holiday

On Tuesday while I waited for the rest of the family to get home from school (I stayed home with Lucy who was coughing pretty bad... actually, she's just really good at playing hooky), the Crooms called. We made quick plans for a afternoon rendezvous and they drove down from Ashford, AL and spent a few hours with us.

We'd never met Ella or Nate, so it was fun to finally see them and steal some hugs. It was also great to see Chip and Shelley. After the visit we were ready to move back into our little three-bedroom house down in Barão Geraldo, Brazil.

A short movie of the kids playing in Brazil: Following the Leader, 2006.

internet drought

We are back from Brazil. Sorry about the lack of communication. We were without internet at our old apartment in Brazil, and just Sunday did I get the internet working here at our new house.

last rush and back

I spent my last few days in Brazil trying to organize everything for the sale of our apartment and car and trying to straighten up any remaining obligations with taxes. My good friend Wellington was a lifesaver. He accompanied me for most of my appointments and helped me to see the right people. And now he continues to help move these things forward with me here.

Obrigado, Wellington!

The flight back was insanity but my fatigue made it a little more bearable. I rode the bus to the Belo airport, then flew to Rio, changed planes and flew to São Paulo, waited on the plane for more to board, flew to Houston, changed planes and flew to Tampa. In Tampa I had a 6-hour layover before flying to Tallahassee. What was I thinking to book this flight? I slept on most of the flights though and almost fell asleep on the floor while I waited in Tampa.

Missions Weekend

Starting tomorrow Grace Church will be hosting its annual Missions Weekend. Interestingly enough Brazil will be the focus this year since Amy and I are speaking along with Andre and Kristi Jennings who serve in Rio Verde, Goias. I wanted to invite anyone who can to come out. If you have other commitments there are different time slots to pick from, but each session will have a different focus.

The schedule for this weekend is as follows:
* Saturday 6 PM
Intros from the missionaries, followed by a catered BBQ supper in the Dining Hall (adults $6; children 10 and under $3)

* Sunday 9:30 AM
Missionary presentation to MS/HS in the gymnasium (we will meet with this group)
Missionary presentation to the Adults in the old auditorium

* Sunday 10:30 AM
Missionary presentations during morning worship

* Sunday 5 PM
Informal Q & A with the missionaries followed by a soup & sandwich supper

Map to Grace Church.