A Warm Welcome in Fortaleza

Our first day in Fortaleza - Monday August 4

Today was about getting acclimated to our new home and family. We took it easy this morning and then went to the work site during the afternoon to check it out. Again, when we arrived, there was a group waiting for us...mostly children and youth. We got out of the van and were immediately drawn into warm hugs.

They showed us the tiny plot of ground that used to be the foundation of the church. Then, we went into the new church building, which is a good size and is beautiful. We sat down to talk for a few minutes, and Pastor Pedro's daughter told us, We're so excited that you are here: we've been waiting for you for a year. It was overwhelming, that these folks have been praying for us all year.

We had a delightful time with the children who were gathered, and we quickly began to play with them, learning new words, laughing, singing songs. It's amazing how you can communicate even when you don't really speak the same language. The children took us on a tour of their neighborhood, and they held our hands and made 'chains of friends' as we walked down the street. It is a poor neighborhood, and the Methodist Church has made such a difference in this community already. This church in particular is comprised of children and youth; it is truly a place where the older learn from the younger and change is coming because the small children and youth are leading the way as they lead the church. It reminds me of the passage in Luke when Zechariah prophesies about Jesus 'He will turn the hearts of parents to their children' (1:17).

There is so much to say and yet, we really need to get to bed so that we can begin our work tomorrow...I believe there are 5000 bricks waiting to be moved up to the roof!

Please keep us in your prayers. We are safe and well taken care of by our new Brazilian family, who we already feel knitted to with strond cords of God's love. We love you all!

Deus te abençoe - God bless you!