Gabbie lends a helping hand to team member Blair Bullock.

Friday, August 13, 2010

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

Thursday, August 12, 2010

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

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

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

Why did I come?

People asked me why I wanted to come here. They wondered why I would risk all the negatives: the diseases, possible injury, contaminated water and crazed monkeys. I wondered why I wouldn't go. I wanted to help people, experience a culture I never had, exist in a place I didn't fully understand. But mostly there was the need to put myself out there for people I had never met.

Getting here was the tricky part of being part of the second week. We had a time to meet and drive to the airport to catch one of the 3 flights we had to take. The first was fine, but when we boarded for Atlanta, that's wen all hell broke loose. We waited on the plane for 2 hours while the crew looked for 8 bags to remove. This time was spent with no on air entertainment or food. At that moment I was glad I had bought that Milky Way and Cosmo. Jenna, Ryan and I took the Cosmo quizzes to pass the time and found deeper levels of our personality we hadn't known. (but not really). By the time we got to Brasilia, we had missed our flight and were stuck with two options: 3 hour flight to Manaus or 3 day bus trip. Since we leave Friday night, the bust trip seemed impractical. Bob got on the phone with Delta and let them have it while he was whisked away by a staff member of GOL airlines. The other 5 of us received help from a Brazilian woman who simply wanted to help us. But before we knew it (2 hours later), we had a flight booked by Bob and the GOL staff memeber. the 6 of us arrived to Manaus around 3:30. Some how through all the flying we all slept (there are pictures proving I can sleep anywhere), except Jenna. I'm still shocked and amazed. The longest day ever (I will call it Saturday) was capped off with me flooding our room with my shower. Regardless of anything negative I was having a ball and it has stayed that way through everything.

One of the biggest lessons I've learned here is: the work is hard. You'll wake up sore from the previous day and know you'll be sore again tomorrow. You'll get bruises and not be sure where or how you got them. You're never going to sweat more in your life. And you'll be asked to do work you've never done before. And it's all completely worth it because you'll never meet people more welcoming, more gracious and more eager to learn. They will love and accept you instantly just for being you. Already I have made friends with Gaby, my favorite 2 year old, become an English teacher, had my Space Jam t-shirt translated into Portuguese, given out and received email addresses and will have a new Facebook friend. I can't help but smile around these warm people. Their happiness is contagious. Being around them makes me realize why I never questioned my decision. If my small contribution can affect their lives for the better, I'm all in.

Liz McConville.

Trips to Brazil

Trips to Brazil are always full of surprises. Yesterday, Judy Hampton and I were treated to an impromptu tour of Manaus by Pastor Deonisio, and Luna, complete with fish markets, clothing boutiques, and coconut juice. It is entirely possible that Judy and I saw all 2 million people in Manaus on our 5 hour jaunt. It was mot edifying.

Not surprising is the weather here in Manaus. Unlike other aspects of our trip, the heat and humidity has been incredibly reliable. However, even that has an upside. I've always wondered whether it was physically possible to melt, and now I know: almost.

And of course, I am always surprised by the extent of the love and generosity shown to us by our Brazilian hosts. Sometimes our work seems like such a small offering to deserve the amount of gratitude and friendship that the Brazilians shower upon us. But these people have incredibly deep reservoirs of kindness to share, and just being here reminds us that we all have the capacity to live like that. The people here give us something to aspire to.

Today I started to paint a mural of the Shade and fresh Water Project logo. At least 50% of the paint ended up on the painting surface, so I consider today a success.

Tomorrow we all head out to see a bit of the Amazon on a boat. We have concocted several ways of smuggling home jungle animals, so no one should be surprised when we bring our new friends to church. Open minds, open hearts, open doors, right?

Jenna Cook

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

A World Away

Greetings! For team #2, or the Newbes, after a 24 hour plus travel experience through D.C., Atlanta, Brazilia and finally Manuas, we arrived to a veteran welcoming team glad to see us arrive. God provided us an angel in Brazilia through a lady who could barely speak English but reached out to help us get a flight to Manuas.


Our team is busy at work and construction is moving quickly. Today was a very productive day with floors being poured, walls going up, windows installed and so much concrete and mortar flowing, you just wouldn't believe. I came to Brazil on mission trips before and the loving nature of the Brazilians has not changed. They are so open, friendly and beautiful in spirit.
On Sunday night, we were blessed to attend a service in one of the areas outside Manuas. It was hot but the Word was taught, people baptized and a wonderful message was preached. Gordon, our missionary contact, helped interpret for some of us and we heard a powerful message about the question "What is your identity?" He was preaching about how we identify ourselves. His examples were money, possessions, our favorite sports team or wherever we chose to place our identity.

The last two days have been tiring but the Lord has provided the strength. I am not accustomed to construction work but God can use our willingness in a amazing way. If you have ever thought of a mission trip for yourself, I would strongly encourage it. One thing I can assure you of, you will be blessed beyond your expectations.

Written by Mark C!



Brazil in a Nutshell by David Hoefer


While walking through the slums of Manaus, I can´t help but think of the different stratospheres in which we live. Our differences of needs, wants, and dreams. As I have not had a chance to speak in depth with anyone from , I can't help but wonder what they dream of. A condo in Los Angeles? Job stability? A new car? XBox 360? A coach purse? A loaf of bread?

For many of the people in Manaus, luxuries are a dream, a fantasy. With us, they are a want or even in many cases, a need. When we first arrived, we were told that people from the United States were seen here as celebrities, movie stars...you get the idea. Does that mean we are a fantasy; something fictional and unobtainable? While walking through sewage drenched neighborhoods, I feel this way.

I'm not pointing fingers at anyone; the situation we are born into is not our choosing. But the differences I see are colossal. The world, physically, is huge. But our outlook on life, of every individual on this planet are much larger and make things much more complicated. I'm confused, but I also feel happy and sobered that I can witness the world as it truly is and not through a computer screen.
On a positive note, my experience thus far as been fantastic. Charming people, tasty food, new experiences. Manaus is a city I could live in for long periods of time. I feel safe, welcome, and wanted. We are accomplishing so much already. The kindness being passed through our work site is unbelievable --both of the team members and Brazilians.

Michael and I have forged relationships with the Brazilian youth. They are Christian kids who laugh at (slightly) dirty jokes, lament over lost family members, reach out for help when financial burdens are controlling their lives. In these basic tenants of life, we are the same. As human beings we share a foundation. I'm having a great time.

Greetings from Brasil!

Manaus is a bustling and vibrant city, and our mission team has displayed the same characteristics with much energy and enthusiasm for our work.

On Sunday, one of the Brazilian pastors took us for a tour in one of the "poorest of the poor" neighborhoods. The houses are built on the edge of the river, and are as close together as they can possibly be. Garbage is evident underneath the dwellings. The conditions are staggering and I found myself wondering if God had indeed forgotten these people (of course, I should have known better!) My question was shortly answered. The pastor invited a couple of our team into a home where we were warmly greeted by an elderly sick woman lying in a hammock. She stretched her hands out to us and greeted us as if we were angels. The pastor gathered her in his arms and prayed for her. Although I could not understand a word either of them said, it was obviously meaningful as tears streamed down the woman's face, and all I could think of was "surely the presence of the Lord is in this place." Please pray that we have a safe journey home and don't forget to pray for the Brazilian people who are so in need of our help. They have fed us physically with delicious food, and fed us spiritually with their gracious hospitality and warmth.

Judy Hampton.

August 9, 2010

Yesterday our new team members arrived after a long trip. We went to a different church last night.

It's always great to see people we met last year and meet new . Church last night was great. We witnessed about 16 new baptisms, some young and some elder. Great music. Today, Monday back to work. More bricks, mortar and concrete. It's hard for me to stop working and do devotions at 3pm. But Laura did a great job. She talked about getting out of our comfort zone. I told her for met to write a blog was mine.

God bless,

Jesse
p.s. Hi Linda!

Home

I am home now, and back at work. I miss Brazil, the heat, the work, the people. (My husband.)

I had a dream I was Teca Greathouse.
In my dream, I am working to end poverty and child suffering in Brazil, one small church and school at a time. I am endlessly patient, kind and enduring. I am traveling in a never ending mission to improve the lives of people all over my country, striving to give them the dignity that they (we) all deserve, in the most difficult of situations. I translate. I am a tour guide. I tell stories of catching Parana with my flip flops. I sell candy from my boat in the rain forest. The Rio Negro and the Amazon rivers swirl around in my dream--combining into one water, rather than running side by side.
I woke up exhausted and sweaty, not unlike a typical day on the Manaus job!

And while perhaps the Rio Negro and Amazon rivers will never really mix, God's hand has stirred up the hearts of these Brazilians and Americans with one central purpose. Walking hand-in-hand in love. I will never be a Teca Greathouse. But I do cherish my time working in the country she loves. Her work for God's love-- inspires my dreams. (But I sure could use a little more rest.) :)

Saturday, August 7, 2010

I don't want to go home yet!

I swam in the Rio Negro today! There were three concrete stairs that went straight into the water. Ben and I taught Ana Julia how to play Marco Polo. We had a lot of fun.

Back at the work site, most everyone was busy laying block in the front of the church. I couldn't help but smile when I saw Danitria and Erin teaching Gabby the the Chicken Dance. It was the cutest thing I've ever seen!

The church is not even close to being finished, but I find that it is more full of love than I've ever seen. I don't want to go home yet!!

Blair

Bring on the reserves

After one week in Manaus, the mission team will be receiving six new team members tomorrow. We depart this afternoon and should arrive tomorrow morning. I'm tasked with making sure we all arrive. . . and in one piece. Surely, the team has faith in God to trust me with this task!

This will be my first mission where I serve overnight, let alone involving international travel. As a result, the trip reminds me of my younger days and the excitement before the first day of school. I went to bed late last night considering the unknown adventures that await me. Then, to make the comparison complete, my Mom took a picture of me ready to go. Can someone let me know what age she stops taking pictures?

All jokes aside, I cannot wait to serve God in a new way. Throughout our daily lives we are touched by God, and hopefully, we are helping others to be touched by God. Part of the challenge of being a disciple is focusing on helping others experience and feel God's presence as we do. It is easy to forget this when we are caught up in our own lives. However, this trip brings a new opportunity to touch others in a different way. I am looking forward to that experience, reflecting on it when I return, and applying it to daily discipleship.

Blessings,

Ryan

Uninhibited kindness

The kindness we've encountered here has been almost unbelievable. As has been shared previosly, Luna went all out to celebrate David's birthday, insisting on baking the cake herself and orchestrating a display of balloons. But it hasn't just been folks through the church who have been kind to us. It seems that every time David and I go out to explore, we make a new friend. On Thursday evening, we spent 20 minutes on the landing outside of our room playing and singing for one of the hotel staff. I hope our team decides to bring this practice of uninhibited kindness home...prepare yourselves!!

Michael

Being tired has never felt so good

The end of the week is approaching, and the work we have been doing here is very gratifying. We are building a church where sermons will be preached, songs will be sung, children will learn and play, there will be food and fellowship, and lives will be changed through Jesus Christ.

Being tired has never felt so good before.

The team leaders and members have been wonderful. No agenda, just get the work done while we are building relationships with the Brazilian people.

We all want to thank the membership of AUMC for fully funding our Mission Projects drive. Part of that money has been used to purchase bricks, sand, gravel, mortar mix and other construction supplies. Without that monetary support, our purpose could not be obtained.

To see an empty lot just a year ago and now see the walls going up, roofing being completed, and a second floor and classrooms added, shows that everyday people can do amazing things.

Blessings,

Gary

Friday, August 6, 2010

A trip on the river

Today we went on a trip down the Amazon to the meeting of the waters. I literally saw two colors of river -- brown and black. We also went through the jungle.

This trip was amazing. I couldn't believe that I actually touched the Amazon River and rain forest. That was my day!

Ben

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

I'm dirty, sweaty and hot - and it's splendid!

I don't think I've ever been dirtier, sweatier or hotter at the same time. So today was splendid! All this work by so many people for such a wonderful purpose - I am so thankful to be a part of this mission team. Two people I met in Mozambique in June 2009. All the others are so very kind and friendly. Getting acquainted with your church was one of those "God coincidences" for me. As always, it has been a marvelous experience.

We poured a lot of concrete today - into foundation footings, onto flat new floors and out of pointed tubes into tall columns. Windows were painted, tile was grouted and bricks were mortared. Our Brazilian coworkers are dynamos of energy. It's impressive and humbling.

The people of Annandale UMC should be very proud of all on this team. And, again, I thank you for the opportunity to share in this loving service to the people of Brasil.

Don Skillman
Helena, MT

Making progress

Our third day on the job and more heat, humidity and hard work pouring concrete and laying block. But we are making tremendous progress on the church, and it is an incredible experience to be a part of the team that is helping to make the dreams of the people of Santa Etelvina a reality.

I have to confess, I wasn't prepared for the high humidity, which at times seems suffocating to me. But the people here are obviously used to it. There is a bustle and rhythm to this city of 2 million that is amazing. This morning we toured the fish market, with dozens and dozens of different kinds of fresh fish from the Amazon and Rio Negro Rivers. The market was teeming with workers and buyers and the streets were alive with vendors -- many of whom hand-carry their wares in carts and on their backs, competing with cars and buses for space on the roads. We have ridden in several cabs, and the traffic here rivals the bustle of New York, Chicago or Europe. Can you say adrenaline!

We always say that the key to a successful mission trip is flexibility. This morning, we had to reform the concrete foundation for the classrooms we are building because it was not level. But such is life when working on these projects. You learn to roll with punches. By the afternoon, the new concrete is poured, as well as one of the floors.

My roommate this week is Don Skillman of Helena, Montana, who is an infectious diseases doctor. That's a pretty handy skill to have in the Amazon, so we have been quizzing him about malaria and other tropical maladies. Luckily, malaria is very rare here.

It has been great getting to know Don and welcoming him to our team. It is another beautiful byproduct of mission work -- making friendships with people all over the world who are committed to serving others.

Jay

A joy and a privilege to be here

After completing our second day of hard (but fun) labor, everyone is a bit tired and sore, but I think it’s a good tired and a good sore. Our team seems to be jelling very nicely, and everyone seems to be finding many places to fit.

Today was extra special because it was David Hoefer’s birthday. So the door to his room was decorated; we all sang Happy Birthday as he walked into breakfast; and we sang several times throughout the day. Pastor Luna, the new pastor at Sata Etelvina, made a wonderful cake, after having cooked all day for our incredible lunch. I don’t think David really knew how to handle the attention, but I think he truly enjoyed it.

One of my personal highlights is seeking so many people that we met last year. Gabriella (age 3), the most photographed child in the Amazon, and Julio, her big brother (age 5), have grown so much. Gabby loves to help work. Today she was carrying blocks, and yesterday she was sweeping the floor. She takes her work very seriously!

Ana Julia is one of my favorites. She is a beautiful 13-year-old who helps on the projects in the kitchen but still seems to be the Ping-Pong champion. She also gives great hugs. She is so bright. I hope she has the opportunity to go to college, but I know her family has very little money. She is a big part of why the Shade and Fresh Water Project is so important. Even if she doesn’t get all the education she deserves, she will make a difference; and I think her involvement in the church and program will make that possible.

What a joy and privilege it is to be here – despite being tired and sore. It is truly a blessing.

Erin

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Brazil 2010 Week 1 Team thanks God for a safe trip

We have many hands

This morning we woke with a few aches and pains. After our first full day of work yesterday, as described previously, there is a ton of work to do here. But we have many hands to pitch in, and it always seems that the work gets done. The work seems quite substantial in that we are building a church. The foundation, footings, blocks and bricks will be here for a very long time. Everyone was in high spirits yesterday, and we had a good day.

The hotel we are staying in has many problems with the elevator. Most of us are on the 10th, 11th or 12th floors, so that part isn't much fun. But, oh well... We have been treated extremely well by our hosts and don't seem to have much trouble communicating as our missionary team of Gordon and Teca Greathouse are with us constantly. Being a part of building God's house is a wonderful and humbling experience.

Mark

Monday, August 2, 2010

It's Amazing!

This is amazing! Being back in Manaus, Brazil, and seeing our friends from last year. The people are compassionate, caring and giving. Today was our first day on the work site. It begins very chaotic, with seeing what the jobs for us are, finding our own niche, getting organized and getting the rhythm of working together. Everyone began different jobs, but we found that everyone had a place where they belonged.

It was very hot, and soon we felt as though we had been swimming. We worked hard but had plenty of breaks and water. Some worked on laying bricks for the second story of the church, which will be an apartment for the pastor. Some moved old boards and organized lumber to be used later. Some began working on a shed in the back yard for storage. And some moved a truckload of sand and gravel that was poured outside the doorway and had to be brought inside. A chain was formed and moved quickly to get the gravel and sand three-fourths done (shoveled into buckets and passed along to where it needed to be).

All worked hard. And we knew God was present and had brought us to this church by looking into the eyes of the children there for the Shade and Fresh Water Project. They have such beautiful, bright, cheerful smiles and eyes that sparkle -- and they melt your heart. And the men worked along side of us, and the women and pastor prepared a delicious lunch for us.

The week is starting off fantastic, with a great team and terrific friends and the church. God has truly blessed us. Can't wait to see what new challenges and opportunities there are to serve our Lord in Brazil.

Blessing to all,

Pat

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Sunday night service

Worship in Brazil is a very special experience -- how blessed we were to spend our first evening at church! The service we attended at Cenro, the main Methodist Church in Manaus, began with praising and singing, rich voices, wonderful musicians and much clapping and swaying.

Dionesio, the district superintendent for the mission conference of Manaus, is a powerful speaker! Using the story of the widow in 1st Kings, he spoke of suffering and God's redemptive powers. Through storytelling and dramatic reenactment he conveyed (and Gordon translated) how we are always trying to hide our faults, our sin, but only by allowing Jesus into our hearts can we begin with His help to work through these things, and grow closer to Him.

The service last two-and-one-half hours, during which people moved about but stayed connected to Dionesio's charismatic presence. Dionesio has great vision for what is possible with God's help and is quite a force. They held a Vacation Bible School just recently, and 286 children attended with 73 volunteers -- amazing! I can't wait to get to know the families and the children of Santa Etelvina where we will be working! Our day begins early tomorrow, so I will say Boa Noite!

Molly

Going, going, going...Here!

The lights of the runway guided us into Manaus as we embark on a new adventure. A shower and a little sleep were a welcome relief for all. Our first full day in Brazil was slower-paced than the rest of the week is anticipated being. Driving over to the work site was exciting for all -- some seeing the progress over the past year and others seeing the new project for the first time. One thing of great excitement for me personally is the anticipation of God's mighty hand in the work/ministry, the relationships and friendships and how the spirit of God will change us.

God is Good ALL the time AND all the time God is Good!

In his presence,

Laura Anderson
First United Methodist Church
Charlottesville

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Off we go to Brazil!

The excitement of a new mission trip begins!! In just a few short days (we’re leaving Saturday, July 31), our mission team will be boarding a plane at Reagan National and flying to Manaus, Brazil, for two weeks of work on the Shade and Fresh Water program sponsored by the Virginia Conference and the Methodist Church in Brazil. We’ll be working on a construction project at Santa Etelvina Church along the Amazon, just a few degrees south of the Equator. Can you say “hot”?!

Many in our group—comprised mostly of members of Annandale UMC in Annandale, Va., and New Hanover Presbyterian Church in Mechanicsville, Va.—were in Manaus last year to help with this important program for at-risk children. This year, we will continue construction on classrooms, bathrooms, a kitchen and a parsonage. We’ll be doing mostly concrete work—mixing, pouring, building foundations and laying block.

While I have been to Fortaleza to work on that city’s Shade and Fresh Water program, I have not been to Manaus. I am looking forward to going and especially spending time with the people of Brazil, who are incredibly friendly, loving and always appreciative of our work! Over the last few years, we have made many lasting friendships with the local Brazilians who work on these projects. We all look forward to interacting with the children, assisting in the after-school programs and sharing our love for Christ with the people we encounter.

Our trip is divided into two, one-week segments. We have 23 team members altogether, eight of whom will be staying for the full two weeks, and the rest of us going either the first or second week. Our team leader is Erin McKenney, and our construction leaders are Mark Bradley and Jesse Atkinson. We have a mix of newbies and old hands, young and old, from across Virginia and as far away as Montana.

We hope you will follow us on this blog as we strive to fulfill God’s calling for us in Manaus. We will post new information daily (depending on our ability to get an Internet connection), so be sure to sign up to “follow” us and feel free to make comments.

Jay