September 2010

This September I started new classes at both the Lar and Vila Andrade projects. Even though it is close to the end of the school year here, I still had children asking for classes, so I re-arranged classes and schedules to make that happen. Now I have one group of new students two days a week at the Lar (I am testing to see how that works), and a new group at Vila Andrade one afternoon. I have also started giving mini-English lessons to the 'mini' students at Vila Andrade; I am going a different day of the week there and joining the 4-6 year old class and doing very basic teaching on colors, numbers, alphabet and their names.  They seem to enjoy it and I can hear them singing the 'Hello' song after I leave the room!

The kids at Vila Andrade had a drawing contest, and the teacher from Vilabyte technical training was called in to judge.  The winners got some new backpacks.

Students doing reinforcement exercises on the computer.

Chatting with some of the girls who live in Vila Andrade

The WorldVenture S. Brazil field had a retreat one weekend at Camp California, a partner ministry of ours. The director has planted over 100 banana trees here, which he turns around and sells.

Would you vote for this clown?  No, really, he was a clown and was running for office in this coming election. There are sadly a number of not so qualified candidates running for office this year.  Election day is October 3 for Brazil where the next president, governors, state and federal representatives and senators will be elected.  Two of the four presidential candidates are women, but the front runner is very radically left with a criminal past. Much prayer is being given to the future of this great country.

July and August 2010

The last two months have been quite active with a school break and some travel. July brought a trip with the Vila Andrade kids to the São Paulo Aquarium, the end of classes for the winter break, a friend’s wedding (all in one week) followed by a visit to the US for a brief rest. I enjoyed my time in the States visiting family, friends and supporters.

Above, visit to the Sao Paulo Aquarium. Below, being a bridesmaid at my friends wedding.

Home Visit to Minnesota and Montana

Above, got to meet my newest niece in person, not just on Skype! Below, my niece EJ celebrating her birthday and getting some Brazil souvenirs from her Auntie!

Visiting Glacier Park – throwing snowballs with my dad!

VBS – First Baptist Minneapolis

I was honored to be the “missionary guest” for my home church’s Vacation Bible School program, and I shared about my work in Brazil and tied my talk into the program theme, the fruit of the spirit. Being here brought back fun memories of my times helping with VBS as well as seeing how much the kids have grown, including my former First Grade Sunday School class, which are now the teens helping out at VBS. I loved seeing their enthusiasm and willingness to serve.

Back in Brazil!

Classes started up again in August with review lessons (thankfully not too much forgotten) and my birthday party. The kids enjoyed the mini play dough in their treat bags which was brought down by the team in March. I am still working on issues regarding class attendance and scheduling at Vila Andrade, and would appreciate your prayers for wisdom on how best to go forward. The goal is to finish strong at both project sites.

My co-workers at the Lar threw me a surprise party after work for my birthday! Very sweet!

Above, the directors of the Lar, and below, some of my friendly co-workers.

Vila Andrade birthday fun

June 2010

June brought World Cup fever and visitors from a Christian school in the US to Brazil. The Lar Project had a talent show, which showcased some of the talented kids here. Both projects are wrapping up for the winter break, and classes will restart again in August.

Visitors from New York Christian School presented music, skits, and testimonies, plus spent time with my English students.

One of the Lar students presenting karate during the talent show.

Celebrating World Cup madness, on the street with students at Vila Andrade and with students at the Lar.

May 2010

May brought Mother's Day activities with card making and music programs. The students who participate in the music project through the Morumbi church gave a special concert for their mom's, which was really neat. My students at Vila Andrade made cards for their mom's, and the Lar had their annual Mother's Day program, but I missed it because I was sick that weekend - I was sad!

Special concert for mom's

Lar students learning greetings with puppets and word walls

I enjoyed some cultural outings with two of my best friends here this month - a tour of downtown Sao Paulo and a visit to the theatre for the musical "The King and I" (in portuguese, of course, but I understood most of it!). It was my first visit to both places, which was fun.