Blog Entry 1.....Brazillian soil

Today we arrived in Porto Vehlo, It was a colorful city and the poeple were so warm and inviting. The 19 of us crammed in ONE car and ONE truck allong with 38 pieces of luggage and we had to drive about 5 miles where we would get on the boat that would take us down the Amazon River toward the village where we would be staying. For 12 hours we would fellowship, reflect on the journey ahead, and enjoy the wonder of God’s Creation. Words cannot describe the view of this amazing river.

It truly took the breath from your body.....as you sat in awe.

" I just cant believe we are here"

That evening on the boat, we all sat around a pillowed floor of the top story. We sat and listend to some of the amazing stories of Pastor Antonio's life traveling the world as a laborer for Christ. At times there was not a dry eye on the boat. We also took turns giving our testimonies. It was such a peaceful night.

AJ had some problems with his visa before we left Miami. He was unable to join us on the trip. We were all pretty heart broken about this. When we arrived in Brazil, Pastor Antonio gave us a little puppy that he picked up off the street. The team named him AJ. It brought everyone a little joy for a while.....til it started peeing on everything. ☺ We gave him to the villagers as soon as we arrived on land. ☺
On the first night we experienced the vast canopy of stars in the Southern hemisphere. Unlike the sky back home where light pollution hides most of the stars, stars filled every inch of Brazil’s unfamiliar sky. The Psalmist got it right when he wrote, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.”

When finally arriving to the place we would be staying the next 12 days, we all got pretty excited to meet the people and the pastors. This was our new family. There was a strong peace and joy all over the team. It was just ...... nice.