Friday, July 16, 2010

Uquena (round 2), Congresso da Paz and more

A couple of weeks ago, I participated in a 2 day trip to PAZ's camp to help control the erosion at the beach and then back to the community of Uquena. Joining with fellow missionaries, Isaiah & Erin, Betty and Katie, we led a team from California and our 3 summer interns to do construction, children's programs and health clinics. The first 2 days, I worked in the health clinic translating for a doctor and physician's assistant. It was nice to have a change of pace and I really do enjoy translating. We saw a little boy that had a broken arm for several days and the team was able to get him set up with a sling to help until he could get to the city the next day. The last 2 days of the trip I led a team of young people in working in the local schoolhouse. In the morning we worked with children around 5 years old and in the afternoon with children ranging from 6-12. We put our brains together and came up with some lessons based off of crafts that one of the young girls prepared. One lesson we did how we are fearfully and wonderfully made and the children decorated their names. The other lesson we did was about the Lord being our Shepherd. The children made little sheep. Two of the evenings we did services and I was able to translate testimonies for a few team members. I praise the Lord constantly for the supernatural ability He has given me to speak Portuguese. To His glory, I have received numerous compliments on my Portuguese from Brazilians. It really is a blessing. The trip was wonderful and many people gave their lives to the Lord. This community has definitely grown a fond spot in my heart. It looks like I will be returning once again at the end of this month with another team.

July 2nd, 3rd and 4th was our annual Congresso da Paz. This is an evangelistic crusade held in our local soccer stadium. There were many healed and saved this year!!! Praise the Lord! For a more detailed story about this years Congresso, follow this link: Congresso da PAZ

Since the Congresso, I have been working on organizing and scheduling activities for Rebecca, Caroline and Corrine (summer interns), getting back involved with my cell group and church. I recently started a 5 month leadership course at church that meets every Thursday night. I am enjoying the course and excited about getting more involved. I am also very excited to have my FIRST family member visiting. My cousin Emmaline arrived yesterday to spend 3 weeks here with me. The next 3 weeks should be packed with working at camp, a boat trip and lots of adventure.

Quick story: For my class at church, we had a homework assignment to share the Gospel with someone using a bracelet with different colored beads that explain salvation. I was asked to share at a missionary kid's cell group with about 8-10 kids ranging in age from 5-12 or so. I shared and at the end had them bow their heads to give them the opportunity to ask Jesus into their hearts. Praise the Lord, every single one raised their hand to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior! God is good!

Thank you all for reading and praying! I appreciate you and would love to know how I can pray for you. Please feel free to leave a comment or email me with any prayer requests. Now enjoy some picture from the last few weeks!

The interns and me :)
Rebecca and I working out at camp
Translating for the health clinic
Precious


Let's go Brazil! In the middle of nowhere watching the World Cup using a generator...sooo much fun...and they won this game :)
Our home for about 4 days
With the younger children
With the older children
Two precious little boys!
Aline
Me and the local teacher
I love the kids!
Our team!
Hundreds giving their lives to Jesus
Big theatrical piece about the life of Joseph at the Congresso