Day 6 - May 11

Sunday proved to be a busy day for all of us! It started off going to Francine's home for dance class part 2 . Michael attended, as the photographer, but we did catch him practicing his twirling! The kids love to dance! We would take turns listening to the music and teaching ballet and samba. Every so often, a parent would peak through the window to observe the dancing.

On our way back we stopped at Victoria's Birthday Party. She was celebrating her 9th Birthday! Apparently it was a big deal that the 'Americans' came to celebrate. Her family was so sweet. After singing 'Happy Birthday' in every language we could think of; everyone ate cake!

Then, Jonathan took us to the water dam. It was beautiful! We played around and took photos of this local spot. Then it was off to Sammy and Marcia's house.

Then we all headed to church for Sunday service around 7pm. The church was brimming with people, the mayor came, and all the guys from the Drug Rehab center were there. Michael and the band opened the service with a country rendition of Amazing Grace. After an intense time of worship, Jake preached from Philippians 1.

Jenny, Michael, and I, were whisked away to kids church. Without any preparation we taught the kids some songs and games. The major difficulty was not having translators. So, we sang "Head, shoulders, knees and toes" (in English and Portuguese) and played "duck, duck, goose" which was a huge success with the kids of all ages! Needless to say, at the end of the service we were exhausted!

Even though we can not always understand each other through words, it is the simple actions of kindness and love that draws people to the Lord. Never has the importance of love become so obvious.

'For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.' 2 Corinthians 5:14

As Christians we should be compled every day by Christ's love. For me, that means not only while being in a country where I can not speak the language and everything is resting upon demonstrations of love. We are continuing to work hard and laboring in love! It is our prayer that through fellowship and the acts of love people would be drawn to the sweet love of Jesus Christ. Love enough that He died for us!

On behalf of the team,

Brittany Wurst