Arrivals and Departures

Alone at last! That is to say, finally I have a few minutes in which I can sit down and try to share some of what has been going on lately. On Sunday, April 23rd, João and I were at the Cincinnati airport to take off from parts unknown (oops - for Brazil!). We got there plenty early to deal with our 9 pieces of luggage. It's an interesting process to reduce your entire worldly goods into 9 pieces of luggage. By the end I was so sick of packing and sorting, I think I would have left everything behind. Mom and Sis waited with us, until we had to go through security (an interesting process with so many cameras and computers in our hand luggage). We flew to Dallas and then Miami and then Rio. Thankfully all the flights were on time and very uneventful. Something interesting is that on the flight to Rio I had ordered a special meal (gluten-free) and to my surprise, it actually worked and my food was actually decent.
Not only did the plane arrive on time, ours was the first luggage off the conveyer belt. There was no line in customs, nor did we have to open a single piece of luggage (miracle!). When we came out, there was the beautiful group of people from First (PIB) Baptist awaiting us. What an emotional moment, knowing that we had really arrived. There were lots of hugs and kisses and much joy. Even Elly was able to be there to greet us. When we arrived at our apt., there was an entirely different crowd awaiting us with a wonderful reception. It was a moving experience. After everyone left, we had our luggage to unpack and also an entire room filled with gifts. We received everything we might need or want to set up housekeeping. If I were to begin to list all the gifts, I would use up all the bandwidth for my blog! I'm serious. I have never seen such generousity or experienced such an outpouring of "giving". Everything useful and beautiful was given to us. We even had a terribly comfortable ( and beautiful) bed awaiting us. Believe you me, it looked pretty good to us by nightfall.
We are appreciating so much our beautiful 16th floor apt. There are balconies off 3 bedrooms and also off the living room. I bought a patio table and chairs so that we can have breakfast, not at Tiffany's, but at the Fonsecas on the balcony. And what a view. We feel so privileged to live here. In addition it's very quiet and easy to sleep at night. There is a marvelous breeze (at times a wind tunnel) in the house. The apt. is quite large, with 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. We are getting our exercise just walking around the place! In addition, it seems we are close to everything - banks, stores, restaurants, etc.
After some days to get things in order, the pace really picked up around here. Our family began to arrive and suddenly it was Saturday and João's induction service. I hope you understand why I've said it was his induction service, as things are very different here than in Canada where I was very much a part of his ministry. What I mean is that here I will have an entirely different role than in Canada - kind of doing my own thing instead of serving as a sort of assistent pastor. I have already received 6 invitations for speaking engagements. Right now I am not accepting anything, since I need some time to get myself in gear.
The induction service was beautiful and meaningful. No photos, for I was so into the worship, it never crossed my mind. The music, the sermon, all the messages were just tremendous. 45 people came down from Vila Velha (about 8 hours north of Rio), some part of João's family and friends as well, to participate. There was also a group from his very first pastorate, as well as a large contingent from Cascadura (our church before going to Canada). What a night. My feet may never be the same, as the reception line afterwards went on for just forever!
João's parents and Sissy and her boyfriend were here at the house for the weekend, so we had to rush home and try to get some rest before Sunday. Sunday was a spectacular day for us. The church was full. Everyone received us with such warmth and love. It was so meaningful. Sunday night the orquestra played and I felt like I had died and gone to heaven. It was just so beautiful. The letter from Eastview that was read at the end of the service was just the icing on the cake. Wow, wow and more wow!
After Sunday, I guess my feet finally touched the ground again, as reality set in. So much to do. Transfer phone, gas, light and cable. Install internet. Renew documents. Still so much to do - see to my visa, open bank account, renew driver's license, etc. Everything seems so complicated and difficult. I realized this week, while I was coming home to Brazil, I also need to give myself time to re-adapt. Either I am going deaf (and I suspect I do have some serious hearing loss that needs to be checked out) or forgot a lot of Portuguese because most of the time I don't understand or can't figure out what is going on around me. The telephone is just agony for me. I feel so very lost and confused at times. If it's rusty portuguese, then I think time will resolve that. If it's hearing loss, well a hearing aid will help that.
So we departed and we have arrived. We are happy and all is well. I know all the things that need to be done will be resolved in due time. This is a time to live in the Spirit and manifest his fruit. Count it all JOY!