Thursday, November 24, 2011

Ação de Graça aka Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! We hope that all of our viewers have enjoyed time with family on this wonderful day set aside just for thanks. Thanksgiving has always been a favorite holiday for me. I love the warm colors of fall and cozyness of the day. It´s days like today that we have an ache in our hearts and a yearning for home.

We are very thankful for the other "gringos" here in Manaus. Us gringos (3 families) were planning an American Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings. I was responsible for bringing the scallop potatoes, cucumber salad, deviled eggs, sour cream apple pie, and chocolate pie. However, last night we received a call that changed the day. We keep reminding ourselves that flexiblity is the name of the game.

We requested prayer before about a 19y/o young man (Leandro) who was in a car accident and coma. He passed away last night, making the funeral for today. They bury their dead within 24hours and it is very informal. So, it was off to a funeral for us today.

We are thankful for the times that we can minister to our people here. But we would have rather not have to minister because of death or on a holiday.  :)We had a day full of cultural experiences.

We ask that you continue to pray for Leandro´s family, that God will speak to their hearts about the importance of making every second count for Christ. The song Only One Life played over and over in my head today. I am thankful for the life that God has given me and I want to use every breath to honor Him.


Here are some photos of the day. The body arrived at 8 am. The actual service was at 2:30pm and we arrived home after the graveside service at 5:30pm. It was a long day. The city provided all the arrangements for the family. The coffin, the transportation of the body, and the grave site. The city does this as a service for those that cannot afford to pay for a funeral.











Blessings to all. Happy Thanksgiving! We are thankful for you!

1 comment:

  1. sorry you had to have a funeral on thanksgiving. I'm intrested in how things are done. Wakes and funerals are a big deal among the Lakota People.

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