Friday, July 11, 2008

Hello! Thank you all for leaving comments, it is so nice to hear from home! Today is the last day of camp, and that makes me really sad. These kids are so amazing and i've truly enjoyed getting to know them this past week. Since Wednesday we've seen a big change in how our group is relating to the Brazilians. Everyone is reaching out, sitting by themselves at a table full of Portugese-speaking teenagers, and it's so encouraging to me to see God working in our lives. The past two nights our group has been singing special music at the night sessions, and its surprising to see how many teens know the songs "Blessed Be Your Name" and "Give us Clean Hands" in English. We have also been giving away our Gospel color bracelets - yellow, black, red, white, green - because the teens here love them! Everyone wants their number to be called during Prize Giveaways so they can get a bracelet. One boy - Mateos - actually bought a bracelet from one of the other campers. Its really cool to see that they are so excited to have a bracelet that can help them share the gospel with others. Tonight we'll be having a wrap-up session where we will be giving away t-shirts that say "Os Regras de Vida" (Rules for Life) on them and having a time for the campers to share what God has done in their lives this past week. For those of you who are familiar with Lake Ann, it will be similar to their Glory Bowl. I'm very excited to see and hear how God has been working in their lives this week as it is hard to discuss such topics without a translator. We will also be announcing the team that has received the most points throughout the week. And we'll be having PIZZA for dinner! - which has us all very excited. Again, tomorrow the entire team will be coming to Lan House to check personal emails and will be able to call home or use Skype in order to touch base with all of you. We also have not heard from Thiago (He was an exchage student who lived with the Harreld's for two years) yet; we hope to see him while we are here.We miss and love you all and look forward to talking with you tomorrow!

In response to the comments... Mike and Carol - Yes that is corn on the hot dogs... they put peas and corn on lots of things! We are truly sorry that Mike didnt get the job. We will continue to pray for your encouragement and God's provision. We haven't seen the bus driver - Berto - this week because we only travel on weekends. We will be seeing him tomorrow so please keep him in your prayers.

Nathaniel - the cold showers are great! Just kidding. Some people have seen monkies but not many, and we certainly havent caught any!

7 comments:

Bill said...

Glad to see everyone is alive and well! May God bless ya'all and the campers too...

Shaloam,

Bill Newcomer

Anonymous said...

We have been so blessed and excited to see how the Lord is working in everyone's lives. You can see God's love on everyones faces. The hot dogs are unvailable!! Especially, for Ryan, since that is one of your favorite foods! Did you load it with ketchup like you do at home? Keep the pictures and comments coming. Also, Ryan I won't be home from work until almost 6 o'clock our time. I have to work.
God bless you all and keep looking for opportunities to share your faith and God's Love!

Love,
Mom, Mrs. Hall, Pam (which ever you prefer)

Anonymous said...

Hi everyone! It appears that you all are having a great time in Brazil and that you are making life long memories with each toher and with the campers! This blog is great! I love seeing pictures of all your activities- ecspecially the picture of the guys in the girls' clothing! It made me laugh out loud and accidentally spit on my dad, who, along with my mom, is also really enjoying the updates. Keep them coming! I miss you all and will see you on the 27th, after TLC!

Love,

Katie Farmer

David and Sharon Taylor said...

Thanks for a great week this past week. Your group is spiritually minded always willing to help, and I have not seen a bad attitude yet. This cannot be said of every group and you are to be commended. I am thankful for God's sovereignty in placing you here for these two weeks. May God grant you extra strength as we do this again for the kids. God bless you guys!

Pastor Dave

Marcelo Fonsêca said...

Deus esteja sempre abençoando este grupo que esteve conosco neste fim de semana na Igreja Batista Regular em Valentina. Foi muito edificante o estudo trazido por John Nixon, no livro de romanos 1: 17-19 x 3: 21-23.
A presença de voces ficará marcada em nossos corações ( mentes).

God bless you.

Marcelo Fonsêca said...

Deus esteja sempre abençoando este grupo que esteve conosco neste fim de semana na Igreja Batista Regular em Valentina. Foi muito edificante o estudo trazido por John Nixon, no livro de romanos 1: 17-19 x 3: 21-23.
A presença de voces ficará marcada em nossos corações ( mentes).

God bless you.

Anonymous said...

I echo the other reponses: I love seeing and hearing about your trip. I check during lunch at work and throughout the evening for the latest blog or comment. And since we have dial up service at home, that is no small matter. I am becoming a blog junkie! Please keep the pictures and narratives coming.

Kaase - Mom, Jake and Nathaniel are heading out to New Jersey on Thursday for a week to help out Aunt Cathy and Uncle Patrick with Papa. He is having trouble with his knee and needs alot of care. They won't be back until the 24th, but I plan to take a half day off to meet you when you get back. We all love you, miss you and look forward to seeing you and hearing about the trip when you return. Will you be wearing those new shorts that you modeled in the picture? They actually look just like the shorts that you wear around the house all the time :).

May God continue to work in and through all of you as you serve him this coming week and may you continue to accomplish all things through Christ - and may all the glory go to Him. And have a GREAT time.

We continue to pray for you and His work.

Love,
Danley Boer