2 of the amazing translators from Belo (Lili and Henrique) after Jewels, Will and Tam had been kitted out in 'Galo' (football) gear by their hosts, the incredible Oliviera family
We arrived in Belo late Thursday night after almost missing our flight from SP-Belo...no offense to TAM Airways but you guys are sloooooow with your check in's- fortunately Jewels knows some basic Portuguese so when 'last call' came for our flight, she was able to make sure they knew we needed to get on the flight too...ah fun times with sleepy South African's....
The flight was so quick, it literally felt like we had just gotten up in the air, eaten some yummy cheese ham rolls when the pilot announced that we where descending again! We went through what felt like a million security checks- funniest part being that only half of us were sent to passport control (haha- no idea why), but then on entering 'arrivals' there was a group of smiling Brazilians to welcome us- they'd been waiting for us for an hour already but despite it being almost midnight they were full of hello's and hugs (love you guys- Methodist Church of Belo).
After us all being dispersed to our hosts families and fed...again ( we eat ALL the time- maybe they think us African's are underfed, hehe....SO generous!!). We literally crashed into our beds! Sleep, sweet sleep- Brazilian's are not a fan of sleep it seems, so we grab it when we can (;
Friday was spent with our host families- our host family (Tammy and Jewels) sent us for a morning mani and pedi- you have never had a mani/ pedi until you've had one in Brazil...true story! Beauty is so prevolent here- in the setting, the people, hearts, the church... incredible!
Friday night our sessions on the 5 senses began- from the first session we have felt such an openess in the hearts of the church here (a few churches in the area gathered together and participated in worship etc.). Will, despite his persistant 'flu gift' from SP, pressed in, taught passionately from God's word and in this challenged us all as young people to be ready in every season to serve, making the most of our time here and not let satan use something like flu to hold us back. Brazilian flu is no joke...but God is always able and always willing- He want's His Kingdom to come and His grace is always sufficient! Gloria Deus (:
Every meeting has seen the call for salvation going out and people have responded- every meeting we have seen a number of first time commitments from people, SO exciting!!! (thank you Jesus!). God is on the move in Belo, heart's are turning, God is stirring passions and people are amped to be a part of His Kingdom, His plan and His church. The churches here are full of men, women, teens and children who are hungry for the things of God and we know we are so privileged to be serving them at this time.
Tonight will be the final meeting we have here in Belo- the power of the tongue/ speech is the last sense to be covered and if this morning was anything to go on tonight is going to be COOKING! Trusting for more salvations, more heart's stirred and a wrapping up of all God has been doing through this weekend's teaching times!
Belo- we love you and are so excited by all we see God doing in and through you all ...