraham asking God "will you do what is right??" Can we question God? Yes, he wants us to go to him with our Whys?? !!

Summer break is nice just for this reason, to have time for a Bible Study. Beth Moore'r are quite involved you do a lot of homework, but it is rich and good. It has given me something to really dig into while I am free from the dailys of school.

Emma has been changing so much these days. Some fun changes and some that need some discipline. She just came in with her underwear for me to put on her, but then she did it herself when Dad said to put her skivies on. She said " They're not skivies, there jamies" In which I told her they are not jamies but undies. She said " they are not undies they are skivies." Yes, she is really growing up fast. She went and got her pants ( another thing we are working on, that she will keep herself dressed) and she got Laney's pants and put them on. Here she is ready for the day, and wearing her usual expression when you want a picture ( no smiles!!!)

Too hard?

2008-06-29T08:33:00.003-04:00

Genesis 18 : 14 Says, "Is anything too hard for the LORD?" Are you praying for anything today, and like me saying "it is too hard!!" Well, that verse sure hit home today. I know in my head nothing is too hard for God, but I think I am afraid that I still hear my parents voices in my head saying that I don't need it, or feeling that God doesn't want me to have it.
Sometimes God gives us desires, and sometimes we just want things, and yet, through it all we are to trust God for them, and see what He will do in our lives. So here I am waiting...
Will the LORD answer? Will He provide? I do know nothing is too hard for him, so I will keep praying. Trusting that the desire in my heart he is fully aware of, and I do know that if He wants it to happen, it will.
Verse three of the same chapter Abraham asks the LORD, "Do not pass me by". I know I can trust in this, no matter what happens, I am blessed, and He will not pass me by.

Trust him today for whatever is on your heart. He is faithful to answer, sometimes it is Yes, sometimes No, and sometimes we are still waiting, but He hears and is faithful. Each day, I learn to trust a little more. And even more, I learn to just rest. He is in control, (ps 115:3 - My God is in heaven and He does whatever He pleases) and I know He loves me.

Reasons to miss Maine

2008-06-24T12:31:00.004-04:00

Thanks for the moments like this that I keep in my heart until I am home again

So I had posted on my facebook that I missed Maine, and hadn't even really thought of why. But here are a few of the reasons.
1.) The spring/summer perennial gardens
2.) Friends!!!! Spending lazy summer days together watching our kids play together.
3.) Rain!!! - Yes, I know you are a bit sick of all of the rain, but here we are two months into our 6 months of not a drop of rain season, so enjoy the rain today for me.
4.) Shopping - with friends, by myself, a quick run into a store for a soda, or a long day of shopping, it just isn't the same here.
5. ) Family!! I don't even need to elaborate. Even though most of our family is out of state. When I am in the US, there is just more opportunities to go home or have visitors.
6.) Church. The longer I am in Brazil the more I find myself enjoying Sundays. But this compared to crying every Sunday. There still is nothing like being at home and in our church, with people who you only see there, who pray for us, and the many ways we get to serve each other there.
7.) The smell of the woods on a hot summer day, the fresh pine and spicy ferns.
8.) A day at the ocean. Nothing like those!!! The roses that bloom on the shore, the sand between our toes, sand dollars, etc.
9.) Lobster!!! Even clams and fish, just the simple sea foods that if we do find something resembling them here, the taste leaves so much to be desired.
10.) Long drives through woods, by lakes, quaint towns, big cities.
11.) Hikes up the mountain, usually to pick blueberries.

12.) Kayaking across the pond at sunset (the last day we were home we got to do this it has been a good memory I have held onto all this time)
12.) Just so many ways that summer is a rare treat in Maine, like nowhere else ( and I have lived in almost every part of the US)
Thanks for letting me escape for a minute from my little patch of watered grass in the midst of a drying up landscape.

Summer fun

2008-06-22T08:39:00.009-04:00

Okay, not everyone will think this is summer fun, but sure did enjoy it!!! Yesterday I made strawberry jam. Scott brought home 2 flats, and I made 4 batches of jam. It felt so good to fill my jars will the red stuff, and I know we will enjoy it for months to come. I will do this at least one more before they go out of season in August. It helps so much as jam is quite expensive here.

From this

to this

to YUM!!!

I must admit it was hard not to eat a whole package of the fresh ones, but I am glad we resisted, cause now look what we have!!!
The other thing I did this week was scrapbook some of my favorite pictures and put them in frames. I can't believe how much my kids have grown, and I also did one of my parents wedding, that was special.

Emma, and friends

Jonathan, Laney and cousins!!!

The Wall!!

The other thing that Scott did for me yesterday was pick up a new hose for my vacuum, something I have needed for months, and new foam for the top of my bed. The foam that I had had on the bed was almost 8 years old!!! Can you believe we have been here that long!!! And my bed resembled an ocean with all the waves in it!!! I now have a nice flat, and supportive bed again, though my body wasn't as appreciative ( oh how we hate change, even when it is a good one). I am sure tomorrow I will sleep well as usual.

Last week Scott was sick, and pretty much the whole week he was struggling to get through the day, and then high fevers every night. Emma had it this week, and then it developed into a chest cold. Lots of congestion. She hasn't eaten much all week, and looks quite thin. She did eat today, so I am thankful that it looks like we are over it. Jonathan who has fought bad infections in two fingers is finally over that, and his nail is starting to grow in ( it got really nasty, but he never complained so I would forget about it when things got busy) And now Laney is going through her trial. We took her to the dentist a month ago cause a tooth was bothering her. So the dentist set up a cleaning, etc. and then postponed appointments so that when she went in on Thursday, she had an abscess in her tooth, and will need a root canal - it is a baby molar, but we will do it. She is dreading Tuesday!!! pray for her!!!
God has been good, and we have been able to get the things we needed this month. Almost all of our bills will be caught up by next month, which is a good feeling. Thank you, Lord!!!

What keeps me busy

2008-06-15T12:34:00.003-04:00

Yes, I can't believe it has been 4 weeks since we ended school!!! I don't know what I have been busy doing, other than cleaning, dusting and watering plants. We have heard more reliable rumors about the road being paved soon, but from what I hear, most people won't believe it until they see it with their own eyes. That will be great, if it does get paved, of course when they start it, it will just be even dustier!!!!!!!!
I am teaching a summer class for a couple of my English students. Their grammar is a bit weak so we are working on the basics. Hopefully they will be ready to go starting in August!!! I am getting excited about next year. I should be busy, but not too busy. I won't do as much as I have in the past, but then maybe I will be able to help out in new areas.
Wycliff missionaries have been pouring in, along with new Portuguese students. I have had one couple over, and hope to have more. It is nice to get to know these people as we learn where they are from and things we have in common. I love hearing peoples stories ( just like I love reading them) and so we have enjoyed this process.
Yesterday we had a garage sale. It is a great way to spend time with your neighbors, and they all come!!! A few will try and hassle a lower price, but most don't. I think the ones who know you well, will as it is their custom, but most are just excited to be able to get nice American things for very little!!! I sold most of the little things, cleared out about 6 suitcases of junk. But I still have one suitcase left; mostly things I didn't want to give away, so the prices were a bit higher.
After the garage sale we went with our friends Andy and Gina to Goiania and spent our hard earned cash ( and believe me it is a lot of work!!!) on groceries at Sam's. It was fun to get away, and go to McDonalds. Walk around in a clean, air conditioned mall, and laugh with friends. All in all, a nice day!!!
Well, I am sure there will be more updates, but mostly they will say the same things, cleaned and dusted today, played with the kids, watered the plants, taught a class or two. Once in a while I will cook a nice meal and invite friends over. Isn't summer grand!!!!! Just miss our pond in Maine, now that would be nice!!! We are praying about getting a way for a few days to a resort area near by. Word of Life has places we can stay at for very little and nice heated pools (remember it is winter) so hopefully we can do that soon.

Thoughts from Philippians

2008-06-08T12:08:00.002-04:00

I was reading through Philippians today (one of my most favorite books) and was struck again by how this book so encapsulates - like my big word :o) - many of my feelings toward you. chapter 1 verses 3-5
I thank my God upon every rememberance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy. For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now.
It goes on, but those words are so true. Your friendships and prayers, the things we have learned together, the ways we have served together, and now many years down the road from then, I know you stand with me, and you are in my prayers.
We had a great month last month as we saw God provide for our needs and many of our friends give sacrificially ( we hear how expensive the gas is there and are in shock) Even those who couldn't give now, expressed their care and concern, and prayers. So many of you, knowing how much I miss home, and how disappointed I was not to be able for us all to return to the states for the summer as we had originally thought we would, sent packages, full of goodies, and yes, things we needed. How do I express my thanks??? How do I share how much this means to me, and how I feel that I am able to be here and serve with a full heart because of your part in our lives and ministry???
Paul says it so well in chapter four, I just have to quote him. Verse 10 stood out to me in a way it never had ( I don't know how many times I have memorized these chapters) He says
But I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. He goes on to say that with or without he has learned to be content - this is my prayer!!! And verse 18b is the best part.. He says
the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. I can't imagine being in prision like Paul and what it was he missed the most, but that those around him were able to shower him with their love and concern and what that meant to Paul.
So from the bottom of my heart, I say thanks!!! and most importantly
Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen (v22)

Back to the Mundane

2008-05-31T13:27:00.005-04:00

Yes that is where we are at now. Even Tigey is enjoying life in the slow lane. I try and follow his lead, but it is really hard to go from running to sitting, so we are taking it a day at a time. I hope soon I can sit down for more than a half hour at a time without starting to feel like I should do something. But in the meantime you should see my floors!!!! They are really starting to shine. I have spent hours just scrubbing stains out of the tile, and I am getting a good workout while I am at it. It does make me less likely to want kids hanging out, so I am trying to find a balance.

The other day we took off with all the kids and went to the city. It was nice to get out of town. I think the last time we all went somewhere together was..... I can't even say. We took Emma and Laney to Brasilia when we picked up my sister, and Jonathan and Laney with Charis to a waterpark, but all 5 of us, it has been way to long. We took them to see a movie, Burger King and Walmart, how fun is that?? I forgot how nice it is to just be together as a family.

Emma enjoyed everthing, but the picture taking.

We also spent a day with daddy in Anapolis. While he was working, we visited with friends. It turned out to be a lot longer day then we plan, but everyone seemed to enjoy the day, and my house stayed clean. This is my summer plan, go away as much as possible, so that the house stays clean. Word of Life has a nice retreat center that is very inexpensive for missionaries to stay at. We have to go during the week as they have retreats running most weekends, but that is okay. We will try and get away for a few days in June. The nice thing is it's just 2 hours drive away and the reason we go there?? They have naturally hot water to fill the pools so it is fun to swim. Remember it is acutally winter down here and our summer it is usually too cool to swim, at least swim and enjoy it, as the water gets down right chilly this time of year. The sun can be bright and warm, but even the air is cool. We do love this time of year ( if you ignore the dust - we are already a month into dry season, only 4 or 5 to go and sometimes that means little to no rain the entire time ) the sky is clear blue and the air is nice and cool.

Things I never mentioned about last week

2008-05-28T06:46:00.002-04:00

In the midst of craziness a couple very strange things happened. The week before banquet Scott and I had finally gotten to bed. It was later than usual, after 11, he was working on printing the year book. Anyway, we had just fallen asleep when I heard "Call the police" - in Portuguese, being yelled in a paniced voice. The person was running and yelling this, and then we heard "Scott get out here now" - in English. And our brains were still fuzzy - it had been all of 5 seconds since it had begun and we were trying to figure out what was going on. The man who yelled for Scott was our neighbor ( who I am related to in a sister's is married to .... way) so we jump out of bed and Scott is trying to get dressed when we here "Scott get out here, and call Miles - the man resposible for these situations - and tell him to call the police I've got a man here". Scott gets dressed then tells me to call Miles and runs outside. I am shaking like a leaf - we have no clue what is going on outside - and I call our neighbor. "Call the police and tell Miles to come over to our house", I say then hang up.
Well come to find out the next day when we are all awake, was that a man, drunk, had stumpled onto our neighbor's porch, fallen asleep in their hammock, maybe tried to take it with him, and they heard him. Our neighbor jumps out of bed and charges after this guy, pins him down in our backyard, and this is where the story begins.
So that was our first bad night. Then the two nights following the banquet there were big concerts at the plaza downtown and they went on until 3. With the air clear and dry, the sound travels, so we couldn't get into a good sleep until it ended. The second night was worse cause the group couldn't sing, so we sat in bed wanting to cover our ears with our hands. Then at 5 am Monday morning someone walked through town ( it took about an hour ) and threw firecrackers into peoples yards and into the streets. You could hear the booms for a whole hour. GRRRRR Woke up my friends little kids, that started a bad day. Then on Thursday - they day of the graduation. THey did it AGAIN!!!! a whole hour 5 - 6 am with crackles and booms!!!! Incredible. So we were really sleep deprived by the end of the week. What I can't figure out is why no one stops these people, then come to find out it is the town's way of announcing the next up coming event. Fine, but 5 am???!!!!
Let's just say I am glad it is vacation!!!

Pictures again

2008-05-25T21:41:00.009-04:00

Here is Laney's birthday pictures that were on Scott's camera, I finally got them on my computer so I could upload them. That cake isn't the prettiest cake, but boy was it gooooood!! Coconut with coconut cream filling!!!
What a beautiful girl!!! And Emma (who hates the camera will pose if it means she gets to be like Laney)

Anika, Laney's friend at school here. They have lots of fun together. I am glad she still likes to play dolls and house, those days I am sure are going to be gone very soon. Anika is one of the girls that is often at our house.

Jonathan on his first time around the land ( only 5 more laps to go to finish the 5 k. He jogged it and almost broke the record, next year, we will actually practice for the race)

Here he is at the end, just a bit tired...

Soccer , and what a game! He scored all 4 of his teams goals, and the barely lost.

But boy does he not like losing, took him all day to get over it!!!

Laney's PE teacher graduated. She is really going to miss Elena. They were becoming good buddies. At least she will be around a couple months this summer before she heads to College.

Laney and Jessica pose for a picture with their teacher.

I can't believe the year is done. We were pretty tired by the end. But it is fun. I guess I will write more later, I still need to find some pictures from the kids play (Horton Hears a Who) So you will have to wait, too

Busy Day!!!

2008-05-20T20:09:00.004-04:00

When it is 9 pm and my bed isn't made, and no dishes have been washed for the whole day, I know it was a killer!!! I started the day with coffee, of course. Then went to turn on my computer. Well, it decided today to pull one of those " I am not in the mood" things so it was a half hour and a little gentle thumping (we have to get this thing fixed - some loose wire ) before it kicked in. I finally got that cup of coffee at 7:30 then proceeded to see what next I needed to do. I had the play tonight, and also my home ec class was going to have on display their sewing projects. So we should probably finish those bears. I also needed to get together all the short stories my English students had read and get them into their plastic slip cover to put on display for the open house.
It is 8 now and I am putting on heads and sewing an ear ( we lost one) hot gluing ears on, and sewing a couple scarves.
8:30 I run off to where the huge base garage sale is and quickly pass messages on, come over girls and finish your bears. Hey kids, practice at 12:30, high schoolers, choir at 2:00. Then back to the house to get my little baby (Hudson - he is leaving in two weeks, and I don't want to miss him if I don't have to)
9:00 some giggle time with Hudson then put him down for a nap, time for breakfast, then,back to the bears, and stories.
10:00 off with Hudson to pass to his Daddy and meet Karla at the Chapel to get the stage set up for tonights play.
11:30 we are done, run home get ready for lunch, off to the Cafeteria for lunch, so glad someone else is feeding us today.
12:30 we start practice, only 2 kids are missing, oh, they are having a barbeque??? I don't care, they have to be here now!!!
1:30 we let some leave early after running through the songs and play once (first time with all the props and set )
2:00 choir time, half of the people are here, run call, now we are ready, so we sang for 20 minutes, and just one more practice to go on GRad day, and then we sing on the BIG night!!!
2:30 back home, sit down for 5 then try and clean up a bit (and I mean like one room - the first room people see )
3:00 the girls show up to sew their bears shut, and chat about the week, it was nice to have a little more time with them.
4:00 they are on their way, I sit down, then get up, sit down then get up.
5:00 time to get ready, try and find an outfit, can find that shirt, don't like that look, finally decide on what to wear get Emma dressed, and hair brushed
5:25 off to the chapel. Everyone is there on time, we got started on our last run through.
6:30 almost time, we are ready, set go.
it was perfect!!! Everyone did a great job, and Scott captured it all on film.
8:00 after receiving my roses, (thanks kids) and saying thanks to everyone I head home - it is locked, go next door call Scott he comes over, "NO Keys"!!! Where are the keys, check all around the house and car, walk to the Chapel looking on the ground, try to break in the front door and finally at 8:30 we find a window that isn't latched well, and in we go. (Jonathan had the keys with him - Daddy told him to put them in his pocket!!! )
And I didn't even tell you what Scott was doing today - a run to the city for more ink - left by 7:30 back by 11:30 with ink, and busy printing all afternoon, but stopped to come for choir practice. Then off to buy roses, film play and he is back at the office printing away!!! Friday, come soon!!!!!
Thanks for your prayers, it was a busy day, but really special, and I had lots of help and enjoyed the time I spent with so many people. Thanks for reading about this day, I just had to write it down or I wouldn't even know what happened!!!

Banquet, a grand success

2008-05-18T07:46:00.008-04:00

So the secret is out, it is a castle!!! The entrance was quite dramatic, but I forgot to get a picture. I will try and get one today. We had the moat, and drawbridge and everything. If you look in the right of this photo you will even see the stocks. Lots of fun pictures were made with people in those!!! The portraits in front were of each of the seniors done by a German man that attends the home church of our German family here - they head to the Amazon next month, Portuguese study behind them, we will miss them and their kids immensely. Lisa their oldest stays she will be a Senior next year and wants to finish with her class. The rest will attend at the boarding school on the Amazon.
The highlight of the evening. Our roasted big. Marcy our cook did a wonderful job on everything!!! We ordered Roasted Chicken from down town, the rest she did. We had a salad bar, fried onion rings and loaded fries, Dark Brown earthy bread served on wooden cutting boards, then pig and chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn and peas for the main course, and Eclair Cake - the Randolph's favorite dessert!- for the finishing touch. BJ our jester served the pig. Of course, the king, our only guy who is a Senior had first pick of the pig. I think BJ's only wish he didn't get was making everyone eat with thier fingers!!!

It really was fun, watching them enjoy this lovely animal.

I was amazed how well the carved almost all the meat out to our 80 guests.

We had some jousting tournaments, even Scott got into the competition. But as you can see his bear (red beany bear) was knocked of his shoulder, by our friendly jester

Here is one of our Seniors posing with the darts. Another highlight of the evening. Most everyone at some point in the evening enjoyed a friendly game - or as friendly as one can be with dangerous weapons in their hands.

The juniors worked hard, and made all their dreams come true. It was a lovely evening. I think all who attended really enjoyed the night. Scott wrote a story using the names of the princesses, and king in it and added locals to it. Mr. Whipcracker, ( he made the sound of a whip) and Mr. Smoothover ( he said lets all be friends), animals that made sounds (clodhopper the horse- whinnied) the king and princesses had things to say, too when their names were read, it was quite the laugh. Scott told his story with his best fake British accent, wish you could have been there!!!

I can say I am so glad it is done. We still have to take it all a part, but no great rush. We will have it down by Thursday night - Graduation.

pictures

2008-05-12T19:31:00.012-04:00

40 years old and still cool!!!Do you think he likes being surprised??
my idea, a cake with a hill he is the truck headed down the other side, I am the nice car, not on the hill yet, or at least I want to think that :o)

Emma and Jonathan having fun together

don't you wish you were a cat??

My senior girls, really going to miss them. The one on the left, she is my favorite - don't tell the others. But that's mostly cause I have know her the longest. She was just Laney's age when we came almost 8 years ago!!! Her mom is my friend in the city near here where we use to live.

Laney's dress up party, very fun!!!

April / May news

2008-05-11T19:23:00.002-04:00

Dear friends and family,
Have you missed us? Well, I know I miss hearing from all of you. It has been so busy, and because I have a blog and find that I often put all my thoughts down there, I haven't been as faithful to send out notes to keep you all updated to what we have been up to.
I know you got Scott's letter that shared about our future plans, and we are excited to see how that will all come together. Of course, right now we are just trying to make it through the next two weeks without exploding. It is the usual end-of-year activities, and they are always busy for us as Scott is busy making shows about each of the Seniors (5 in this year's class) and he is also finalizing the yearbook and preparing to print (900 pages) and send off to be bound. But to top it all off, we are the Junior Sponsors so we have been working all year with them to pull off an amazing Junior-Senior Banquet. Because of how life is on a school base this becomes the event of the year. Everyone involved here at the school is invited, and we also let the Seniors invite close friends and family. There is a theme and a set that is put together that creates a whole " feel" for the evening. Last year it was a soccer field and cup winners (their countries ) were represented in the menu. I would love to tell you what it will be this year, but you have to wait until the 17th - it is a BIG secret!!! So Scott is busy with the construction team of Juniors and parents, I am busy with the cook planning the menu and food prep, and decorating with the Juniors. It is fun, but yes, a bit of pressure.
Scott is also extra busy this time of year as he has personal presentations to finish for the families heading to the states (3 this year). It would be nice if he could have done these earlier, but honestly he hasn't had a minute, so it gets put off until it has to be done. They will be done in time, and he will crash afterward.
I am also busy planning a night event for our final week (the 20th). The elementary kids are putting on a play and performing 3 choir numbers. I am also organizing other specials, piano, music etc. It is fun, and we do so enjoy seeing the kids use all their talents, and they really shine during these days.
Last night was our final home ec. supper, a five course meal. Wish we could have invited everyone, but just 10 was a crowd. I have enjoyed getting to know these girls on a more personal level. They have done a lot of work in different areas, sewing, and cooking. I love seeing how much they have changed and grown this year. I could almost ( I said almost) leave it to them, but I did just kind of tell them when to do everything, and I didn't have to give them much instructions besides that. We have 2 classes left and we are hoping to make some teddy bears during that time??? I might end of finishing them.
Life would be stressful enough with all this going on, but you wouldn't believe what else we have had to deal with these days. In Maine, the banks had a real mess when one of the grocery stores was hacked into, and then the fraud was seeming to be perpetrated here in Brazil!!! So they shut down our bank cards, and this after months of barely making it from month to month (certainly no extra money here that we could use to make it through these tough days.) The dollar has been falling daily, and our support has dropped. Then after that we had a month with almost no extras left after we paid our bills at head quarters. The worst part, though, if you can imagine. Was our computer's power supply burned out ( due to the dust) and we were without a computer just when we needed it most. This last week!!! We needed to write to some churches and contact people to find out where our money was and we had no e-mail address at hand. But amazingly, God gave us peace through these days, and we are finally starting to feel like it will all work out. Some extra money has come in, and we might get all our bills paid. It has been a lesson in trusting and resting that is for sure.
Pray for us when you think of us these next weeks. They will be busy. Scott preached this morning about finishing strong and loving each other through these stressful days. It was an appropriate message for these days.
Thanks so much for your part in our lives. For your love and support. We couldn't be here serving Him and his people if it wasn't for you!!
Love
Jenny for the family

For my Mother

2008-05-11T08:42:00.001-04:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

beautiful weather

2008-05-07T17:18:00.003-04:00

Yes, this is my favorite time of the year, it is cool and crisp in the morning and sunny all day. The evenings are short as it is dark soon after six, but it is nice to snuggle up in a blanket and watch a favorite show or movie. Tonight is American Idol and we are a week behind the states, so we try not to find out who will get kicked off early, but sometimes it gets out, then we just watch for fun. It has been a fun night to get together with girl friends and just hang out.
just 7 days of school left, the choir piece has come together nicely, and the play is coming along. I really do hate the set design aspect of the play, but we are going to keep it simple.
I have 9 short stories to read and correct so they can print the final copies to have out for open house at the end of the year.
Scott is busy, busy!!! 4 personal presentations to complete. 5 Senior montages to put together for Banquet, Year book to finalize and then print 900 pages!!! And then banquet is in a week and 3 days. That is a big set to mount, the theme is a secret, so we are trying to get all the last things done without anyone finding out what it will be until the end.
But come the 23 of May and life will be nice and quiet again.
Pray for us, we have had some difficult days with our finances, but God gives us peace as we rest in His hands through it all.

back in the shop

2008-05-03T11:21:00.001-04:00

Just wanted to post quickly that our computer is back in the shop. Hopefully just the power supply again, but pray that if there are any other problems they can help with those, too.
Scott's birthday party was fun, big surprise (40 years!!) and I will post video and pictures soon,
Thanks for all your prayers, it has been a busy month, and I am afraid it is just starting, but June will come soon, and life will get calmer. Pray for our finances, some checks we were expecting were delayed, and so we have had to scratch and call friends to make a couple payments that come out first of the month, but God is faithful and we rest in that.
more soon,
Love you all
Jenny

Can you pray for Asphalt??

2008-04-13T10:08:00.004-04:00

Yes, that is the question. I know we should pray for salvation for the nations, for the health of a loved one, and even for the dollar to return to pre-Euro strength, but what about praying that the road out front of my house to finally get paved.
It has been twenty years or more that the town has been promising to pave this road. It is the road all the trucks use instead of driving through the downtown area to get to the highway. It is a busy road, and especially this time of year with all the harvest traffic. Thankfully we had a good rain last night so the dust is down quite a bit. but I am sure by noon it will be dried out and clouds of dust will billow across the yard again.
The question is Why am I asking now when it has been like this for so long. Well, this morning down at church one of my neighbors (she makes those lovely crochet rugs I have given to almost everyone I know - who refuse to use them as rugs and uses them to decorate tables and chairs) told me that the equipment is here and they are waiting on Asphalt. So please if after you have covered all those needy prayer requests and you have an extra moment pray for Asphalt!!!
church was nice today. The pastor preached on the Jewish Feasts. It was so neat seeing how they all correlate to Christ's death, resurrection, the church, second coming and millennium. It was cool. I tried to translate as much as I could for the lady sitting next to me. She has learned a lot of Portuguese, but all those tec terms, and at that speed, it is hard to keep up.
The power was out for 4 hours this morning, it is finally on. I must admit it was nice. We had a quiet morning, different, and the kids really played together. I enjoy that. But it is even better when the power finally came on again!!!
Hope you have a nice Sunday. Want to come over for dinner?? WE are having chicken finger with home made BBQ sauce, mashed potatoes, biscuits and corn. So much for starting back on my diet today :o)

Life is Good!!!

2008-04-06T14:11:00.003-04:00

So it was a long week, I don't know why, but it was. Emma wet the bed twice, that wasn't fun, I don't know why she is doing it, maybe it is the change in seasons?? She does so well on the potty, but almost always is a bit wet by the time she gets there (maybe cause she likes to run everywhere), so changes her undies, we go through a lot of undies every week. She is cute, so very organized and methodical. Has to use a wipe when she goes number 2, makes sure that I help her, and even now speaks so clearly making her requests.
She said "I love you" for the first time this week, that was very special, and she didn't just say " I love you", but " I love you, Mommy". I have waited along time to hear that. She is always saying " Amen" at the end of our prayers, but I wanted to see if she would pray, she did, mumbled something, then said "Amen". So precious. She likes to have her hair done, and let me braid it today, and seems to like to be told she looks nice. What a big girl. Fitting into her 4T's very nicely. I think Laney was 5 before she wore 4T's.
Laney prayed in church today when Daddy asked who would like to pray. She prayed for her cousin who was in the hospital from an Appendectomy. And for her grandparents who are traveling, and for her teacher's grandpa who is home from the nursing home. It was very special. Jonathan is growing up, too, shared quite a few testimonies in church on Sunday a couple weeks ago, likes is new devo book, and still has so many questions and thoughts about the Bible. He is doing well at school. He really does love to learn, Math, and Science being his favorites. Still loves to learn about animals, but this year they have studied plants and he really likes that, too.
This week has been nice as Scott is finally done with all the extras he has had on his desk since January. He is home most evenings, and just more relaxed. He has a big show for the mission Bible School he finished and will send off for their checking and feedback. And now he is working on two personal shows for a couple families headed home for furlough ( one is in Dutch)
This week we will be doing standardized testing. I will have 9th grade and Scott 10th. It will be a busy week with lots of extra time for me at School. Thankfully Emma can be in the daycare for the whole week, that will be a big help.
I thought that rainy season was really ending, it was so dry and dusty last week, but Thursday night it started to rain and has been raining since. I was even going to take a picture of the road out in front of my house where there has been a lake since November, showing it dried up, but it is full of water again. I must admit, even though the rain is inconvenient, I will so miss it when it goes.
My maid is no longer working for us, and that was a help for our monthly budget. It isn't a lot a month (just $60) but it will help. She helped most by watching Emma so I could teach, but I can have Scott help out, and I am not as busy this semester as I was last semester. So I am cleaning my house again. I forgot how much I do enjoy that. Places that she never cleaned are getting taken care of and other things I don't notice I have finally gotten under control. I am more picky about the kids wearing shoes into the house, but oh well, they will just have to learn!!!!!
I got a couple fun packages in the mail from Maine, how nice it was to have my needs (peanut butter, Tylenol, hair gel, deodorant) and wants (nuts, bath gels, cappuccino mix) met and few luxuries on top of that!!! Clams, Andes mints!!! Scott got his favorite - Peeps - they were for the kids, but I think he enjoyed them the most, and the kids were thrilled with their fruit snacks. Yes, Life is Good.

catchin up

2008-03-30T13:51:00.011-04:00

Happy Easter!!!!

Hello from Brazil, Emma loves to pretend to talk on the phone mimicking me to the exact words, just don't expect her to want to say anything on the real phone.

Well, can you believe it is the end of March?? Where has a third of 08 gone?? Some days when it seems like I will never be home again, I realize how fast our time here is going, and I try and catch my breath.

Well, let's see... Our desert night was a huge hit, we raised enough money to finish all the decorations for the banquet, and then some extra to go toward Senior sneak. And we also were told we could do it again, and they would come back, so...

I am finally done scratching, at least my shingles, still have the usual exzma on my hands, I have a feeling that will be around until I die.

Emma had a special invite for Easter weekend, a tea party. They were waited on hand and foot, and had a special story about Jesus, and lots of goodies, even an egg hunt, my non-people person daughter, really liked the egg hunt, she is good at things like that, but I have finally realized she is content to be with people, the only things she really hates is the camera, it was comical watching her try and duck her head away from the video and photo cameras at this special event.

Scott preached for our sunrise service, that was beautiful as usual, sorry if you had to suffer through the snow to go to yours, we had a nice potluck breakfast afterward, which was nice to fellowship with our coworkers here.

Last week was the usual busy week filled with classes and life. Emma got a fever Thursday night and we are still trying to kick that. Laney is bugged by a bit of a cold, and Jonathan seems to be just the sneezing allergy guy as usual. The sun is shining most of the day, and just rain at night, it is a nice change. We are headed into dry season and already we feel the change, cooler nights, and less humidity in the air. I need to get my curtains down and washed, scrub the mold off a few spots on the walls, the usual spring cleaning.

My last thought is a prayer request. We are sending out a newsletter this week and it is full of surprises (not really) but please be praying that it will touch people's hearts, that we can continue to go forward in the work God has called us to.

Cappy is growing up, but he is still Emma's baby. When I watch Baby Hudson, she carries Cappy around like I carry the baby, to sweet!!!!

banks, money, Grrrr

2008-03-25T11:28:00.002-04:00

Did any of you hear about the big debit card mess in the northeast. Ever wonder what that would do to a missionary in Brazil. Yep, shut you down so fast you are sitting, spinning, on the side of the road!!! Scott's folks were trying to get their cash together to get tickets paid for, and that wasn't happening either. Of course, they drove to the city assuming that the problem was at our dinky bank, spending $20 on a trip that turned out to be wasted. Now our cards are fine, but the bank here has shut the terminal down where we can get our cash!!! My word, it is crazy. This is not a good time to be low in our bank, all our bills hit at the end of the month. So Scott is trying to get to Anapolis again, and the last thing we want is for him to spend another amount to drive into the city, just for cash. Why isn't life a bit more convenient???
Good thing my shingles are better!!! Or I am afraid I would have a relapse

neighbors

2008-03-25T09:22:00.004-04:00

This week in chapel, one of our missionaries told the story of the Good Samartan, and reminded me of their life. Scott is writing a script and working on a presentation for this couple from Holland. They are an amazing testimony to everyone around them of how we need to serve our neighbors. Compassion is definitely one word that comes to mind when you talk to her, as she shares a story of someone in the church or area who is struggling. Tears immeditaly pool in her eyes, as she tells the story passionately. If there is a part of the story where someone is doing a wrong thing, she spits it out, with anger, you finally see what being angry and not sinning looks like.
I was watching an old Oprah, they usually are about a month behind down here, and she was talking of her new show, The Big Give. What a challenge it is to us to see how we can do more, with less. So many times we think we can't help for different reasons. But we can, and more that just giving money, but through showing you care, through giving up something that is precious, like time, or kids toys. Scott has gotten to know one of the families in our church that is really struggling. The mom was a prostitute before she came to Christ. She has two older daughters and 3 young sons. Probably each from a different father. As she started to turn her life around the church saw what an impossible task it would be for her to do on her own. Our church decided that they needed a home. So they started raising the funds for that. Scott got to know the boys as he helped where he could with the house, and filming the project to send to Holland so that a church there which was helping could see the progress. They moved into the house before Christmas, but it is past our base and on the outskirts of town. The boys have quite a ways to go to get to school. And the family only had one bike. So Scott went searching for a used bike he could buy for a little and fix up for them. They were thrilled, then, they were back, the tire was flat, so he helped fix that, then one boy came by one day and asked for a backpack, so we dug around and found one we hadn't used in years, packed it full of school supplies and sent him on his way, now he needs soccer shoes. Well, maybe when Jonathan grows out of his next pair... It is hard to buy new things for them, as the cheaper kinds are made so poorly, but the nice kinds are very expensive, starting at $40 and going up. I ordered Jonathan's next pair on clearance at Kohls and am having them mailed down, they still come out quite a bit cheaper, and better.

Please pray for this family. The mother is Laura and here is a picture of 4 of her kids. Her oldest daughter is being tempted to get involved in prostitution, she knows you can make good money at it, and is quite comfortable around it. So sad!!!!! I believe the oldest is not in this picture.

You're Invited!!

2008-03-13T12:03:00.003-04:00

Every year the Juniors put on a nice banquet to honor the Seniors. And every year the Juniors work to raise enough money to make it nice and to cover the cost of the fantastic decorations that they create. Each year they choose a theme, and it is a BIG secret. This year Scott and I are their sponsors (we were their sponsors last year, too when they initiated the freshmen), so this weekend is our last fundraiser. We are hosting a desert cafe. Here is the menu, don't you all wish you lived close by??
Dessert Menu
~
Chocolate Cheese Cake
A triple chocolate threat
The crust, the filling
and the
fudge topping drizzled across the top

Plain Jane Cheese Cake
Just the pure flavor of cream cheese, with
A butter cookie crust
Topped with either
Fudge
Fruit
Nuts and caramel

Hot Apple Crisp
Served sizzling hot from the oven
With caramel drizzled
And a scoop of
Vanilla Ice Cream on the side

Hot Fudge Chocolate Cake
Deepest darkest chocolate cake
Served warm with Hot fudge frosting
And a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream on the side

Lemon Meringue pie
Tart lemon filling, high meringue topping
Served with a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream

The only thing I am not sure on is Ice cream with lemon meringue pie... It just doesn't seem to go.

Any suggestions???

We will be making specialty coffees to go with these fabulous deserts, and the girls and I will be baking today and Saturday, then the guys will work hard to move all the tables and chairs over to a family's porch where they have nice twinkle lights already set up, it is pretty fun.

Itching again

2008-03-10T11:43:00.001-04:00

Yes, in the midst of all that has been going on in my life, I broke out with Shingles!!!! That makes my eczema look like a picnic. I am taking some medicine and hope it goes away soon with no complications. Please pray for me, and that I would learn to rest in the Lord, and not try to carry all my worries alone!!! I know a lot of this has to do with just worry and stress, and the whole "leaving home" for three days didn't help!!!

love comes in all kinds of packages

2008-03-10T11:14:00.002-04:00

My friend Shawn asked me to give her a list through my blog of all the things I would love to have sent to me, so I am certainly having fun dreaming of all the things I miss from home. Of course, the one thing I really want, is YOU, and that doesn't fit in the flat rate shipping boxes they sell at the post office. (if you are sending something that weighs more than 6 pounds it is worth it to send it in a flat rate shipping box. )

So here is my wish list:

me:
Andes mints
red vine black and red licorice
jolly ranchers
Hersheys with almonds
angel food cake mix - or any kind of cake mix!!!
canned mushrooms, green chilis, blueberries - also dried - clams
coffee, any flavor or just columbian,
hot drink mixes in enevelops, hot cider, hot chocolate, cappuccinos, -so fun to treat a friend when I have them on hand!!!
cupcake liners
nuts - for baking
double sided tape - I use that up way to fast
Washcloths for the kitchen - they only use sponges down here
Dinner in a packet, like seasoning mixes, anything new is fun, we so get stuck in a rut here!!!
fun shower and lotions,
candles, especially ones that remind me of home, cooking scents, woodsy scents, or ocean and laundry scents - not flowers, I have lots of real ones here!!!
mugs, bears, fun fabric samples
Taco seasonings and Ranch dressing mixes - though I have a nice stock now
maple flavoring - I wish you could send me real maple syrup, but the flavoring is a huge help
red and green sugars - especially for Christmas time, and fun candy sprinkles - any time
Always holiday stuff, easter, valentines, fourth of july and Christmas decor is fun, they really don't have much here. I miss the Christmas tree shop - and thanks to so many of you who have remembered and sent special things during those days.
refrigerator note pads,
wrapping paper and trimmings
earrings
And magazines any kind, I love Mary Englebreight's magazine and any time, can be older, we don't care!!!
Of course a good book, or movie is fun,

For Scott:
Jiff, creamy
Twizzlers, Red
Peanut Butter Cups
stove top stuffing
Cherry Pie filling
Hair Gel, nice stiff kind
and he said a DR Pepper, though I don't know how that would travel, you would have to double bag it just in case...

Kids
Jiff, creamy
Smiles (walmart brand) fruit snacks
mac and cheese
Spagetti O's
bubble bath
fun kids things, like sports cards for Jonathan, polly pockets for the girls, Laney loves the Junie B Jones books has the first 8 or so in the series
coloring books, paper dolls, just fun project things.
crayons, markers, etc.
girls - anything princess

Retreat

2008-03-10T09:53:00.010-04:00

Yes, Retreat was so NICE!!! We spent the mornings in meetings and fun games, the afternoon busy with activities and swimming and then another meeting in the evening. And intermixed with this was fabulous meals!!! Oh, it was nice to be spoiled for a little while. I enjoyed lifeguarding and spending time with Emma, and Scott was busy with his 4 9th grade boys. We stayed at the Word of Life retreat center. And we were the only ones there, so had the run of the place. I tried to imagine what it would look like from what people told us, but it really was better than I could think. Air conditioning and small fridges in our rooms, very spacious foyer and cafeteria, playgrounds, and pools (3) 2 meeting places, and places to meet inside when we had a big rain storm one evening. Comfortable beds, and just nice from beginning to end. It really was a great get away. The speaker for our group is a guy here learning language who has worked with youth for a few years before they came. He did a great job!!!
Games of all kinds every afternoon

The gym, Laney always ready to pose for a picture

Our meeting house, even padded pews!!!

Jonathan during their meetings

Their meeting room

Our worship band

Our high school group

Laney in the foyer with one of the helpers

Making it go further

2008-02-29T16:31:00.008-05:00

Yes, that is what we did these last two months. If you have found that the price increase at the pump is killing you imagine if you had that same increase hit your food, electricity, and gas - and everything else you had to spend money on. See, the falling dollar is affecting your gas prices, but here we feel it in everything as our dollar gets us less currency every time we take out cash. So we try and find ways to make it go farther, but the best thing is when God just helps out. Like ; my washing machine is working again - I don't have to buy the $150 replacement piece yet; my contacts that should last 2 weeks last 2 and a half months, and then we just drink water instead of flavored drinks, that saved a few dollars, and we cut back on many other things, So hopefully this month the ends will meet, and we will have paid all our bills. At least we can say we did our best!!! Even my babysitting job ( I made $30 this month) helped. I guess sometimes we want the BIG miracle, but God gives us a bunch of little ones, and we count them up to be bigger than you think!!!

Here are a couple fun pictures from my week

Emma and Cappy are becoming fast friends
The girls hard at work on their home ec projects A perfect rose

thoughts

2008-02-24T08:11:00.002-05:00

We got an answer to one of our prayers for direction. Scott has really wanted to take one last trip to a tribe in West Brazil, but each time it looks like it might be possible, God shuts the door. We don't know why, but definitely cost is a huge factor. Trying to get into a flight going that direction, so we can share the cost, and also the flight out back to civilization. Lots of dots to connect. Plus his department must approve the trip's cost and help fund it, etc. etc. It looked like it might happen the first week of march, but we just heard, the plane is too full (mission plane) so it is back on the back burner.
It was a good thing, though, cause the trip would have been right in the middle of our school retreat. Scott will be a 9th grade boys counselor, and supervise the teens worship group. He really didn't want to miss that. I am going to lifeguard, and watch Emma. It is just a 3 day getaway, but we are looking forward to it. I hope we have some nice sunny days.
Laney has been gone all weekend, she went to Anapolis for a birthday party sleepover. Because there were people going on Friday and others returning on Sunday we figured maybe the smart thing would be a weekend trip. I hope she has a good time. Sure is quiet around here. Emma missed her at first, and kept looking for her, but now is just content to play by herself.
I didn't realize how much Emma loves her stuffed animals. I went to put her to bed last night and she was looking for Froggy, then where are the Kitties she asked, and then Bambi, then Dog. I fished them out of the toy box one by one, once she had her little family, she was content and went right to sleep.
Last night was fun. We had some friends over for supper, then they took their kids home, got them ready for bed and left them with a sitter. Returning with a game. We had coffee and cake, watched a bit of American Idol (why is that show so addicting?) then sat down to a couple nice competitive games of Taboo. First the girls against the guys, at first we thought we were going to beat them soundly, but they got into the game and we almost lost. Then it was couple time. That was fun, Scott and I got 7 at one turn. We yelled and screamed, laughed until we were crying, so nice to just enjoy each other's company.

irresistable

2008-02-22T11:30:00.006-05:00

Yes, I went to town with Scott Wednesday, and he left me downtown by myself. With all the time I had to kill, I had to stop at the local pet store, and here was a kitten just begging for a home. So We brought him home. His name is Cappucino - Cappy for short - Emma calls him Khaki, and I must say he is a great cat. Loves people, loves to be held or hauled all over by Emma and purrs up a storm. Very fun, but if I put him away in the bathroom, he settles down quite well, he is already using his litter box, and hopefully trained to go outside soon, I am not crazy about the litter box.
He loves to play, Tigey is enjoying playing with him, too, but he is a bit rough, and bites hard, Cappy will have to learn to fight back real soon.

Even Tigey doesn't mind him so much, at least when he is sleeping, this is one way I can get Cappy to let me work as he likes company, but settles right in and snuggles with Tigey.

Rain and Shine

2008-02-17T15:16:00.006-05:00

Can you see the rainbow that is behind my house?? Yes, when the sun comes out, even if it is just between downpours it brightens our life. We were treated to some amazing storms this week, also two beautiful rainbows, one that set itself right down on the ground in front of our house. I didn't get a picture of that one as I was riding furiously towards Scott's office to unplug everything, as there was quite a thunderstorm headed our way.

Even the sunsets after a day of rain were breath taking this week. It is one of those times when you just have to stop and be thankful that you are where God has put you. This morning as I was leaving church with Emma (the time changed back so we were a little off...) A tucan was in the tree above us and we were able to just watch him, he was so close you could see the rainbow on his nose.( it goes from white to yellow to orange to red)

And a friend told me I should post my new hair cut, so here it is, the photography done by Laney!!! I couldn't believe the reaction I got from the kids. I guess they couldn't imagine me different. So when I came to school the next day with bangs it was hilarious!!! "Why did you do that??? "(one asked ) "Oh, Jen, you look like those pictures all over your house... of you!" "It would look cute if maybe you combed them this way" another offered. I guess bangs aren't really in, and they were trying to figure out why I would cut my hair in a way that wasn't the latest trend - which by the way is just VERY LONG!!! But it I like it and it goes well with my constant partner - the pony tail!!! What do you think??? My friend, Gina, who I have known from Bible School said I looked liked I did when I was there - That's good. right? I wouldn't mind looking 18 again!!!

A few other things:

Scott has had a bad cough all week and we have missed a lot of sleep, especially him, I sleep through most of it. Pray he gets well soon. I have had a bad intestinal flu and seem to over it, but my intestines don't want to get over it, so I am still not quite myself, (but now I am just a pound or 2 from my last weight loss goal, my weight before I got pregnant with Jonathan - but now none of my clothes fit) Also pray for Scott as he tries to finalize his last trip he will make in this job, to a tribe on the Amazon. It looks like there are two flights coming and going to this tribal location so he has a way into the tribe, and the mission is considering his petition for the finances, and I found a sale on line for his tickets to where he gets the mission flight that cuts them in half. Pray for God's timing and that it will all work out. This would complete his archive of photos and video so that any presentation can be put together to reflect all the work that we do. Things are slowing down, he has even been home around 6 a couple days. It is nice.

fun stuff

2008-02-12T11:58:00.000-05:00

Thanks so much for your empathy with my February blues. I am starting to feel a bit better. I do wonder if it has any connection to that fact that I have been quite shaky (yes really my hands are shaking a lot) lately. Could it be that 3 cups of coffee a day plus some ice tea thrown in is the cause, or have I just been too busy?? I am a bit stressed over having 2 new students but I don't think that is it. I just know something is off...

I was getting some water (a couple of my home ec girls wondered if I was shaky cause of lack of fluids, or protein, nope, getting plenty of those) and realized that I don't really like cold water anymore. Have I been in Brazil too long, they don't like cold water on a hot day either. And yes it is a hot day, sunny, bright and beautiful. We are just soaking it up. It poured last night, but today we woke to a beautiful sunrise. I do hope our time changes soon, it is so hard getting up in the morning. It is gets darker every day!!! I hope you guys north of us are enjoying your days getting longer.

Emma is getting cuter by the day, she doesn't ask for a drink of juice by saying something like "Mom, can I have a drink, please?" No she frames her question this way. "Emma do you want a drink?" then answers it for herself. "Of course!". Where do these kids come from??? Laney is doing great with her new book worm contest. She has already completed three shortened classics (about 120 pages each book) Heidi, Anne of Green Gables, and the Secret Garden. and is on her fourth. I think she is beating out some of the 4th graders, at least her brother. Jonathan is growing up. I was watching him with his friends at the pool yesterday. He is still the leader, suggesting each game they should play, and how to play it. He has always been the leader since he was 2, it is just different now, he gets his big boy face all serious, and talks commanding like. Where did my little boy go???

Well I am off to a teacher's meeting this afternoon, I hope it is a productive meeting and not one where I get involved in things I don't need to. (hey you could pray I keep my mouth shut this time!!!) I just always can add something to every discussion, but I don't know if I need to.

Thanks again for all your prayers and concern, Love you guys!!! Jen

stuff

2008-02-11T10:58:00.000-05:00

Believe it or not we actually saw the sun. We had two gorgeous days this weekend, and today it is clouding up again. Maybe that is why I want to just lay my head on my pillow and cry. I don't know maybe it is just hormones, or life. Isn't it crazy how we can feel great even when things are difficult and other days we can't seem to get ourselves out of the muck we are feeling. I am afraid it is the usual February blues. Even here in Brazil we struggle with this. My friends around me are homesick, too. So I need to come up with something cheerful.
Friday night was Girls Night Out and I had 5 ladies come over and we watched a good chick flick, and ate yummy food. Scott was nice and took the kids to his office and they watched their Christmas movie Crazy Horses. That was nice. Saturday was a busy day, but I feel good. I got a lot done, and had time to relax. I even got the mold scrubbed off my ceiling where there must be a small leak. Oh, the mold and dampness, it was incredible last week!!! The worst of the previous 4 weeks with rain that just didn't let up. The kids went through three outfits a day, just to stay in dry clothes.
Sunday was nice, too. Scott preached a great message on knowing when to let go, and when to hold on, and Who to hold on to. I love seeing him get better and better as he gets back into this mode. We are praying about how to transition into a full time position at the school, and hand off the video ministry to the Brazilians, pray for us to know how best to do that. Especially so we don't end up with 2 full time jobs.
Today was back to reality. Teaching a couple kids who are new and struggling has certainly made class different, and I need to find a better way to do it. Before now my kids were pretty much on the same page, now I have to wait a lot for some to finish each page, so how do I teach each section and give class time to do the work, and not have some students with an overwhelming amount of homework????? Well, pray for me, and wisdom in that. Now I am off to do my home ec class. I think I will have them cook my supper for me, maybe that will help my day feel better? And how bout some peanut butter whoopie pies??? I think we should make those today!!!!!
Thanks for listening, thanks for your prayers, pray I can get out of this homesick low!!!

Finished!!!

2008-02-04T09:46:00.000-05:00

Well Sunday the sun peeked out for a few minutes just as we bowed our heads and dedicated the new playground to be used for God's glory and for our kids development. The leader of the group shared a couple of his concerns about some areas kids might get hurt, but our kids don't seem deterred at all by that thought, though I am sure more than a few sore muscles and scrapes will be nursed in the coming days.
We had a time of fellowship afterwards where we thanked the group for all their hard work. Many of our staff were also involved. The maintenance worked many hours with the team, and one of our families here learning Portugues helped out with the welding. Eric did this for a job when the lived in Germany, but it was a sacrifice for the whole family as he gave so much of his vacation time to see the project completed. Scott put together a nice show for the team to take back and show their churches what they were doing. It has been a busy time!!! I have hardly seen Scott except for Lunches and maybe by 9 pm he is home for an hour before he leaves to lock everything up and go to bed. The conference work is almost done. About 12 prayer card projects, which require some running to town to get printed and get final approvals. Many copies of the conference videos and then also many copies of his other presentations, and then just a gizzilion other things!!! His class, Sunday service and praise and worship team practices, a show put together for the girls returning from a work trip to a tribal church ( three of our seniors) and it goes on, copying video tapes to DVD for missionaries, and tapes to CD's etc. etc. I don't know how he keeps it all straight and then in his free time he is helping his parents as much as possible as they don't have a car and have quite a few things to accomplish before they head north. Pray for us to hold it together until things slow down a bit.

Emma loved the slide, she went down by herself right away.

It is quite a steep climb up to the top of the fort, but Emma was ready to go as long as someone would hold her hand.

She even tried the bridge but got nervous half way across.

Even the tire swing was fun, we tried it all out!!!

Game night with Grammy and the big game

2008-02-04T09:31:00.000-05:00

Last night we all crammed into the biggest living room on the base and watched the Superbowl. It was only available in Portuguese, but nobody seemed to mind, even the playground work team. We all enjoyed the game and each other's company, even if there was a bit of taunting from the Giant's fans. I must confess that I went home before midnight. I wasn't going to stay up until 1 am to see the end, and since my team lost in the last moments I'm glad I was sound asleep. Then being the dedicated teacher that I am I was at the school early this morning getting my test ready for Literature/Grammar class for all my students we did stay later than me. Oh I am mean!!!!

Emma had fun while the other kids played the game of Life with Grammy. We are so enjoying having their company these days, they leave soon, and though they are very busy we are finding time here and there to get as much time with them as we can.

Almost Finished

2008-02-04T09:23:00.001-05:00

Boy those last few days were just pure torture as the crew worked through showers and downpours to get the playground finished before their flights left early this morning. The worst part for the kids was seeing that slide just sitting there all wrapped up and not able to try it out.

They did get to try out the zip line, and Jonathan got a little more than he wanted when a big kid gave him a good shove, but they are not letting any difficulties stand in their way, they are loving ever moment of the process!!! You can see in the pictures the amount of rain we have had these last three weeks, it has been almost straight through rain. Saturday we had a few hours of sunshine and I took them swimming, what fun that was for a change.

OWWWWWW!!!!

2008-01-27T15:21:00.000-05:00

Yes, that is what I thought in the middle of the night when I rolled over. You, I am sure are wondering what happened? Are you Okay??? Is everyone safe?? And I would have to answer yes, we are fine, I just was stupid enough to play capture the flag last night with the teens. Scott volunteered us to sponsor the event, and of course, I couldn't just sit by at watch, NOOOOOO!! I had to play, then I ended up guarding the flag, cause I thought i would be nice and quiet, and I wouldn't get tagged, and that was fun, for the first half hour, then they started coming in groups and we had to defend our ground, after about an hour of that I was pretty much done in, I was begging them to please get our flag. I would have been fine though if I hadn't collided with my team mate trying to catch the girl who had gotten within inches of our flag. I didn't realize until the middle of the night that we had collided at the knees and I had a very sore muscle above my knee. So today, I am moving slower and more gently. I am sure I will feel worse tomorrow when the sore muscles kick in ( I walk every day, but I am not use to running in circles).
Today was nice. Scott's dad shared in church and told some neat stories about training to be a paratrooper, the kids were fascinated and so were the grown ups. The best part was how well he made the comparisons to our Christian walk. Emma made it through the whole service, and did each of her Strawberry Shortcake puzzles once (Thanks Charis!!!)
We got some yummy rotisserie chicken from downtown, and made rice, veggies and Brazilian "French Bread" for lunch with Grammy's chocolate pudding for desert. A quick Junior's meeting, the Senior banquet is coming soon and we have lots to do. Then I helped Gina decorate the back wall of the chapel. I will send a picture later. It was a busy day, but after last night it is probably a good thing, keep those muscles moving.
I am enjoying Beth Moore's study on the power of words, It is from that Lifetoday.org site, very good!!!
I hope you had a nice Sunday

a playground!!!

2008-01-25T09:27:00.000-05:00

Emma will show you where we are going to be spending a lot of our free time soon.

Yes, we are getting a playground. There is a Wycliff volunteer team here for three weeks building an amazing place for our kids. It has been so fun watching it go up piece by piece and trying to imagine what it will look like. Even since I took these pictures a couple days ago things have changed. I know they have a ways to go, but already we are just in awe. I guess when it has been almost 2 years since our kids had such a place to play, you forget what they look like.

This platform and the other one will have a bridge connecting them, and then we have heard rumors of spider webs, and climbing walls, slides, swings, etc. etc. How special our kids feel to know that 5 people have taken off time from their busy lives to come and invest in something just so they can have fun. I think it communicates to them that they matter. That yes, the unreached are why we are here but they are high on our list of priorities. One of our Portuguese students (Eric Pfister from Germany ) has been welding for almost a week and a half straight. What a blessing that the language school was closed until next week and he could volunteer.

The kids have had to practice a lot of patience this week when they were told they couldn't play on the half built stucture the rest of the week as they were painting everything ( Again, something that took us by surprise, it would be functional and pretty?) Then they had wait even longer as it has rained a ton this week. But maybe one more week and they will have a park to call their own.

2008-01-24T16:33:00.001-05:00

Scott came in today with a victorious step. The work generated during our annual workers conference is almost done. What a busy month. Starting from day one and I am sure through to the end. Scott of course, gets pulled into anything that is technology oriented. This year he worked on a presentation promoting the retirement center for Brazilian missionaries. Showing them what a nice place it is and how they can come and be cared for by the resident nurses. Then he worked hard to finish the mission presentation to have the copies available to those at the conference along with copies of other shows he has made. Then just as he was ready to calm down and enjoy the conference, an hour before it started one of the coordinators showed up at our doorstep and asked if he could film all the meetings for the five day conference. At first he thought he couldn't because he didn't have any blank tapes and they are quite expensive and hard to come by. But then we remembered the tapes he had used for another seminar and that they could be reused since the content had been mastered to DVD. So he spent the next 5 days filming and since then (the 12th) he has been getting those shows mastered to DVD and making copy after copy. But there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Scott has also started his Bible class for the junior high class. He is enjoying being back into teaching again. He is looking at the possibility of next year cutting back the video work and teaching full time at the school, all their Bible classes. We will see if it works. I have a much lighter class schedule this semester and I am so enjoying that. And starting next week I will be babysitting a little guy just a month old for and hour or more each day while his mommy is taking Portuguese classes. I am quite excited about that. Emma didn't seem to mind him at all when they stopped in for a visit a couple days ago.

Scott is also taking care of the English service here at the school on Sundays. After he gets back from church where he is responsible for recording the Sunday message, he gets things all set up for the worship team ( we meet on Saturdays to practice) and then he also is preaching a lot of the Sundays. It is a special time. Even though we go to church in town, to have a time to worship God in our heart language and be challenged in specific areas that apply to our different life is very good.

So now

2008-01-18T12:49:00.002-05:00

Well, I don't even know where to start. We had such a nice time with Charis. What a treat to have family visit and time to enjoy each other. She left last night and made it to JFK airport before she missed a flight (pretty good stat these days) and now she probably won't arrive at my parents until very late today, so that makes for a long trip.
Scott's folks arrived safely Wednesday, after 4 days of travel hassle, too long of a story to explain, some visa misunderstandings and then delays and missed flights. We are so glad they made it finally!!! They will be here for a couple weeks than travel around Brazil talking and working with Brazilian pastors who use the Chronological Bible Study called the road to Emmaus.

I, of course, have a horrible cold today, the usual let down after having a nice time with family, but it is busy and for some reason I seem to get the sick the minute the leave. Is it my form of coping with being home sick???
Scott has a million ( and I am not exaggerating) things to do these days, and I am not sure how he keeps them all straight. It is a good thing my schedule has lightened considerably. He has to make a ton of copies of all the sessions he filmed during the conference and try and get them to the people who ordered them. He has a number of prayer cards he is working on, people he saw at conference that he could take their picture and design it so they could approve it. He is very busy these days transfering audio tapes to CDs for missionaries, things they use in their ministry. Video tapes to DVD, and just making extra copies of things for people. It is crazy!!! And that isn't even his main job. Now he has Sunday services to prepare, and a Bible class he is teaching at the school. It is quite busy!!!! I think I will just stay home do laundry and cook, that keeps me busy especially since I still haven't gotten my washer fixed, maybe I will ask Scott's Dad??
And so it goes, nothing different, just the usual busy.

2008-01-18T12:49:00.001-05:00

Just pictures

2008-01-18T12:18:00.000-05:00

While my sister was here we ran away for a day (from the missionary's workers conference)

and spent the day at a water park just about 2 hours away. It was a blast.!!!

Jonathan really liked the innertube slides, Laney loved the regular slide, so did my sister Charis and I, but we didn't enjoy getting our spine bruised in the process.

Here is Scott screeching down into the pool.

Laney and Jonathan sitting on the rock walk through the "jungle"

Charis brought down these dresses, what fun it was to dress them up. I thought we would go to a friend's wedding but when I realized it wouldn't start until 8, which means 9 as most weddings run very late, I decided to just dress them up at home and take lots of pictures.

Emma sure likes her big sister and

immitates her every time she can

Before Charis left we made sure we took her to

a nice Brazilian restaurant, where the meat

comes to your table straight from the fire on a big roasting bar,

YUMMMMMM

computer

2008-01-10T14:45:00.000-05:00

help, please pray that I can get my computer fixed. The computer stopped working this morning and all I have is a green light now, the mother board is not turning on. Please pray that it was just a glitch in the system, or a wire that got bumped when Scott installed the wireless modem last week. I can check my mail on my sister's computer, but I can't access most of my e-mail address.
Thanks
without a brain,
Jenny

conference, and answers to prayer

2008-01-09T04:50:00.000-05:00

We are on our third day of conference and things are going well. Of course, the usual happens where Scott is asked last minute to record stuff. But he was able to re use some tapes from another conference that he has already mastered to DVD so that was okay. He is busy, though, so I am just enjoying staying home most of the time. I figure of a meetings was really important for me to see, I will watch it later ;o) I am enjoying the chiropractor who came from the states just to help us poor crooked people out. He even worked on my foot that has been so painful for months now, and I feel much better. Before my left foot didn't rest in my shoe, like the arch support couldn't reach my arch, but yesterday I noticed that my foot was resting in my shoe again, and the support was touching the arch, ahhhhhh.
Another answer to prayer was that Scott was getting stuff together for conference and came across 25 DVDs he didn't know he had???? and they were just any old brand they were SONY!!!! Isnt' God amazing!!!
We are so thankful to have some extra funds come in this month. I am praying with a specific amount that we need. And can't wait to see God bring it in so that we can "catch up".
Thanks for being there for us, your prayers and friendships, you are precious!!!

Prayer Requests

2008-01-04T09:41:00.000-05:00

I know so many of you lift us up in prayer each day, and often, if you would continue and keeps these things in mind we would appreciate it.

Scott - starting a new class at school Bible for 7-8th grade and as he would like to possible move to a full time teaching job (Bible ) next year, along with smaller video projects.

Scott - to finish and get copied onto DVD the mission presentation, that many will purchase it (for about $2.00 ea copy) and use it. And for the Bible School presentation he is working on. I ordered him 200 blank DVD's but they didn't make it to Charis in time, so now he is scrounging to find enough good DVD's in town, there are so few, he found 25 but it won't be enough.

For our finances, we are down to 63% support, and with the low dollar, life is just gone from hard to almost impossible. But we know with God all things are possible, so we wait and see how he will provide as we go forward.

For conference this week. We will be busy trying to do all we can to serve the many missionaries here starting monday, it really isn't a break for us as much an opportunity to serve. I know Scott will be running full tilt to do all he can, prayer cards, personal presentations, and ministry clips, plus fill in on the sound booth. and then School starts on the 14th.

Christmas and Charis

2008-01-04T09:16:00.000-05:00

Yes, we had a fun Christmas, it came in stages, first Santa and packages from relatives and churches, then with Charis. The kids loved every moment from beginning to end.

Daddy reading the Christmas story

Jonathan trying on his new clothes

Laney, Christmas morning with her new PJ's and a flower accessory

Charis is here!!!!

A quick stop at McDonalds, before the 2 hour trip home,

nothing like introducing Charis to Brazil at McDonalds

We spent Thursday in Perinopolis a quaint colonial town just 2 hours drive from home

It is nice to have someone with us to snap a picture, so we took advantage

of Charis and got a nice shot (why do I always think I am thinner than I look in

a picture??)

From our home to yours

2007-12-23T18:12:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas guys!!!

Emma

2007-12-20T15:00:00.000-05:00

What is it about a 3 year old that is so precious? Today at supper she ate her corn on the cob and commented "licious" then added "this corn is 'licious" and "yummy!!" OH, if today could just be frozen in time. She is now on her tenth time around the house, through the front door and in the back door. Happy to be coming and going, saying hi as she goes. I was so proud of her during the Cantata she just sat happily and contented with my friend Gina, and only once thought she should go be with mommy. By the way, my choir did a great job, it was such fun to put it all together. I was a bit worried for them as it was pretty hot and it is a long time to sing with taking a water break, but they pulled it off. Scott's duet with one of our students was great, I could have listened to him all day.

Emma is been playing a lot with Laney's toy houses and people, they are the fisher price family ones that are quiet small. She is really starting to have her characters interact, I love hearing her play it reminds me so of Laney who always had quite the story happening. Christmas is getting close and I can't wait to see her open her presents. She opened a couple one day when Scott and I were at Choir practice and Jonathan was "watching" her. But since then she has joined the other two to just look at the few gifts under our tree and wonder what is in them. I am so thankful for those who mailed us gifts as the things we bought the kids will come with Charis, but thanks to my mom, Marcy, and a church in Maine there are presents under the tree for everyone, and I did hear that Santa was stopping by...

Here are the other pictures that we took of our family that I didn't send in the Christmas card, look at Emma she is smiling for the camera!!! Now that was nice (note, she usually points at the camera and says " no cheese!")

Birthday weekend

2007-12-11T03:36:00.000-05:00

I had a fun Birthday weekend Friday I went to Goiania with Scott and my friend Ang and her husband. We went to walmart and Sam's club then on to our favorite restaurant. It was very nice to just take 2 hours eating and talking and laughing. Without a doubt you leave quite satisfied.
Saturday was a nice day, we had a practice in the morning for our Cantata, and the rest of the day I just kept busy at home. It is amazing how much time I can spend just cooking and cleaning. My sister called with a surprise announcement. She got married. She sent a picture today and I am so happy for her. She is beautiful of course!!!

Then Sunday, the day, I enjoyed my morning, breakfast in bed, and then played for the church service here. My friend Gina had has come for lunch and she made a fabulous pork roast, and mulberry pie. That was so nice, we hung around and played password, ouch, my brain hurt after that, so I went home and tried not to pace until Sunday night church.

Sunday night our choir went to the church downtown and participated in the Christmas service. We presented three of our songs from the Cantata, and they did great. It was my first time directing, but I really enjoyed it. And so glad my "first" is over. Now we just have to pull together our last few pieces that need some work tonight, and the whole thing is on for Thursday night.

They were great!!!

2007-12-01T11:45:00.001-05:00

Here are all the campers at the beginning of the show
They sang lots of songs, some about scary stories, some about camping, and others about favorite Bible stories

Laney ended the story singing how Angles watch over us It was fun just seeing all the pieces come together after months of practice.

The show went off without a hitch, at least, no major mistakes, and the crowd loved it. I don't know why we are so surprised when they laugh at the funny parts, but we were. Thanks to Karla and Scott and the mom who brought snacks. Karla was my right hand turning on and off lights, getting the kids changed from one costume to the next and opening and closing curtains. Scott helped with a lot of the final details like lights, mics and sounds. And of course, made sure we got a good video recording so that the all our favorite moments can be replayed again and again. The principal was the main character, Headmaster Don, who was only the camp leader cause he wanted it to look good on his resume (he doesn't really like kids) and that added extra meaning to the funny parts!!!!

Emma and Tigey

2007-12-01T10:35:00.000-05:00

Today is the day

2007-11-30T09:51:00.000-05:00

Yes, we survived the rehearsal practice, it went much better than last year, but still full of energy, itchy kids and light and sound challenges. But we are ready to go at 7 pm (4 pm eastern time) and I can't wait for it to be over and done and a success.

Today when I weighed myself I was just 2 pounds from my goal, I have lost 14 pounds and love the feeling in my clothes. Finally all my Emma weight is behind me and if I keep it up only 6 pounds more and I am down to my pre-pregnancy weight. It really has surprised me that I could do this.

One other thing. The family that has the dog Ginger that we called our own for a few months is not sure they want to keep him - they are moving- and asked if we want him back. Boy, I just don't know, he is quite nervous and I am afraid that this back and forth business will not have helped. The kids miss him, though so we are praying about it... They are also planning on sending their kids here starting in January and another family is moving onto the base and will send their kids and care for this family's kids. One of the families is with TEAM the other is with a camping ministry. It is exciting to see how we are spreading our wings and accepting more people and having a bigger part in helping the Gospel go forth here in Brazil. I will have 2 new students in my English class, that should keep me busy. I have 7 research papers to grade this weekend, and that is plenty, now I will have nine of everything to grade, wow, it is getting busy that is for sure!!! These additions will also be good for Laney has there will now be two girls here close to her age, she will really like that, and I think it will be good for her. Gone are the days that her only friend was Lucas, but he is still her favorite.

Christmas

2007-11-24T10:20:00.000-05:00

There are moments in Brazil that I absolutely love being here. I usually walk each evening around 7 pm and last night like many nights all I could do was watch the clouds change colors and the sun set. It was beautiful!!! The birds are swooping around also. I love watching them some climb so high in the sky you almost lose them, but the come back down. It is usually just the perfect temperture and peaceful. I try to never miss those moments. Especially these days when life is just going from crazy to insane!!!
After I got home last night we decorated our tree. I was reminded as I opened the box that last year when we left the states, my favorite family heirloom ornaments had been accidentally stored. I had made some and bought some simple balls, but what amazed me was instead of being heartbroken again, I was remembering how much fun I had last year as I decorated my tree "from scratch". My mom also saved the day by sending some snowflake ornaments and streamers. I can't wait till I get home and get a chance to dig through storage and get my hands on those things, but until then, I am enjoying my simple tree.

Fun pictures

2007-11-23T08:21:00.000-05:00

Cuter by the day!!!

Having eggs with daddy. Whenever we make our breakfast

you have to plan that half of it will get eaten by someone else

Thanksgiving twice

2007-11-23T08:01:00.000-05:00

It has been a couple busy weeks that is for sure. On the 15th we celebrated Thanksgiving with all the folks here at the base. It was fun. We had 82 people together, kids, teachers, and all the Portuguese students and staff. We didn't have turkey, but chicken which quite a bit cheaper, but other than that, there wasn't anything missing from the tables lined with food and desserts.

The rest of the day was spent playing baseball, and visiting with those we don't get to see very often.

The hard part was going back to school Friday. Boy did that feel wrong. This week was a busy week. I worked on the set for the play and finalized the costumes. I am teaching the girls taking home ec to sew and we are working on the bag I showed earlier. Of course they want to make them for gifts for family and friends so we have the pressure now of them coming out perfect. This is their first sewing project!!!!! and they are supposed to be perfect??? So I had to address that one this week, we are doing our best, but they can't get so worried if their stitch isn't perfectly straight.

Church was really good on Sunday. Scott is getting quite comfortable in the roll of pastor here on the land. We had a missionary of 30+ years share about his experiences of working with a tribe up in the Amazon jungle. That was cool. He also has a ministry in a small town (all the houses are on stilts and have no bathrooms or plumbing) that is on the banks of the Amazon, there are almost 400 children and they all call him grandpa. It was really neat hearing his stories.

This week started well, and I was getting ready for my Thanksgiving dinner. I had invited 16 people to come and share the meal with us. The two single ladies, my friend Gina and her family, and the lady that runs our special ed dept. and their two dorm girls and her husband (it was also her birthday). I had all the trimmings I think for the first time ever since I came to Brazil, down to celery, black olives and cranberry sauce. I had prepared my fresh beans ahead of time, cooked the squash, made the pies, cut up the bread for stuffing (everything here comes unprepared) and all I had to do was get that bird in the oven make the rolls, and peel the potatoes. Then of course, just put it all together and make sure it was ready by 11:45. That was the scary part. I couldn't be late. So my turkey was out of the oven by 10:15 and thankfully everything else came out right. It was a ton of work, and the hardest part was that it was a school day. I had class at 2 to get ready for. But it was worth it as everyone really enjoyed the meal, and made the day special. I can say without a doubt a good time was had by all. It was worth all the effort. I miss my family so much on these days, but having a crowd around and being a blessing to those also homesick, sure does fill the day with memories!!! I don't have a copy of pictures others took, but I will get one soon!!!

And after all my complaining last week about the rain, we have had a gorgeous week this week with most of the rain hitting while we slept. That was a welcome change. We even got to go to the pool.

Things I miss about dry season

2007-11-15T17:04:00.000-05:00

Yes, I know after all my praying for rain, and constant complaining. I have realized there are things about dry season that I really miss. For instance...
1. The SUN!!!
2. towels that don't feel like someone else already used them.
3. The SUN!!!
4. Not having to unplug everything whenever a thundercloud appears on the horizon ( we have had some major hits on the base, and we don't want to lose another modem - our school office even lost their computer last year)
5. The SUN!!!
6. not so many bugs everywhere you turn.
7. The SUN!!!
8. Not feeling cold one minute, then as soon as I get up and move around I am covered in sweat.
9. The SUN!!!
10. The track not being covered with moss and too slippery now to walk on (where we were kicking up dust a month ago)

The one thing I don't miss about dry season??? THE DUST!!!!! It makes all these inconveniences worth the change.

about prayer

2007-11-09T09:07:00.001-05:00

I have been reading Philipp Yancy's book on Prayer. I am just getting started, but already I have been convicted about how poor my prayer life has been lately. We have really struggled this year financially (due to the dollar dropping drastically, not due to lack of support as that has actually gone up a bit this year). I find that though I do everything I can think of to help our financial situation, I often forget that I prayed about it, and need to keep praying about it, leaving it in His hands, but continuing to discuss with Him my concerns. Just as I talk to my husband about things, I need to talk to my heavenly Father about things.
Another thought I had this morning was how so many of our prayer supporters have gone to heaven. Dear women like Venise, and Miriam Wittermore, Mrs. Winter, and others. They are such treasures in our life. We stand on the front lines, and the attacks we battle daily, through discouragement, people problems, financial, homesickness, etc. I know these were softened by these dear ladies who constantly interceeded for us.
Do you pray for the leaders around you? Do you pray for your missionaries? Do I? I know that prayer works. Without a doubt I know this. Now I just need to keep talking with God. I should find time to set aside for serious and deep conversations, but even if I chat with Him throughout the day, that would be good. Besides, that is who I am. I like a quick chat about something on my mind at the moment. And I think He knows that. He made me who I am , and he loves me. He doesnt' expect me to pray like Scott, nope, he just want my to talk to Him.

This and that

2007-11-09T07:48:00.000-05:00

Wow, It has been a while since I sent out an update. I guess being sick for a week counts as a good reason. I could feel it hit last Thursday as I finished up my last class substituting for a teacher who was traveling. Now finally I would only have my classes to teach, and Wham I got hit with a bad cold. But I am feeling good now and glad to have my mornings free after nine and then only a class a day in the afternoon or evening.

I finally braved the costume closet and dug out what I would need for my play. There are still a couple things I need to find, but most of what I needed was right in the one chest marked Bible costumes. Thanks to the work put in over the summer it was not as unpleasant as I thought it would be.

I am almost done with all my Christmas cards. I really love making them. It is hard to decide which is my favorite, I usually make 4 or so different designs, I must say that the last one I made is edging into the lead.

We are done with cooking in home ec ( now that it isn't a hundred degrees out) and we are on to sewing basics. We spent this week just learning the basic hand sewing stitches and the seams on the machine. Now we are going to make a bag. I found a simple pattern at http://www.morsbags.com/ Click on Make one for the pattern. I think the girls will enjoy this simple but productive project. I love my bag, and actually found some great fabrics at our local fabric store.

Now I am on to quilting. I forgot how much I love putting together small quilt projects. I made a simple runner for the table, and just need to quilt it now.

I am also dreaming of my next project. I found this in a book my friend had, it is a snowflake quilt. Oh, I can't wait to dive into that one!!!

It has been quite cool and rainy. If the sun peeks out it warms up a bit, but we are definitely into the full rainy season. It is nice, and makes Christmas prep fun. I am ready to decorate!!! We have a Thanksgiving dinner here on the land with all the folks (about 82 people this year) next Thursday (15th is a national holiday). We don't get the actual Thanksgiving day off, but I plan on making a scaled down version of our Thanksgiving dinner at least on the official day. So after that, we usually start to get into the fun of the Christmas season.

another busy week

2007-10-30T12:49:00.000-04:00

Yes, that is one more week to cross off on my calendar and say Thank you Lord for letting me get through it and do my many jobs well. Whew!!! some days I wonder how I do manage, and other days I am just so thankful for the work he has given me to do and the experiences I have had in my past that enable me to feel comfortable in the responsibility of the job. For example; choir practice.
Yes, we are well into our first cantata and I am really enjoying the whole process. I like that I am the director and can just lead from the piano and not have to wonder what someone else wants me to do. I just do it. Yes, it is hard at times to catch everything, but Scott is a big help with the guys, and I lean on him to help me when we are missing something.
Play practice is going well, I am hoping to get some help on the choreography, but other than that I am starting to feel like yes, I can command that many people of so many different ages to do this and say that, and stand there, and sing this way. Wow, what a job. But it is fun, and yes, we are often laughing and smiling at even the mess ups that happen.
I shared in chapel last week about how it is the thought that counts. How our moms appreciated the thought behind the pancake breakfast even though the mess was beyond reason. And how our heavenly Father appreciates that we are willing to serve him even though we may not do it as well as so-and-so. Or even completely fail. It really does matter to him that we are willing to serve and do it out of a heart of love and compassion and not obligation.
I challenged my girls this week on how we see ourselves. Especially in the physical aspect. And even though we are not all the same size or have other areas of our looks and body that we struggle with how God created each one of us, just the way we are and we should be thankful for it. It was precious to me when one of those girls shared today in chapel about our spiritual gifts and how God gave each of us different abilities and gifts, and are we using them or comparing what we have to others and not using them. It was neat.
Other news. Emma has had a fever since Sunday and seems to be still fighting a fever. It seems to come and go, and I suspect that she will soon be coughing and sniffling like all the other kids here. I hope the rest of us don't catch it. It is not fun being sick when it is in the 90's each day lately. We are really hoping for rain and cooler weather soon. Yes, we have had quite a bit of rain, but then it heated up again and dried up, so we are back to wishing for rain.

flowers

2007-10-24T07:14:00.000-04:00

Here is a weed I couldn't get pull up. I am so glad I didn't, since

I started fertilizing my roses, this one just took off. The

roses are still trying to decide if they want to live or die.

This is the flower from the Rubber Tree.

I wish I could post the smell, too, it is the sweetest smelling flower.

The trees are huge, and right now full of baby parrots. I always

walk under this tree on my way to class. Yesterday I got real lucky.

I missed being hit by flying bird... by just inches,

it hit my bag on my back instead.

parrots and rubber trees

2007-10-22T09:09:00.000-04:00

Did you know that Rubber trees have the sweetest smelling blossoms?? Kind of like a honeysuckle, and they seem to bloom throughout the entire year, it is one of my favorite things about Brazil, that as you walk to school you are always welcomed by that wonderful fragrance.

Did you know that parrots make the loudest squawking sound you can imagine, and they love to be in large groups?? Well, lets just say they are not my most favorite bird here. Yesterday, I was watching the news real quick before we headed of to church when a big bird fluttered past my window and a flash went off out of the corner of my eye. All our power went out. Yep, that was a huge heron that hit the line, causing a surge in our power. Luckily, it only took a few minutes for Scott to restore our power and we could get on with our day.

Last week was as busy as usual. We had our second home ec supper and the girls really did a great job. On the menu was roasted garlic spread on french bread, pasta with grilled chicken and vegatables, salad, and for desert, strawberry shortcake and chocolate fondu with cinnamon crisps all made by their hands. My 6 students were each allowed to invite a guest and most brought moms or dorm moms. It was just a very fun night, and we enjoyed every bite.

Now I am trying to get my Christmas cards started. We are putting the last few touches on the kids play, and we have started praciticing our Christmas Cantata. Tis the season!!!

As to my diet... That is actually still on track, home ec dinners and all. I have lost in 14 days almost 7 pounds. Like I have heard often, just diet and exercise. Nothing more than that, I just never quiet understood what a diet looked like!!! I didn't realize it meant 2 bites of chicken, and a piece of bread, with all the salad you can eat!!! But I feel good, and hope I can get a few more pounds off before I hit Thanksgiving and the season of Christmas goodies!!!

Ahh, 4 days off

2007-10-14T15:22:00.000-04:00

Yes, that was a nice way to end our first quarter. To take 4 days to just catch up and finally even find time to relax. It was a busy week. I started teaching an extra English class for a teacher traveling until the first of November. So my mornings are a little busier. Plus this week I had 4 extra plates at our table at lunch time to help out a family who took the Seniors on their trip. So by Saturday I was ready to just crash!!

I spent my free time this week sewing a pile of things I had made, but never finished the seams: curtains, tablecloths, and even the girls Easter dresses. That felt good. Yes, some of those projects have been on my mind now for almost a year, why did I wait so long, well, I was hoping for cooler weather. Who likes sewing in the heat? But finally I just had to tough it out. I got my fan out, and just went to work. I managed to clean my dining room from ceiling to floor, and washed all the curtains (thus the sewing...)

The worst moment of the week???

Scott let Jonathan invite a few boys over for a movie and a campout. I, wanting nothing to do with such madness, popped their popcorn and headed over to spend the evening with Karla, and watch a nice romantic comedy. When I came home, they were pretty much outside ready to settle in, but had left half the popcorn on the floor.

I got out the vaccum and started to clean up. I know now that doing this after 10 is probably not wise. Something had got caught in the hose, blocking the air, and my sleepy brain didn't catch the sounds quick enough and the bag busted inside and the crazy machine started blowing dirt all over my just cleaned from top to bottom - living room!!!!! Well, Scott came to the rescue and shut it off and we finally go the place cleaned up.

So now for the worst moment, I went into the bathroom to brush the dust off me and get it out of my hair and when I shook my head my glasses fell of, and BROKE!!! Now I know, they are four and a half years old, scratched beyond reason, but I use them every day, and my contact supply is out (of course they are outrageously priced here - so I keep putting of buying more - which you don't need a doctor's scrip to get). So now here I am at 10:30 blind as a bat trying to find my super bonder glue!!! AGGGGGHHHHH I went to bed and cried myself to sleep.

The next day I did find the glue and manage to get my glasses put back together. Now they just have a few more scratches. I really want to have eye surgery, but as you know with three kids, and school, dentist, ect. I keep putting it off. Maybe this week I will at least call and find out what the prices are these days. If they are still pretty high, I will have to break down and buy some more contacts. Hopefully my glasses can wait until we come home next summer.

So what does the poor exhausted lady do after a week of starving herself ( I lost 3 pounds already!!! ) for a week?? Take friends out to supper. We took Karla and a couple friends to Walmart and then to one of the best Brazilian restaurants around. It was really nice to eat, and to share it with friends and best of all - not to have to do any dishes afterward.

What a week!!!

Karla at Walmart

How much can you fit in our trunk?? You don't get to

Walmart every day( the couple in the picture is another family

we are enjoying getting to know them)

pictures and video

2007-10-11T08:36:00.000-04:00

Finally the local pool has opened!!!!

During dry season they keep it closed to help

with the dust, plus it is pretty cold for swimming,

at least the water is too cold.

Emma enjoy the beginning of summer

Check out Emma doing a puzzle. She really likes puzzles and

is now doing it more and more on her own.

Baseball, Football, and other fun things

2007-10-08T10:16:00.000-04:00

Yes, I have been watching sports games again. Karla is a big football fan, and she even comes over and watches baseball with Scott and I. It is fun to just settle in and watch a good game. Even if half the time we quit before the game as things get started an hour later here. But it is still fun.
Next week the time changes so we will be two hours different from EST, then when their time changes in the states it goes to 3 hours different. Lets just say that when we watch the Superbowl, it is almost an all-nighter. But it is still fun.
This weekend was a busy one, but I do enjoy it, I had 12 people come for lunch Saturday. Then Saturday supper was a home ec supper and we really had a good time. They did a great job, too. I tried to only be there to consult and to find ingredients. We made a fabulous appetizer from Pampered Chef cookbook, Tex-Mex Chicken, French Onion Soup, Parmesan stuffed chicken, Presunto and Peas Fettuccine, Caesar Salad, and a Lemon cake with lemon and raspberry filling. It really was goooooood.
Now I am starting a diet. Really a real diet, with counting calories, and eating specific foods on a list. I don't know how long I will last, but hey I made it to day two!!!! I really have to lose 10 pounds, they just keep creeping up on you, your clothes still fit, but just not right. I am in shape, just too much shape. So here goes!!! Pray for me. I really don't do diets well, I get lightheaded, and just feel like doing nothing!!! I need to lose weight, but I just can't imagine doing it. I have tried before and I get like 2 pounds off and that is all that goes!!! So I really need to do better. Don't ask me why but unlike all the other missionaries I know, I gain weight in Brazil and lose in the US. I guess it is all the cooking I HAVE to do here, but don't have to do in the states, so I just have less tempting things around me all the time there. Plus I have discovered I eat for comfort. I really miss home some days, and food always helps. I guess that explains the extra 10 pounds I find overseas...

fun with friends

2007-10-08T10:07:00.000-04:00

This is one of the kids living here this year while her parents study Portuguese. It has been such fun watching Emma be with a friend and really play well with someone her age. Watching her, I realized what we missed with Jonathan and Laney cause we didn't have any kids around when they were this age. I am just glad I have got to watch Emma make her first friend. Plus since her brother and sister are so much older than her, I am extra glad she has a friend.

Things not to do when you are over 30

2007-10-05T05:47:00.000-04:00

Yes, I was watching a show yesterday and that was their topic, they had some interesting points, but they didn't mention this one.
Do not play basketball like you did when you were a teenager, the first time back in the game!!!
But is that what I did yesterday?? Yep!!!
The girls here have been wanting me to come out and coach them, since they don't really know much about the game, and yesterday I finally made it. It was fun. Getting that ball in my hand, dribbling down the court, actually making some good shots. But know my knees are killing me, and my back is probably aching, except the pain in my knees is so bad, I can't tell.
Another thing. Brazilians girls play basketball like you would play soccer, worse than street ball, it is get the ball away from the opposing team in whatever means possible. It was insane, just the sound of the slapping heard almost more than a ball being dribbling, was incredible.
But by the end of the hour, we were starting to get something going that almost resembled my favorite sport.
And I really did enjoy it, even though I sounded like I was gasping for air by the time I got home ( I doubt I have breathed that hard in a very long time). I haven't sweated that much in a long time either. Maybe I am crazy, but I can't wait for next Thursday night??

even better

2007-10-03T09:51:00.000-04:00

Yes, this would be Scott taking the pictures.

I love them!!!

RAIN!!!

2007-10-01T16:31:00.001-04:00

Really, it really rained, and lots of rain, so much the gutters were overflowing

So refreshing, and cool, the best thing in the world!!!

Tiger didn't know what to think of all that rain, but

made himself at home as soon as it stopped.

One of the flowering trees here, so pretty against the cloudy sky

The best part about rain,
PUDDLES!!!

Flaymboyant Trees

2007-10-01T16:23:00.000-04:00

These are the trees that just burst before the rain hits

And as you can see it is time to rain!!! Plus the 1st of Oct.

Is the official beginning of rainy season so we are ready

Can it be any drier???

The crash!

2007-09-26T05:46:00.000-04:00

Yes, that is how I felt yesterday. Like finally I can start letting down a bit. But it was a long exhausting day because, I was talking a lot. In class, out of class. I am hoping Karla will be all set to take over tomorrow, and the last two days of this week I can just, kind of --- rest. Of course, Scott has other plans, wants to go into Anapolis and meet with a lady about a video presentation he is trying to finish. So maybe that will take up all of Friday.
Remember how I said it had rained, well, it smelled like rain for hours, and cooled down nicely. It did the same thing last night, even thunder and lightening, but still not a drop of acutal rain!!! Maybe today. Then maybe I will feel a bit better. I mean I feel like I do on a PMS day, but I don't havePMS. It is that bad. I don't want to talk to anyone!!! And then of course, that is the day your husband is just around more and wants to just sit and "chat" and I have nothing to say. Poor guy he has hung in there this whole time, well I hope he can be patient with me a few more days.

Here is Karla with her class

It rained

2007-09-25T05:35:00.000-04:00

Okay, not a ton, but it was 70 when I woke I this morning. What a refreshing change. Karla made it safe and sound and she said she wanted to be at school bright and early tomorrow, maybe I won't have to teach all week.
Laney and her classmates were there ready to meet her when they drove in. It was fun watching her know them all by their pictures.
Thanks for all your prayers,
Pray that rain keeps coming. I need to dismantle my house and dust everything in it. Not a fun chore, but it has to be done. There isn't a place that isn't covered with dust. I want to wash all the curtains and windows. Maybe if Karla gets set to go, I will have a couple days, with no classes...