to the park

We tried to have a nice, calm day at the park today with the boys, but don't let the picture fool you... it just didn't happen exactly as we hoped. I mean, we had moments but I knew we weren't entering serenity when we stepped out of the car. The sun was just oppressive. The boys didn't last a minute on their scooters before we retreated to a shady tree and some grass. I think Simon wasn't feeling too good and their attitudes ebbed and flowed for a while as I tried to keep them entertained helping them climb a tree. It was worth it just to get out a little and at least the picture turned out nice.

transitioning

Today I went over to the Dempseys along with 25 or so of the recent graduates involved in the ministry here for a transitioning seminar. It was definitely a milestone moment or something like that. Bernardo, Wandson, and Emerson (in the pic from left) are guys that have I've accompanied in their discipleship with Christ over the past 4+ years! Bernardo should graduate at the end of this year. Emerson has been working for the past year with his computer science degree. And Wandson just got a job a few months ago (electrical engineering... he and Bernardo). We talked about how God is calling us to be labors and how important it is to remember that as we are "working" or looking for a "job". I put those things in "quotes" because laboring in the kingdom is the real work, and our work place is one of the contexts that we glorify God.
...

Just a short Lucy update - her hair is starting to grow back. A few weeks ago it started falling out in the front and now you can see little hairlings poking out of her scalp. It seems pretty thick. We're still unsure what color it is or will be... is it reddish or a lighter brown? We're still not sure.

flat on my back

Since Wednesday afternoon I've been laid out flat! Wednesday was Dia das Crianças (Kid's Day), a national holiday here in Brazil, and we had two families over for a Brazilian barbecue and swimming for the kids (Emmi Long and Kate Dempsey in the pic). Our pool is more like a wading pool, but great for the kids.



Towards the end of the day I finally sat down in one of the tin fold-out chairs we have and maybe stayed in that position for an hour or so talking with the guys. When I tried to stand up I couldn't straighten up. On Thursday Chico took me to the doctor and I learned that I had injured a muscle in my lower back. The doctor told me to take some muscle relaxers and stay flat on my back in bed for two days. So that's where I've been.

It's been productive though. I've almost finished a new book I'm reading, The Insider, by Jim Petersen. He's coming to Brazil in November to speak to our staff team for a few days. I'm extremely curious considering he lived in Brazil as a missionary to college students for 18 years with the Navigators back in the 60's.

doctor's appointment

We took Lucy today to the doctor for her first check-up. The doctor said that everything looked great. Lucy tipped the scales at 10 pounds 12 ounces! Tonight we are going to Carol's birthday party (one of the girl's from our community discipleship group). It should be a good time for the community as I expect most will attend. Carol and her brother Roberto (both have become Christians in the last few years) are a vital part of our community and have been a big part of the process of following Christ for many others. Pray for God's continued grace on their family.

first day at church

Yesterday was Lucy's first day at the Igreja Presbiteriana do Sion. We had to give her a bath when we got home from all the girls hugging and kissing on her (there were several distinct different perfumes from head to toe). She wore a new dress that our friends Lorena, Carol and Mirella gave her.

cousin Kayla

Just a few days ago Lucy's little cousin Kayla was born! Brian (Amy's brother) and Candace are now on their third like us (Ethan and Andrew) and family get-togethers are taking on a whole new meaning. Click here to see more pics of Kayla.

Lucy in stripes

She was just too cute in this little outfit to not put a picture up for you all to see. Lucy continues to be a good baby and the boys are settling down. Amy has started back school with them and it has helped, I think. Braden is reading really well and has even started chatting online. Yesterday he was talking with my grandmother and I don't think she even realized it was him. I must not spell very well.

One more funny thing: yesterday Amy and I went with the boys and Rafael to get ice cream and there at the ice cream shop you sit out on the street in these plastic table and chairs. Anyway, this guy walked by with this white dog. Simon sat straight up in his chair and said, "I thought I saw a wolf!" He lives in his own little world.

zone defense

After about a month of helping with Lucy and the boys my mom flew back to the States on Saturday to take care of Poppy (my dad). It was great having her. The kids loved it and I know she will be missed. Everyone keeps telling us that we can't play man-to-man defense anymore with 3 kids. I guess we're going ZONE now.