TF (2)

  Early the next morning i was able to take a walk around the neighborhood. Am thankful to God for every opportunity. Sometime in early evening a couple appeared with food prep. materials, donned plastic gowns and caps and began to cook, which they did for several hours. At some point in the proceedings a younger man arrived who turned out to speak excellent English. Although born in Brazil he had moved to the US at six and spent most of the next twenty years there before returning to Brazil three years ago. We had some good conversations. Instead of staying for the home gathering there i was whisked off to a different house where i found Katerini and Valeska, two other members of the A team. Chris had accompanied me. They shared some testimonies after some strong prayer. Eventually i was asked to teach. Beginning with the reality that most people who have ever lived have not been able to read, was able to progress to the role of the Holy Spirit in revealing the Word of God to us. Apparently this impacted some people. Afterwards we celebrated someone's birthday.
    The next day took a walk with Dan, Chris and Juan. They wore flip flops. The idea of walking for exercise is really not part of Brazilian culture. Had a good talk with Chris who is in some kind of Bible college or seminary. Am thankful to God to live long enough to see the next generation rising up to take its place in the kingdom of God.
   We had the big mid-day meal and eventually gathered at another home where we sat around for about na hour. Finally the farewells began. This is not a simple process. Each person hugs every other person and gives their farewells, in the house, outside the house, prayers, outside the van, and as we finally begin to pull away continue leaning out the doors and windows of the van.
   We had a 433 kilometer (about 250 mile journey). Unfortunately with stops, multitudes of trucks, going through every town and city em route, and no multi- lane highways this is na interminable process. Our first stop is at a gás station with adjoining hotel, liquor store etc. and one unissex bathroom. There are twenty of us.
     The next stop is at a famous eatery which specializes in something that i don't know the name of. A thin pita like thing is fried with a small bit of filling to order accompanied by some kind of sugar cane juice. I see a big fish tank with eight large fish. we have left Bahia's barefoot boys playing soccer on dirt fields behind.
   Eventually we arrive at our destination, Guayapari, South of Vitioria serenaded by the church there from a roof top balcony.  They serve a thick soup like mixture and we sit down for more food and fellowship. Brazilian appetites for these are insatiable. We are to acknowledge elders tomorrow and everyone is introduced to everyone else. I get to bed somewhere around 2 AM. This does not work for me.