Wonderfully and Beautifully knit together.....

Oh, my! What an adventure! Robyn, and I got checked in to the airport in Dallas and the only issue I had was that they confiscated my jar of peanut butter from my carry on----UGH!

The flight from Dallas to Mexico City was good and we got a little bit of a nap. When we arrived, however, I realized that I had left my boarding pass on the plane and they wouldn't allow me to go back on to retrieve it. So, the circus began. They sent me on a wild goose chase and after consulting with several associates, I finally got to immigration. However, none of the others had their passports and immigration forms with them so they had to leave me there and go back to the group to get them. I was alone, in Mexico City in immigration with no real ability to communicate with the agents. Note to self: LEARN SPANISH!! I tried to stay calm but I will admit, I was a little nervous. However, after about 30 minutes, the others showed up and we got through all of the red tape. Finally, I had a new boarding pass in hand!

We met up with several others who had flown in from Colorado and Abilene. Amazing to see how God has orchestrated this team. We all have a kindred spirit about us and it feels like we have all known each other forever! Isn't our God amazing? He knit this team together so delicately considering how many invitations were sent out over a year ago. He hand picked the exact ones He wanted here at this designated time. I love to see how His hand is at work!

The flight to Sao Paulo was about 12 hours. I tried to sleep as much as possible but the chairs were not too comfortable and I will say, I got a little grumpy. I tried to remind myself of the reason that I am here.

We arrived safely and Dr. Dunham greeted us with open arms at the airport. We traveled from Sau Paulo to Itu in a bus that was donated by the government. It was great! It had air conditioning and we all got to have 2 seats to ourselves!!! I took alot of pictures and tried to take in all of the sights along the road. The drive took about an hour and a half. I was just humbled by some of the sights. I saw homeless people under bridges along the canal. I saw children flying paper kites, a farmer tending to his crop with a hoe, and homes that look like shanty's on the sides of the hills. I thought about how lucky I am to have been born in a country that is so blessed.

We arrived at our hotel and were greeted by Phyllis (the pastor's wife) and several others. They had lunch ready for us and after getting my tummy full, I was ready for a shower and nap. The hotel is very comfortable and we have hot water!!! The shower felt amazing! I rested for a bit and then we all met in the lobby and walked to the bank to get some Brazilian cash. Of course, my card wouldn't work. I have American money but I am going to have to wait until Monday for the bank to open to try to exchange it. Don't worry, the team will take care of me until then! Seem's like there is always an obstacle thrown at me....sorry, enemy....you shold figure out....I'm not falling for it!

We walked around the plaza and saw some of the city. We had dinner at "Toni Lius" and it was very strange trying to read a menu with no ability to understand the language. Trying to communicate with the waiter was very difficult! Thankfully, Dr. Dunham can speak pretty good Portuguese. I didn't like the feeling...I was definately out of my comfort zone! The food was pretty good. I was safe with a burger and fries but some of the other's ventured out and got other things. Everything was very tasty!

After dinner, we wandered around a little bit and onto a group of men and children doing Brazilian fighting. It involves music made with bamboo sticks, string, drums and shakers. The players sing together and the rythm was unbelieveable. It made us want to move our feet! The dance/fighting was also awesome. They were in a big circle and two of them would go into the middle and do their dance/fight. Families were all around. It was cool to see a little bit of the culture.

We had a meeting after we returned to the hotel where we shared and talked about the next few days. We prayed as a group and some shared their thoughts on how God has brought us all together as a team. It was a very sweet time.

We are prepared to do what God has called us to do. Now, it is just a matter of time until His hands and feet are at work showing love to the people of Brazil. May God be glorified and His name be honored as we love on His people.....

off to bed....long day ahead, more to come! Continue to lift Cura Brazil in prayer, please!