Summer & Winter in 24 Hours

"Oh-oh-oh-way-oh.  King of the Jungle.  Better run and hide, things are gonna get scary.  This is the king that is big and hairy."  These are the words to the chorus of the song my class sang and danced to for the Christmas musical.

The whole town of Rumors Mill got all shook up because two kids posted signs about a King coming to town.  The townspeople thought Elvis was coming, a King Tut exhibit, or King Kong (hence our safari outfits).  However, when the news broadcasted that the kids only wanted the the townspeople to have a fresh perspective on Christmas, the people of Rumors Mill were reminded of the King of Kings coming as a baby and the town focus became centered on Christ.  The musical was tons of work and also tons of fun.  And, you gotta admit my kids were ADORABLE!

Write about what you have learned about Jesus this semester:

"I know that Jesus is king because he proofed it in the bible.  He cured the man with leprosy, the crooked man, and the woman that was blind.  He also healed the servant, the person that was bleeding, and another that was sick.  I also know that he is king because he stoped the storm.  But he is king because he can say that he is king.  Who else would say they are the serpant crusher that has power over everything?  The person wouldn't say that because they can't do it.  Jesus is brave to say, "Blessed are you who are poor, hungry, weeps, is hated, and reject your name as evil.  You will be rewarded." You will go to God's kingdom.  He is brave to show how he can do things.  He is king because he was able to share with 10-20 thousand with only 5 loves of bread, and two fish..."


"My favorite story that we had read in class was when Jesus have power over sickness and he hell the blind person, the woman that never stop bleeding, and the men who had leprose and that story is in Luke 5:1.  That is the story that is my favorite."

"He has power over death and also power over sickness.  And he has power over creashon.  And people that are bleedy and have lepereseed and power over sinners.  Also he has power over making people and understanding.  And he has power over bad and power over sins that people are doing everyday.  And power over the devel."

Field Trip to the Creche, a day care in the hood

I can't believe that my whole first semester has passed by this fast!  I have already been living here in Brazil for 4 months!  God answers prayers.  I am learning Portuguese.  Thank God for family (at home and here).  I have good solid friends (at home and here).  My students are amazing.  They love learning.  They love making learning fun, and so do I.  We have a good time together.  They are improving so much!

Today was a very special day with the Axworthy's.  It started with the question, "Why is Christmas important to you?"  The kids reminded us that Christmas is important because we celebrate Jesus' birth.  Jessica reminded us of how it is a time of renewal.  I talked about the encouragement we get from family and friends and we can look back on where we have come from and see how much we have grown.  Jonathan reminded us of God's faithfulness, and how He always keeps His promises.  Then, there was Peru...not the country, but that's turkey in Portuguese, potatoes, and green bean casserole.  After dinner, we moved to the living room, and as each one of the kids held a gift and had beaming smiles, Jessica said, "For Christmas in our family, everyone gets three presents."

1.  Mia started us off, "Something you need."  I unwrapped a coffee cup that matches the cups the rest of the family has with my name on it, covered in music notes.  "Sempre Amigas," it said.
2.  Joseph followed, "Something you want."  I unwrapped a beautiful, shiny Brazilian tambourine.  One the outside there is a Brazilian flag, and it was such a great surprise.  
3.  Jessica ended, "Something we can do together."  Since we all dislike dishes, but all love to eat, I received a blank recipe book to write down the things that I learn here in Brazil.  I loved it.

Not only did I feel like part of the family, but I also totally admire the gift exchange idea.  Each gift has a purpose.  They are well thought out.  I will miss you guys for the next three weeks!

Speaking of the next three weeks!  I head out tomorrow morning to go home for 3 weeks!  I am looking forward to seeing family and friends, and eating some yummy food and candy that is very much missed here in Brazil!