Brazil Reflections

Speaking as someone who feels fulfilled by physically serving others' needs, this experience taught me about the importance of building relationships--that it's better to interact and connect before jumping right into work. I met so many wonderful people and formed so many friendships, and I'm more grateful than words can express that I was encouraged to focus on these people instead of becoming consumed by "getting the job done."

I was surprised that the language barrier seemed so small compared to what I was expecting. I thought it would be near impossible to communicate, but with the little English that they knew, the little Portuguese that Cheryl had taught us, often creative actions (especially on Ingrid's part), and lots of smiles, somehow we were able to put together a language we all understood.

Ella Broadbooks

Brazil Reflections

The Mission Trip to Lar Batista was a life changing experience. The children didn't have many toys but that isn't what they wanted. All they want is love, attention and to play with us. Simple. Amazing how they have had such hardships in their lives and seem to conquer it and have having faith and believing in Christ; also being sweet and have a huge smile on their faces. My live will be forever changed. It is definite that the Lord has this orphanage in the palm of his hand.

-Amy Blize

Thursday Update

Painting, painting, painting! We are all very dirty from paint at the moment, after painting both the inside and outside of the girls' dorm. Tomorrow will be our last day at Lar Batista, although we're trying not to think about saying goodbye. We've made so many good friends and created so many memories -- not to mention (most likely) gained several pounds from the incredible food! You will never fully know how much we appreciate all your prayer and support. Blessings to all, and see you soon!

After a hard day's work and play yesterday, we awoke to cloudy skies this morning. Sure enough, it started raining as we ate breakfast. Your dedicated workers started sanding the walls of the girls' dorm despite the weather. With the help of about a hundred kids, we finished that step and moved on to cleaning and the actual painting. We finished putting the first coat of paint on the seven rooms and the hallway at about two in the afternoon. The food is even more scrumptious and the kids are so much fun and helpful! We've been working hard, playing hard, and learning a ton.

Oi (Portuguese for `hi´) from Mom, Tyler, Dalton, and Gracie! I miss you so much and can´t wait to see you once again - I love you. --Angela

Mom, I'm eating my vegetables. --Ella

Judy and Roger: I talked them into putting your name on the blog; you're now famous. --Tara

Bret: Wish you were here experiencing what we are. Having a great time despite the rain today. --Amy

Juao Paulo, Cheyenne, Gabriela, and Bia around Bruno.

Ingrid and Angela (water bottle is now missing in action)

Bruno in Jorge's glasses.

A typical evening after dinner -- enjoying conversation and lots of laughter in the courtyard.

Oi from Brazil!

It's a testament to the business at Lar that we haven't been able to share until today -- between playing with the kids, going to church, and remodeling the girls' dorm, we've barely had time to breathe, let alone get across the street to post on the blog!

Our travel went as smoothly as we could hope for; no flights were delayed, and we didn't have to run to a single gate.

We were welcomed like long-lost family when we arrived late on Saturday, especially in terms of the UNBELIEVABLE food! (We decided after the very first meal that we would all come home with more weight.)

The past couple days have been busier than anyone expected. We were put to work today on the girls' dorm after spending Sunday playing with the kids and going to church in the morning and evening. We've been able to do a lot more than originally anticipated thanks to the generous donations of the Global Cafe and the congregation of Prairie Ridge. Our ears are all ringing after spending the day listening to roofs and ceilings being torn down -- we were originally only going to have enough to paint the building, but because of your generosity we're going to be able to replace the roof, ceilings, and several doors in addition to repainting both the inside and outside.

Words can't express how much we appreciate all your prayers, support, and encouragement.
I tried to think of a legitimate excuse to post this picture of baby Bruno, but I decided I didn't really need one. :)
We just saved a bunch of money on our car insurance by switching to Geico!
(Our uninvited roommate the first night)
We created a new policy: No more wallpaper at Lar unless it's there TO STAY.
We're having so much fun, we're flipping out! :)

Mission Navajo Thursday Update

This morning the team had a lighter schedule compared to the rest of the week. The main difference was that for part of the team it was early up as a 6:30 a.m. departue for six of us to Lukachukai. This was a community that we were blessed to land upon thanks to an encounter earlier in the week with the pastor of this church in town to explore future mission endeavors. This was roughly a 90 minute drive one way.

The other half of the team spent the morning at various trading posts in town and delivering the donations that were gathered prior to our departure.

The team gathered in Gallup for lunch but not before a scenic driving adventure back reaching heights of 8000 feet in altitudes on the way back from Lukachukai. From snow capped hills to breath taking views of the canyon we encountered along the way.

The afternoon consisted of reaching out to more organizations with our donations being graciously accepted. Connections continued to be made that will lead us on in for future trips.

We then retreated back to base camp where we had a smorgasbord of food from chicken to pasta salads finishing with some ice cream to top the night off.

A praise and worship time was then held and a debriefing occurred where everyone was able to share their experiences from during the week. The night was topped off by a communion service to allow for reflection time.

A slide show of various pictures allowed for a final time of laughter and reflection.

With this being the final full day of our mission trip we ask for continued prayers and blessings as we depart for Iowa tomorrow afternoon. This was truly a life changing experience for many of us and we are grateful for the relationships that we were able to build.

See you soon,
Robert Pitlock

Mission Navajo Wednesday Update

The warm high desert sun refreshed us on Mission Navajo today. We (Rod and I) got up with Steve and Colette Wall, and drove north from Ft. Defiance at sunrise, leaving the church where we are staying at 6:15 a.m. Yep, kinda crazy. But the dramatic, high red cliffs backed up against the rising sun made me remember Who led us here, and made me wonder if I'll ever grasp how huge my God is. As a side note, we did have to watch for cars to make sure Steve and Rod would not get hit whenever they got out to take pictures. Fear not, all is well.

After a passionate group prayer, the whole team gathered at Window Rock for a group picture taken by Pastor Will of the CRC church. Try getting about 30 people to look at the camera and smile at the same time. But he got a good one!

The team broke up into three teams, and one worked at a church several miles away, on land next to that of Janelle's family. They painted a picket fence, and worked on their computer.

A second team was right on Janelle's family's land, blessing her uncle by cleaning an area around an old church there. Janelle and her family hope to restore this old, white stucco church building - and I for one am curious and hopeful to watch this project over time. (it's pretty safe to say we are all curious.) The restoration is a great idea, and great stewardship to bring this intriguing, cute building back into use.

A third team went to St. Michael's Special Education Association - really a school campus for special education kids on the reservation. It includes several group homes, which happen to be traditional hogans, classrooms, social, nursing and physical therapy services, and a bunch of great people.

The school lost a longtime student right before we came here, and his funeral service was today. Hearing a staff person there talk of this child moved us to tears, even though we had not met him. She spoke of how he would touch his hands to his lips and make kissing sounds. Sherilyn Rittgers and I were not the only ones to cry. We helped the staff clean up after the service, handed out Global Cafe coffee with introduction labels for the nearby CRC church, and shared hugs with some sweet students there.

The youth and children on the trip have worked so hard, bonded with each other and touched lives around them. We are all proud of them. A trip to McDonald's tonight for ice cream was a nice break! After that, we got to hear tonight from a friend of Janelle's, Ramon, who travels around the reservation, attending powwows, and speaking of Jesus Christ as the Greatest Warrior. So true, and perfect way to say it to his Dine` brothers and sisters, isn't it?

I am praising God for this opportunity to serve Him, see people and help them in any way. Thankfully, I will not be leaving the Navajo Reservation exactly the same way I came. Blessings in Christ and love to all of you. - Helene Bergren

Quick hello from Janelle Allen, Mission Navajo Team Leader - Today, I looked at sunburned faces, hard workers, and light givers. It's been a blessing.