Brasil

This March I (Janae) went on a missions trip to Brasil with a team from my school. It was amazing, exhilarating, life-changing, and I miss it so much already to say the least! Here are some (actually a whole bunch) of pictures because they often explain better than words.

So excited on our first flight!

Sharing a salad.

Goofy friends :)

Chicago at night.

Clouds are even prettier from above!

We had 3 flights, one overnight, to Brasilia, where we stayed the night at a hotel. We climbed a huge tower and saw a beautiful view from halfway up.

Jamie and I.

Tower from halfway up. 

At the Maraba airport, at last!

Our first day was packed we arrived in the afternoon and helped teach English classes,

We played soccer and volleyball later in the afternoon,

That evening Zach and I gave our testimonies (sorry, no pics of that.) We were so excited when two ladies gave their hearts to the Lord!

Watching soccer.

Jamie gave her amazing testimony the next night at church.

The girl on the chair came and cried on Jamie's lap after she spoke.

Ms. Carruthers spoke also that night.

The next morning, Monday, we headed off on a bus to Pacaja on the Amazon Highway.

Jamie and Emma were constantly laughing for most of the 7 hour bus ride.

The Wilsons live in Pacaja, and are starting an English school and building a church there.

From l. to r. Logan, Marsha, Keith, and Justin.

I love massaging people, and did almost every day of the trip! 

Zach and Logan entertaining with music.

A sweet lady I met at the English school.

Zach translating.

We helped dig the foundation for the new church for two days.

Digging trenches in the mud was fun because of all the people there :)

This is how we traveled around Pacaja!

The road was pretty flooded.

Team worship.

The Bergen's house.

We washed and squeegeed out the church before the kids camp on Friday.

A little bit of water fights ensued :)

Faith and Luke, two missionary kids who live in Maraba.

Phil, dad to Luke and Faith, being his usual, silly self.

Ivanildo, the pastor. Him, his wife Monica, and their two children Bruna and Marcos live on the base.

Kids camp!

Baby Kevin.

Us ladies had pedicures from a local lady- it is her source of income, and she is very good! 

More team meetings,

And prayer.

Over 70 criances (children) attended the three-day event.

Dancing and worshipping God. The kid's joy despite their circumstances is contagious.

Craft time.

Musical chairs was a new experience with that many people!

Sweet baby Emily.

Constantly applying sunscreen didn't stop us from getting burned! 

Obstacle course!

Tug-of-war slash water balloon fight! 

Lunch break.

One of Melanie's great messages.

Prayer time after every service.

The kids are so open and willing to experience God.

L. to r. David, Bruna, me, Karen, Jamie, Natalia, and Zezym.

Phil and Jen :)

Phil, Cindy, Mel, and Jen.

We learned a few handshake games from the kids.

Emma and Bella's kitten: Her name is Early Pearly Girly Grey!

Nap time!

Taking pictures during the thunderstorm/ downpour.

My favorite spot to sit and read my Bible, pray, or think in the Bergen's home.

We visited a zoo on our free day.

We didn't particularly love these creatures during our snack time!

This is how we traveled around in Maraba :)

They managed to squish a little girl in their too! It was fun times!

The beehive oven. It cooked the most delicious meals!

Luke and Marcos-Luke has only lived in Brasil for about a year, but despite speaking different languages these two are best buddies.

Great hang out times at night with these kids!

Missing Logan and Justin. . . It was great to get to know you guys!

Bella and me up a tree.

The kids loved Jacob.

Last time playing soccer. . . 

It was hot!

Our school donated some money for us to buy them new soccer equipment: nets, balls, gloves.

Hot and sweaty and sunburnt friends!

Girls group! We only saw them for about an hour, but most of us cried that night.

Gifts from sweet friends I met.

My favourite fruit- cupuacu. It has a white, delicious fleshy fruit inside.

We had a day in Belem to shop and swim and rest a bit.

Photobomb. . . 

Icecream!

The beautiful hotel.

I miss you sweet Bella!

Sleeping in the airport on our way back to Canada.

=

Thankyou for being so inviting and loving! 

That's my trip in a very condensed version, it seems. I have so many stories to tell and sometimes wish I could be back there continuing to God's work there. I just pray that God will use me here in Chilliwack, and that someday I can return to beautiful Brasil!

Janae