Day 6- The Sabbath

Thanks to all who have been involved in our trip through prayers and posts! You have no idea how wonderful it is to hear from all of you. Obrigato!

Carl: The Schief! Well, first a funny story... Mr. Schiefer and his, "key problem." Here, wrapped in towel, Carl comes to the lobby looking for his roommate's key after losing his, again! Now onto some stories. Carl has had "a simply marvelous time." Some of his most special moments were Saturday night church at Ebenezer Lutheran and Sunday am at church in St. Vincent, a local city near Santos. He felt that this was a very special time to worship with the Brazilians. We sang Brazilian words to traditional Lutheran hymns, "Rock of Ages" and "What a Friend we Have in Jesus," for example. It really didn't matter that we were singing in a foreign language, or we didn't understand what we saying exactly, we knew what the meaning of the song was. The Schief really didn't know what to expect from a group that ranges in age from 13 to 60 something. It has been a "very pleasant surprise!" We work well together, have fun together and play well together. All in all I give thanks to God for this wonderful opportunity to enjoy a truly incredible experience with some truly incredible people who love the Lord.


Alex Michael: One of Alex's most memorable moments was after the church service last night when an Ebenezer Lutheran family member approached him, and a couple of other team members, to express his thankfulness for everything that we have done. He explained that he takes care of six kids, some of which are not his own, but that he is responsible for them. Not all of them go to church, and that this hurts him. Also, that some have problems and he sometimes has a very hard time in life. He expressed that he was beginning to doubt God, and was wondering why all these things were happening, and was questioning how could life be so difficult. However, after seeing our work and participating in the worship service, his faith and belief in God has been greatly encouraged. Alex says that, "This made me feel that God was really working through me to have an impact."

Jenny Mcknight: "I expected to be doing a lot of painting, but this has been a much bigger job then anticipated." From going on several mission trips to Guatemala, and hearing the call to be a full time missionary, Jen expected the people of Brazil to be very friendly, and they have not disappointed! What has been a wonderful surprise is the food. We have been showered with blessings and unbelievable food from the ladies at the church. Not only have they worked hard to provide us with a full blown, home made lunch every day, we have received wonderful homemade sweets in the morning, at lunch for dessert, and in the afternoon. Their service has been incredible. One of the moments that will stay with her forever is when we sang, "shout to the Lord" on Saturday night during church. Claudio, an Ebenezer church member who was featured earlier in the blog, was crying at the end of the hymn, even though he couldn't understand the words. He had fallen off scaffolding the very first day and has never stopped working, serving with extreme humility, patience, and unending dedication. "This is something I will never forget!"

Alex and Phil overlooking the sights at Santos. A 2 hour drive from Sao Paulo. It's great to see Phil mentoring Alex, Phil's a wonderful Christian man who has sacrificed to be here with a most joyous heart.

Sally and Jen riding the ferry to the beach, it was a short 5 minute ride. They are both the ultimate worker bees!

We worshipped at a church near the coastal city of Santos. The congregation was wonderful and is working hard to grow and spread the Gospel.

The Schief with Carlos and his two sisters, congregants at the church this morning. Carlos spoke fluent English, his uncle plays the piano, his father is President of the congregation and his other uncle was pastor at Ebenezer Lutheran Church 15 years ago. Carlos recalled playing soccer on the field and cutting his knees up on the dirt and rocks. He was excited to hear about the new soccer field. A wonderful family with three generations attending this service. Carlos and one of his sisters are engineers and his other sister is a lawyer. Carlos wants to move to Canada upon graduation, brrrrrrr!

A view of the Brazilian flag from Santos.

Leslie, Jessica, Mike, Sally and Simone at the Beach in Santos. It was a relaxing Sabbath day. Tomorrow we have VBS at Ebenezer and continue the renovation in the afternoon. We'll also be going to Simone's parents home for dinner. Did you notice Leslie and Sally's necklaces? They were a gift of Lutheran Women's Mission League at Ebenezer last night. Make sure you check them out when you see them at St. Paul, how thoughtful!

Guess whose hair this is? And guess who wrote this about it: "Her hair holds the color of life. The gold of a meadow overflowing with daisies, the oranges of the turning leaves of fall. The auburn of the embers of winters warmest fires and the red of the passion that lives deep within her." WOW!

See you ate' amanha!