A Quarter of a Century... and counting!

First of all, thank you so much for all of the nice, funny, and sweet birthday wishes!  They all made my day!  I can’t believe that I am 25... so old!  I keep saying that to my students and they honestly think I ridiculous!  They say, “Miss Duke, that’s not old at all, old is like 60!”  So, Sorry to all the 60+ -ers out there, just know, I don’t think your old.  

Amanda & I

It sounds kind of funny, but Brazilians go to the mall to eat out for most casual meals, and they call the mall, “shopping.”  So, after church, the Lancaster’s (the director of BIS and his wife who is also the 1^st and 2^nd grade teacher at BIS), the Axworthy’s (the family that I am living with), Amanda, and I all went to the “shopping” for lunch.  We had a good time together and to top it all off, I got a ton of candy for my birthday and a banana split!  Thanks Amanda!  

Luke 2:52 – “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”

This is my class’s memory verse for the week.  I am really, really, really loving my kids!  My students have been learning one of the skits that I do at camp when I teach, “Adam and Eve,” and have semi-tried-out for certain parts.  Their personalities are really starting to shine!  They are so enthusiastic to read Bible stories, learn songs, learn the books of the Bible, and are pretty open about sharing prayer requests in their lives.  Each day, we open up with prayer and either a song, or time to practice the weekly Bible verse.  They will officially “perform” the skit on September 28^th in our chapel with a mix of students from 3^rd – 6^th grade. 

My 3rd & 4th Graders (there are 3 absent)

Today, the kids wrote their first letter to their pen pal.  My students are going to be pen pals with Torpedo’s, aka Miss Mensik's, 5^th grade class in Abilene, Texas!  They were so excited to write their letters today and begin asking questions to get to know their new friends!  They even had me take their pictures so we could send them with the letters, with their parent’s permission, of course!  We also took this class photo!  

Raquel & I with people celebrating a birthday after church.

Everyday, I sit with my kids at lunch and get to know them better.  It is one of my favorite parts of the day.  The kids today showed me the funny things that they could do: cross their eyes, wiggle their ears (however, one of them couldn’t really do it, instead they wiggled their face every which way, which was even funnier!), lick their elbow (NOT!), or pick their nose with their tongue (one of the various talents I have).   It is a good time!  Unlike most schools in the states, BIS actually has good cafeteria food.  Everyday, there is an “all-out” lunch: juice, salad, entrée, typically rice with a meat and beans, and fruit, or a dessert. And, get this, it’s free for teachers and it’s all you can eat, even for the kids!  Again, food and fun = one of my favorite parts of the day! 

During my free time here in Brasilia, I have been going to the Parque de Ciudade, or City Park, to run/walk with Amanda, Raquel, and sometimes Kimberly.  Raquel, a Brazilian, teaches Portuguese, Computer, Health, and PE.  Kimberly teaches pre-K.  It is a great park right in the middle of the city and has a 4k track that we go on about 3 -4 times per week.  Through this, Raquel and I have become pretty good friends.  She is my age, OLD, and is a lot of fun.  I am really glad we met and get along so well.  I always get her to teach me Portuguese and whether she likes it or not, try to help her with her English, which is phenomenal. 

The Brazilian Flag Hot Air Balloon Flying Over My House

Anne

Yesterday, Raquel and I went running in the park and I said, “Ok.  Let’s sprint.  Do you want to?”  She quickly responded, “Yeah.  Let’s do it!....... long pause…..What is sprint?”  Then, I took off running!  We laughed for so long after that!  Last Sunday, I went to her church, which is all in Portuguese, and then hung out with some of her friends afterward.  I get a little embarrassed when people ask me simple questions and I don’t understand them, but it’s kind of funny that I can get the gist of most conversation.  I just look at people with a blank faced stare and give a little nervous laugh, or “Que,” which means “what,” then probably turn a little red in the face.  But, eh… you gotta be confused at first, and be willing to be embarrassed at times.  

The Kids in Total Awe of the Hot Air Balloons

Mia

Joseph

For those of you that have been praying for my housing situation:  I FOUND A FAMILY!  I am living with the Axworthy’s.  Jonathan, from California, and Jessica, from Brazil, have 3 kids: Anne (9 next week), Joseph (6), and Ameila “Mia” (4).   

Dinner = Chicken Feet

They are a beautiful family and have welcomed me so nicely into their home.  They have been helping me a whole lot with my Portuguese and we always have dinner that is accompanied by laughter, good food, and probably something spilling.  Last night we had chicken feet.  They really weren’t so bad, not really my favorite, but not so bad.  I just don’t get how you work so hard for some skin, and tendons without any meat! 

Well, that’s an update for now. 

Here are some things that you can pray for:

1.   My students to repent and believe the Gospel

2.   My Portuguese and for me to find a school in the evenings that I can attend without getting home too late or get burnt out.

3.  Meet people at church

4.    Develop deep friendships here

Don’t hesitate to email me, or mail me letters. Here is my mailing address:

I have all of those that I have received so far!  Thanks!