tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-740539681734038772024-03-13T00:49:30.501-07:00as memories continue to grow into beautiful things that spring from these rowsEmily Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14571117086857068698noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74053968173403877.post-73341587092347223692008-06-08T18:35:00.000-07:002008-06-08T18:47:27.144-07:00<a href="http://localhost:4690/8dd4d76b1e76f2fe476f756a242fd5d1/image22351.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px" alt="" src="http://localhost:4690/8dd4d76b1e76f2fe476f756a242fd5d1/image22351.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a> <br /><a href="http://localhost:4690/8dd4d76b1e76f2fe476f756a242fd5d1/image22409.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px" alt="" src="http://localhost:4690/8dd4d76b1e76f2fe476f756a242fd5d1/image22409.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a> <br /><a href="http://localhost:4690/8dd4d76b1e76f2fe476f756a242fd5d1/image22412.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px" alt="" src="http://localhost:4690/8dd4d76b1e76f2fe476f756a242fd5d1/image22412.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a> <br /><a href="http://localhost:4690/8dd4d76b1e76f2fe476f756a242fd5d1/image22430.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px" alt="" src="http://localhost:4690/8dd4d76b1e76f2fe476f756a242fd5d1/image22430.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a>Emily Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14571117086857068698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74053968173403877.post-48583229318944633242008-06-07T19:17:00.000-07:002008-06-08T12:07:27.123-07:00Rain, rain go away...<p class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:14;">I don’t know where the time goes and how it goes by so quickly.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>It doesn’t seem like it’s been more than a month since my last post.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>Many things have happened during the past month though.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span><?xml:namespace prefix = o /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:14;">Praise God the fungus on my arms has completely healed!<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>I still have a little discoloration, but that’ll go away when I’m in the sun.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>Hopefully we’ll see more of the sun, now that the rainy season is dying down.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>We’ve had quite a few big storms over the past few months, and I was lucky enough to experience one up close and personal.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>It was quite the experience!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:14;">I’ve never seen a flood in real life, only from what I’ve seen on television, about other countries.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>It was dose of reality to walk home in one.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>Since Altamira is pretty hilly, all the water runs down hill.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>Usually when it rains, which is often here, everyone goes inside their houses or to the nearest building to stay dry.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>Well, Brin and I were taking a walk one day, doing photography, and just seeing the neighborhood, when it started to down pour.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>We started running back home, but we were pretty far away, so it didn’t take long before we just gave up trying to stay dry and walk.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>We were a spectacle to everyone around us.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>These two American women taking a stroll in the middle of the street when it was pouring rain.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>I had my glasses on, so I could barely see.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>We trudged through two feet puddles of orange muddy rainwater, sloshing in our tennis shoes while we walked.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>I was praying the whole time that my camera would survive the adventure.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>I was really happy when we returned to the house, because my camera was fine, and I got some amazing shots.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:14;">Well, when it rains, bring on the bugs!<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>If I had one advice for someone coming to Altamira, it would be to stay off the grass.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>There is this teensy bug, no bigger than the size of a pen mark.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>Almost too little for the human eye to see.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>This tiny bug is called a piun, pronounced “pee-u-n”.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>Its bite is far from “puny” though.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>I think its eyes are bigger than its stomach.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>When it bites you, it takes a chunk out of your skin, no kidding.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>It also leaves a terrible scar.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>I guess it’s to remind you of the pain it left you.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>Another unfriendly bug here is the chigger.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>They like to go to the warm places on your body, and then bite you.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>Their favorite place to bite is around the lining of your underwear.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>The bites leave you extremely itchy.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>And it’s not really fun to be itchy on your “boom boom”. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoBodyTextIndent2" style="FONT-FAMILY: arial">Apparently it’s been a good month for birthdays, because we’ve had four birthdays we’ve gotten to celebrate.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>Ava’s been talking about her birthday for the past three months, and finally she turned six.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>Brin had a surprise birthday party at the end of April.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>That was a great accomplishment!<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>She’s not easy to surprise.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>Kevin celebrated his birthday with delicious pumpkin bars and cream cheese icing, while we were visiting in Port de Moz.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>And finally, Ella celebrated her tenth birthday today on 6/7/08!<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:14;">We recently returned from a boat trip from Port de Moz.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>It had its ups and downs.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>Our purpose of going there was for me to visit the area, to go on a boat trip during my stay here, and to see what they do on a filter trip.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>It was a very educational experience.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>It’s really interesting to know that you can build a water filter from all earth elements.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>Most of the health problems that the people that live on the river experience stem from unclean water.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>So the purpose of the water filter ministry is to provide a source of clean drinking water for the village people, and establish a relationship with them, so they can see Jesus through His people.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:14;">The hard part of the trip was that almost everyone got sick, including me.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>At first people just got diaria, from drinking the coffee, which was accidentally made with the river water.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>Thank goodness I don’t like coffee. <span style="font-size:+0;"></span>Can you imagine sharing a bathroom on a boat with a bunch of sick people, when you can’t flush the toilet most of the time because of the villages around us?<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>It isn’t the most fun in the world.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>Well, I also eventually got sick, maybe because I was around this girl who had been getting over her sickness.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>Thankfully it was the last day of our boat trip, but it was still not enjoyable none-the-less.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>I was glad that I was able to rest and relax, since I wasn’t in Altamira and needing to work.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>I’m still getting over my sickness, and it’s been over a week now, but I’m glad, because I’m over the worst of it. I just feel bad for Ella, because she is still sick, and it’s her birthday.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>So you could be praying against sickness for all of us.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:14;">One thing I was asked a couple of times during my visit, was if I could see myself being a missionary as a single person.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>I had thought about it before, and thought it was something that I would never have the desire of doing.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>Well, after being approached with the question again, I really wondered if I could do it.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>I thought it might be different if I was living on my own, or with other single friends, and not living with another family.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>But after getting sick, I realized that I need someone to support and care for me during my sickness’ and hard times.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>So I think that when I return home, I’ll take a break from mission life for a little while, or at least until God decides to bring along side a husband for me.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:14;">There’s not a whole lot to do while in Port de Moz, especially since communication is almost completely non-existent.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>I couldn’t imagine an internet connection worst than in Altamira, but Port de Moz has it beat.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>Well we brought back the bad internet, and so I’ve had more free time on my hands to get some things checked off on my to do list.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>Like writing this blog.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>I’ve also been having a hard time being inspired, or at least having time to write a song.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>I finally sat down yesterday, and finished two songs, and wrote a third, that I promised Ella for her birthday.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>That was a first in my lifetime!<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:14;">One of the highlights of our trip was a hike that Brin and I went on.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>It was beautiful, and full of surprises!<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>On our trek, Brin spotted something down the way that looked like it could’ve been an Anaconda.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>We were obviously hesitant as to what we should do.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>Should we continue to check it out, in risk of being harmed?<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>We were brave, and we found out that it was only a log.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>I was busy looking at my red ant bite, when Brin grabbed me, because she heard and saw something move quickly in the woods.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>It scared me to death, and I was fearful of what it could be.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>A jaguar, a panther, or a monkey?<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>It didn’t care about us though, so we moved on.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>The trees were amazing, and the view was fantastic.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>On our way back to the boat I slipped, in my Old Navy flip flops of course, and almost lost my sunglasses.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>I was more worried about what was lying underneath the murky water.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>Brin said we should clap so that the snakes will stay away from us, but if they feel threatened, they’ll attack.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>You would’ve heard a lot of clapping, and snapping from me.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>The only harm that was done was some bug bites and my legs got a little scrapped up from the grass and thorns.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>We were really in the middle of nowhere it seemed.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>The houses still had satellites for their TVs though. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:14;">Before we left on our trip, we went to a conference called “Intervinha”.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>It’s an annual conference that is held for pastors here and some American pastors travel to Brasil to listen and teach.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>It’s a really great idea, because it encourages the pastors, and renews their view of the mission statement for the Vineyard church.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>It was a real treat for me because all of the talks were translated.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>I also got to finally meet Danny Meyer, a pastor from Columbus.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>He was a good friend of my parents a long time ago, and I was friends with his son, but I still didn’t meet him until he came to Brasil for the conference.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>He also comes to Brasil every year.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>Small world!<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>He had a word for me about what God wants for my life, which was encouraging and intimidating at the same time.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>I’m still praying about it, and want to talk to my friends about it, so I won’t write what it was.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>Let’s just say that it was huge.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:14;">There was yet another conference in Altamira, but it was involving the Indians from the remote villages.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>The city wants to put up a dam along the Xingu River, which will essentially drive out the Indians from some of their homes, and destroy some of the land and the food they eat.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>It was truly interesting to witness this event!<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>Their attire was exactly what I would have pictured an Indian to look like when I was a kid.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>They wore feathers around their hair, henna all over their bodies, and loincloths instead of clothes.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>They also had plates in their lips, nose piercings, and gauged earlobes.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>They didn’t speak Portuguese, but some native language familiar to only their tribe.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>It was really intense.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>None of the people were happy at all, and the day before a guy cut off a piece of another guys ear because of a dispute.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>When we were watching from the bleachers, inside a local school gym, there were two Indians who were on guard with bows and arrows, ready to shoot if something went wrong.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>The event made the news and one of the girls, who helps nanny Mia and Ava, was interviewed by BBC.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>It was thought of the second biggest things that have happened in Altamira.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:14;">I also received my first love confession from Brasil.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>One of my CDR students, who is also only 16 years old, confessed his undying love for me.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>I told him it just wouldn’t work out.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>He seemed really genuine, and I felt bad for breaking his heart.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>I hope that who ever I end up marrying is half as romantic as this kid, but I think this guy was a little delusional.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>Our whole conversation was basically reading out of an English/Portuguese dictionary.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>He doesn’t really even know me.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>Brasilians are also a little overly romantic, they usually say a lot of nice things just to be nice.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>It was cute though.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:14;">At last find ourselves at the kid portion of the blog.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>I was having a conversation with miss Mia and she was asking me a complicated question about life and death.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>I told her I didn’t know the answer and this was her response.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>“You’re an adult, and adults know everything!”<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>Yeah, I wish!<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:14;">I got a chance to hang out with the Berquisdt kids, and Nate was quite the character.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>He is one of the most happiest kids I’ve ever met.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>It doesn’t take a lot for him to smile, or laugh, just like it doesn’t really take much for him to start crying.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>He says most of his words like he is singing.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>And usually he speaks one-word sentences, and repeats one of the favorite words that he heard you say.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>One day we were about to leave for the boat and he started singing to me “boat!” “going!” “Nate!” “going!”.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>It was so adorable!<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>Maddy and Makenna just like asking random questions.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>So I got from them “Why is your name Emily?” or “Why is your hair curly?”.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:14;">I saw Alica today and she was crawling and walking.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>It was a sight to see after I saw her in Salvador, and just about witnessed her fall down a flight of stairs in her rolling chair.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>God is good.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:14;">Again, thank you for your continuous support in prayer and encouragement.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>It is greatly appreciated.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Emily Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14571117086857068698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74053968173403877.post-48201441719961994222008-04-19T21:48:00.000-07:002008-04-19T21:49:25.510-07:00<a 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href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9fbAm7k6ljx8U9aMTd9ievllvHNRIEPMwYRh7Uqtyx82lK6U4SpwcCxIhOqQ6RpzNPunqpzYe7KH2eibBjpgVmXmqq_hAM79fuFeCaSnNJYbaiGUZu1iOMul9tbEmoqvjDanSFL8J0SE/s1600-h/DSCF3168.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9fbAm7k6ljx8U9aMTd9ievllvHNRIEPMwYRh7Uqtyx82lK6U4SpwcCxIhOqQ6RpzNPunqpzYe7KH2eibBjpgVmXmqq_hAM79fuFeCaSnNJYbaiGUZu1iOMul9tbEmoqvjDanSFL8J0SE/s320/DSCF3168.JPG" border="0" /></a><div style='clear:both; text-align:RIGHT'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Emily Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14571117086857068698noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74053968173403877.post-18592647321287884352008-04-19T21:10:00.000-07:002008-04-19T22:32:10.881-07:00Pslam 137:4 "How can we sing the songs of the Lord while in a foreign land?"<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>I would like to preface this by saying that this post will be much longer than my first two, because I haven’t written in over a month.<span style=""> </span>It’s been challenging for me to get to a working computer to “get ‘er done”<span style=""> </span>Enjoy! <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;"><span style=""> </span>The above scripture was used in my devotional to refer to, our secular society around us, as a “foreign land”.<span style=""> </span>However, I felt like it was a perfect way to describe how I’ve been thinking when I’m at church, or even by myself.<span style=""> </span>Despite where I am, my circumstances, or the pain and anguish I may be feeling, I am called to worship.<span style=""> </span>Even though it might not be what I want to do at the moment, it’s always a blessing to me after I obey, and I know it blesses God as well.<span style=""> </span>My relationship with Him has grown so much, because of my challenging circumstances that I’ve found myself in.<span style=""> </span>I know that He loves me enough to teach me things, and bring me out alive.<span style=""> </span>I know Him more personally because of it.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;">This has been the longest and shortest three months that I’ve ever spent.<span style=""> </span>Brin told me that it will feel like I’ve spent a couple of years here, because of all of the things that I’ll experience, in such a short time period.<span style=""> </span>This has become a reality to me.<span style=""> </span>I’ve had to face some of the biggest hurdles of my life, and yet it will leave a lasting impression on me, and change the way I see and think about things.<span style=""> </span>I can’t imagine that life will ever be the same, when I return home.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: normal;"><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;">I would encourage anyone who is considering having missions as a part of their life, to look into doing something like this.<span style=""> </span>It’s been such a blessing for the family that I’ve been staying with, but God has also been doing some great things in my own personal life.<span style=""> </span>It really gives a first hand look at how life would be like on the mission field.<span style=""> </span>Of course it would be different in other cities and countries, but there will be similarities in every place.<span style=""> </span>Even though it’s been a challenging experience, I still have a heart for missions and can see myself doing more sometime in the future.<span style=""> </span>Everyone’s experience would be different from mine, because we are all made to be unique from each other.<span style=""> </span>Although, there will always be challenges, however different they will be.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;">The last month and a half we’ve moved back to Alamira from Salvador, and moved into a new house.<span style=""> </span>So this trip has been a time of adjustment and change for me.<span style=""> </span>This is a common occurrence in this type of life though.<span style=""> </span>It’s such a difference from the life I was living in Salvador.<span style=""> </span>The two cities are almost complete opposites.<span style=""> </span>From the weather, to the bugs, and the stress level.<span style=""> </span>There are positives and negatives to the two, but it finally seems to feel more like a home here.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;">I now have my own place, next to the Pflederer’s house.<span style=""> </span>At first I felt lonely living by myself, and I wasn’t used to all the quiet around me.<span style=""> </span>And only a month ago I was longing to have silence and time alone.<span style=""> </span>The enemy always makes us think about what we don’t have.<span style=""> </span>Now it’s starting to feel normal, and look more like home.<span style=""> </span>These next months will be busy, and probably go by quickly.<span style=""> </span>So, I want to fully immerse myself in the present moment, but sometimes I fall into a daydream about coming home.<span style=""> </span>This is completely normal, but I would like to not focus on the future.<span style=""> </span>That is something that people have been praying over, but I could always use more prayer.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;">Portuguese has been a difficult language for me to grasp.<span style=""> </span>It’s so close to Spanish, that sometimes I get confused as to what words to use.<span style=""> </span>I’ve been able to catch on to what people are saying most of the time, but I have a hard time transferring that to my own communication with them.<span style=""> </span>It’s amazing to me how young minds work.<span style=""> </span>One night in Salvador, all of the families went to the mall to eat out.<span style=""> </span>I needed assistance ordering my meal, and Ella came along to help.<span style=""> </span>I was able to tell her everything that I needed, and wanted changed, and she understood how to translate with little trouble.<span style=""> </span>For some of Ella’s schoolwork we were reading the book “Ella Enchanted”.<span style=""> </span>The book is about a girl named Ella who was given a ‘gift’ from a fairy, to be obedient.<span style=""> </span>So anything that anyone tells her to do, as a command, she has to do it.<span style=""> </span>This “gift” is not always beneficial, but at times it can be helpful.<span style=""> </span>She was told to speak another language, and so she did.<span style=""> </span>If only it would be that easy in real life.<span style=""> </span>However, like the book, Ella and many other kids here have picked up the language really quickly, and without a lengthy lesson.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;">Although I have yet to learn the native language here, I have started helping teach English at a program here called CDR.<span style=""> </span>I was really nervous to come along side Abilene, one of the teachers, because I felt like I should know more about their language before teaching them mine.<span style=""> </span>However, it’s been so laid back, and fun to go there.<span style=""> </span>In one of the classes I have met some sweet people, and made some friends.<span style=""> </span>I didn’t realize how young everyone was, until they told me their ages, because the people look older here than they do back home.<span style=""> </span>I think the reason for this is because they’re out in the sun so much, and it can age the body very quickly.<span style=""> </span>Most of the students are about 15 or 16 years old.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;">Two of the students, in the one class, decided they were going to find out where I live, and stop by to say hi.<span style=""> </span>Well, they live about a half an hour walking distance, and still walked up to the guesthouse, which is past our house, to find out where a white girl named Emily lives.<span style=""> </span>Then they walked around clapping, a form of getting one’s attention at a house, without the convenience of a doorbell, to see if I would come out of the house.<span style=""> </span>We invited them for lunch, which is a process in itself, because out of politeness, they can’t accept right away, and they finally agreed to come in.<span style=""> </span>Since then, they’ve come over about three more times, including my birthday.<span style=""> </span>They are so sweet, and very genuine people.<span style=""> </span>The boy’s name is Flitze, and the girl’s name is Anielle.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;">My birthday was one to remember.<span style=""> </span>First I’ll talk about the Brasilian tradition for birthdays.<span style=""> </span>They essentially make a small cake on top of your head.<span style=""> </span>This is done by throwing eggs at you, the same number of your age, and then throwing flour at you.<span style=""> </span>Then the person who is ‘caked’ hugs all of the people around them.<span style=""> </span>I really wanted to avoid this tradition at all costs.<span style=""> </span>So I asked for the day off, and I was planning on hiding out in my room with all my essentials.<span style=""> </span>I even hid the eggs from the house, under my bed.<span style=""> </span>I guess they really weren’t going to do this to me, since I expressed my disinterest in the “festivities”, but Brin didn’t tell me this until the next day.<span style=""> </span>And she had needed the eggs to make my cake, so she had to buy new ones.<span style=""> </span>The only eggs that I was going to get close to, was the hard-boiled eggs on the dish that was prepared.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;">My meal consisted of spicy ground beef, with slices of ham, corn and chopped tomatoes, and hard-boiled eggs on top, and all over noodles or rice.<span style=""> </span>There was a side of purple cabbage, more corn, and faroufah, a Brasilian dish.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>Afterwards we had cake, with my favorite colored frosting, made by Brin, and I blew out my candles with the help of Mia, Ava, and Ella.<span style=""> </span>All of my “surprise” guests, from school, church, and neighbors, sang a song to me in Portuguese.<span style=""> </span>They love singing, and I was sung to three different times.<span style=""> </span>One guy sang and played guitar, and it was funny because I didn’t even remember ever meeting him, but he was there anyways to celebrate my birthday with me.<span style=""> </span>He knew I was American, and thought that I of course would like rap, called hippy hoppy here, so that’s what he performed.<span style=""> </span>It’s the thought that counts.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;">I sang one of my songs, by request, and then opened my presents.<span style=""> </span>One of my gifts had a card that was signed by my dog and cats names.<span style=""> </span>I mentioned it as I thought it was cute, well a few of my guests were laughing for a while long after.<span style=""> </span>The humor here is a little different, and they laugh at some of the most un-funny things.<span style=""> </span>I believe that most of it stems from the fact that they think <b>we’re</b> weird.<span style=""> </span>The thing I love the most about Brasilians, is how emotional and generous they are.<span style=""> </span>Even though they may not have any money to spare, they well still lavish on those that they love, with what they do have.<span style=""> </span>There are probably not many people that they <b>don’t </b>love.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;">Josh and Brin gave me a gift of a massage, for my birthday.<span style=""> </span>It was much needed, and very relaxing.<span style=""> </span>Of course things weren’t done the same way they are in North American Salons, but it was enjoyable, and entertaining, none-the-less.<span style=""> </span>When I got back to the house, all the girls took a trip to the club (pronounced clube) and went swimming.<span style=""> </span>I got to lay out in the sun, just like I had wanted, next to a palm tree, and the water was lovely.<span style=""> </span>We spent the evening eating popcorn and watching Anne of Green Gables.<span style=""> </span>It was a perfect evening to an almost perfect birthday.<span style=""> </span>The only thing missing was my friends and family back home.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;">An on going theme to this, time spent in Brasil, has been patience.<span style=""> </span>I feel like I’m a fairly patient person, and yet God is constantly showing me that my level of patience could improve.<span style=""> </span>What is nice, is that sometimes God puts people in our life that are struggling with the same issues.<span style=""> </span>This is so that we can work on them together, and encourage each other.<span style=""> </span>Brin has introduced the speaker Beth Moore to me.<span style=""> </span>She is an amazing, and vibrant, woman.<span style=""> </span>I have enjoyed listening to her talks on various subjects.<span style=""> </span>Brin and I recently, and purposely, sat down to watch one of her talks, on patience.<span style=""> </span>She mentioned that maybe it’s not the people, who bring out the worse in us, that have the problem, but that God has put those people in our lives, so that we may see what issues we have, that need to be resolved with God’s help.<span style=""> </span>This was a huge concept for me, because it’s so easy for me to blame others, when I get upset, when it may be me who needs “fixing”.<span style=""> </span>Beth Moore said that these people, or types of people, won’t go away, and will keep coming into our lives, until we “get” what God wants to do in us.<span style=""> </span>I believe that God is doing a major work in my life, and is preparing me for the work He has me doing in the future.<span style=""> </span>She also stated that if we avoid conflict, we will never be molded into the beautiful masterpiece that He’s creating us to become.<span style=""> </span>I thought of a great analogy dealing with skincare, being an Esthetician and all.<span style=""> </span>Anytime you start using a new skincare product, you should use it for 30 days.<span style=""> </span>This way you can see if you’re allergic to a product, if your skin responds well or bad to a product.<span style=""> </span>Usually, even if you’re not allergic, if the product is doing what its supposed to, the product will draw up the impurities that are below the surface, to get rid of them.<span style=""> </span>After a little while, the product will do its job and rid your skin of all the dirt, oils and bacteria underneath your skin.<span style=""> </span>In the same sense, God gives us circumstances for a little while, so that the ‘not-so-clean’ things, hiding beneath our surface, will appear, and hopefully be ‘washed away’ from our lives.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;">I will share with you some of the trials, sweet memories and humorous things that I’ve experienced in Altamira, since I’ve gotten back, and for the first time in my life.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;">*Betsy and I were driving in the rain one day, and we drove by this guy, who decided he was going to take a “shower” in the rain.<span style=""> </span>He was right next to the road, wearing shorts, soaping up and talking to a friend of his.<span style=""> </span>This seemed completely normal to him, and not at all embarrassing.<span style=""> </span>What a culture change!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;">*It has rained more in one hour, than I’m used to it raining in a single day.<span style=""> </span>This is really funny because I decided that I wasn’t going to attend a certain college, because I heard it rained so much there.<span style=""> </span>Now I’m living in a rain forest.<span style=""> </span>Our neighbor’s drain was clogged, which caused the schoolroom and my room to flood.<span style=""> </span>My room wasn’t as bad as the schoolroom, but it did cause an over abundance of moisture to build up, thus leading to mold growing.<span style=""> </span>I’ve now seen mold grow in places that I never thought it could grow on, such as glass, plastic, and floor tiles.<span style=""> </span>The schoolroom got a couple inches of water in it though, and the mold looked like white pipe cleaners.<span style=""> </span>God really showed me that I need to grasp the concept of giving over my control to Him.<span style=""> </span>There was nothing I could do to stop the water from coming into my room, and the more I tried to stop it, the more upset I’d get. <span style=""> </span>It was only when I gave up, and put my trust in Him, that I had peace.<span style=""> </span>It was painful, but God came through, as He always does.<span style=""> </span>The next morning, all the water had vanished, and hadn’t ruined anything.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;">*I absolutely hate taking cold showers, but the heater in my shower doesn’t work.<span style=""> </span>So, for the past month, I haven’t had any choice of what I want my water’s temperature to be.<span style=""> </span>I’m getting used to it, sort of.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;">*There are spiders living in the fan of my bathroom, that doesn’t work, and they hatch eggs and send their babies out to annoy me and then die.<span style=""> </span>I’ve almost gotten used to walking into their webs, whenever I go to the bathroom, and seeing their little bodies hanging from different areas of my bathroom.<span style=""> </span>My tolerance is certainly going to be so much greater, when I return to the states.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;">*The Postal Service has gone on strike, our phone barley works, and our Internet is almost non-existent at times.<span style=""> </span>This made me feel like I am back on ‘The Little House on the Prairie’ ranch.<span style=""> </span>My form of entertainment is reading, writing, or playing games.<span style=""> </span>An occasional movie is watched, but even that stopped because the T.V. stopped working for a short time.<span style=""> </span>It’s actually nice to have a simpler life, even though I also quite enjoy the alternative.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;">*For the first couple of weeks at our new house, everything was consistently breaking, nothing new here.<span style=""> </span>Our only form of transportation was walking, or riding a motorcycle.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;">*The constant rain here brings the inevitable red mud.<span style=""> </span>This causes the laundry load to grow, and the clothes to become worn out.<span style=""> </span>Brin told me that back home she could give away her clothes, after she stopped wearing them as often, or didn’t like them.<span style=""> </span>Here, they don’t last for more than a half a year, if that, and they fade horribly because we wash them so much, and then dry them outside in the sun.<span style=""> </span>It’s also pointless to buy clothes, in this city, because they are made so poorly, and with cheap material.<span style=""> </span>Sometimes it’s been known for the clothes to tear after one washing.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;">*I made it out alive, through a 54-hour bus ride, back from Salvador, and a couple hours of being stuck in the mud.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;">*Mia turned 4.<span style=""> </span>Ellie turned 13.<span style=""> </span>I turned 24.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;">*Mia is growing and her shoes are witnesses.<span style=""> </span>One day she wanted to wear a pair of lace up shoes, just like Ava was, and she had her mom help her put them on, because it was so hard, since they were too small.<span style=""> </span>She then proceeded to stand up and start waddling and taking very short steps.<span style=""> </span>She said, “I almost said, my feet hurt”.<span style=""> </span>She knew that if she had said they hurt, she’d have to take them off.<span style=""> </span>So she kept them on, even though she wouldn’t be able to take them off, and then play while waddling.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;">*Sometimes I think about how I’d like my wedding day to be, and come up with ideas, that I store in the back of my mind.<span style=""> </span>I had thought before that I didn’t know who I would have as my flower girls, until now.<span style=""> </span>I mentioned my idea to the girls, and Ava took it so seriously!<span style=""> </span>I told her that I would need to meet a guy first though, and she began to name off people for suggestions.<span style=""> </span>Her ideas were 11-year-old Ben, 14-year-old Luke, 15-year-old Cleide (who is a girl), and Josh, her dad.<span style=""> </span>I don’t think she quite understands the concept of marriage yet.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;">*Ella and Ava had a ballet recital shortly after Easter, and all the girls were dressed to be like bunnies.<span style=""> </span>They all had to wear white, and have their hair pulled back into a bun.<span style=""> </span>Although I noticed that the last part didn’t happen with every girl.<span style=""> </span>Brasilians don’t usually enforce things too much.<span style=""> </span>The idea of having the girls wear white, was a nice thought, but their clothes didn’t stay white for very long.<span style=""> </span>Their “boom booms” and slippers were orange, from the dirt, by the end of the show.<span style=""> </span>The recital wasn’t completely organized, well it was as organized as it could be, but it was very sweet to watch.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;">*I’ve started to think about possibly working in a Library, just so I can read stories to kids.<span style=""> </span>Even though I never liked reading out loud in front of people before, I’ve started to really enjoy it lately.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;">*One night I had my windows open in my room, and I was singing at the top of my lungs, something I quite enjoy, and the dogs outside started howling.<span style=""> </span>I’m not sure if they were doing this because they liked or disliked my singing, or for some other reason.<span style=""> </span>I think other dogs have caught on now, because we’ve had many a howling dog serenade us during the day and night.<span style=""> </span>One in particular likes to yodel.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;">As I close I’d like to ask you to keep me in your prayers.<span style=""> </span>I’ve been dealing with ring worm, practically since I’ve been in Brasil.<span style=""> </span>It’s very frustrating, and annoying.<span style=""> </span>I’ve been taking medication for about a month and a half with some improvement.<span style=""> </span>I’d just like it to be completely gone.<span style=""> </span>The healing causes it to itch, and that just makes it flare up.<span style=""> </span>Whenever I sweat it gets worse.<span style=""> </span>It’s mainly on the creases of my arms.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;">I also have a flare up every once in awhile on my lips, from an allergic reaction to a type of chapstick I was using.<span style=""> </span>These things are minor, but can be discouraging.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;">My body image has been a constant worry to me as well, and I’d like to not think about it so much.<span style=""> </span>I don’t think that my body is digesting food properly and so despite what I do, I can’t seem to loose weight.<span style=""> </span>I have trouble comparing myself to those around me, and right now I’m seeing many skinny Brasilian girls.<span style=""> </span>It’s hard for me to stop comparing.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;">I’d also like prayer for my thoughts to be mainly on my time remaining in Brasil.<span style=""> </span>It’s easy for me to daydream about people back home that I miss, and then become homesick.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;">Thank you for your continued support, prayer and encouragement.<span style=""> </span>It means a lot to me.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;">More to come soon!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>Emily Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14571117086857068698noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74053968173403877.post-56825760594963925662008-03-01T13:06:00.000-08:002008-03-01T13:10:07.434-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSeyCU2-6_IUC270gtz5Q1unluXKLK21p4Tloe5dLhDa3Ico4MGXLA_jPvgC0DshyetJqV6cMuS323Rc-KBWY4kkb4K27xzutflXkb7AHCTJsYpNCFR4bQ2mJ5Dyii1bbGeCC8-DxKyik/s1600-h/Brazil+in+Salvador+(Emily%27s)+560.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSeyCU2-6_IUC270gtz5Q1unluXKLK21p4Tloe5dLhDa3Ico4MGXLA_jPvgC0DshyetJqV6cMuS323Rc-KBWY4kkb4K27xzutflXkb7AHCTJsYpNCFR4bQ2mJ5Dyii1bbGeCC8-DxKyik/s320/Brazil+in+Salvador+(Emily%27s)+560.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigOyWD88H-_LhrVLH4fcFjXPWR-m9fsP6eDrMeplmTs1iJLwAtHlP2Ux7RY9r7oCzaqdtzleReW1oPA46GguA0ROZRGUKjTQoP5ceC5bjGShxAy-QCodyVmmdasTUt5MLR8XsUJVvPefo/s1600-h/Brazil+in+Salvador+(Emily%27s)+629.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigOyWD88H-_LhrVLH4fcFjXPWR-m9fsP6eDrMeplmTs1iJLwAtHlP2Ux7RY9r7oCzaqdtzleReW1oPA46GguA0ROZRGUKjTQoP5ceC5bjGShxAy-QCodyVmmdasTUt5MLR8XsUJVvPefo/s320/Brazil+in+Salvador+(Emily%27s)+629.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAuyPPMftW0mRwhKESs0RmGapA0Ie2Uk_SrozBWh4yFYLOBE90VW86jCZxjZcHzl3-_ofcSf6kj5K1j3etOyHVs0J5TJUh0AHf9obV9Ytxl61AuX557lDnaUK51tOExHKsBoMMeksx7iE/s1600-h/Brazil+in+Salvador+(Emily%27s)+785.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px" alt="" 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src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Emily Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14571117086857068698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74053968173403877.post-13088612608832702592008-02-29T14:26:00.000-08:002008-03-01T19:08:14.036-08:00Seasons of Love"525,600 minutes, 525,000 moments so dear. 525,600 minutes - how do you measure, measure a year? In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights, in cups of coffee. In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife. In 525,600 minutes - how do you measure a year in the life? ...measure in love" ~'Rent'<br /><br />This song has so many great insights, and so many that I can currently relate to. At times is seems as though I've been here forever, and other moments, time is only a concept. Every morning comes like clockwork, the hours proceeding move like molasses, and the evening slips away like quicksand. I picture it like those movies that show time lapses each day, showing flowers opening and closing and sunrise to sunset.<br /><br />We've been in Salvador for two weeks now, and it's just flown by. A single minute can be an hour, and yet, I'm finding it hard to remember all that I've done, during my stay in Brasil. My memory however, tends to come and go as it pleases. So I'm sure that it'll conveniently return while I'm recalling past events.<br /><br />I'll start with the adjustment I wasn't expecting, especially living here during the "wet season". There are three showers that we’re; two of the families are, sharing. Two of which, use the water from the city, and the other get its water from the well. I experienced, for the first time in my life, running out of water. I had just started my shower, and I had to turn the faucet off and on, to get a little burst of water that was left, to wash the shampoo out of my hair. The experience really made me put in perspective the amount in which I, and others as well, take advantage of access to water. I had to think about how to prioritize my water usage. It's humorous to think about, although not so humorous at the time. I literally thought, what do I have to do first? Wash my hands, take my contacts out, and THEN if there is enough water left, flush the toilet.<br /><br />Brin and I were in the mall one day looking around, and I turned to her and said "This looks like gold!" I was referring to a dishwasher of course. I've never hand washed so many dishes in my lifetime, and I think after this experience in Salvador, it'll probably be enough to count for the rest of my time on Earth. Our "kitchen" is about three feet by nine feet. This includes, a microwave, refrigerator, stove, and sink. Tonight Brin kept telling Mia to get out of the "kitchen", which was very humorous to me, because all she had to do is take two steps backward. I really like doing the dishes, when there aren’t people in the "kitchen" with me.<br /><br />The phrase "Silence is Golden", is not just a phrase to me any longer. I never really felt an urge, or need, to have a "quiet time". That was almost a foreign concept to me before, but only because I always had an opportunity to be in silence. Of course we always want what we can't have. So now, I make it a goal to leave the house, once a day, and walk to the overlook. I can see the ocean from there, and the breeze helps drown out any other sounds, overwhelming thoughts even, floating around me. You would think that I could get a quiet time in my room, but even that is a hard thing to achieve. As much as I enjoy the many sounds of the culture, right out side my window, it's not always fun to hear music blasting so loud that the bass vibrates me in my sleep in early hours of the morning. Although I do look forward to the day when I'll hear a song that I've heard while living here, and smile at the memory.<br /><br />God has really met me in those now treasured quiet times that I've experienced here. I was frustrated one afternoon, because I wasn't feeling that God was really listening to me, and wanting to speak to me. Even though I know that practice makes perfect, I can be impatient, and I want to hear Him when I want to hear Him, and how I want to hear Him. God likes to work in a slightly different manner, than what we expect Him to. He also knows me and my heart, and how to speak to me individually. So He's been speaking to me through my i pod and through nature. I was riding on the bus while listening to my music, and I saw a guy drumming to the beat of the song. Every song preceding the former had some relation to my experience at that moment, and I felt that God was literally talking to me and relating to me through the music. Another moment I wanted Him to show me that he was hearing me, and wanted to respond. So I asked that He would show me hearts in my surroundings. I began to see them, in the clouds, trees, water and even the sidewalk next to me. He is truly a personal God.<br /><br />It's also been challenging watching and teaching the girls. However hard it may be, it also has its rewards. At first the girls did, and still maybe, put me through a testing period. I think that they're understanding more about the reason why I'm here, and respecting me more for it. I overheard Mia talking to Josh the other night, about her family, and she included me. It was so sweet! Yesterday I took the girls to the beach, instead of doing school with them. There was an understanding that, if they were really good, got along with each other, and didn't cause any trouble that morning, that they could go. When I told them that I decided to take them, Ava threw her arms around my waste and told me she loved me. That was such a huge change from how she related to me before. I received hugs and kisses, and they held my hands and trusted me. It was so nice not to be thought of, and treated like, just a teacher, but like a member of the family.<br /><br />God has been very merciful and gracious to us. There have been a couple of sick times, but that didn't last long, and didn't spread to everyone in the house. He's really provided for us, and watched out for our well being. I had never really had anything stolen from me, until yesterday when I took the girls to the beach. We were swimming and I had my eye on our things the whole time. When went back to our towels, two guys told Ella, in Portuguese, that we should be careful. There was a girl that had been walking around and she looked suspicious. I wasn't really worried about it, but then when we were getting ready to go, I couldn't find my flip flops. I thought they had just been buried under the sand, but they never turned up. This really surprised me, because of the things that were there, she took my $3.00 pair of Old Navy flip flops. They weren't even new, or good looking. My purse was maybe one foot away, and even though there wasn't any thing much of value in it, she wouldn't have known that. The only bad thing that came of it, was having to walk back barefoot. I got a perspective of how people have to live without convenience of protection of their feet. It was painful, but not nearly as much pain as people experience everyday.<br /><br />Salvador is the biggest African city outside of Africa. They had ten times as many slaves brought over than America. That's outside of my comprehension! There is a martial art that started here, called Capoeira. It started out being a form of fighting, but after the slave masters saw it as a threat, the slaves were forced to stop. It then was turned into a dance, in which there is no physical contact.We took a trip to the historical area of the city, and we saw the exact spot where the whipping post was. All that stood, in its place, was a stage for people to celebrate 'Carnival', which is Brasil's Martigras. As much as Salvador is such a beautiful city, there is so much pain and heaviness relating to the dark religion that is practiced here. The religion is a mix between Catholicism and Black Magic, or Witchcraft. On one of my walks around the block, I stopped at a spot where Brin had pointed out to me the night before, to take pictures. There had been some kind of sacrifice and offering taken place on the hill, down the street from our house. I felt such a weight on my back just standing there. Spiritual oppression is definitely prevalent here.We all have felt, just in these past two weeks, that God has a different purpose for us here. He didn't just take us here to learn Portuguese, home school, or clean, but something much greater that hasn't been revealed to us just yet. We might not ever find out, but we know that we are here helping further His kingdom, just like everywhere else He has put us. We are to be here now.<br /><br />Back in Altamira, I'd been reading a book about 'Love Languages', just so that I could figure out what exactly mine was. If you don't know what a love language is, it is the language that translates love to you. The love languages are, physical touch, words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, and acts of service. Everybody has all of them, but there are one or two that mean more to each individual. Even though I pretty much knew what mine were, they didn't really make themselves relevant to me as much as they have here. I realize that my biggest love language is physical touch. Not being able to hug my friends and family, has caused me to realize how important it is to me, and how much I really need it to be healthy and happy. This has made me even more a vulnerable person, if that is even possible. I've shared this with Brin, and she asked me if she was going to have to give me cuddle time like she gives her daughters. I laughed, but I thought it wasn't all that bad an idea! It makes me realize how much more I need God to make me feel whole again.<br /><br />God has really showed His love, and promises of love, for me through flowers. I have a favorite flower, which I'm not going to say what it is, and I may or may not explain why later. I've only told a few people, that I trust, what it is. It isn't a common flower. I associate this flower with a promise between God and I, and He reveals it to me on few occasions. I've seen it more frequently here and every time I see it, it reminds me of God's great love, and His promises to me, His daughter.I'm also reading the book "Captivating". It's about how women were meant to be cherished, loved, appreciated and captivating. I'm really enjoying it, and I think God's opening my eyes up to my own life, and how broken I am. Slowly He's allowing me to trust and become fully vulnerable with myself again. He's showing me how He wants us to become like we were as children, carefree and joyful, dependant on Him alone.<br /><br />Ok, enough seriousness! I'll share with you now, some sweet and silly quotes, and experiences that I had, and some that I got the pleasure of over-hearing.<br /><br />*Pronunciation in Ava & Mia's World*<br /><br />~"Shrorol" can mean either Cereal or Stroller<br />Ava asked me where the "shrorol" was, and I told her it was in the cabinet, so she proceed to open the cabinet door, and came back to me asking where it was again. I listened carefully, and realized that she was referring to the stroller.<br /><br />~"Ticker" is a Sticker<br />"Mia, what do you have on your forehead?" I asked one day.<br />"A ticker!" she replied.<br /><br />~"Pork-a-cheese" is another name for Portuguese<br />Both Ava and Mia like to use this term.<br />Ava says "Now you say it in English, and I'll say it in Pork-a-cheese"<br /><br />~"Top" means Stop<br />"Top it!" Mia told me today, when she didn't like me playing with her hair.<br /><br />~"Popped" means passed gas<br />Apparently some little boy said it once, and the word stuck.<br />Ava asked me today "Did you pop?"<br />I told her no.<br />She said "I think Ella popped."<br /><br />The best is when Mia gives the sweetest angry face you've ever seen, and says "I's sewious!", with that little lisp she has. It takes all of me not to laugh over her cuteness, and if I do, watch out!<br /><br />Here are a couple examples of their understanding of pronunciation of words.<br /><br />"I's ok momma!" Mia referring to when she fell in a pile of plastic balls in a game room at the mall.<br /><br />"Her's bein' mean to me!" Ava or Mia have both said from time to time.<br /><br /><br />Ella and Meredith spotted a cruise ship out by the lighthouse last week, and were talking about all the amazing qualities it most likely held.<br />Meredith says to Ella “I bet they don’t even have to sleep on redis!”<br />Ella responded “I bet you’re right!”<br />A redi, pronounced heggie, is a hammock, and on the boat trips, that are taken on the Xingu river, for the mission, we sleep on redis.<br /><br />I caught Ella and Meredith, one of the Kubaki's daughters, acting out a scene from the TV show 'Monk'. I hadn't realized it was from the show, until I heard it stated later on in their conversation. I think they made up the script for it, but they were extremely creative, and intelligent, in what they were talking about. Also, they both can imitate great English accents, better than I can. I wouldn't expect two nine year old girls to be so knowledgeable! I'm not sure why they were using English accents, but that usually happens when this type of acting occurs. This is what I overheard them saying, outside of their script.<br />"I can't have a boss Meredith, I'm running for election!" Ella stated in all seriousness.<br /><br />It's a real treat for me to live with three different families, and see kids from 7 month old, to 14 years old relate to each other. I love seeing the kid’s perspectives again, it reminds me of how I felt when I was their age. It gets hard to remember those things when you're outside of that perspective. It reminds me of how smart kids really are.<br /><br />Welcome to Salvador! A place where unicorns exist, hospitals look like castles, and churches look like hotels. Where God is alive in nature, and meet us where we are. Where you can walk next door, literally, and get belly dancing lessons, jazz dancing lessons, or whatever your preference may be. People are really friendly here, and watch out for us. I feel safe, and covered by prayer. Thank you for your time, and all your love and prayer.Emily Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14571117086857068698noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74053968173403877.post-50853577783140085212008-02-14T19:49:00.000-08:002008-03-09T09:26:36.139-07:00So long, farewell, Auf wiedersehen, adieu...<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="">I can’t believe that I’ve already been here for about three weeks.<span style=""> </span>Well where should I start?<span style=""> </span>“Let’s start at the very beginning, it’s a very good place to start.<span style=""> </span>When you read, you begin with A, B, C.<span style=""> </span>When you sing you begin with doe, ray, me.”<span style=""> </span>I’ve had that song in my in the background of my mind, playing over and over again, for the past three days.<span style=""> </span>I’ve been introducing music to Ella, the eldest daughter, nine years of age.<span style=""> </span>I don’t think I quite had a grasp of how much older I was, until I tried to remember what it was like when I was first in a choir music setting.<span style=""> </span>I wanted to put myself in her place, and understand how frustrating it was to learn the basics.<span style=""> </span>As far as I can remember, which is pretty far, I was singing.<span style=""> </span>I was told, by my parents, that I used to sing myself to sleep, before I could even speak.<span style=""> </span>So I thought, what better way to introduce Ella to music, than to teach her the basics from the musical about music.<span style=""> </span>Plus, it was a pretty easy song to teach her on the faux keyboard on ‘Leap Pad’.<span style=""> </span>Later on we will have a real keyboard for her to practice on.<span style=""> </span>She has a great passion to learn, not only music in general, but especially piano.<span style=""> </span>With the passion and dedication that this girl has, she will go far!<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style=""><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="">This experience so far has already been very influential on my life, and it hasn’t even been a month.<span style=""> </span>I can only imagine what God has for the rest of the time that I’m here for.<span style=""> </span>Not only has it completely changed my schedule around, but also it’s forced me to be disciplined with how I spend my time daily.<span style=""> </span>If I wake up too late, I have to deal with the consequences of not spending time on myself.<span style=""> </span>I know that everyone else’s schedule doesn’t revolve around mine, so it’s my job to adjust to theirs.<span style=""> </span>Even though I’ve never really cared too much about weather I wear make-up or not, my previous jobs made me feel as if it was a necessity.<span style=""> </span>Now I’m really putting into perspective of what is the most important part of my day.<span style=""> </span>My focus is helping the family that I’m staying with.<span style=""> </span>So I try to be helpful in whatever way I can be.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style=""><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="">I was writing earlier today in my journal about how funny God works sometimes.<span style=""> </span>I was told a while ago, that usually the thing that you are most worried about doing, or experiencing, is usually the thing you will do, or be, the best at.<span style=""> </span>The enemy likes to trick us into believing that we are worthless, and inadequate, usually in the subject that we are the most adequate at.<span style=""> </span>Before coming to Brasil, I was doing a lot of praying, and worrying, about how adequate, and capable, I was for the things I would be doing here.<span style=""> </span>So far I am only comforted in the thought that, this is exactly the thing I am supposed to be doing right now, and even though I wasn’t necessarily trained for this experience, God will prepare me for it all.<span style=""> </span>I am always at peace when I think about the fact that God doesn’t always use the most qualified, but He uses the willing.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style=""><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="">So let me share with you some of the experiences that I’ve had, and quotes from the girls, over these few weeks.<span style=""> </span>I was told, by Brin, that eventually my body will get used to the bugs, and won’t react to them after awhile.<span style=""> </span>Well I believe that I had about at least 40 bites, from different creatures, on my right leg alone.<span style=""> </span>I think they prefer my right leg for some strange reason.<span style=""> </span>Lately I haven’t noticed as much itching, or red marks.<span style=""> </span>I think I was starting to look like a leper.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style=""><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="">I like to ask the girls what they are doing every now and then, because I’m interested in their response.<span style=""> </span>One day I saw Mia, the three year old and youngest of three daughters, playing with a girl’s hair, and I asked her what she was doing.<span style=""> </span>She plainly stated, “I’m looking for lice!”<span style=""> </span>As it is, and I’ve been warned, if I have the choice between holding a baby or not, I’ll probably hold the baby, and also if I have the choice to hug someone or to decide not to, I’ll hug them.<span style=""> </span>So it is very likely, that if I choose to be friendly, which I probably will, I will most likely get lice while I’m here.<span style=""> </span>I was told the same in relation to getting sick from drinking the water and shaking hands with certain people.<span style=""> </span>There is a good chance that I’ll get a stomach virus of some sort while living here.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style=""><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="">The worst thing that I’ve come across is a lime peel, or at least that’s what we think the cause of it is.<span style=""> </span>After being here for a week, I started noticing bumps on my lips, and I thought it could have been a food allergy, or some other allergy.<span style=""> </span>Within the past week, it has progressively worsened.<span style=""> </span>Yesterday I met with Tim, a missionary who is also a doctor, which is such a huge blessing.<span style=""> </span>He gave me a topical steroid crème to put on my lips, and within the first application I noticed a difference.<span style=""> </span>After discussing different options, we both came to the conclusion that it is most likely that I have contact dermatitis from eating a piece of a lime.<span style=""> </span>For some strange reason the peels here, even on the oranges, are extremely acidic.<span style=""> </span>Brin had a lemon, that was sprayed, and it left a nasty burn on her arm, for two months.<span style=""> </span>She told me that she now wears gloves, while making lemon aid, just to be safe, even if that wasn’t the cause.<span style=""> </span>My lips are now almost completely healed, in only a day in a half.<span style=""> </span>Praise the Lord!<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style=""><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="">To all who do not know, I’ll be heading, somewhat south, to Salvador on Tuesday.<span style=""> </span>I’m going with the Pflederers, the family I’m staying with in Brasil.<span style=""> </span>We’ll be living there for about five weeks.<span style=""> </span>Josh and Brin Pflederer are going to be taking a Portuguese class, to further their education on the language, along with a few of the other missionaries here.<span style=""> </span>I’ll be watching the girls and doing home school with them while I’m there.<span style=""> </span>God knew that I needed this first month to get adjusted to the culture and this new family of mine.<span style=""> </span>It’s been an answered prayer that the girls seem to be getting used to me, and seemingly liking me despite my needing to discipline them at times.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style=""><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="">Ok, here are some of the quotes that I thought were entertaining.<span style=""> </span>Both Mia and Ava, the </span></i><i><span style="">five</span></i><i><span style=""> (almost six) year-old daughter, asked me “are you pregnant?” I said, “No I just need to loose some weight” I didn’t take offense, because they are so young, but I told Brin about it because I thought it was funny.<span style=""> </span>She told me that they are used to seeing these stick thin girls from Brasil walking around.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="">Peanut butter isn’t a normal item you can purchase here, so whenever it’s around, it is a treat.<span style=""> </span>One day we were all eating, and I asked Mia “Do you like peanut butter?” Her response was “No.”<span style=""> </span>I replied “Why not?” She said “because it has peanut butter in it!” I asked again “well what don’t you like about peanut butter?” Mia said “Yeah..”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="">I thought that it was such a classic response, and one I could imagine myself saying when I was her age.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="">The other day I was sitting in my room, and I overheard Ava having a conversation with our neighbor Ana, who is three years old.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="">This is how it went “I want lip lip!” declared Ana.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="">“you can’t have any, because that’s Ella’s lip lip” stated Ava.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="">“I want lip lip! Lip lip!” replied Ana.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="">“well, I had some lip lip, but it’s not here.<span style=""> </span>I gave it away.<span style=""> </span>I sent it to China.” Ava said, confident in her response.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="">I couldn’t help but laugh out loud after that last one!<span style=""> </span>They were referring to lipstick, or more likely, lip gloss.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="">Sometimes Mia likes to tell me things, in just a way, that will allow her to get what she wants.<span style=""> </span>All three of the girls love to get their nails done, and they love that I have so many different colors to choose from.<span style=""> </span>So one of the days that Mia was so eager to have her nails done, she came up to me and said “my mom says that I need to always have my nails painted, everyday!”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="">Another day Mia was so determined about the next country she wanted to live in.<span style=""> </span>She told everyone who was around, “I want to move to Africa, where the snow is!”<span style=""> </span>We found out later that she was actually talking about America. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="">Mia likes to play hide and seek with me like this, “Emily, close your eyes.<span style=""> </span>Now open them.<span style=""> </span>Now say, where’s Mia?”<span style=""> </span>If I find her too easily, she asks “why is you not take longer to find me?”<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="">One last one, when Ava and Mia were stating that I’m not an adult, I’m a teenager.<span style=""> </span>I told them that I wasn’t a teenager, and asked them to guess my age.<span style=""> </span>They guessed low twenties, mid-twenties, and when I kept saying no, they finally stated “30!” You can guess how much I loved that response.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style=""><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="">Thanks to all of you who have been keeping me in your thoughts and your prayers.<span style=""> </span>I know that I’m being thought of and prayed for, because everything about this trip so far has been so smooth and easy going.<span style=""> </span>I know God has His hand on this time in my life, and has a purpose for my being here.<span style=""> </span>I’ll do my best to keep you updated on my experience here, along with stories and quotes to share with you all.<span style=""> </span>I’ll also include some pictures, and links to videos I’ve taken of the girls and I on my camera.<span style=""> </span>Hopefully each blog won’t be THIS long!<span style=""> </span>I apologize for that.<span style=""> </span>For everyone who has read this much, is truly amazing!<span style=""> </span>I hope you enjoyed it, and that you continue to keep my family and I in your prayers.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style=""><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="">Please pray that my family has peace and comfort while I’m gone, and that they remain healthy and safe.<span style=""> </span>I don’t want to worry about them while I’m away.<span style=""> </span>Also pray for my health and safety as well.<span style=""> </span>This whole adventure will fly by I’m sure, but any little discomfort can be a distraction from what I’m hoping to accomplish while I’m here.<span style=""> </span>I’m thinking of all of you, missing you, and praying for you as well.<span style=""> </span>I can’t wait to come back and see you all and share many more details from my trip.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style=""><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="">With His great love,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style=""><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style=""><span style=""> </span>Emily Fancher<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style=""><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>Emily Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14571117086857068698noreply@blogger.com6