On the Move .. and Getting Settled

We made it! We are now living in Barra do Corda!

Praise the Lord for a safe trip - 978 km. There were some dangers en route!

But we arrived safely, praise the Lord!

Our friends Ruth and Irene welcomed us and gave us meals for most of 6 days!

The house across the road, prepared for us, had been painted up - inside and out.

It was very full of our baggage already when we arrived. The movers arrived before we did.

We have worked all week to begin to get things in order.

I think we have made good progress considering that it took us over a month to pack up!

The humidity is much less than in Belem, so we do not sweat nearly as much. Some days we hardly use a fan! It was 90 degrees F in the kitchen today, and the thermometer went over the top (120) when I took it outside in direct sunlight! No wonder our water is warm!

The water comes directly from the river to a 500 L tank over the roof.

The pressure is poor and won't put water through our filter (gravity). For now we are buying water to drink :).

We have a reguilar visitor that comes nightly to help decrease our mosquito and ant population.

Today we had a chick in the yard all day, too. We hear the neighbours' chickens, roosters, cows, etc. - just like living on a farm! We are actually located 2 km outside of the rural city of Barra do Corda in Maranhao - the Corda River is just across the road along the property which Robert will soon be responsible to care for.

One major change had to be made. Robert began to look over the electrical installation at the house. The neutral wire was hooked up where a hot wire should have been.When one thought that the power was turned off, it was not. 220 volts! What a mistake!

There are many adjustments to be made. As soon as we get a better internet connection, I will add more photos and info.
Thanks for your prayers.

Thirty-five years ago ...

how life was different! I was single, adventuresome and had just arrived to teach at AVA.

This week we celebrated God's faithfulness over these 35 years - giving me some financial supporters who have been with me since that first year, and continuing to allow me to serve Him, in spite of all the mistakes I've made. Robert treated me and our hired lady/friend for 18 years to a buffet dinner.

A poem that I had referred to often is called Don't Quit

Don’t quit when the tide is the lowest,

For it’s just about to turn;

Don’t quit over doubts and questions,

For there’s something you may learn.

Don’t quit when the night is darkest,

For it’s just a while ‘til dawn;

Don’t quit when you’ve run the farthest,

For the race is almost won.

Don’t quit when the hill is steepest,

For your goal is almost nigh;

Don’t quit, for you’re not a failure

Until you fail to try.

Author Unknown

I have been doing a personal study in 2 Timothy.
Chapter 2:11 - 15 says:

"Here is a trustworthy saying:
If we died with him,
we will also live with him;
if we endure,
we will also reign with him.
If we disown him,
he will also disown us;
if we are faithless,
he will remain faithful,
for he cannot disown himself.

Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." Pray that I might be A Workman Approved by God.

We are nearing the end of our packing up to move - a major move for us - to the state of Maranhao, to help the mission MEIB with the establishment of a Bible Training Centre for Indians. New challenges! The Great Shepherd has us on the move.

The termites beat Robert to his school notes from almost 30 years ago!

We are still making good use of the macaxeira that he planted and he is planting more for the next residents to enjoy.

Rooms and pantry are starting to look pretty empty!

We are enjoying our beautiful yard - before we move to a much drier place. We have had several families over for a picnic supper in the yard, too.

We took time last month to visit different churches in the city where we have had relationships with the people. The AICEB church in the Marco district is growing. Here is their new construction.
Thanks for your prayers and interest in our ministries.