Jonah's Birthday Party

Jonah turns seven on October 16th, but we had his party today so all his friends could come.  He wanted a Ben 10 party so I made this cake:

Here's the birthday boy, wearing his first present of the day - a Ben 10 Speedo:

Jonah was very excited to run down the road and greet his first guests at the bus stop:

Plenty of friends showed up and it was a great party.  I wanted to have a record of all the kids present so I asked John to help me round them up and make them smile.  Notice the only two kids who aren't cracking up at John's antics:

We had churrasco (Brazilian barbecue), beans, rice, corn bread, and salad:

Jonah opened some presents:

We sang the lively Portuguese version of "Happy Birthday" and ate cake:

Jonah clowned around:

While Andy hung out with his girlfriends:

The kids enjoyed the pool all day:

And last, but not least, we popped the candy balloon, which is like a Brazilian piñata.  First, you spin it:

Then you pop it:
And the kids go wild, falling all over each other to gather candy.  Well, most of them.  Notice Andy standing behind the chair on the far left while Marisa hands him candy under the tree:

In the end, Jonah was exhausted, a little sunburned, and extremely happy: 

He said he had a great party, and he's apparently already planning for the next festivity, because he asked if tomorrow was the day to go trick-or-treating.

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.  

A Brand New Man

Francisco has been studying the Bible at our church for almost two months.  He saw the sign for Let's Start Talking  (LST) on the building and signed up for Bible classes taught in English.  He began studying with Bob, one of the LST workers who was here for six weeks.  Then, when Bob left, he continued with Ryan, another worker who has been here for several weeks and is about to leave.  In the midst of his English study Francisco was eager to learn more about the Bible than his limited English afforded.  That's where John came in.  He and Francisco have had weekly studies in Portuguese at the same time Francisco studies English.  John's silent partner, Fernanda (see my last post), has been present for most of those classes.  

Francisco lives on the street.  He makes less than most of us would consider a decent living by selling popcorn and peanuts on the street.  At night he locks his few possessions - a change of clothes, the Bible John gave him, and a magnifying glass to read it - in the cart he pushes around all day.  On more than one occasion he skipped a study because it had rained and his "clothes were stinking".  Someone stole his magnifying glass so he can't read his Bible any more.  

He became homeless when he was twenty-five.  He lived with his family as most Brazilians do well into young adulthood.  He had a friend who was keeping bad company, and one of the shady characters showed up to Francisco's house with a gun.  He shot Francisco's friend, killing him.  Then he turned the gun on Francisco.  Instead of shooting him, though, he shot Francisco's mother.  She survived but the family blamed Francisco.  They ran him out of his home and far away from where they all lived.  He has been trying to get back on his feet ever since.

Francisco has had three failed common law marriages and one child with whom he has no contact.  He has done desperate things, which need not be mentioned, just to feed himself.  He says he's been told that he needs to turn to God and has gone into may churches seeking the meaning of that suggestion, but to no avail.  Until he showed up at our congregation's door, he says, nobody ever took the time to sit down with him and explain who Jesus is and how he saves lives.  Francisco told John he believes what the Bible says and wants to follow God's ways.  He was baptized Wednesday night. 

We just found out that he turned fifty on August first.  He says he hasn't celebrated his birthday in many, many years because he hasn't had any friends or family with whom to celebrate.  We're planning a belated birthday party for Francisco.  We look forward to presenting him with a birthday cake, a Bible, an eye exam, and glasses. 

Study Buddies

John currently has three weekly studies with individuals interested in learning the Bible.  Rodrigo (left) has been studying with John for about a month.  Fernanda, a member of the congregation, is one of two silent partners who is in training to do Bible studies on her own.  

They all seem to enjoy each other's company and the material being covered.