Tuesday, January 26, 2010, Brazil
Dear Prayer Warrior,
I just returned from Foz do Iquaçu
with Francielle and Aline. This was their trip for their 8th grade graduation.
It provides them with the experience of traveling, staying in a hotel, eating in
restaurants, and visiting special places like Paraguay and the Waterfalls. It
was a good trip and everything went smoothly. We left at 5:00 a.m. on Monday
morning and got to Foz by 11:00. We went to the hotel and then took off for
Paraguay. The girls had their I.D. cards to be able to cross the border, but
they questioned where their parents were and why I was with them. I had not
taken any document stating that I was responsible for them. I suggested that
the officer call CLM and verify who I am and that the girls are from there. He
was more than willing to do that and thankfully, Viktória gave the right
answers! He let us go and told has to have a good time. The girls were
given some spending money and they both seemed to know what they wanted fairly
easily. What they bought, fit each of their personalities. After Paraguay, we
went to a small, local zoo and then went swimming at the hotel. It was pizza
buffet for dinner and more swimming for Francielle. Today, we had a nice
breakfast at the hotel and then went to the Bird Park and then to the
Waterfalls. Because of so much rain this summer, the falls were really
powerful. In all of the times that I have been there, I have never seem them so
full. As always, it was awesome to experience God´s wonders. We made it home
in 5 hours with no stops and were thankful to be safely home. We thank the Lord
for the trip and His protection.
In the last week, I have been
traveling for two days, home for two days, and traveling again for two days,
home for two days, and traveling again for two days. The middle trip in there
was for Vera´s college graduation. It was awesome to see Vera getting that
diploma. Studies have never been easy for Vera, but her determination has
always won out in the end. We hadn´t thought that college would be something
that Vera would decide to tackle, however, after getting some experience on the
work field, she saw the need and had also gained a lot of confidence. The road
wasn´t easy, but she was once again victorious and we are soooooooooooooo proud
of her. But there was something even more impressive about this graduation and
that was all of the people who were there to celebrate with her. They were from
her father to her CLM family to people that Vera has worked with or studied with
over the years or people that she met through other people. Vera´s ability to
meet people and make lasting and valuable friendships was radiating that night.
Those that have blessed her and been blessed by her is a very large group of
special people. I marvel at who she is and the fight in her to be an overcomer
in all she does. Pray for Vera that she would continue to grow in maturity and
spiritually and that she would land a permanent and good job in her field (she
is presently working a temporary job).
While in Curitiba for Vera´s
graduation, we had planned on picking up the new Kombi. Viktoria would drive
our car home and I would drive the Kombi. However, as we were turning the
corner where we were to pick the Kombi up, the belt on the motor broke on the
car. We pushed it around the corner and stopped in front of a Mechanic Shop.
In the end, we ended up needing to leave the Corsa in the shop, since it could
no longer make the trip home and we all came in the Kombi. We were praising God
for where it happened and that we did have another vehicle to go home in.
However, just to continue in the CLM style, there were some problems with the
Kombi on the way home. The side door, for one, would not open when we stopped.
It was pouring down rain and we were trying everything we could, but the door
would not open. Rosilda ended up crawling over the front seat to get out. It
finally opened, but when we got home it would not open again. The gears were
also very difficult to get into the right gear. Thankfully, all is under
warranty, but it is frustrating to start out this way.
Viktória will be on her way to
Curitiba tomorrow to pick up her sister, Zsuzsa (Susan). Needless to say, she
is very excited. Zsuzsa will be staying for 6 weeks. Hungarian will be heard
around the house again. Please pray for a safe trip for both of them and for a
absolutely wonderful time together on Viktória´s home turf.
We continue to be concerned about
Mariane´s finger even though the doctor had said that she was free and didn´t
need to go back. The tip of the finger that was black and the nail did come
off, I think with a little bit of Mariane´s help. However, the tip of the bone
is sticking out of the finger. More concerning than that is that the bone that
was broken does not seem to be attached. Before Amanda would start working with
her, we wanted to get an X-ray. When we asked the doctor to write a request for
an X-ray, he indicated that she needs surgery to resolve the situation of the
tip and to put in a rod to secure the bone in place. That would make the finger
immobile permanently. We ask the Lord for wisdom that we might do the right
thing for Mariane. Thankfully, the doctor is willing to do the surgery through
the government health system which will not cost anything. Please pray with
us.
The school vacation is coming to an
end - there is a week and a half left. CLM Turvo is looking for some special
activities for their kids and that would include spending a night or two at CLM
Entre Rios. The would really be special for both families. We are making plans
and looking forward to a special time.
We haven´t heard any details from
Luiz and Aninha and family but all indicates that they are having a fabulous
time. They hope to be home by February 5th since school will be starting on the
8th. Pray for a safe trip for them.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
1) Francielle and Aline - that the
trip will provide lasting memories, that it was a learning experience for
them, that their spiritual growth and commitment would lead them to baptism and
serving the Lord at home, at school, and at church, for inner healing and
emotional maturity, for their futures.
2) Vera - praise God for who she is,
that the Lord would guide and provide for her, for finding of a permanent job in
her field, that she would be blessed and would bless through all of her
relationships and friendships, for spiritual growth.
3) Viktória and Zsuzsa - for safe
travels for both of them, for a sweet reunion, for deep fellowship and sharing,
that Zsuzsa would understand and really get a feel for the ministry that
Viktória has been called to.
4) Mariane - that God would complete
the healing work He has started in her, for wisdom as to what to decide about
the surgery, that the Lord would use all of this in her life and
ours.
5) CLM Turvo´s visit - that it would
be a blessing for all, for deeper bonding and relationships between the
children, for lasting memory making.
6) Luiz and Aninha and family - that
the Lord would continue to bless them on this trip and their new found
family, that the Lord would help Luiz especially to work through all of the
emotions involved in this whole experience, for continual contact after the
visit, for time with Aninha´s family, for God´s protection over them on the
trip back home.
7) School - preparation for the
beginning of school, that the children would all be motivated to do their very
best, for the schools and each teacher who will have contact with our children,
for a successful school year for all, for organizing of the homework
schedule.
8) Spiritual growth - for Aline,
Francielle, Cristiane, and Geovane who have manifested a desire to participate
in the discipleship program, that they might grow in understanding and
commitment and be a powerful instrument in our family, that others might also
make a commitment to Jesus Christ and also desire to grow.
9) Lucilene - received braces on her
teeth last week and will be needing surgery to remove a tooth that is hidden in
the roof of her mouth. Also, she will be having her back surgery in April.
Pray for her that the Lord would guide everything that she is needing to get
done and for peace in her heart.
10) Mike and Mary - will be leaving
on furlough on February 2rd. Pray for all of the preparations that they need to
complete until then. Also, pray for the preparations and reorganization that we
need to make in their absence. Pray for safe travels and a blessed time in the
States.
11) Lobinho and Joanna - will return
from their vacation on Monday. Pray for their readjustment and orientation as
they jump on the very fast moving CLM train, may God prepare their hearts and
fill them with all joy.
It is late and this is going to have
to cover everything for this week. Continue to stand in the gap for us,
please. We are counting on you.
believing in His
faithfulness,
Mary
