Old Friends/New Friends

João and I had a safe and wonderful trip into the "interior" of the country, as we traveled about 820 quilometres, one way, to preach a revival. We left on Thursday morning, and I was especially anxious to get to São Paulo to see my dear friend Marilene, since we planned to spend the night with her and her family. Our visit was way too short, but it was just great to be in her home - finally!
We got away at a decent hour in the morning and had a longer drive than the previous day, but still it wasn't tiring. This time it was João who was excited to see old friends, as we would be staying with a couple who had been his friends in Iraq (where he ministered from 1981-83). He baptized the father and the son in the Euphrates River in Iraq. To the right is the couple as they were in Iraq and to the left is the couple today. In addition I have added the photo of João baptizing Domingos in the river. There are certainly fruits that remain in our ministry and this is a wonderful example, as Domingos is a deacon and vice-moderator of his church. He is the one who invited us to come and preach. So it was very meaningful to me as well to get to know these very special people in João's life. João preached from Friday through Sunday at First Baptist Church of Passos, in the state of Minas Gerais. What fun on Saturday night when another family that João had baptized in Iraq drove over from a neighboring town to be present at the worship service!
After two years of serving at First Baptist of Rio, we (or maybe just me) had forgotten that our church is not exactly the norm. It is a "capital city" church and a large one at that. This visit took us both back to our real roots in church life and we loved it. We had forgotten about the constant buzz of people moving around, a standing room only crowd, children crying, etc. It was kind of challenging at first, especially when you are used to the solemnity of our church. But it was great to see so many visitors and many decisions. My children's message was something new for them and it started off small, but it definitely grew larger. I had a lot more kids than I have at our church! I think you can see on João's face, his joy at sharing with these wonderful people.
The three days in Passos flew by ever so quickly and Monday morning we needed to hit the road early, but it was hard to tear ourselves away. I think, in my heart of hearts, I am really just a kid from the country and city living is not exactly all it is cracked up to be.
We didn't leave as early as we should have, and also chose to take the route recommended to us by the "natives", sort of off the beaten path, but some 200 quilometres closer. It was a beautiful drive, but it didn't take too long before we had regretted our decision. Less miles, but not such great roads. In fact, some just plain horrible. We had detours and we changed roads dozens of time, so we had to drive with the map in my lap and constantly be alert. Then there were the trucks driving 15 kph up the mountain and no place to pass. Monday definitely dragged on and on, as we sang "This is the trip that never ends". I took this shot on one of the straightest and best stretches along the highway. I am glad I didn't have motion sickness on the hairpin turns, as many years ago I traveled this highway and I did get sick. By the time we got into Rio, it was dark and the traffic was horrendous and my poor husband had to tangle with bumper to bumper traffic for over an hour after driving over 10 hours. We were two tired kiddies. I still haven't unpacked, as I was too tired. Today I had to teach my seminary class. I didn't even feel like eating, much less fixing lunch, so we ate on the delicious cheese we bought along the highway. (Minas Gerais is famous for its milk and cheese products). So our grand adventure is over and we are back to our routine. I am washing clothes and getting ready to teach tomorrow. João is at a meeting at church. The interlude was wonderful, but it is always good to be back home again.