Arrival Day

"Toto, I have the feeling we're not in Kansas anymore."

Brazil is beautiful. "Happy" does not do justice to how grateful I am to be here. The trip over was a little more adventurous than I'd anticipated. I left home Monday afternoon and . . . 4 shuttle busses, 3 plane rides, 2 missed flights, 2 hotels, 2 lost bags, 1 meal and 6 hours of sleep later... I finally arrived safely here in Curitiba, Brazil this afternoon (Wednesday, Jan. 13).

Curitiba is a beautiful, delightful city--quite different from what I saw of Sao Palo (see pictures below). I think Pastor Paul said the population is upwards of 2 million. I'm quite anxious to explore the city and all it's unique shops and restaurants.

Specific answer to prayer: Many of you knew I'd suddenly came down with a cold the day of my departure. Even with medicine, the congestion and sinus pressure were so intense, I was worried I'd rupture an eardrum during flight. Praise the Lord--He heard your prayers. I made it through all my flights without any pain at all!

Unfortunately, my bags were lost in route. So who wasn't praying for my baggage? (Just kidding.) Pray they'll arrive tomorrow, with nothing missing. Since they contain many items the Abels requested (including 8# of peanut butter, hairspray, chocolate Malt-O-Meal, and dryer parts), I'm anxious to receive them. Fortunately, I packed for an extra night or two in my carry-on, so I'm not really suffering. It is a wonderful reminder that stuff is just that, stuff--of no eternal importance and completely replaceable.

Being unable to speak Portuguese has been a frustration, but not a complete hinderance. Somewhere between their broken English, my limited Spanish, and an abundance of gestures, I was able to navigate my way around airports, shuttle busses, hotels, make a claim for lost baggage, and reschedule flights. Certainly the Lord has been good to provide helpful people along the way. Please pray for me, that I'll pick up the language quickly and demonstrate and interest in these people and their culture.

Today was the second day of kids camp for the Abels. They have around 70 children here ages 6-12 (I do believe that number is correct... although I should check, since it was information I received before my nap and while I was in some sort of glazed daze.) The children are precious. How I wish I could communicate with them! Please pray the Lord helps me to find ways to demonstrate a love to them that points to Him.

After arriving I had an exceptionally delicious meal of beans & rice, meat & potatoes, and salad. With a full belly, I was ready to sleep. I felt like a new person after a nearly 2 hour nap. The afternoon consisted of cleaning up after crafts, learning new songs (I really am trying!) and dinner (beans and rice again--so yummy!). This evening they had a large assembly. Everyone sang songs, performed skits, played instruments, etc. The energy these kids have!

Paul and Becky Abel have received me with much love and care. I'm nestled into a nice little room in their house. They really have all the amenities we're accustomed to--which is such a blessing.

It rained off and on most of the afternoon--those nice gentle showers that make you want a cup of coffee and a good book. Oh, I had my first cup of Brazilian coffee. Black, but they sweeten it (really sweeten it!) So yummy. Dangerously addictive, I'm sure. ;-)

It's after midnight here, so I'm going to try and get some sleep. I tried to upload a few photos so you don't have to use so much imagination. Hopefully I'll figure out how to make them easier to browse. I also added a video at the end. Anyway, enjoy. ;-) Again, thank you for your continued prayers.

Much Love,

Karyn

P.S. Cynthia, would you believe I had a $2 bottle of water at the hotel?! I don't learn, do I?

ARCA Campground, where I'm staying; Curitiba, Brazil, from the airport; 2 views outside my window from my forced hotel stay in Sao Palo; precious little girl (we bonded thru a bandaid-necessity incident ;-); amazing dinner!