Our Weekend Cookout

We had some people over this weekend for food and fun at our community pool. 

Geraldo showed up with his entire family and his popcorn cart.  

It was free popcorn all day long.

And some of us were especially happy about that.

The kids enjoyed the pool.  This is João and Irvaine (dancing), Jonah's best Brazilian buddy:

Jonah also likes Irvaine's sisters, Isabel:

and Ingrid:

While Andy prefers to hang out with the older women (Catherine and Andressa):

There was also some playground fun.

And food and conversation.  This is Osmildo and Marta with John:

and Catherine, Carol, Jonathan, and Edvan:

This is Meyre:

Andressa, Lacy (an LST reader from the US), and Catherine:

Cindy and Greg (also from the States):

John and Roberto:

Tális and Renata:

And Andy's new friend Carlos (also 3):

This boy and his dog Peanut gave the day two thumbs up: 

Your Upcoming Visit

American Airlines just announced that beginning November 2, they will fly between Miami and Recife, a city just a few hours away from us by car.  To give you an idea of what this means, let me put it this way:  It shaves about seven hours off the previously grueling trip.  Also, American is giving double miles for travel on this route through February 15.  According to an e-mail we just received, the tickets are going for about $425 each way between Miami and Recife (yes, that's a good deal) if booked by December 2.  Of course, you would still have to get to Miami and then find a way to Natal once you reach Recife, but Miami is a lovely place to spend the day and we've been looking for a reason to drive to Recife.  So, check out the AA Web site  and let us know when to expect you.

I'm a New Creation! I'm a Child of God!

After Francisco's baptism last month, he told his friend, Geraldo, everything he knew about the Bible.  Apparently, it was enough, because Geraldo came to the church eager to study more with John.  Francisco and Geraldo are in the same line of work - selling peanuts and popcorn on the street.  Geraldo has five locations that he manages and does quite well.  He is married with four children and has a house and a car.  

Geraldo says he has always wanted a better life for his family and has been sending his kids to church, even though he doesn't go.  Shortly after beginning his studies with John he realized that it isn't just his kids that need church,  he does too.  He said he's always believed in God but nobody has ever sat down with him to explain what God tells us about himself in the Bible.  When he started to see that God wasn't just something out there to believe in, but someone he could actually relate with, he confessed his sins to John and wanted to "start over".  

John baptized him Sunday night.  "I'm a new creation!  I'm a child of God!" he said upon coming up out of the water.

Geraldo's family was present and, though they couldn't possibly realize the impact this will have on their future, they were very happy for him.
Shortly after his baptism, Francisco served him his first Lord's supper as a member of God's family.  

Geraldo's family has taken Francisco in off the street.  We pray that they will encourage each other in their new lives as Christian brothers and continue to reach out to those around them every day.

Sick Days

We have a baby that looks about like this:

Because of that, I have been very sick and haven't done much blogging.  Today marks the last day of the first trimester.  

Jonah and Andy are very excited.  Jonah wants another brother but says he would name a girl Shirla, while Andy's rooting for a sister but would name a boy Jack.  When I showed them how big the baby is now (about two inches), Jonah asked why it makes me tired and sick to carry something so small.  He didn't think he would have any problem with it at all.

We plan to find out the sex and welcome suggestions for names.