Today was our last day in Brazil. It has been an amazing and wonderful experience again. I truly love being here and always have a hard time when it’s time to leave – despite how tired I truly am.

Our group(s) have been incredible, ranging from age 12 to 77. Everyone worked so hard, was so cooperative and flexible (number one requirement on a mission trip!); Twenty-three individuals who truly gelled into a team. It has been a privilege to serve with every one of them.

Different from last year, we stayed downtown. This has given us the opportunity to roam a bit, whether for a late night stroll for sorvete (ice cream), or to visit various shops. One of our new friends, Bruna, has become almost part of our group as she has traveled with us from the work site each day. She has hosted Michael and David to several different activities so they have had a chance to experience some things away from the team.

Gordon and Teca Greathouse have been wonderful hosts, translators, counselors and friends. They have been patient with us and helped us in many ways. One of the best parts of coming to Brazil year after year is having the opportunity to spend time with Teca and/or Gordon. This year we had both. If all Methodist Missionaries are like Teca and Gordon, the United Methodist Church is in good hands.

Since this is our second year working at the same location, we have had the chance to see the transformation from a small building (10’x30’) into a large facility with a sanctuary and classrooms. While the work is not done, our group and several others in between have made a significant impact. But it is also important to note what the local folks have done. In between the visits from Volunteer in Mission teams, they have been able to complete a new kitchen, add bathrooms, and many other things. So they are certainly not waiting around for someone to come do it for them. They actively own this church and it’s parts.

Finally, our Brazilian friends… what can I say. It was so hard to say good-bye. I have truly come to love these people. They are so gracious and loving. They are excellent examples of radical hospitality. But mostly, they have become our friends and our family here in Brazil. We are blessed to know them. They are making a difference in the Santa Etelvina community and we have left a small piece of our hearts here as well.

Thank you for your support and prayers. We travel home late tonight.

A special day

Today was a very special day for me. The Lord had convicted me to come on this mission trip through his servant missionaries, Teca and Gordon Greathouse, serving in Brazil. They presented a program at my church this past winter on the program “Shade and Fresh Water”, which provides a safe place after school for the children, and today was the day that we got to participate in one of these programs at a church. This morning was another one of building a church. (I have been painting 2 iron doors with grill work – detail work.)

This afternoon was one of building relationships. The children of Manaus laughed at and with us. We decorated caps. We sang songs in English and Portuguese. We played games and gave out toys and hugs. The Brazilians are so appreciative of all we do for them.

This evening was a special night out at the “all you can eat” pizza place, and Ryan ate all he could eat!

I’m truly sorry to have to leave tomorrow, Friday. All of my experiences have been great – getting to know new people and a new country.

Thank you Lord for blessing me and for providing for me throughout this trip.

Bess Kirk

Stretching ourselves with God's help

And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. - Matthew 14:28-29

We are each called by God to serve as disciples -- sharing our love and individual gifts and reaching out to others. In doing so, we must stretch ourselves (by getting out of the boat) and trust that God will always be with us. For some on the team that has meant being on our first mission trip, our first airplane ride, not knowing who our roommates will be, leaving family behind, or wondering what construction work we may be asked to do and feeling like we can't do it. We've carried blocks, bags of mortar, buckets of water up steep steps to the rooftop. We've mixed cement, made forms, poured foundations and floors, shoveled sand and gravel and learned how to lay block to build walls. All things that many of us never did before, and yet we were able to accomplish them with God's help.

What a wonderful experience it was to see members of our team reunite with friends made last year, exchange warm hugs and to see our team youth make friends with the youth of the church in a ping-pong game shortly after our first visit to the job site. God was surely at work in so many ways, even in the simple giving of a lifesaver by a team member reuniting with one of our Manaus friends.

In answering God’s call to serve as disciples and to share our love in building Santa Etelvina Church, much work has been accomplished, amazing hospitality has been given and received, friends have reunited and new friendships have been made. It has been an amazing blessing for me to be a part of the team!

Debbie

Today, most of our group toured the Amazon Rainforest. What an experience! I never thought I would have an opportunity in my life to see a rainforest.

Even thought today was our "tourist day", it was a time for reflection. Part of my reflection today focused on how I will describe my trip to others when I return.

Leading up to the Mission, many people could not understand why I would spend my only week of vacation this summer working. A few times I wondered whether I made the right decision. Of course, now I have no doubt I made the right decision. My question is " when can I do this again?"

When I return, I can explain to others that in many ways the mission resembled what others would do on a vacation. We had a lot of fun, I enjoyed the company of new and old friends, and we helped each other feel and spread God's love. The main difference from vacation was that we worked during the day. I found the work very fulfilling and further, I think others who have not served on a mission would feel the same. I encourage those of you who are still reading this to consider serving on a mission (or another).

Sincerely,
Ryan Witkowski
"Senhor legal" (Mr. Cool)

p.s. If any of you meet my new friend Mark Carlton, ask him about the "Anaconda story."

Goof off day

Today is a "goof off" day for me. Taking a "boat" trip up the Rio Negro to the meeting of the Amazon River. The Rio Negro is wide and deep with a depth change of 60 feet from wet season to dry. They say there is more water in the Rio Negro/Amazon than the next eight rivers combined. Nice breeze on the river as long as you are moving. We have all been working hard here in Brazil and the break is OK. We have two more days to work to build the church and school. We have new members this week to replace those that left. We have accomplished an amazing amount of work so far. Real progress. The Brazilian people we have met so far are very gracious and kind. Its ok to visit, but too hot and humid even for an old DC boy. Leave a light burning in the window.

John "VoVo" Rogerson