Can't beat this

I know you all up north are having a warm winter, but I still don't think you can beat this! Isn't it beautiful? And this is the place where João and I dated back in 1991... nice place to go back to as we celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary. Cool, huh?
We enjoyed such a fun day as we went to the Tijuca National Forest - it is the largest urban rain forest in the world. I couldn't get over the beautiful flowers on the banana trees.
We also had the fun of seeing our favourite cutie-pie dip her toes in the ocean for the first time. As it's a long drive over to the beach, she kept saying "Beach, I want the beach", which just cracked us up considering she had never even seen the beach! Aren't you jealous? You are in the cold gray rain, and we are visiting waterfalls and beaches. Everything has it's price, doesn't it? Here she is at the shopping center, still decorated for Christmas. our precious family is leaving us today to be with their family here in Brazil, but we have so enjoyed the time together.
Now it's time to get ready for the end of the year festivities! While you north americans don't much celebrate (at least in churches) the New Year, it's a big deal here. Our worship service will begin at 10PM and end some time after midnight. Then we will have a midnight supper at church. Not too much sleep to be had for us on Sunday. But it should prove to be fun, as I hear the church is full for this service. What a switch! Empty for Christmas and full for New Years. Glad to know everyone is excited to start out the New Year at church. Mom always joked that whatever you are doing as 12:01 on the first day of the new year you will be doing the rest of the year. That's a good sign, as we will all be at church! Hope you will be in communion with God that day too.
(Couldn't resist one last image to show you what you are missing by not being in Brazil to celebrate Christmas and New Years!)

Look who's here!

Today was a red letter day as our friends from Canada arrived at the airport. It made for a very happy day to have this wonderful family here with us in Rio. I am especially happy to have my favourite three year old here! She's grown so much since I saw her in March.
Our building is a great place for kids, as there is a nice playground. I don't know which she liked the most... the playhouse or the swimming pool! She doesn't really know about beaches, so today she preferred to go back down to the playground than go to the beach. What does someone who has grown up in Canada know about Rio beaches, I ask?
I've always complained our pool is too small, but you know, it was just perfect for her! She's a little fish and had a great time in the water. Cooled us all off, as it was quite breezy. The adults were all ready to get out of the water and all shivery, but she wanted to stay. Kids are that way. She fell asleep during supper. I think the pool and fresh air wore her out. Come to think of it, I didn't have much trouble sleeping either.

A Very Merry

I suppose things got really going for me, in terms of the Christmas celebrations, two weeks ago when all the workers from our church came over to our building for a Christmas party. We had a great time. This photo is on our playground, but doesn't include everyone at the party! Things sort of picked up speed from there on out, but it was all fun. I loved having December 24th (the really big day of celebration here in Brazil), except for one thing - so many people opted not to come to church at all since they had to get ready for the Christmas dinner. I guess I wish there was a way for people to figure out how to get around this, but I don't know the answer. Maybe there is no solution. The worship services were so meaningful to me. But then I think I enjoy a good worship service more than a party anyway! That was not always the case, though.
After the Christmas eve service, we went to a friend's house and had a great time celebrating with their large extended family. Lots of fun and food. They ate early (before the traditional midnight supper), so we were able to make it home by midnight.
On Christmas day persay, we had a lot of fun as well, although everyone was tired. Marilene made a bang up punch that was so tasty and refreshing. She shared her left-overs and then I made other food. There were seven of us to eat and talk and then talk and eat! There were lots of left-overs, so didn't have to cook today. Gave me time to do other things - like get ready for Gus and Louise and Christina from Canada. I can hardly wait to see them tomorrow. It will be the first time we see people from our church in Eastview since we left in March. I made a concession and left up the Christmas tree (that I like to take down on the 26th).
Today I took João to the church (I can't remember if I mentioned that he has been in a long process of renewing his driver's license. I, however, opted for a six month temporary license that was based on my Canadian license, so I have been the chauffeur this whole month of December) and we stopped at the license bureau. Miracles of miracles - his license was ready! I am thrilled and he is too. I don't think he enjoyed my driving and I can't say as I blame him, since I hated my driving. If I never had to turn on the ignition again (here in Rio) I would be very content. I can't think of anything more stressful than dodging holes, bicycles, taxis, pedestrians and buses, all while driving 90 to nothing and hoping against hope you won't be robbed, kidnapped or shot at! Well that sounds a little dramatic and I will drive when I have to, but when I can avoid it, I will! I think I will live longer that way and maybe the people in Rio will appreciate it as well.

Sisters, sisters

Do you remember that wonderful "number" in White Christmas when the singers do the song about "sisters"? I always loved that song and would die laughing when Danny Kaye and Bing Crosby did it in drag.

Sisters, sisters
There were never such devoted sisters,
Never had to have a chaperone, no sir,
I’m there to keep my eye on her
Caring, sharing
Every little thing that we are wearing
When a certain gentleman arrived from rome
She wore the dress, and I stayed home
All kinds of weather, we stick together
The same in the rain and sun
Two different faces, but in tight places
We think and we act as one
Those who’ve seen us
Know that not a thing could come between us
Many men have tried to split us up, but no one can
Lord help the mister who comes between me and my sister
And lord help the sister, who comes between me and my man

Well here I am with my real live sisters. We are so much alike in so many ways. This photo was at our "Peggy holiday", that felt like Christmas in November. (When I was home in November). Now that it's really Christmas time and I know they will be together tomorrow I miss them and our funny family traditions. I will miss doing a jigsaw puzzle together. I will miss playing games. I will miss the vast quanities of fun Christmas food (that we actually have all been unable to consume for years with our diabetes). I will miss the heaps of wrapping paper and ribbons on the floor (that are all carefully folded to be saved for reuse) and everyone getting in the way of everyone else's cameras. I'll miss being comatose from overeating (can't do that anymore either). I'll miss the laughter and fun of being with people who have known me since I was born and love me even though they had to change my diapers and hang around with a baby sister when they'd rather be with their friends. There is definitely something to be said for that sister bond.
Our last "real" Christmas altogether was at my house in Canada in 2003. I have so many wonderful memories of that time together. And the baby sister actually got to cook Christmas dinner and no one starved to death or got sick! Time marches on and here I am far away again. And although I will not be spending Christmas with any family, I am so grateful for the memory of so many Christmas' together and happy that I have a family to miss! Most of all I am grateful that my real celebration will be in my heart as I say "Thank you, God for Jesus, who fills up all the holes in my heart".

Why me?

Very often when we face a crisis, we ask, why me? Well I sort of want to turn that around and ask, upon facing very good news, why me?
Some weeks ago I was facing a biopsy for a small lump in my right breast. Although I and my many doctors (referring physician, mastologist, and two radiologists) all believed it to be benign, there is always that tiny doubt that leads you to think, what if??? So as I waited the week for the results, I played out every possibility. I never lost a minute of sleep or really worried... I just tried to figure out what I would do if...
As I prayed, I never asked God for a negative biopsy. Not for lack of faith. I do believe in the sovereignity of God, so I asked that within his will, that all that would happen would be for his glory. I asked for joy and victory, "come what may". God honoured that prayer. When the doctor handed my pathology report that said all was well (negative for cancer), I breathed a sigh of relief, a prayer of thanksgiving and cry of joy!
Yet I had to ask why me? Why did my sister among thousands of other women receive a positive for cancer? I don't know. And in the long run, you know, it doesn't matter, does it? On this side of eternity we will not know the answer to a lot of our whys. What does matter, however, is what we do with the news and how we deal with it. We have to ask the right questions. The why "mes" don't really get us anywhere at all.
I chose not to share with anyone, except João and God, this journey. Basically I am a private person about things that are near and dear. And I would still chose to be silent about this, except that I think it will be more God honouring to publically give thanks and give him the glory for this. If the news had been "bad", I would have shared that, and I believe I would have chosen to do so by giving God the glory for that as well. God is too wise to be mistaken and God is too good to be unkind.
I am so grateful to have gone through this experience to be reminded and relearn total reliance on God in any situation. I am glad to be able to repeat the truth of Paul's words "My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4.19)
I have also learned to stop asking so many questions and begin to submit to God's timing and action in my life. At least about the big things. Now if I can learn to deal with the small things! I do think the smaller things are often harder for me because I turn over the big stuff and kind keep the little things for me to worry about. I don't do nearly as well as God does.
Yesterday I had a very simple procedure, a video endoscope, and yet I am totally traumatized by the whole event. I was calm, cool and unworried about the thing, expecting it to be a piece of cake. I confess I never even talked to God about it. I figured it would be nothing. Maybe my doctor doesn't believe in patient education or information, but I was totally unprepared for what happened - including absolutely excruciating pain as the IV was injected (especially since he didn't even tell me he was going to do that or what he was injecting) and being totally awake and alert throughout the procedure.
You see a procedure that should have been nothing turned out to be a big bugaboo for me. Why me? Don't know and don't care. I am reminded to give over the small AND big stuff. And so I can give thanks for this as well. I learned a lot. Don't care to repeat the dose, but even as I pray for God to help me to forget the trauma, I ask him to help me to remember the lesson. It really is "all good" when we are together with God in all things. Works out nicely, don't you think? And that's the real answer to "why me?"- because it will all work out perfectly in end when we leave it in God's hands.

Top Ten Reasons You Know It is Summer in Rio

You know how David Letterman has his "Top Ten" lists? Well now Peggy has hers. These are the top ten reasons you know summer is arriving in Rio

10. You put ice cream in your coffee (who wants anything hot?).
9. You get up at 3AM to take a shower (just to cool down).
8. You do three loads of laundry a day (because you take 3 showers a day and change your clothes).
7. You stock up on extra strength antipersperant/deoderant (no explanation needed).
6. You take rides in your car because it's the only place you can get really cool (small car, air conditioning full blast!)
5. You can flush the toilets with the buckets of water you collect underneath the window air conditioners (no exageration - it's quite humid).
4. Not just menopausal women carry small hand towels to mop their brows (everyone does)
3. You are constantly hoarse from trying to carry on conversations over the roar of fans.
2. The main topic of conversation of all the cariocas (natives of the city) is: "Gee it's hot, isn't it?"(like that isn't obvious when it is 116 degrees?)
1. Breathing makes you break out in a sweat.

OK, I don't think Dave's writing team is in any danger of losing their jobs to me. But thought you would enjoy my feeble attempt at laughing at the heat here. I do complain about the heat, but usually when everyone else is complaining as well. And sometimes João gets hotter before I do! I am praying about my attitude and working on trying to enjoy the heat. If this is my "Father's World" and he made everything, then who am I to doubt that it is his hand that warms the earth where I live? So pray with me that I won't be transformed into a "heat grump" and will learn to not only "live with" the hot weather, but live in JOY in the hot weather.
HOHOHOHOHO

Mountain top experience

Saturday we had another fine adventure. We left around noon with the Fins family to head to Teresópolis, which is a mountain region about 90 minutes or so from Rio. It was a miserably hot day (to me at least). When we left home, the heat index was 116, although it was only about 88 on the thermometers. It was just plain old muggy. As we climbed the mountain (via car, of course) you could feel the temperature dropping, even with the air conditioning going. It is a beautiful drive. We stopped near the top and took a photo of us with the "Finger of God" mountain in the background. There was also an interesting Christmas tree made entirely of the two litre plastic coke bottles.
The real treat, however, awaited us at the home where we went. It was lovely, as were all the surroundings(see the natural fountain to the right - no pump, just run by the force of the mountain stream), but what we went for was to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the chapel they have built. I could just kick myself for not getting a good photo of it, as it was the cutest chapel I have ever seen. It is built on his property and they have worship services every Tuesday night. They have 60 people. He has also built a church (just like the chapel) in the village nearby. It will soon be a church, as it is still a congregation at this point.
The chapel was just packed out on Saturday (especially since about 50 people came from our church here in Rio). After the services, Klaus set off fireworks, as we does at every anniversary of the chapel. The kids (me included) ran to see and it was quite visual, I can tell you. It was a great deal of fun. I was so impressed to see someone so committed to evangelism and willing to invest so much time and energy to share the gospel. It's been a long time since I've been to a service where so many people had to stand up for lack of room. We returned home quite late and very tired (after midnight), but felt the experience was worth the sacrifice. We should always shoot of fireworks, if only in our hearts, when sharing the good news of Jesus Christ!

Come Ye Thankful People, Come

Since it was Thanksgiving in the US, yesterday I decided to celebrate here in Rio. The weather cooperated as it was windy and a nice temperature all day - helps with the stove and oven going full blast. I invited friends over who had lived in the US or had US links. You can see we had a nice group over - although João was prominently missing - he had a deacon's meeting!
But what fun we all had preparing the food, decorating and eating, of course. There were enough people that I pulled in my kitchen table for alternative seating and then added in another table to serve the food (not my idea, but a great one). As you can see, we made our best effort to make the meal as traditional as possible - turkey (although we had a roaster), green beans, sweet potatoes, cranberries, dressing, mashed potatoes, salad and pumpkin pie, not to mention chocolate cake and a fruit pudding and expresso coffee. Wow! We were all stuffed. But you know, the best part of the evening was not the food. It was sharing how God has blessed us this past year. We all shared and thanked God for our many blessings. I even made us sing "We Gather Together" in English. I sort of explained why Thanksgiving is celebrated in the US (I realized I myself had forgotten a lot of the details). It was a wonderful night. A good time was had by all (at least I hope it was). And I have the wonderful bonus of not having to cook for a very long time now (lots of left-overs).
This morning I was able, with João's very able help, to put the house back together and organize the left-overs. I sent food home with lots of people, but still needed to freeze some. I kind of like the clean up, because it gives me a chance to re-think and remember what went on - this year and in the past as well. Isn't it great to have such a good life that it is worth remembering the past? Another of God's blessings.

Not zoom, zoom, zoom, but close

I left off, on purpose, some significant news, from my blog entry yesterday. I waited until today. In this morning's worship service, João was presented with the keys to a 2007 Corsa Chevrolet. It belongs to the church, but is designated for the pastor's use. The delivery of the car was on Friday and João ran around getting the license plate on Friday. They put the big sign on it that says it's the car of the pastoral office, so that everyone could see it in the parking lot.
Everyone says it is such a cute little car, that it just matches João's personality. It's a metallic steel blue colour, with four doors. We are excited that it has air conditioning, as well as a radio and CD player (very NOT-standard for cars here), as well as electric locks and windows (which are pretty standard).
Now get this... who drove it home tonight? I did!!!! Believe it or not I was so nervous and excited, I was almost shaking. It drives like a dream. I just had a little problem making a smooth shift from second to third gear... and then finding reverse. As you know, every car is different and we didn't bother to check before needing it. But it was an easy reverse, once you figured out you had to push up a ring (and not shove down and over like our Opala!). A church member followed us home just to make sure we did okay. So take another look at the new "baby". Any suggestions for a name???

She's Back!!!!

After my fine holidays, I am home again. I had a wonderful time with my family. We managed to ALL get together on one day at Mom's house to celebrate sort of Christmas and Thanksgiving. My sister called it "Peggy's Holiday". We ate a big dinner and, of couse, opened some early Christmas presents. We were all confused what was the real holiday, as it was Veteran's Day after all.
Somehow you would think after all these years of living so far away, it would get easier. It doesn't. My family plays a funny game of saying "Now, this may be the last time you see me", when we leave, in honour of my Great-Grandmother, who always said that after we left (I think she did so for about 20 some odd years or more). And of course she was right, because the last time we saw her, was the last time we saw her. Still, I think at our ages we sort of begin to take that message a little more to heart.
My plane ride home, was only slightly eventful, as the weather was dreadful and so all the planes were delayed (including due to lightening). I think you can see the type of day it was by looking at the reflection in the window at the photo on the left - my mom and sis at the airport waiting for me to go through security. It made for a very bumpy ride on a very full plane. Somehow, with all my neurosis - will the plane be on time, will I miss my connection, will my luggage arrive, will I have problems in immigration, will my luggage clear customs - one thing that never scares me is the actual flying! I am an anxious traveller because of the small stuff (I usually can't sleep and manage to arrive with a stomach and/or headache), but I don't sweat the big stuff. Other than a very wet suitcase and contents, everything actually went quite well.
When I got home, I sort of felt like the heat and humidity hit me in the face. Nevertheless, I decided to just keep going. I got all unpacked and even had a really nice visit with my friend Marilene. Friday I went downtown to buy a Christmas tree. After my years in Canada, it felt more than strange to be sweating buckets while chosing my tree. I thought I was going to have a sunstroke hauling the 18lb. tree out to a main street to catch a taxi. Obviously I survived. I worked a long time getting it set up (alas, they do not have the kind of trees you just unfold...) and decorating it on Friday and Saturday. I know it seems early, but I just am in the mood, especially since I brought back some of my Christmas ornaments. I still need some more things, but for this year it will just have to do. Gotta love the irony of my snowman collection (thanks to my sister) and João sitting out on the porch eating his supper in 90 degree weather! I know I am back in Rio, that's for sure.

Toto, I don't think we are in Rio anymore

Well here I am! I have had quite an October. After all my birthday celebrations, João's parents came to visit us. We were able to buy them plane tickets and they flew for the first time in their lives. We enjoyed having them with us so much!
While they were still with us, we also had a happy/sad visit from missionary friends who are permanently leaving Brazil (in fact have now left). They drove up to Rio from São Paulo to say good-bye to friends in Rio. In a way it was an end to an era... all the missionaries that João taught Portuguese to are now gone. I feel much sadness because of the changes in the SBC and International Mission Board. Enough said on that subject. I will miss my friends... many of them!
On the last day of the month I left Brazil to fly to the US and have a short visit with my family. I had a great flight and am enjoying my visit immensely. It's always good to see family. The weather is nice and the shopping fun as well. I have been able to enjoy a little bit of fall here, as you can see from the coloured trees. This weekend the whole family is getting together this weekend for a Thanksgiving/Christmas early celebration while I am home. It's all good!

It's Just Amazing

Isn't just amazing how a new outfit can raise your spirits? And how much fun it is to shop? (I don't think I have any male readers, so I don't think I even need to explain that to my women friends!) Today I went shopping with a friend who bought me a new outfit for my birthday. It is also lots of fun to stretch out your birthday over the whole month. It was so much fun trying on clothes and actually finding something that fits! She led me to stores I would never have entered and I was amazed that they actually had something I can wear. I know I constantly struggle with the fact that I am fat and the trauma of being told in a store that they don't carry my size, so it was a pleasant surprise to discover I use 4 sizes less than I thought (sizing is very different here in Brazil - I wear a size 34 shoe, for instance and size 46 skirt). Anyway I ended up with a new skirt and blouse and shoes to boot. Great way to spend the morning.
And yes I continue to be faithful in my walking. João is even walking with me in the mornings. Finally after 3 weeks (I'm into the 4th week), I am beginning to reap some benefits. No, I am not thinner! But I finally have more energy and I don't dread walking in the mornings. In fact I wake up looking forward to it. Today I didn't want to stop after 40 minutes and 2 miles, but I had other things to do. (Like going shopping.)
Life is good. In just two weeks I will be going to the US to visit my family. And on Thursday João's parents fly in from Espírito Santo to spend 5 days with us. Lots to look forward to, that's for sure. Hope you are having as much fun as I am.

Sweet Dreams

Finally! I have a decent guest room. After a three month wait, the curtains were finally installed in our guest bedroom. If you can see the towels on the bed, they were also a gorgeous gift for my birthday. They are so beautiful. I bought the bedspread and matching sheets with my birthday money as well. The colours aren't exactly true in this photo, but you get the idea that they are in various shades of pink - even the walls are a light pink. I eventually want to get bedside tables and lamps, as well as a cozy chair. I have a rice paper painting (but I lack getting it framed) to go over the bed. I brought it back from Korea, but for years it's been unframed. I think it will be great in this room. Someday I will finish everything, but there is still much to do!
Even my living room, which I have concentrated on, lacks artwork. I know what I want and gradually I will get the job done. My friend who made the curtains gave me three beautiful silk cushions for the living room. They are such a nice complement to the room. I so enjoy this room. I just feel at home. I am striving for comfort and making others feel comfortable. That means I want guests! I have enjoyed having various groups over to the house and hope to be able to continue to invest in that. We have also been able to have old friends over, as we now live in a part of town where lots of our friends live, so it's not so difficult for them to come over.
I have especially enjoyed having our church's seminary students over. We have monthly meetings with them and they are so much fun. I love being with young people and hearing their thoughts, ideas, hopes and dreams.
Speaking of dreams, that is what my birthday was last week. It really was wonderful. I am so amazed that after such a short time here in Rio, there were so many wonderful expressions of caring and affection. I was deeply touched and felt very appreciated. I have to admit it was good for my soul!
After an afternoon in the beauty shop, I felt like I came out a little too blonde, but everyone says it's not much and is subtle. I haven't been able to get a decent photo of me yet, as the batteries have been out on the camera until today. The way I looked today I wasn't about to take a picture. This was a photo João took of me on my birthday, but the batteries were too weak for a flash. It was a great day and full of sweet dreams. Hope you have lots of sweet dreams in your life as well.

Life is Like a Box of Chocolates

I think Forrest Gump's mother always taught him that and it's true. I was having a not so hot day (actually is WAS too hot), when João told me Elly had called to invite me out to lunch. Nice, I thought. So off we went to meet them around 12:30. To my utter atonishment, there were 32 people there to have lunch with me, to suprise me for my birthday. They suceeded. I never suspected a set-up. We had such a good time talking and, of course, eating. It really was a lot of fun and very relaxing, since I had not expected anything at all.
In the photo to the left, I am standing by the church's driver, who also celebrated his birthday today (mine is actually tomorrow, which is part of the reason they surprised me so much!).
I received so many hugs and kisses and nice presents, I think I am still stunned. I had mentioned that I thought I would go to the beauty salon tomorrow, so they all chipped in and gave me a card with money to have my hair done - they were so generous, I decided to have the whole works done...shampoo, cut, colour job, comb-out, and maybe even my nails! I can hardly wait for tomorrow!!!! So take a good look at me before I go blonde. Hope I don't go dumb as well. All in all it was a wonderful day. Oh,on the left is most of the group as we were leaving the restaurant.

Early to bed and early to rise...

Makes me tired. (If you are confused, read the title!). Hopefully it makes be healthier and wise, although I think we can skip the wealthier.
Thank you for praying for me, because I know God is responding by giving me the inclination to do what needs to be done. Today marks one week that I have been able to get up and walk for 2 miles a day (of course not on Sunday!). I have also succeeded in doing my aqua fitness 3 days a week as well. I am also managing to sleep earlier and get up a little early than my normal. Can't say I have energy overflowing, but at least I don't feel like I am dying either. And I know it's what I need to do, so I feel good about that. Being physically active has never been an easy thing for me. I would much rather curl up with a good book and bowl of ice cream. This all goes contrary to my nature. But then I think that is what Paul was writing about when he talks about being controlled by the flesh and the spirit. I continually pray that I may demonstrate the fruit of the spirit and not the flesh.
Oh, I actually have a photo to post. Recently we bought some "bean bag" chairs for our TV room. They are so comfy. I drifted off to sleep the other night sitting in one. I love the bright colours that actually match the bed and curtains. Now I need to find just the right colourful throw rug and a big bright modern art painting. Well, that will have to wait. (Money doesn't grow on trees even in a tropical country!)
Last night I had the officers from church over for supper (with João and I that made 10 people) and they liked seeing the apartment. As someone commented, it's a big apartment and it's going to take time to get it totally furnished the way I want it. Patience is the key. I won't go into debt - against my principles.
I loved having the folks over last night. On Saturday the seminary students will be coming. They, however, won't get the Chicken Divan. They get hot dogs -with all the fixings, however! Somehow that fits more with their image. Besides, on Saturday I can't spend 5 hours preparing a meal. I think they will like my new chairs.
What else is new? I was able to buy tickets for João's parents to fly down to visit us. It was a very special promotional offer to buy on the internet after 10PM - the return ticket only cost $1! They have never flown, so this ought to be a real "trip" (literally speaking!) for them. I can't wait, although it won't be until Oct. 19th. And my trip to visit my family is only 5 weeks off! Yipee! Hope you are having as much fun living as I am.

ARGH!

One of the things I don't miss about Canada (sorry, folks!) is the health care system. I felt like I was falling apart during my time there. I have begun to search out specialists here (no need for a family doctor to recommend you) and get some exams to find out where I stand. One of the interesting and different aspects here is that you make your own appointments for any exams and then you pick up the results (or get them over the internet) to take to the doctor. The exams stay with you, so you can carry them around and show them to various doctors. I like the system. Mostly because you can compare results from the past, even if you change doctors. And because you can look them over and study them before visiting the doctor - being ready with your questions!
So my first exams are back (I also love that within a couple of weeks I saw the doctor, had a full battery of exams and got the results!). Good news - my bone scans shows no more signs of osteopenia - the beginnings of osteoporisis. Attributable to aqua-fitness, since I took no meds. Long live exercise!!!! I am even rated at 100% in my spinal column. Yeah.
Good news - I am reasonable healthy for my age and weight in the other exams. Bad news... I now have elevated cholesteral levels. They are exactly where they were 7 years ago. But the scales have changed and now I have high cholesteral. I was so pleased that I had controlled it, but lo and behold... not good enough. Oh dear. I already don't eat red meat or use anything except olive oil to cook with. No margarine or trans-fats, etc. So now... we are down to my last two options. Lose weight (hence the argh) and more exercise. I don't buy into the option of meds. Too many side effects. In addition my doctor asked for some extra tests, due to my family history and not surprisingly it showed that I have "metabolic syndrome". That is to say - I am overweight, too high of cholesterol, produce way too much insulin and am high risk for cardio-vascular disease (like I didn't know all that!!!). Haven't gotten all the exams back, so haven't been back yet, but I know the first two words out of her mouth will be... (now let's all say this together) "lose weight".
Since I've been reading about the importance of a good night's sleep - something I have been ignoring for a while - I have made some slight (actually huge) changes this past week. Computer and TV are off by 10PM. By 10:30 I am in bed reading and lights out by 11PM. That means I get up earlier (I've been waking up before 6AM!). So today I took at 45 vigorous walk before breakfast. I've had breakfast and will be leaving in a few minutes for aqua-fitness. No more eggs or cheese for breakfast. I'm back to yoghurt and strawberries and nuts and water. ARGH. If this healthy living doesn't kill me, I may live to be a 100 years old.
Actually I have let things slide in terms of my lifestyle, due to all the changes in my life this year. And I have gained some weight since arriving here. But this was just the kick in the pants I needed to wake me up. I don't care about being slim, as that will never happen. I do, however, want to be a good steward of this temple God has given me. So pray with me, that I will be obedient in this area and demonstrate the fruit of the spirit of self-control. Will you do that?

The Persistence of Memory

I know you all recognize this Salvador Dali painting and recently I felt a lot like I had suddenly been painted into something rather surreal. Our former church here in Rio, Cascadura, is currently without a pastor and João was invited to lead the prayer meeting on Wednesday night. So off we went. When we arrived and climbed the steps to the sanctuary, it felt to me like I was in a time warp. All the same people greeted us. The piano, the organ, the music leader... hadn't changed. I sat in my same pew. João led the service. And for almost the whole time I felt like I had never been to Canada at all. We were still back in Cascadura. So I ask... does time really exist, or is it just in our mind? When something like this happens, it is so strange. I knew everyone's name and could ask about their family and friends. I felt so very at home, not like a stranger at all. I had to consciously remind myself that this was no longer my reality. Much had happened since we left Cascadura in 2001. Somehow it was a nice warm feeling - fleeting though it was - to erase all the good-byes and feel like I had never left.
And I realized in that experience, that all the pain of ever leaving Brazil had long since fled my mind and heart (even before returning to Rio) and now I could just enjoy being back. At the same time it flashed into my mind that I have never fully given myself time to grieve over leaving Canada. Yeah I cried when I said good-bye. But in my joy of being here and our ministry, I have felt rather like it would be a betrayal of my gratitude to continue to miss Canada. There has been a certain pressure for me to quickly say that I don't miss Canada and have totally adjusted back to life in Brazil.
I think I have adjusted here. I am happy. I love where I am in my life. BUT (did you hear the other shoe drop?) I think I can feel all that and still be grieving for my loss. I can admit I miss my church, my friends, my home... even my cat. There are days I awaken and expect Sadik to come bounding in to jump on my chest. I feel a heaviness to remember that he never will do that again because he's still in Canada. There are days I awaken and put my feet on the floor and expect to feel that rush of cold on my feet and instead I step into hot and muggy. I want to run next door to the church and instead I must catch a taxi. I think about calling my friend to go to Costco, but instead I walk down to the butcher shop down the street. So I still have my time warps. You just can't be in two places at the same time, but my mind hasn't learned that yet. There is a time to let go and yet that is so hard. The memories ARE persistent!

OK! OK!

OK! I'll give it a try again. As I said previously, let's see what happens! Thanks for your nice comments and e-mails. I know a blog really is useful for keeping up... if the blogger writes new posts for the "bloggees" to read!
Today I awoke to the alarm clock, which only means one thing - it's Sunday. YEAH! My favourite day of the week. Today as I arrived at our beautiful church, we were a few minutes later than usual and I turned behind me to look and see what seemed like streams of people arriving all at the same time. What a beautiful site! Seeing that many people entering the church building was just wonderful. João and I were talking today about the fact that I half-way expected to miss worshipping in English, since that is very much my heart language, but that has not happened. I have experienced rich and deep worship here that has blessed my life. I can understand why people don't want to miss worship here.
Today I had a ton of kids for the children's message. I know because there was hardly room for them and because I had run off 30 copies of the worship guide for them (I prepare questions based on the sermon for them to give to me after church. I read them over and post them on the bulletin board) and I ran out. I am still surprised by the positive reception for this "moment" in the worship.
Tonight João is preaching on the subject "Down with Violence", very apropos for Rio de Janeiro. And our church. Our attendance is dramatically less at night than in the morning service. It's not laziness or lack of commitment. It is fear. Ours is a dangerous city. Our church is in a area of town that is not exactly... what shall I say?... as secure as people would wish for! I still think like an American and just can't get into the spirit of fear! It's true. It's not that I am brave or anything. More like just dumb enough to not know enough to be frightened or worried. I enjoy the evening worship, although I also thought I would find it tiring. How can it be tiring to be in God's house?
Right next door to the church is a large abandoned structure where many homeless families have moved in. What a mission field and challenge for us. Yes it is ugly and we would like for it not to be there. Yet how appropriate that we CANNOT shut our eyes to the violence or ugliness of poverty that surrounds us. We are forced to deal with it. You can see in the photo on the left that it is ugly - physically and spiritually. Will you pray with us for this great challenge?

Perhaps Good-bye

In the middle of night when I awaken and sleep refuses to return, I compose the most poetic of blog entries. Of course I always fall asleep (thinking about my blog seems to be a guaranteed soporific) and never remember my wonderful ideas. That seems to be only one of the many problems I am experiencing in adding any new entries to my blog.
I just can't seem to get on top of it. In fact, most people abandon their blog within a couple of months (as did my husband - he who got me into this thing in the first place). I have stuck with it for two years now, which is pretty incredible considering the fact that "stick-to-itiveness" is not my hallmark feature.
But I am beginning to think it may be time to close down the shop. I am a firm believer that when things don't function anymore it's time to fix them or throw them away. I believe that about things and institutions, not people!!! I hate being stuck with something just because I started it.
So here I am with this dilemna. Do I make myself write something now and then to satisfy my three or four readers? Or do I give up?
I'm not sure. What does my "vast" reading audience think? So far TWO people have complained it's been over two months without a new entry. They have generously assumed it is because I am too busy.
That is not the truth.
In fact I am living a marvelously tranquil lifestyle because that is what I have chosen for myself these days. I do not wish to be stressed and over committed. I want to learn to live in a "Circle of Quiet".
I have to time to write my blog.
The problem is finding anything to say.
I don't have earth shattering fascinating events happening in my life.
Nor do I have fantastic philosophical thoughts passing through my head.
And well my personal thoughts and events... are just that. I am at a place in my life where it is neither prudent or desireable to expose to others all that is going on. And I guess that leaves me just slightly inhibited. I have not yet fully learned how to be discreet. I tend to be spontaneous... combustible and not ponderous and contained in my expressions. I am trying. In fact I am even doing a personal Bible study on what the Bible says about controlling one's tongue. It has a lot to say. Everyday I remind myself "Listen more, say less". For someone as verbose as I am, that is hard. I am trying not to interupt as much and to listen more.
See what just happened? In trying to explain why I have nothing to say, I wrote paragraphs and paragraphs.
Now all that is a good excuse for just ending "Peggy's Penlines", but I have a nagging suspicion that there is more to it than that. It's not just a lack of motivation, or a sudden new desire to stop talking about myself. I even think it's more than writer's block - thinking I just don't have anything interesting to talk about. I'm not sure.
I'll think about it.
And if I find there's hope for this blog, you'll find more entries. (And although I would like to have some comments on what you think about this, I really am not asking you to beg me continue!)
If not, one day you will access it and it will be gone.
Let's see what happens.

Come and sit for a spell

Do you have a hankering to read a good book? Then come and join us at our humble abode! As you can see from the photo, João was able to get our books organized. That was a task of pure joy for him. There are more books - in particular my books on Religious Education - on the closet shelves in the study. Actually it is not a closet as much as built in shelves behind a door. Since we don't keep clothes in here, we are using the drawers and shelves for tapes, papers, files and books. Keeps the mess out of sight. It was a jubilous day when the last book went on the shelf and João could sit down and read some of his old "friends". I too was quite happy to see my friends and enjoyed a good read as well. Right this minute I am writing you from my desk, that you see on the photo to the right.
João stretched out on the couch, but I chose our bedroom. I think that's one room you haven't visited yet and maybe you'd like to recline and enjoy a nice nap or a good book on our very comfy mattress. Come on in...
Lately I´ve been thinking about "sleep" a great deal. Eternal sleep, that is! João led in 3 funerals last week and there were two others that time did not permit. In addition a dear friend in the US lost her husband. I have been struck with how very fragile our life is. We really are a vapour or mere smoke. Our time here is so short (even if it is 100 years that is just a blink of an eye in the grande scheme of things). I have been striving to live with no regrets and no remorse. That means small and large changes. Mostly it means not putting off telling people how much they mean to me. It means always leaving my husband with a kiss and words of love. It means doing what I really need and want to do and not doing what everyone else thinks I ought to do. It means being happy with what I have and not regretting what I don't have. If I sleep soon, then all will be okay. And if I don't, then I will have even more fun!

It's beginning to look a lot like my house!

I guess I am using my blog these days to keep folks informed of my "settling in" process. In fact, that is really much of what is happening in my life right now. You would think that after two months everything would be tip-top, but you have to remember that I was starting everything from scratch. Finally at two months I am beginning to feel like I am making some progress beyond the basics. A friend asked me today if I had finally "arrived" in Brazil and I had to say a great big "YES". There are days that I forget I ever left Brazil for five years to live in Canada. I still have dreams about people (and my cat Sadik) in Ottawa, but for the most part I feel very much at home. I feel like I have been running an obstacle course since March, and finally I am at the finish line. It's a good feeling.
Perhaps I am feeling much that way because today our books arrived! What an exciting day. It's like a big piece of who we are came back to live with us. 24 boxes of books and they all arrive intact. Right now they sit just as you see them in the photo. (By the way, the bed is new too - it came today so that our guests have a bed to sleep in). I took out tapes and videos and CD's and some of my books, but have left the rest for João to have his own little reunion. (He is at a meeting tonight - in fact he is at a lot of meetings these days!) Every now and then I pulled out a surprise from the box- like his favourite hat from Ottawa. I hated that hat and he loved it (because it was so warm), so he brought it as his own little warm fuzzy from Canada.
Since you haven't seen my living room after I had a few more pieces added to it, I am including a new photo of this room. I just love my living room. I still want to do a lot with it, but I finally feel like it is much more inviting. I especially love the curtains and the potted palm. João is voting for a new rug first and I want some foot stools. What's your vote? The art work for the walls, will be slower as I look for just the right thing, but don't you just love the tulip painting? A special friend of mine had this on her wall and I fell in love with it. A special friend of hers had painted it. They both agreed it needed to come to my house to live, so I bought it from her. It is just perfect in my room and they are tulips - my Ottawa connection. João wants me to look for a big tulip sculpture. Wonder where I would find one?
As I said, things really are feeling more and more like home here. That's a great feeling. And I am also feeling more and more at home in the church. Since I don't spend 24 hours a day there, it will take a little longer than my house, but it's coming. God has answered so many prayers, that there can be no doubt that this is THE place for us! It may not be a bed of roses, but it is certainly a row of tulips.