It´s Monday morning in Recife. Sun comes up early here and I have trouble going back to sleep after sunrise. One good thing about having to wake up early is going to the computer and checking the previous night´s baseball games. I was glad to see that the Yankees came back to beat the Red Sox with a ninth inning home run. I also enjoyed reading e-mails this morning. It´s amazing that we can be so close, eventhough we are so far apart.
Yesterday was a really good day. I preached at the Boa Viagem congregation. There were probably about 70 meeting; we had a good Bible class, taught by a man who was converted in Salvador (he was taught by Tim after we moved back to the States; I had met him several times before). He came here a few years ago to study at the school of preaching and is now the full-time evangelist at this congregation. We ate lunch at a nice, nearby restaurant with the Shorts, Danny, and Jorge. Both Bev and I had long afternoon naps and felt much better.
I spoke at this morning´s devotional at the School, then talked with a man for a long time. He loves to preach and wanted my ideas about a few things. Right now I´m back at the Shorts´ apartment, waiting for Randy, Jorge, and Danny to return; I´ll probably help them this afternoon with getting ready for the group coming tomorrow.
The Torch group gets here tomorrow, then we´ll be going out to the camp. Our work will include a VBS, cleaning up the camp, distributing food, teaching Bible studies, and other things there. Then on the 13th, Bev and I will go to Salvador for about 11 days.
This morning I told the story of the 3 trees, all having big plans for themselves: the first tree wanted to be made into a baby bed where a prince would sleep; instead the tree was made into a feeding trough, where the newborn Jesus was placed. The second tree wanted to be a huge ship that would carry precious cargo; instead, it became a fishing boat that Jesus used to preach from. The third tree just wanted to grow and lift its branches up in praise to God; instead, it was cut down and its wood was used as a cross, on which Jesus was crucified. None got what they wanted, but then, all got what they wanted. Our plans must be to please God; the specifics may change, but if we´re willing to submit to God, His will can be done through us. In that, we can rejoice.
I hope you´re having a great day. Give yourself to God and it will be.
Thanks for praying for us.
Bev's painting
Here's Bev, with some help, on the wall painting
See How they Grow
These are the children and grandchildren of Piedade (a dear friend); they were 5 & 4 when we met them 23 years ago
4 comments:
Dad and Mom, I'm so glad you decided to do this. I just got your email today. I'm glad you are enjoying your time in Brazil. I don't know exactly how you feel, but when I went back to Africa and back to my Kara for a visit, many emotions and memories came over me. I feel most comfortable over in Africa as I know you probably feel the same way thinking all the what if's. I like this one...What if Bev and I (speaking as you) were able to come back? I sure hope that can be in your future sometime. If not, I know you will be blessed and be a blessing by the Brazilian Christians. I love you! Fenway Park was amazing. A-Rods homer was nice.
Oh, by the way, Lily and Chloe have been fighting a lot lately. While we were gone, Alicia Frazier told us they got in a major fight in which Both were bleeding. Pray for that.
I love you both so much!!!
Joshua
Ron, I'm enjoying your blog. I'm really glad you and Bev have been able to make these trips to Brazil. It's very much a part of you.
Isn't it a small world? You spent almost 10 years at Cloverdale and shared with us in the Brazilian work with the Graves. And the very day you made this post, our newest missionaries to Brazil should have just arrived in Recife. Perhaps you will get to see Chris, Teresa and Sarah Boyce. They should be at Michael Pruitt's house.
God bless,
Tim
I don't know why you would enjoy getting up to check the Yankee's games . . . seeing as they keep LOSING! 26-31 is not too good of a record. My Braves are only 33-27; yet again, they're better than yours (Chipper's been out for awhile).
I still haven't received my Visa. UGH! So I don't think we'll be able to make it to Brasil this summer :(. However, I did write my last check to pay off my first Student Loan! Feels good.
We're trainig Toby to be like Sabra. He's already jumping through the hula-hoop, and he's getting better at sitting and waiting until we tell him he can go outside (while the door is held open). And he's learning to balance a treat on his nose and wait to catch it. I'll send you a bill for the training when you get back ;).
I took your Liberty Stamps to use to mail the rest of your bills. That okay?
We're praying for yall. Love you, and I'm your friend!
Hey Bev and Ron,
I've enjoyed reading your blog so far and hearing about your adventures. I will be praying for you as you continue your work over the next couple of weeks.
Things are going well for us and we are enjoying the states. It's wonderful to have enough time here to feel like we can relax a little and not be running around like crazy people. Of course, the event we are heading toward and putting our energies into right now is Meredith's wedding the end of June.
We would love to be able to make connection with you some time this summer. Bev, I have been secretly hoping that I could make a long weekend trip to Lubbock so we could go to NM to hike for old time's sake. Don't know if it could work out, but keep your eye open for some good fares.
If not Lubbock, maybe we could go to Heber Springs or just hang out a bit in Searcy....anything just to take advantage of our being in the states for a while and my getting to see you.
Take care of yourselves and have a wonderful time in Brazil. I will be praying for you. God bless. Bev, as you can, write to me at dmyhan@harding.edu. Love you both.
Dianne
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