More Great Days in Brazil

Thursday, June 21

It’s hard to believe that tomorrow will be three weeks since we left the States, and we’ll be here for only four more days. All the days have been very good, and the past few have been filled with more wonderful things to see, people to visit, and food to eat. Especially today has been great, even though we are very tired. This will probably be my last blog until we get back to the States. So, here’s what’s happened lately . . .

Today we experienced several types of public transportation. We got a bus near our B & B and rode to the docks where we got on a very crowded ferry boat. After an hour, we were on an island, looking for a VW bus that would take us to our day’s destination. After several stops and many bumps in the road, we got off at the right place, but took the wrong turn. We walked up a very steep hill, only to realize we had gone the wrong way. Down the hill we went and about noon we finally found our afternoon hostess, Piedade (there’s a picture of her and Bev on the blog). We met her soon after our arrival in Salvador 23 years ago. She helped us raise our kids, caring for them with such compassion. We could count on her to do anything for us and it was always done correctly and quickly. We were delighted to see her children and grandchildren Sunday. She had prepared lunch for us. We spent the afternoon sharing stories, looking at pictures, and encouraging each other. Bev and I are amazed at all the difficulties this world has thrown at her and how she has handled them with deep faith and patience. She has a lot of plants, trees, and flowers around her house. I was amazed to see that she had cotton growing; some of the bolls weren’t opened yet but others were ready to be picked. The interesting thing was that this cotton plant was more than 10 high (I doubt any of my friends in west Texas have ever seen anything like this), and it was growing right alongside a banana tree and a coconut tree. We got back from the island about 7:30, jumped on a bus, and before long we were eating pizza back near the place where we are staying.

Yesterday we said goodbye to Tim, Evan, and Tina who left for Aracaju. I spent most of the afternoon preparing my final lesson on the Minor Prophets, and taught the class that evening. Many had never studied or even read these books before. Most expressed appreciation for the classes. I learned so much and was so impressed again as I saw the practicality of these books for modern living. The Word of God is amazing, because the God of the Word is amazing. I am so thankful that I get to teach so many who are thirsty to learn. What a blessing and a privilege!

Tuesday we took Evan and Tina to a big market area and bought some souvenirs. It’s always fun going there and working the price down. The venders see what they think is a rich, naive tourist. I play with them for a little while, then let them know I know what’s going on. I’ll offer a lower price, act disinterested, and the price keeps going down. Sometimes the venders will follow you around, offering an even lower price.

Monday was a day of rest for me after all we did in Recife, the travel, and the teaching and preaching from Thursday through Sunday. I was worn out, to say the least. We did eat dinner at the home of a young couple and their baby. He is the son of some wonderful Christians whom we have known for about 15 years and have stayed with in the past. We left their apartment about 11 and waited about an hour for a bus and finally hailed a taxi. With 4 of us paying one fare it wasn’t much more than regular bus fare for four people. We got to bed after midnight and I started feeling sick about 2:30 in the morning. So much for a night or rest; that didn’t happen. I was better when we were shopping on Tuesday, but felt very weak. I don’t know what I ate but something didn’t agree with me.

It’s about time to check on the Yankees, my e-mail, and a few other sites before getting some sleep. I’ll close my eyes and thank God for our many friends and supporters. We are so grateful to be in Brazil.