Our hosts are gracious and we're being fed well. Sleep however, remains a little elusive but that's our own fault. Friday night was soccer interrupted by the occasional downpour. It's winter here, and if the rain were snow, this area would be buried miles deep. The liquid sunshine plays havoc with the dirt side roads, and the storm sewers fight a losing battle. Spots of sunshine do make an appearance, but along with it comes a thick oppressive humidity. Thankful for air conditioning, bottled water, and cool showers in our suite.
Friday night also brought on an impromptu meet and greet with some of the students after soccer around the grill. It was nice to catch up that evening with a familiar face, Tim Schouten, who's here to teach some ESL to the students. He seems to fit in well, his work is appreciated, the results of it on stage that evening in a humorous manner. We also witnessed some theatrical pastor impressions that would have made the "You Tube" honour roll. The fellowship ran well into the wee hours of the night. I won't reveal the hour but North American farmers would have been in their last minutes of sleep, and daylight was thinking the same. The village rooster here has no concept of time so we can't count on him to help. He's making noise at all hours. I hate the thing and want to shoot it. I'm not sure if he's fulfilling his sire duties, but I have half the mind to rid the village of all the poultry and set up a fund for yearly supply of grocery eggs. There's my rant for the day! By the time we went to bed I think we ate the equivalent of a cow. A fun evening. At this time I was running on 3 hours sleep in the last 48.......Ug.......
Saturday thankfully was a sleep in. The afternoon some time was spent doing touristy things like visiting a castle some rich dude with deep pockets built to house his collection of art, artifacts, and exotic sculptures. Very impressive but eclectic. Dinner time, and again meat on the menu. This eatery serves your table with skewers of all kinds of roasted flesh from beef to pheasant to crocodile and python. Ok I made the last two up, but you get the point. They do however serve "Cupin" or more affectionately known as "meat from the hump of the bulls back". Pass me some more chicken please.....
After a full meal we made our way into the heart of Recife for a visit with a couple of members of the fledgling Guido deBres school board. A remnant remains of concerned parents that are still keen on pursuing Christian education in the area. Failed attempts in the past has made some gun shy, but this group is determined to resurrect the dream and wanted to meet with us to discuss it some more. The meeting went well, but to our horror we witnessed several plates being placed on the table around 9:30 at which time we were soon invited to share in a meal. our second of the night. On the menu, meat and spuds. To drink, a concoction of pineapple juice laced with mint. Honestly it looked like engine antifreeze/coolant and tasted much the same. I am now conditioned for 40 below or above zero temperature. Nevertheless, gracious hosts. We've had our share of protein in the past 24 hours, I'm almost looking forward to a salad. I said almost.....
Sunday a day of worship. Imbierabiera in the morning, Camaragibe at night. Again, plenty of smiles and handshakes. God's Word preached in full measure. We are filled again, this time with His Spirit and the goodness of His grace.
We came home from church to encounter a cockroach the size of a small utility vehicle scurry across the floor. I found it, Andria stepped on it, Marion picked it up. Teamwork at its finest, although I'm not being heralded for doing any heroics and running away like a little girl. Not a proud moment.
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