Today is another beautiful day. It's almost 90 degrees, 32C, sunny and breezy. Last night I went to bed the earliest I have in weeks, before midnight, so this morning I woke up bright and early. I think that was a miracle, but a good decision. The past two days have been nice and slow for me, which is definitely the way I work best. I had a calm and quiet breakfast, read a little in the morning, and then sat down with Gwen to clear up a few more questions and just general do's and don't's of my time here and cultural things in Brazil.
After that I decided to make my way out into town. I needed to mail a few letters and buy stamps for more, so I found out where the post office was and the paper store. It was a nice little walk, and I think I'm really going to like living in the city where everything you need is a few blocks away. I walked past a park and a quiet sitting area, one of which was overhung with palm trees and other tropical looking plants. Sometimes I forget I'm in Brazil, despite the constant Portuguese...I also realized on my walk that I live across the street from a pet store. That would explain the constant barking of small dogs. Maybe tomorrow or another day I will explore more and check out the supermarket, learn how to walk to church and the office, etc. It's all very close by and Gwen usually drives, but I'm a fan of using the ole legs, so it will be nice to know how to get around a little more independently.
This afternoon Vanda came over and we had to finish making some invitations to a women's tea at the church. This involved lots of cutting and glueing and glittering. My thumb lost feeling a little after using the scissors for hours on end, but they turned out nicely. I've still been sitting and listening to conversations, sometimes piping in with the name of a movie or something but I still have no idea what to say. I'm collecting new words every day, and I'm beginning to anticipate the time when I'll be able to do more than answer questions with one word.
I guess on Friday nights some people from the church come over to play games, like Mexican Train Dominos or Dutch Blitz. I should probably warn them of my speedy skills with the latter, but I don't think I'm going to.
Tomorrow morning we're going to the mall to meet another one of the American missionaries, and then during the afternoon and evening we're going to an adolescents meeting and a youth service. Gwen was explaining that when Brazilians refer to youth ("jovens") they really mean anyone who is out of school, under 40, and not married. So that could be a wide range of people and a really good opportunity to meet people and ::ahem:: practice my Portuguese, as always. For one of the services, I think the adolescents, I've been asked to share my testimony of what brought me to Brazil. I'm assuming someone will translate for me so I can be free to tell the whole story. I'm excited about that because it's something I always love to share, and I hope it helps people get to know me and understand better why I really do feel God has me here.
It should be great, I'm really looking forward to that and to the opportunity to form some new friendships and get out a little more! I'm starting to get stir-crazy in the apartment, even though I'm friends with the cat now. She batted at my leg this morning when I walked by. I guess that's a good sign.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Settling In
Life in Londrina is starting to feel a little bit more natural...just a little bit, but it's progress. I'm beginning to get a bit of schedule. Of course I still won't know until after I begin taking Portuguese classes what my days will really be like, but for now it looks like I will go to the seminary office with Gwen in the mornings and help her wherever she needs me. She's the treasurer for the seminary and has been a little behind on the books, so I'm sure there is a lot I can do to help. During the afternoons, she comes home so I will do that with her and I'm not sure exactly what I will usually do during that time. Maybe go to class, maybe not...almost every evening has an activity, whether it is a prayer meeting at church or the seminary, etc.
Last night I went to the Wednesday night service at Igreja Missionario Central. (Central Missionary Church.) It was so great to be there. To me, it felt like a combination of the size and community of Cross and Crown, combined with a little of the style of Heart and Soul. We sang a lot of songs I knew, in Portuguese, which was a lot of fun. I love to practice my pronounciation in singing, it's a little bit more forgiving and easy to hide behind. ; ) I met a few more nice people, and Pastor Jhonatas asked me to sing for communion on Sunday. My voice is still recovering from my cold, but I hope to be better in time to do that. I can't wait to get involved with music. That is always a place where I feel like I belong.
This morning I went with Fran Noah to WEBB, the language institute. I sat in on an English class and talked with the director about opportunities for me to study. Hopefully I will begin that in the next week or two. I'm really anxious to be in a classroom setting, learning Portuguese. That will be a huge help to the skills I already have, and I'm starting to realize how graceful God has been to enable me to understand as much as I already do. We also discussed the possibility of me teaching a conversation class or two, as they will need some help in October. I'm not sure if I will be available for that, it's up to Gwen and others here with OMS, but it would be a great opportunity. After class I went to Fran's house for lunch to get to know each other a little. That was wonderful, and I look forward to getting to know the rest of the missionaries here soon. I guess I'll see them all by Monday during the weekly prayer meeting.
This afternoon was the biggest blessing, and I had time to myself. I have really needed that as my introverted nature was beginning to scream at me to squirrel myself away somewhere to think. I sat on the porch in the sun (thankfully it hit 80 degrees here today...finally!) and wrote in my journal about the last few days of my time at Lar and my first few days here with OMS. The sun was shining today and that always helps me feel a little bit better about life. Today I felt great about everything I'm doing and beginning.
At times I'm sure I'll be lonely, because it's just me and Gwen here and I have yet to meet someone my age who speaks a word of English. But it will be good for me to really have to learn Portuguese as a result. It's amazing to have the internet and still be able to be so in touch with people. I also talked with Alex on the phone today for over an hour, which was so great. I'm glad she won't stop bothering me with her persistant phone calls. : )
You can be praying for my continued recovery...I've felt a lot better today, and I hope that only continues. Also pray for me as I'm meeting people and getting used to the city and the schedule, etc. There are a lot of adjustments to make, but I can say: so far, so good!
Love to you all!
Last night I went to the Wednesday night service at Igreja Missionario Central. (Central Missionary Church.) It was so great to be there. To me, it felt like a combination of the size and community of Cross and Crown, combined with a little of the style of Heart and Soul. We sang a lot of songs I knew, in Portuguese, which was a lot of fun. I love to practice my pronounciation in singing, it's a little bit more forgiving and easy to hide behind. ; ) I met a few more nice people, and Pastor Jhonatas asked me to sing for communion on Sunday. My voice is still recovering from my cold, but I hope to be better in time to do that. I can't wait to get involved with music. That is always a place where I feel like I belong.
This morning I went with Fran Noah to WEBB, the language institute. I sat in on an English class and talked with the director about opportunities for me to study. Hopefully I will begin that in the next week or two. I'm really anxious to be in a classroom setting, learning Portuguese. That will be a huge help to the skills I already have, and I'm starting to realize how graceful God has been to enable me to understand as much as I already do. We also discussed the possibility of me teaching a conversation class or two, as they will need some help in October. I'm not sure if I will be available for that, it's up to Gwen and others here with OMS, but it would be a great opportunity. After class I went to Fran's house for lunch to get to know each other a little. That was wonderful, and I look forward to getting to know the rest of the missionaries here soon. I guess I'll see them all by Monday during the weekly prayer meeting.
This afternoon was the biggest blessing, and I had time to myself. I have really needed that as my introverted nature was beginning to scream at me to squirrel myself away somewhere to think. I sat on the porch in the sun (thankfully it hit 80 degrees here today...finally!) and wrote in my journal about the last few days of my time at Lar and my first few days here with OMS. The sun was shining today and that always helps me feel a little bit better about life. Today I felt great about everything I'm doing and beginning.
At times I'm sure I'll be lonely, because it's just me and Gwen here and I have yet to meet someone my age who speaks a word of English. But it will be good for me to really have to learn Portuguese as a result. It's amazing to have the internet and still be able to be so in touch with people. I also talked with Alex on the phone today for over an hour, which was so great. I'm glad she won't stop bothering me with her persistant phone calls. : )
You can be praying for my continued recovery...I've felt a lot better today, and I hope that only continues. Also pray for me as I'm meeting people and getting used to the city and the schedule, etc. There are a lot of adjustments to make, but I can say: so far, so good!
Love to you all!
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
In Londrina
After two wonderful weeks at Lar Batista, I am now at the place where I will be spending most of my time in Brazil. I'm sitting in Gwen's (and my) apartment, hearing bells from a church nearby telling me that it is 12:00. I got to sleep in this morning, which was great considering I still have a cold and Joaquim and I arrived here at 4:15am on Tuesday.
We left Assis Chateaubriand at 10:45 Monday night, and I still wasn't feeling too sad or anticipating anything too much, probably because he was still with me. We spent a short night on the bus and met Gwen and Pastor Jhonatis at the bus terminal, went back to the apartment, and slept some more.
In the morning (the later morning) we had some breakfast, relaxed, and then eventually went out to see the seminary, the church, meet a few people, etc. Pastor Jhonatis came over for lunch and I was glad to have Joaquim with me and to see them all talking and getting to know each other...unfortunately I still wasn't really able to participate in that, due to my nonexistant Portuguese, and Pastor Jhonatis doesn't speak English, but it was great to see them all talking. We spent the afternoon watching some tv, I took a little nap, and just relaxed some more.
That night we went to a class for people who are either new Christians or are just interested in learning more about Christianity. It was the fifth week of the class and was really interesting to see how their study approached Christianity in a simple and clear way. Joaquim and I just sat in and listened, and it was strange to think that I'll probably be back to that class a few times. Not saying goodbye here for a while...
After class there was a sad goodbye as Gwen and I dropped Joaquim off at the bus terminal. 4 hours used to seem like nothing when I was in the US and he was in Brazil, but it will be a new and difficult adjustment once again. I'm sure I'll be thankful for that bus in the weeks to come. Pastor Jhonatis told Joaquim he was welcome to stay at his place any time, which is great of course.
So I returned "home" with Gwen, and the reality of my situation began to hit me. I'm in Londrina, a city of over 600,000 that has only been cloudy the last two days, I still have a cold, I still have a lot of questions, and I still desperately wish I could just start speaking Portuguese.
One shining bit of hope is Celia, who comes to the apartment on Tuesdays and Fridays to do some housework. She is so sweet and I can see her being the best help to me in learning Portuguese and learning my way around the kitchen. I can't even turn on a burner on the stove, I have no idea how it works. It's ridiculous, to say the least.
The biggest hope in all of this is the strange but wonderful feeling that I'm exactly where I need to be. It's also not quite where I would like to be, as it's a little too far from Joaquim, it's a little too gray and cloudy, and I'm a little too Portuguese handicapped. It's hard, to put it simply. But in my mind that only solidifies the fact that it's good. As I lay in bed last night, completely exhausted emotionally and physically, I could only sense that God was just waiting for me to get over it and start to realize that I was totally safe and in the center of His will.
The rest of today I'm just staying in, unpacking, and continuing to get my life together a little bit. Tomorrow Fran Noah is picking me up in the morning to take me to the English class she teaches, so I will get to see around the language school a little bit. If I'm correct (and who knows about that...) I will be taking Portuguese classes there, 15 hours a week. Needless to say, I can't wait for that to start!
I'll post some pictures soon of my apartment, etc. For now there are still two suitcases in my room that I have to go deal with...
We left Assis Chateaubriand at 10:45 Monday night, and I still wasn't feeling too sad or anticipating anything too much, probably because he was still with me. We spent a short night on the bus and met Gwen and Pastor Jhonatis at the bus terminal, went back to the apartment, and slept some more.
In the morning (the later morning) we had some breakfast, relaxed, and then eventually went out to see the seminary, the church, meet a few people, etc. Pastor Jhonatis came over for lunch and I was glad to have Joaquim with me and to see them all talking and getting to know each other...unfortunately I still wasn't really able to participate in that, due to my nonexistant Portuguese, and Pastor Jhonatis doesn't speak English, but it was great to see them all talking. We spent the afternoon watching some tv, I took a little nap, and just relaxed some more.
That night we went to a class for people who are either new Christians or are just interested in learning more about Christianity. It was the fifth week of the class and was really interesting to see how their study approached Christianity in a simple and clear way. Joaquim and I just sat in and listened, and it was strange to think that I'll probably be back to that class a few times. Not saying goodbye here for a while...
After class there was a sad goodbye as Gwen and I dropped Joaquim off at the bus terminal. 4 hours used to seem like nothing when I was in the US and he was in Brazil, but it will be a new and difficult adjustment once again. I'm sure I'll be thankful for that bus in the weeks to come. Pastor Jhonatis told Joaquim he was welcome to stay at his place any time, which is great of course.
So I returned "home" with Gwen, and the reality of my situation began to hit me. I'm in Londrina, a city of over 600,000 that has only been cloudy the last two days, I still have a cold, I still have a lot of questions, and I still desperately wish I could just start speaking Portuguese.
One shining bit of hope is Celia, who comes to the apartment on Tuesdays and Fridays to do some housework. She is so sweet and I can see her being the best help to me in learning Portuguese and learning my way around the kitchen. I can't even turn on a burner on the stove, I have no idea how it works. It's ridiculous, to say the least.
The biggest hope in all of this is the strange but wonderful feeling that I'm exactly where I need to be. It's also not quite where I would like to be, as it's a little too far from Joaquim, it's a little too gray and cloudy, and I'm a little too Portuguese handicapped. It's hard, to put it simply. But in my mind that only solidifies the fact that it's good. As I lay in bed last night, completely exhausted emotionally and physically, I could only sense that God was just waiting for me to get over it and start to realize that I was totally safe and in the center of His will.
The rest of today I'm just staying in, unpacking, and continuing to get my life together a little bit. Tomorrow Fran Noah is picking me up in the morning to take me to the English class she teaches, so I will get to see around the language school a little bit. If I'm correct (and who knows about that...) I will be taking Portuguese classes there, 15 hours a week. Needless to say, I can't wait for that to start!
I'll post some pictures soon of my apartment, etc. For now there are still two suitcases in my room that I have to go deal with...
Friday, August 24, 2007
Today began with a bit of a funny feeling in my throat. Maybe I'm about to get a cold, and at the moment I just feel like sleeping for a few hours...but as I wrote in my journal and listened to "Ain't no Mountain High Enough" for a bit in the foyer of the guest house, I started to feel better. Then I heard my name being chanted, "ChrisCHEENee, ChrisCHEENee!"and looked up to see about 5 children running up the steps to the guest house and bursting through the doors. Joao Paulo and Veridiana pulled me out the door, and Ingrid looked at my shyly and handed me a piece of paper. As I "unwrapped" it, I saw it was a beautiful picture of a fairy that she had colored for me, and she signed her name. SO sweet!
...After I hugged her and gave her a kiss on the cheek, I was informed that she was sick with a fever, thus making my concerns about my own health that much more founded. Whoops. So please pray whatever my body is fighting just passes over quickly and I can be feeling 100% soon! I would hate to be sick for my last 4 days here with Joaquim and I would hate to be sick for my first few days in Londrina...so basically, I really can't be sick.
This afternoon I hope to grab a quick nap and relax so I can hopefully get over this funny little bug. Speaking of bugs, when I woke up this morning there was an ant right next to my face and a bee buzzing around my head. Ai ai ai. I've also had many encounters with lizards in my bathroom, and I'm sure they won't be the last. As long as they keep their things away from my things, I guess we can live in peace...
...After I hugged her and gave her a kiss on the cheek, I was informed that she was sick with a fever, thus making my concerns about my own health that much more founded. Whoops. So please pray whatever my body is fighting just passes over quickly and I can be feeling 100% soon! I would hate to be sick for my last 4 days here with Joaquim and I would hate to be sick for my first few days in Londrina...so basically, I really can't be sick.
This afternoon I hope to grab a quick nap and relax so I can hopefully get over this funny little bug. Speaking of bugs, when I woke up this morning there was an ant right next to my face and a bee buzzing around my head. Ai ai ai. I've also had many encounters with lizards in my bathroom, and I'm sure they won't be the last. As long as they keep their things away from my things, I guess we can live in peace...
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Audio Settings
Last night I watched a movie with Joaquim's sister Raquel while he was at work for a couple hours. We were trying to find a way to work the subtitles and the audio so we could both understand what we were seeing. Both were in Portuguese, but after a few clicks of the remote control, suddenly the girl on the screen started speaking English, and it was like a breath of fresh air. I've been feeling the past couple days like I could really use an audio switch on my brain so I could just select "Portuguese" and everything would be fine.
I've been able to at least figure out what is going on in conversations, but it's hard to have nothing to contribute, and to only respond with awkward facial expressions and/or 2 words when someone addresses me. Being a person who has always found words important, not being able to use them is frustrating, to say the least.
It's great to be here, but I'm starting to look forward to figuring out how to live on my own in Brazil. There are small differences in life here that are nothing but intimidating to me at the moment, because I have no way to figure things out for myself. I'm ready to be on my own to test the waters of Brazilian life!
We'll see what the future holds...until then, I really am enjoying the present, that's for sure!
I've been able to at least figure out what is going on in conversations, but it's hard to have nothing to contribute, and to only respond with awkward facial expressions and/or 2 words when someone addresses me. Being a person who has always found words important, not being able to use them is frustrating, to say the least.
It's great to be here, but I'm starting to look forward to figuring out how to live on my own in Brazil. There are small differences in life here that are nothing but intimidating to me at the moment, because I have no way to figure things out for myself. I'm ready to be on my own to test the waters of Brazilian life!
We'll see what the future holds...until then, I really am enjoying the present, that's for sure!
Monday, August 20, 2007
Days 2, 3...etc.
Well, the weekend came and went, and it was too busy to update, not that I'm complaining. : )
Thursday I went out with Joaquim to buy rings. In Brazil, if you're dating someone, you wear a silver ring on the ring finger of your right hand. So, naturally, we needed said rings. That was great, and it has continually been good to be spending time with him. Later that night we had passion fruit juice with dinner, and about 30 minutes later, I was totally exhausted. I fell asleep watching tv, and wasn't sure why, considering it was only 9:30 and it should have felt like 7:30 for me...then I was informed that passion fruit juice tends to make people feel drowsy. And because I'd never had it before, it really did a number on me, I could hardly keep my eyes open. Whoops.
The weather has been a little chilly. There's lots of burning leaves, so the chill in the air and that smell combined really makes it feel like fall. It's winter here, but I feel like I should be seeing Thanksgiving decorations and hearing football on tv. Weird. Then I realize that when it IS time for Thanksgiving, it will be really hot here, and there will be no talk of pilgrims. Fine with me, but just funny.
This weekend was relaxing, with a visit to the farm, to the party in Assis Chateaubriand, I saw Joaquim's work on Friday, and went with him Saturday night to sell tickets for the party, and generally just had a nice few days. It's hard to believe I left almost a week ago. It feels both longer and shorter since then...Also hard to believe that I only have a week left here. Ai ai ai...it'll be hard to be away again.
I've also been understanding a lot more Portuguese, day by day. It's wonderful because being the only one not involved in a conversation is frustrating to say the least. And Joaquim can only spend so much time translating for me. So I've been glad to be able to at least know a little bit of what is being talked about. I even laughed at a joke in church yesterday. Joaquim kind of looked at me like "Wow, you understood that??" So, hopefully when I start learning some more grammatical things in class, etc, I'll be able to really learn quickly. I really hope, at least.
Well, I wish I had more to say, but though life is great, it's been pretty calm and normal as well. I'll try to update again tomorrow, sorry for being MIA for a few days.
Love to everyone!
Thursday I went out with Joaquim to buy rings. In Brazil, if you're dating someone, you wear a silver ring on the ring finger of your right hand. So, naturally, we needed said rings. That was great, and it has continually been good to be spending time with him. Later that night we had passion fruit juice with dinner, and about 30 minutes later, I was totally exhausted. I fell asleep watching tv, and wasn't sure why, considering it was only 9:30 and it should have felt like 7:30 for me...then I was informed that passion fruit juice tends to make people feel drowsy. And because I'd never had it before, it really did a number on me, I could hardly keep my eyes open. Whoops.
The weather has been a little chilly. There's lots of burning leaves, so the chill in the air and that smell combined really makes it feel like fall. It's winter here, but I feel like I should be seeing Thanksgiving decorations and hearing football on tv. Weird. Then I realize that when it IS time for Thanksgiving, it will be really hot here, and there will be no talk of pilgrims. Fine with me, but just funny.
This weekend was relaxing, with a visit to the farm, to the party in Assis Chateaubriand, I saw Joaquim's work on Friday, and went with him Saturday night to sell tickets for the party, and generally just had a nice few days. It's hard to believe I left almost a week ago. It feels both longer and shorter since then...Also hard to believe that I only have a week left here. Ai ai ai...it'll be hard to be away again.
I've also been understanding a lot more Portuguese, day by day. It's wonderful because being the only one not involved in a conversation is frustrating to say the least. And Joaquim can only spend so much time translating for me. So I've been glad to be able to at least know a little bit of what is being talked about. I even laughed at a joke in church yesterday. Joaquim kind of looked at me like "Wow, you understood that??" So, hopefully when I start learning some more grammatical things in class, etc, I'll be able to really learn quickly. I really hope, at least.
Well, I wish I had more to say, but though life is great, it's been pretty calm and normal as well. I'll try to update again tomorrow, sorry for being MIA for a few days.
Love to everyone!
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Day One
In March of 2006, I sat in this same spot, writing on a TWO blog about our team's time at Lar Batista. Now I'm here again, using my own laptop, trying to avoid being locked into the house, and frantically updating everyone on the last two days of my life.
Everything else went just fine with airplanes and traveling. I made it here last night around 9:30 or 10 and was happy just to be able to take a shower. I settled into my room, and when I went to turn on the water I was a little shocked. No really, I mean I got shocked. All the faucets had a small amount of electric current running through them. I took a shower at Joaquim's sister's house, and then this morning used a different bathroom in the guest house that wasn't so electrified. So funny.
It's been so crazy to be here, but I can't even explain how natural and normal it feels...everything. Not much has been happening yet, more to come soon.
Everything else went just fine with airplanes and traveling. I made it here last night around 9:30 or 10 and was happy just to be able to take a shower. I settled into my room, and when I went to turn on the water I was a little shocked. No really, I mean I got shocked. All the faucets had a small amount of electric current running through them. I took a shower at Joaquim's sister's house, and then this morning used a different bathroom in the guest house that wasn't so electrified. So funny.
It's been so crazy to be here, but I can't even explain how natural and normal it feels...everything. Not much has been happening yet, more to come soon.
Brazil!!
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
12pm
Well I made it at least to Sao Paulo. I’m currently at my gate, almost 4 hours too early, but all is well. My expectations of having to just laugh off a lot of things on this whole “adventure” have certainly been accurate. From the moment I arrived, I’ve had to stumble through a couple issues with my very limited Portuguese.
Let’s start from the beginning of this already interesting trip. I left 532 Brighton Ln. last night around 7pm, saying goodbye to my brothers and my very depressed dog. At the airport, I exchanged tearful goodbyes with my parents after checking in. From the moment I left them, who had so ensured that I had everything I needed, God was really taking care of me. I walked only a few feet away, into the line for security, and while I was standing I accidentally caught the eye of the guy behind me. Not feeling like engaging in conversation, I just smiled and looked back in front of me, but eventually he said, “Going to Sao Paulo, huh?” Well, yes, I was. Before I knew it, we were having a discussion about different missions agencies, because as it turned out, he was going to Jordan for a year with Arab World Missions. He walked me to my gate and we prayed together for our respective endeavors before he went to find his gate and meet a friend. It was definitely an ordained meeting, and it was nice to have that just before leaving.
As I sat alone at the gate, already surrounded by Portuguese, I had a few moments where all I could think was, “WHAT am I doing??” But the time had come, so all I had to do was get on that plane. The flight was great. There were only 50 passengers on the entire giant airplane, so I got two seats all to myself. This proved perhaps to be more painful than beneficial, but it was still wonderful and quiet. I took my Tylenol PM and was asleep before dinner, only hearing the faint question, “chicken or pasta?” as I dozed. While it wasn’t a very sound night, as I’d hoped, my medicated stupor was certainly helpful. I only recall desperately changing positions a few times. At one point my entire right leg was asleep, which I could only attribute to the giant arm rest protruding between the two seats. My attempts to check the time on my Ipod every few hours only resulted in lots of squinting, and then accidentally pushing play and running down all my batteries. I’m still a bit tired, and identify with the man sitting to my left who just snored very loudly as his head fell backwards. (He’s wearing sunglasses and looking at the TV, but we all know what is really going on.)
Customs and immigration were fine, I had no trouble getting my (too) heavy bags, though they apparently looked far too large for me to handle, because it seemed I was never without a helping hand to get my suitcases onto a luggage cart and then again to get said cart out of an elevator. Ai ai ai… When I found the check-in counter, I was proud of my Portuguese because I was able to request a window seat when asked which I preferred. And then the trouble started. The man explained to me that my bags were too heavy. Naturally, that was frustrating, because they weren’t too heavy in the US, but at this point there was absolutely nothing I could do. He explained to me the weight they were over, combined, and then handed me my ticket back, with a note attached and told me to go and then come back to him. I had no idea where he wanted me to go or what he wanted me to do, but he couldn’t seem to explain that in a way I could understand, so I just walked away to try and find an information counter or something. I left my bags with him, and went to another check-in person, who was kind enough to walk me over to the place where you pay for excess baggage. R$235 later, I returned, with a receipt, to that nice gentleman, who then handed me my boarding pass with an understanding smile.
Finally I made my way to a bathroom to change my clothes and try and feel like I had not just spent the night on an airbus. Now I’m settled in here at gate 5 (which I’m not exactly sure is the right gate…good thing I have a couple hours to figure it out) with some café de leite and pao de queijo. I have one man snoring to my left, and another kid to my right playing soccer on his computer, and talking to himself. Colorful language, as I understand. I’m not able to get online because all the wireless networks require a password or some pin number, so that’s unfortunate…but I have some books, a crossword puzzle, and maybe eventually another cup of coffee to keep myself busy until 3pm.
I’m still not sure what I’m doing here. I made it through customs, checked my bags, found my gate (hopefully) and in 2 ½ hours I’m going to get on an airplane that will take me to Iguassu Falls, where I will be picked up by my boyfriend. I still haven’t begun to realize that that’s going to happen either. I’m just waiting for someone to wake me up and tell me this was all a dream…because it sure feels like one. God is so good.
12pm
Well I made it at least to Sao Paulo. I’m currently at my gate, almost 4 hours too early, but all is well. My expectations of having to just laugh off a lot of things on this whole “adventure” have certainly been accurate. From the moment I arrived, I’ve had to stumble through a couple issues with my very limited Portuguese.
Let’s start from the beginning of this already interesting trip. I left 532 Brighton Ln. last night around 7pm, saying goodbye to my brothers and my very depressed dog. At the airport, I exchanged tearful goodbyes with my parents after checking in. From the moment I left them, who had so ensured that I had everything I needed, God was really taking care of me. I walked only a few feet away, into the line for security, and while I was standing I accidentally caught the eye of the guy behind me. Not feeling like engaging in conversation, I just smiled and looked back in front of me, but eventually he said, “Going to Sao Paulo, huh?” Well, yes, I was. Before I knew it, we were having a discussion about different missions agencies, because as it turned out, he was going to Jordan for a year with Arab World Missions. He walked me to my gate and we prayed together for our respective endeavors before he went to find his gate and meet a friend. It was definitely an ordained meeting, and it was nice to have that just before leaving.
As I sat alone at the gate, already surrounded by Portuguese, I had a few moments where all I could think was, “WHAT am I doing??” But the time had come, so all I had to do was get on that plane. The flight was great. There were only 50 passengers on the entire giant airplane, so I got two seats all to myself. This proved perhaps to be more painful than beneficial, but it was still wonderful and quiet. I took my Tylenol PM and was asleep before dinner, only hearing the faint question, “chicken or pasta?” as I dozed. While it wasn’t a very sound night, as I’d hoped, my medicated stupor was certainly helpful. I only recall desperately changing positions a few times. At one point my entire right leg was asleep, which I could only attribute to the giant arm rest protruding between the two seats. My attempts to check the time on my Ipod every few hours only resulted in lots of squinting, and then accidentally pushing play and running down all my batteries. I’m still a bit tired, and identify with the man sitting to my left who just snored very loudly as his head fell backwards. (He’s wearing sunglasses and looking at the TV, but we all know what is really going on.)
Customs and immigration were fine, I had no trouble getting my (too) heavy bags, though they apparently looked far too large for me to handle, because it seemed I was never without a helping hand to get my suitcases onto a luggage cart and then again to get said cart out of an elevator. Ai ai ai… When I found the check-in counter, I was proud of my Portuguese because I was able to request a window seat when asked which I preferred. And then the trouble started. The man explained to me that my bags were too heavy. Naturally, that was frustrating, because they weren’t too heavy in the US, but at this point there was absolutely nothing I could do. He explained to me the weight they were over, combined, and then handed me my ticket back, with a note attached and told me to go and then come back to him. I had no idea where he wanted me to go or what he wanted me to do, but he couldn’t seem to explain that in a way I could understand, so I just walked away to try and find an information counter or something. I left my bags with him, and went to another check-in person, who was kind enough to walk me over to the place where you pay for excess baggage. R$235 later, I returned, with a receipt, to that nice gentleman, who then handed me my boarding pass with an understanding smile.
Finally I made my way to a bathroom to change my clothes and try and feel like I had not just spent the night on an airbus. Now I’m settled in here at gate 5 (which I’m not exactly sure is the right gate…good thing I have a couple hours to figure it out) with some café de leite and pao de queijo. I have one man snoring to my left, and another kid to my right playing soccer on his computer, and talking to himself. Colorful language, as I understand. I’m not able to get online because all the wireless networks require a password or some pin number, so that’s unfortunate…but I have some books, a crossword puzzle, and maybe eventually another cup of coffee to keep myself busy until 3pm.
I’m still not sure what I’m doing here. I made it through customs, checked my bags, found my gate (hopefully) and in 2 ½ hours I’m going to get on an airplane that will take me to Iguassu Falls, where I will be picked up by my boyfriend. I still haven’t begun to realize that that’s going to happen either. I’m just waiting for someone to wake me up and tell me this was all a dream…because it sure feels like one. God is so good.
Monday, August 13, 2007
60 Centavos
Since the beginning of April, 2006, I have kept a small jar on my desk, with a yellow and green wristband around the outside of it that says "Brazil," to remind me of both the place I got the wristband and who gave it to me. When I came back from Brazil the first time, I still had a little change in reals. It was only 60 cents, which could really serve no purpose, but I wanted to keep it just in case. I wanted to hold on to the idea that I would use those 60 cents someday, maybe to buy some gum or candy or something. So I put those two coins into that jar, where it has sat, unused, for 16 1/2 months.
Today I took those 60 cents and put them in my wallet. Perhaps it was more of a ceremonious occasion than really a practical idea, but what a feeling...I kept those meaningless coins because they won't be meaningless in about 36 hours. It's not much, but I sure plan on using it.
So I leave tomorrow at 9:30pm! I feel totally ready, at least as much as I can be, and so at peace knowing the Lord is going before me and behind me.
Brasil, here I come!!
Today I took those 60 cents and put them in my wallet. Perhaps it was more of a ceremonious occasion than really a practical idea, but what a feeling...I kept those meaningless coins because they won't be meaningless in about 36 hours. It's not much, but I sure plan on using it.
So I leave tomorrow at 9:30pm! I feel totally ready, at least as much as I can be, and so at peace knowing the Lord is going before me and behind me.
Brasil, here I come!!
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Click...click...
Have you ever been on a roller coaster, and just as the cars are beginning to climb up a giant hill, you wonder what you were thinking? I hate hearing that clicking sound because I always wonder if suddenly, something will break and we will all begin hurtling backwards. Or what if the huge configuration of straps and shoulder pads holding me in suddenly gives out just as I'm at the top of a loop, hanging upside-down? I think it's safe to say that my life right now is nearing the top of a very large drop.
I'm leaving in FIVE DAYS! It's getting easier and easier to believe, as I'm saying more goodbyes every day, and checking things off my to-do list, one by one. It's amazing how easy it is to get things done when your job so graciously gives you a paid "vacation" for your last two days of work. What a blessing that is!
My job description in Brazil is becoming clearer as well, as I've been emailing with Gwen in the past few days. It looks like I will be helping teach English, which will be a new experience, and hopefully will be involved in music as well. I can't wait to see whatever God has planned.
Also, since mailing my recent update letter, I have been so blessed to hear from supporters and to receive encouragement from so many people. I feel so well prepared for this endeavor, and I am certain it is because I am being lifted up in prayer by so many. I could never doubt that this is entirely in God's hands!
The next five days are going to fly by, as those before them already have, and I can't wait to fill my fresh, new luggage with all of my things and to get on a plane! I'm definitely nervous and sometimes I do sit back and wonder what I'm doing, but isn't that dive on the roller coaster a great feeling?? Once I get to the top of that hill on Raging Bull and I can't even see the bottom because the drop is so steep, I have a sudden flash of terror that is nearly instantaneously replaced by the feeling of my stomach being left 10 feet behind me. Then I realize that I am laughing, and by the end I am so ready to do it again!
I'm leaving in FIVE DAYS! It's getting easier and easier to believe, as I'm saying more goodbyes every day, and checking things off my to-do list, one by one. It's amazing how easy it is to get things done when your job so graciously gives you a paid "vacation" for your last two days of work. What a blessing that is!
My job description in Brazil is becoming clearer as well, as I've been emailing with Gwen in the past few days. It looks like I will be helping teach English, which will be a new experience, and hopefully will be involved in music as well. I can't wait to see whatever God has planned.
Also, since mailing my recent update letter, I have been so blessed to hear from supporters and to receive encouragement from so many people. I feel so well prepared for this endeavor, and I am certain it is because I am being lifted up in prayer by so many. I could never doubt that this is entirely in God's hands!
The next five days are going to fly by, as those before them already have, and I can't wait to fill my fresh, new luggage with all of my things and to get on a plane! I'm definitely nervous and sometimes I do sit back and wonder what I'm doing, but isn't that dive on the roller coaster a great feeling?? Once I get to the top of that hill on Raging Bull and I can't even see the bottom because the drop is so steep, I have a sudden flash of terror that is nearly instantaneously replaced by the feeling of my stomach being left 10 feet behind me. Then I realize that I am laughing, and by the end I am so ready to do it again!
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Oh boy...
I suppose I'm having a brief moment. Well, I hope it's brief. I'm beginning to wonder what in the world I'm doing! Have I truly taken the time to grasp the severity of the idea that I will be living in a completely different country, thousands of miles from any type of comfort zone, for 6 entire months. Every part of this process seemed to move quickly. But did it? In my mind I have made several leaps of faith, and then I waited for the world to catch up with me. Let's remember, shall we?
First, Brazil? I'm going.
I can go with OMS International? Sure, let's just wait until they accept me.
I know I'll get a visa. When?
Money? It will come.
I've turned into an idealist in my old (ha) age and it's starting to make me nervous. Will the bubble burst someday? What am I now, a pessimistic idealist? Those people must get a lot of ulcers. But the best part about all of this is that God has allowed me to dream, and is continuing to do so. How wonderful that I have the freedom to wish and to hope, because His word does not return to Him empty. His vision is always fulfilled...it's coming slowly, and sometimes I realize just how huge the vision really is. It's not just "maybe Christine should go to Brazil after she graduates." He is cultivating a delicate, incredibly beautiful flower that is my future, and the seed is only beginning to break open. It hurts, but He is quick to remind me that there are things ahead that are more wonderful than I could ever imagine.
I also realized last night that I've become really good at packing things. I know what I can do without, and really I can be pretty "low maintenance." Sometimes. After all, it's not as though I'm moving into my own apartment and need to furnish it and be prepared for any and every situation. After all, one never knows when a garlic crusher will truly be necessary. No, I just need clothes and a few basic necessities. Perhaps because my packing list is so simple, I haven't grasped the fact that I am making a temporary, but significant, move. I looked around my room last night before I fell asleep, and I had an interesting thought. I've left for college 4 times, and I left for Colorado Springs once. That is 5 mini-life-packing experiences. What in the world is a mini-life-packing experience? Well, basically, I bring enough to live somewhere else, but leave all of my sentimental things at home. I looked at my little stuffed dog, Dee, who I used to carry EVERYWHERE. I haven't even touched it in years and years (probably because it will disintegrate if I do) and thought with relief that he could easily remain on my nightstand. I don't need to bring him. Nor do I need my lotion, a few pens, my letter-holder. These things do not need to come with me to Brazil. They will stay in MY room, with all of my other things. Why? Because I know I'll be returning to them in 6 months. That one fact is keeping me from really feeling like I'm moving on. I know I'll be right back here soon. Changed, but I'll be back here.
But soon...soon, there will be a day when I will need to find a new place for Dee. I'll pack him in a box, maybe a suitcase, and I will unpack him somewhere else. He'll sit on another shelf in another home. Maybe it is because I feel like this trip to Brazil is the beginning of the rest of my life that I find myself considering these things.
Or, maybe I just need to relax and add lotion to my packing list, because I really will need that in Brazil.
First, Brazil? I'm going.
I can go with OMS International? Sure, let's just wait until they accept me.
I know I'll get a visa. When?
Money? It will come.
I've turned into an idealist in my old (ha) age and it's starting to make me nervous. Will the bubble burst someday? What am I now, a pessimistic idealist? Those people must get a lot of ulcers. But the best part about all of this is that God has allowed me to dream, and is continuing to do so. How wonderful that I have the freedom to wish and to hope, because His word does not return to Him empty. His vision is always fulfilled...it's coming slowly, and sometimes I realize just how huge the vision really is. It's not just "maybe Christine should go to Brazil after she graduates." He is cultivating a delicate, incredibly beautiful flower that is my future, and the seed is only beginning to break open. It hurts, but He is quick to remind me that there are things ahead that are more wonderful than I could ever imagine.
I also realized last night that I've become really good at packing things. I know what I can do without, and really I can be pretty "low maintenance." Sometimes. After all, it's not as though I'm moving into my own apartment and need to furnish it and be prepared for any and every situation. After all, one never knows when a garlic crusher will truly be necessary. No, I just need clothes and a few basic necessities. Perhaps because my packing list is so simple, I haven't grasped the fact that I am making a temporary, but significant, move. I looked around my room last night before I fell asleep, and I had an interesting thought. I've left for college 4 times, and I left for Colorado Springs once. That is 5 mini-life-packing experiences. What in the world is a mini-life-packing experience? Well, basically, I bring enough to live somewhere else, but leave all of my sentimental things at home. I looked at my little stuffed dog, Dee, who I used to carry EVERYWHERE. I haven't even touched it in years and years (probably because it will disintegrate if I do) and thought with relief that he could easily remain on my nightstand. I don't need to bring him. Nor do I need my lotion, a few pens, my letter-holder. These things do not need to come with me to Brazil. They will stay in MY room, with all of my other things. Why? Because I know I'll be returning to them in 6 months. That one fact is keeping me from really feeling like I'm moving on. I know I'll be right back here soon. Changed, but I'll be back here.
But soon...soon, there will be a day when I will need to find a new place for Dee. I'll pack him in a box, maybe a suitcase, and I will unpack him somewhere else. He'll sit on another shelf in another home. Maybe it is because I feel like this trip to Brazil is the beginning of the rest of my life that I find myself considering these things.
Or, maybe I just need to relax and add lotion to my packing list, because I really will need that in Brazil.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
