Extreme Makeover: Igreja Edition

At the closing of our journey, it is amazing to reflect back on the progress we have made in such a brief period of time. A complete renovation has occurred. We originally started with bare brick walls, which soon changed to gray plastered ones, which then became primed and painted, which have finally turned into decorated masterpieces. To stand in front of the church and just see a brick building would be a travesty, because it is so much more. It is a refuge filled with love, a sanctuary of worship, and a house of prayer for so many people.

Today, the entire team was intensely conscience of each passing moment and the illusively fleeting nature of time. Glee, our designated project manager, was especially on top of it today. We put the finishing touches on several of the walls, as the professionals worked to plaster the remaining ceiling. What we lacked in modernity, we certainly made up for in creative ingenuity. We used wooden spears as paint roller extensions and any combined medley of board, chair, table, and ladder as scaffolding (many of which were most likely not OSHA approved). We laughed, shared, and labored together and the results we surprising, even to us. The Methodist cross and flame, our signature artist, Penny, painted adorns the front wall symbolizing what the church and congregation represent.

Amy, our resident teacher, was invited by the children to take a tour of their school. They we overjoyed to introduce her and other members of our team to their teachers and took pride in demonstrating what their education means to them. After a home cooked meal the church ladies kindheartedly prepared for us; we played and danced with the children, before continuing to toil in our construction efforts.

We went for a true Brazilian barbeque tonight and afterwards were joined by the district superintendent, Pastor Emanuel. He blessed our devotional time with a lovely prayer of gratitude and praise. Thanks be to GOD for the transformation in the work project here and the transformation that has taken place in each of our lives.

We dread saying goodbye to all our Brazilian bothers and sisters tomorrow, but know that they will forever be engraved in our thoughts and close to our hearts. We give thanks for all your prayers and support and look forward to seeing you very soon!

And On the Fifth Day They Rested

Today commenced as any other day in Fortaleza. We have all become well acclimated to our daily routine of a Brazilian breakfast with a much appreciated cup of strong coffee and an assortment of fresh fruits, followed by a time of spiritual togetherness. After only several days, it is evident that we have not only grown in our love of Christ and in our love for the people in God’s mission here, but in our love for one another as well.

Yesterday’s work festivities included the arrival of five thousand roofing tiles. It was quite a moving experience to watch each person working at the project site, touch the material which is going to be used to shelter God’s children for years and years to come. The children were delighted to work along with us despite the presence of their bare hands and feet. They endured the stinging bites of red ant attacks and the scorching concrete, in order to sift sand and share in the joy of accomplishment together with us. The girls demonstrated praise in a very sincere and artistic display of choreographed dance. It was a truly enchanting sight to behold and a thoroughly amusing display to attempt to participate in.

Today, after a gritty work week, we experienced sand in quite a more enjoyable and adventurous venue: Dunebuggying in a yellow, open topped jeep across mountains of sand. Although the landscape was breathtaking; the ride would not have been so intensely exhilarating without the blaring 90s music and girlie squeals that accompanied each peak and descent. The Calvary crew members took part in the local color: rafting on a Jangada in the ocean (flat, wooden boat with a sail, but no seats or sides) , sand sledding down the dunes, swimming in the warm water, and laying in hammocks in beach cabanas. Our highlight of the day included Helen filling in as captain on the Jangada, while Jimmy portrayed Leonardo DeCaprio in a riveting Titanic reenactment.

Today was a pleasurable day exploring the beach town of Fortaleza. We anticipate what tomorrow will bring and give thanks for all your thoughts and prayers.