Christmas in Brazil

Christmas carolers at the Monte Pascoal church

Christmas is over for another year. Our Christmas was memorable and won't be forgotten. We'll be human for a moment :) and say that Christmas also included some homesickness and feelings of lonliness. But yet in the midst of it all we felt God with us. The week of Christmas included many surprises. The flu bug and fever visited Stephen. We are not really sure what he had, we just knew he had "it" bad. We called it Brazil Happiness. :) Our friends here made sure he drank certain remeadies and gave lots of interesting advice that was certain to cure him. We thank God that on Christmas Eve, he woke without any stomach pain or fever. Surprise #2 - we recieved a box from my mom - finally!!! We didn't think we would ever see this box due to incorrect labeling and thought for certain that it would be sent back. But after 2 months we got it. And since the box was intended for Oct. it wasn't considered a Christmas gift and was allowed to be opened early. :) What surprises filled that box. It was so much fun to see what was stuffed inside.

Fudge rounds for a very sick Stephen Yep- all that in one box We chose to spend Christmas Eve with the Monte Pascoal congregation. What a lively, chattering bunch. They made us feel so at home. The evening started off with Church at 9pm and we got home around 4am. Lots of games, laughter, fellowship and did I mention food? There was lots to choose from. Stephen was thankful that He was feeling better and had an appetite. :)

Church decorated

Look at all that food

Christmas morning was quiet and then we joined other missionaries for Christmas dinner. We are so thankful for the Ensz family who included us in their Christmas traditions.

The Schenectady church sent us 4 small packages that were stuffed full with all kinds of little goodies. Thanks Schenectady for thinking of us and making our day special.

Slim Jims - mmm

Stephen's big gift from both our parents. He is teaching himself and is doing very well. We sang and he played for a special in church last Sunday. We sang - E doce crer em Cristo - 'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus.

We have recieved (and are still recieving) many Christmas cards and emails. Thanks for thinking of us and making our 1st Christmas here special.

Our new year resolution is echoed in the song - "I am Resolved". We are resolved to follow the Savior, are you?