Not Again?

You gotta figure when I don't write for a while that I was super busy or maybe not feeling well. Right on both counts. I had another nasty cold last week that knocked me out with a severe migraine and a horrible cough (that I am still fighting). I just don't know what is going on around here, as João too has been battling sore throats and coughs as well and he NEVER got sick before. I guess I need to make a consult to see what is going on with all this wheezing. Since Sissy hasn't shared these illnesses with us, we are sort of suspecting something in our room - maybe our air-conditioner. So I was down last week, although not totally out, as I had a lot to do.
We had and engaged couples encounter weekend at church and I did the group dynamics scattered throughout the weekend (4 different sessions for me). We had a great time and I felt it was especially meaningful this year. The photo shows the couples with their "trophies" they made with newspaper - trophies to award their fiancé for some wonderful characteristic. The sessions were all so interesting, I felt like I learned a lot (especially the sessions on cooking, grocery shopping and budget planning).
Being at the church Friday, all day Saturday and all day Sunday (yep, that's right, no time to come home) was tiring, but still rewarding. Sunday night we had baptisms in the church. Things conspired for that not to happen, but João trudged forward. For instance, the water was too high, so someone pulled the plug to let some out, forgetting to put the plug back in. When they saw it, the water was below João's knees and it was too late to do anything about it. So he practically put out his back to lower people into the water. Then for the first time in 30 years, he had someone have a panic attack as they came down the steps! He had to talk her through it and it took a while. But everyone at church could see her fear, so they waited patiently as he reassured her. What a victory when she was lowered into the water and raised again. She has never been a part of a church, and lives in miserable living conditions. This was something so new for her (we who are raised in the church, have no idea how strange baptism can seem to those who are new to it all). She has been preparing for this for a year, but it was still hard for her. To me this was a wonderful example of someone conquering so much to be a follower of Jesus. Her neighbors and friends came and I was near them and you should have heard their comments. It was almost comical! We take so much for granted. She was told she would die (by a hex or curse) if she decided to follow Jesus. So you see the reason for the fear.
There were 10 people baptized, including four Royal Ambassadors (for those of you are not Southern Baptists, that's a missions organization for boys). One of the boys is so petite (although 10), his head hardly appeared above the baptistry. It's so sweet seeing children who have committed to following Jesus too. So we had young to old - 4 boys, 3 young men and 3 women. Something unique at our church is that the pulpit is on a pulley system so it can be lowered and raised automatically. I am always distracted and never see it being lowered, but this Sunday I watched carefully. I don't know why that is so fascinating to me to see it disappearing into the ground.
Today I am off the embassy to pick up my new passport (these days you have to make an appointment to renew, which I did last week and then the passport is made in the US and returned by express mail). Then I will have to go to the federal police and get a renewal on my "protocol" which says I am STILL waiting on my identity card (it's only been 7 months). Just love bureaucracy. Hope you can avoid the police this week.

Safe New World

Today we had safety netting installed on our verandas. I have had, for years, a recurring bad dream of a child falling out of my window or off my porch. I am not afraid of heights and it doesn't bother me to use my hammock or sit on our porch. When children come over, however, it's another story. Gives me the willies. There are many adults who won't set foot on the veranda. It is a low railing and when you lean or look over it does make you dizzy. It is the 16th floor after all. Consequently, we decided it was the better part of valour to put up safety netting. Most people who have children do just that.
We debated a long time (we have been here almost 18 months), because it does rather spoil the view. Still it's better to be safe than sorry. As an added benefit, Mia is very happy as she can now go out on the porch unsupervised. It will probably be good for her to get some sunshine.
You should see the process for installing it. It is supposed to withstand about 1000 lbs of weight. The installer climbed up the netting (it is nylon cord) with all his weight and shook it. Not me. I'll take his word on the subject! I've heard plenty of stories of mothers finding their child safely caught by the net. And other sadder stories of people who have lost children who fell off balconies. Speaking of which, the installer worked on the ladder, drilling overhead with no safety system whatsoever. João was seriously creeped out! Anyway, you can see the results and how Mia seems to be pleased to have a super duper lookout. Someone even told us she would be safer this way since we have owls and falcons and vultures sweeping the skies. I do know that the former resident had a vulture land on his arm one day! Doesn't seem likely, but I suppose such things could happen. Never hurts to have a safety net (pun intended)! Stay safe.

Feast or Famine

Just resign yourselves. It's the way I work. 10 days with no posts and then a post everyday for a couple of days. It all has to do with my schedule and with interesting things happening in my life. Actually not too much is happening of earth shattering importance, but you see I have this really cute photo of Mia...
Actually today Gabi, a friend, came over to help upholster my chairs. She painted fabric and then stapled it and we attached the chair pads back. The striped chairs, as opposed to the dark beige chair covers gave the room a whole new air. And yes I know I need something for the wall. These things take time. Gotta find just the right thing for just the right price! In addition you just must see the gorgeous amaryllis that the ladies of the church gave me for my birthday. Aren't they just great? I fell in love with the arrangement immediately. They were definitely chosen by someone who had seen my living room. While I was snapping these photos to show to you, guess you just had to get in the act? Mia, of course. She is not camera shy, but she also isn't ever going to be a top model.
She just can't quite seem to get the hang of posing attractively. She yawns, scratches, washes herself, scratches the furniture, meows (what else coming from her?), but pose she does not! So I was grateful to get this shot of her on the couch. I tried to come in for a close up and it actually turned out half-way decent. The real problem may lie with the photographer! One of her more endearing characteristics is her constant desire for loving. Who can resist a cat who purrs out loud everytime you come near her? And the good news is that she hardly sheds. Even on the white couch she leaves hardly a trace. If I brush her a couple of times a week that helps. So far her lovely pink manicure has held up quite nicely. A friend from church (who does therapy with animals), gave her a pink birdy and she loves it. Currently it is on the lost status, as Mia chases it, throws it in the air, bats it around and then somehow hides it under the furniture. She brings a lot of fun to our household. She may be an older cat, but she hasn't lost her zest for living! Since I am roughly the same age she is, I think I can learn from her!

What, no picture?

And that's the truth folks. I haven't put in an entry because I don't have any photos to go with anything interesting to say. Now you will have to read the words. Me, if there aren't any pictures, I don't find a blog very interesting. I must be like 6 years old, right?
I wanted to tell you about our worship on Sunday, which consumed most of my week last week. October 12th is children's day in Brazil, so on Sunday (the 14th) we had a special worship service to remember our children. A young man of 11 led the worship. He did such a good job. Better than most adults. Of course I had written out all the transitions and everything he should say, but having grown up in church and being an excellent speaker, he knew how to add little touches and adlib. He and I both were nervous. It is hard to lead a worship service and make it flow. Especially in front of more than 1000 people live, plus live internet and radio!
The children's choir presented 3 numbers from a cantata they are preparing. It was about being "More than Heroes". What was interesting was how each song was a very different style - from rap to classical.
An 11 year old played the violin for the prelude and a 10 year old did the postlude on the piano. That may seem like no big deal, but remember the size of our church. I was amazed the kids were willing to do so.
The "funniest" moment, was when I usually do the children's message, because João called up people who were over 80 for an "adult's message". They were much more irreverant than the children ever are. They loved being at the front, however. People had to help them, but they came with their canes an all.
I prepared the whole worship service on powerpoint for our new projector. It is not yet what we will use for the auditorium, since our sanctuary is so big we have to have a special set up that costs an absolute fortune, but I used a screen on one side and had the kids sit on that side to be able to watch everything. We had even the little kids present, so it was a challenge to keep things moving for our 3 and 4 years old. I think there were about 80 kids or so. Not bad, considering it was a lo-o-o-ng holiday weekend (Friday and Monday were holidays), and we had 80 families travelling on a missions trip.
I "preached" to the kids (hoping the adults would also apply the lesson to their lives) for about 10 minutes (I don't think anyone minded things ending early). I used animations on the powerpoint, which the kids loved, of course, as well as objects. I talked about God's call to Jeremiah, and the plan that God has for each of our lives. I used the beautiful quilt the ladies at Eastview made for me to show how beautiful our lives can be if we follow God's plan. I threw together a bunch of fabric scraps and asked if that was as nice as the quilt, explaining that we all need a purpose or plan and the best one is God's! Of course quilts aren't all that common here and people were just fascintated. Everyone wanted to take my quilt home.
The congregational music was just great too as we sang some old children's songs (which are timeless, like Praise Him All Ye Little Children and Alelu, alelu, alelu alelujah, Praise Ye the Lord) as well as some more contemporary children's songs (which I liked better actually). It was fun!
When the service ended, I was tired (since the equipment was all new, no one knew how to set it up and so it was all a close call to get it done before the church started. So it was run here and there to get a table, get a cord, set up the screen, hook up the computer, etc.) It was hot and humid and the air conditioning only gets turned on a few minutes before the service (I know that is crazy, but they seem to think that saves money... and it probably does, since they also turn it off about 10 minutes before the service ends. So about the time things get comfortable, it gets hot again).
Heat seems to be a killer proposition for me. When I get hot it seems like every bone, muscle and tendon in my body starts to ache. I seem to be really fighting against this pain, especially in my ankles with the Achilles tendon problem. I know if I just lost weight things would get better. That, however, doesn't seem to be happening. I am being faithful to my water exercise class 3x a week. I am really enjoying my class a lot. I am making friends and having fun. I think my favourite class is on Fridays when we jump on mini-trampolines in the water. I definitely feel better on the pool days.
On the other two days I try to get out and do marketing so I am forced to walk for about 30 minutes or so, but it's hard when it hurts so much - no matter what kind of shoes I wear. It's hard to know what to do. My feet thank me when I don't walk. The rest of my body thanks me when I do!
It's interesting, however, when I have to do something in public, it's like I put aside everything else and go into a "trance". I don't feel the heat or pain or anything. I just do it, as Nike would say. When it's over, then I am tired or thirsty or hot or whatever. I have never quite understood that phenomena, except to say I know the adrenaline works magic.
Today there is no adrenaline, so I need work off of motivation. Yesterday I cleaned house (shock and awe), so today I have time to study and prepare for Sunday when I am speaking at another church for their women's service. Also I have to get ready for the following weekend when I am helping to leading a seminar for engaged couples. As momma would say "It's a great life if you don't weaken".

Ok people, what's the deal?

Have you noticed something on my blog? When I was writing about my cat, Mia, I got lots of hits and lots of comments on my blog. When, however, I write about my little mundane life, no comments. Now what is that people? Am I boring?
Actually, just kidding folks. Don't worry. No stress. I just noticed this the other day when I was reviewing my blog. I found it to be interesting that my "widdle baby kitty" generated so much interest.
She really is a joy for me. She cuddles and loves to sit on my lap. One thing she doesn't do is sit with me on the computer. Guess I should be grateful, but I kinda miss that. If I put her on my lap she sits there, however. When I spend too much time on the computer, she yowls in her rusty hinge meow and then I have to go to her and give her love. It's the classic case of the "tail wagging the dog" or in "cat" language, the cat owning the human.
Today is my birthday and I think she was the best present I got this year. I really am enjoying her.
My day is just beginning, however, and I have already gotten a present from husband, opened a package my mom sent back with me in June and received an absolutely perfect sunflower. Pretty cool beginning of my day, huh? Soon Sissy and João and I are off to Outback for lunch- my fav restaurant.
There have been years when I have found my birthday to be sad and depressing. This year I decided to do what I want (like eat toll house cookies instead of icky birthday cake) and ENJOY. I've been to the pool for aqua class. Had cookies and milk for breakfast. Opened presents, answered the phone (in Brazil everyone calls you for your birthday) and read birthday cards online. Been a good morning so far. And it can only get better, right????
So off I go to put on my birthday togs (and not my birthday suit) and enjoy the rest of my day.

P.S. Here I am at Outback enjoying my ice cream dessert, wearing my new blouse. By the way the ice cream was REALLY good. Sissy took the photo so she is not in it, obviously! Hey tell me now, is this really the face of a 55 year old?? (The correct response is NO!)

Toll House Cookies... Almost

Have you ever had a craving that just drives you up a wall? Me, I wanted toll house cookies. That's a tall order around here. Cookies aren't all that popular here. And chocolate chips??? I have just chopped chocolate in the past. Today I went to my favorite "cooking store" (note the quotation marks. Trust me, this is no Harry and David's) and found chocolate chips. You buy them by the kilo. Yeah. So I picked up some brown sugar, butter, nuts and baking soda as well. Came home, looked up the recipe online and started mixing. The mix seemed soft, so I put it in the fridge a while and that seemed to do the trick.
Now you have to understand, that my stove is not the greatest. Just not too hot. Literally. So I preheated for an hour and it got up to 350 - a great breakthrough. Because it seems to lose heat quickly I put in one tray of cookies at a time and did it quickly. I used my trusty timer and what do you know, in just 11 minutes they were all nice and golden brown.
Since I didn't use the toll house chocolate chips, they didn't melt and get gooey (which is why I said they are almost toll house cookies).
For me, it was a great success story. No burned cookies. No broken cookies. Just nice soft gooey chocolate chip cookies like they are supposed to be. If you know me and the kitchen you will be impressed by the fact that there were no burned fingers, and no other disasters to mention and not only do they look perfect, they taste perfect. You get two guesses who sampled the cookie to the right. Not the same person that finished off the cookies, however. To me a good cookie beats a piece of cake hands down. What's your favourite cookie?
-----------------------------------------The Happy Homemaker

Just a Spot of Tea, Please

Saturday I went somewhere I never visited in Rio. I went with some young women of our church to the Copacabana Fort, where there is, incredibly enough, a tea/coffee house. (Café Colombo) Thus the lovely pot of of tea you see! Although it had been rainy and cool all day, a few of us didn't give up and we had a nice lady's day out! The fort was really quite nice, very clean and very secure! The view of the city was quite spectacular. The chatter was nice and the tea and "crumpets" was fun. It made for a different afternoon/evening. I who live my life doing pretty well what I want when I want, with the full support of my husband, forget how hungry other women can be for the company of like minded women. Not everyone lives as happily content with their life as I do. Even for me, though, it was a lovely outing. We stayed until it was completely dark and then people's husbands started to phone asking "Where are you?". The photo doesn't do justice to the great view of the beach at night.
I decided João and I have another great place to visit on Fridays. Although it is our day off, it's really only about once a month that we really get the whole day for just the two of us to be together (there is usually someone who wants us to go out, a gathering at church, etc. that conspires against a real day off). I suggested that we make a list of things we can do around the city and then kind of work through our "list". The two of us are kind of "stick in the mud", in that we would be happy to just stay home and not see anyone or anything, yet at the same time, we find that going out is much healthier for our "psyches".
By the way, I am sorry for the poor quality of the last few photos in the last two posts. I never remember to carry my camera, so these were snapped with my cell phone. I use my cell phone to listen to the radio, listen to songs, take photos, play games... and when it's really an emergency make a call or two!