Saturday, May 24, 2008

First Week in Sao Paulo

Hello everyone,

It has been a fast/long couple of days in the past week. I won't go into detail about the plane ride or other insignificant stuff. To start us off, the STINT (Short Term International students) made us go on a photo scavenger hunt. That was fun because we got to tour the area around us and get to know where we are. We also were able to order some food. It is EXTREMELY hard to order food when you don't speak the local language. Most people do not understand English, so I am forced back to my primitive days and I have to point to an item and then rub my stomach to say I'm hungry (I may over exaggerate some points by the way). When we ordered from Subway (we do eat actual Brazilian food too) the cashiere just laughed at us because she did not understand a lick of what we were saying.

By the way, I will also add in random photos of our journeys through out the blog

So I know basically two phrases in Portuguese: Nah fallah Portuguese and voce fallah ingles? Basically, I don't know Portuguese and Do you speak English? This will help on campus, but most other places do not speak English.

One other thing to think about in Brazil is WATCH OUT FOR THAT CAR!!!! They are crazy down here. Motorcycles especially. They will just be blazing through traffic and if you don't watch out you might get clipped. Cars have the right-of-way always, pedestrians are just targets. The buses are fun though. They go very fast and over a lot of bumps. They should almost make a ride out of it at an amusement park somewhere.

Other than those things it has been great. The people on project are fun. More pictures of them will come, but be patient. Fellowship is great and should be expected because we are all lost. I sleep in a cozy bed with two other roommates. We have a set schedule throughout the week with discipleship, Bible study, evangelism, family fun, and random other events.


Today was our free day. Some of us went to a Christian even called Passion. It was AMAZING. Brazilians worship like nothing I have seen. It also helped to have David Crowder (sp?) and Chris Tomlin there singing worship. It was like TCX except MUCH BETTER. So it was pretty stinking neat. People were crying, jumping up and down, and just praising God with all of their might. This is something that you don't see too much of in the states, which saddens me. I wish we could all just be a little bit more undignified in how we worship the King of Kings. He deserves it.

I also met this awesome freshmen that is now attending USP (universidad de sao paulo). His name is Pedro and is going for mechanical engineering. I hope to see more of him and get to see where the Lord is leading him in the next six weeks.

Next week will be difficult because they are having something called congresso on campus. They are discussing what needs to change on campus, which means that all of the undergrad students will be gone for a week. And it was tough this week because they just got done celebrating Corpus Christi (the ascension of Christ).

As for now I will leave you with this. If you meet a Brazilian, don't say the word "cool." I learned from a Brazilian that it means a part of the body they don't like to talk about.

Well that is all from me for now, I'll keep updating regularly throughout the weeks. If you have any questions, just type them in the comments. Thanks!

Monday, May 19, 2008

Briefing Session

Hello All,

Well nothing too exciting has happened yet, but I figured it would be nice to update you on the whole project. So far we are briefing. This basically means getting our bearings together and casting vision.

I am going to be on the community team. This team plans events and outing to bring community within our group. That should be fun. Other than that, I have been in meetings all day. It has been hard because my emotions have been all over the place in this last week. I am very tired considering that just two days ago I graduated...crazy.

I have also had to do other things. I am excited for Brazil, traveling, being in another culture, and sharing my faith. I am saddened because I had to say good-bye to my best friend before he heads off to grad school, have literally one day of rest, and also leave without finding out what I am doing for the next year. Needless to say, I have had my ups and downs. I've cried multiple times, only to be put into an atmosphere of excitement and fellowship.

But I guess that is what I am trying to learn in this upcoming year. I want to learn to trust in God. I want my joy to come from Him, without having other ideals that this Earth offers to overshadow His glory. Let's just say, it is hard to sacrifice the things and people you love, for the God that you love most of all.

Tomorrow is our flight so I won't be able to update too much. I will try to do it at least once a week. Maybe even multiple times if we do a lot of interesting things. I'll even have pictures put up for everyone to see.

Until then I hope that everyone is doing well and once again thank you for all of your support. It will be put to work in Sao Paulo, Brazil. I also would love to hear from you once again, so don't be afraid to post.

Sunday, May 11, 2008

My Blog for the Summer Project

Hello everyone,

This is going to be my summer project blog. I will try to update it as much as possible, but I don't know how much time a week I will have on the Internet.

I want to give a special thanks to those that have supported me during my ministry. It is a huge blessing to know that I have people who are supporting me in working for God. I thank Him every night for my friends and family that have helped me.

I officially leave on May 20th. From there I will let you know about my travels and experiences. Thank you so much once again.