Jovens Retreat

At the jovens retreat in Belo Jardim, a city about 3 hours inland from Recife, it was cool, so we had to bring jackets and blankets and it was still cold.  Not cold, but 55 or 60 degrees. There were about 100 young people, ages 12-30, from all over the state of Pernambuco coming together for 3 days of lessons, praise, food, games and fellowship.  It was an interesting mix since there was a variety of teens and young adults so I felt like I was half participant and half helper.  I helped get our team get into the relays, games, building of spiritual armor and washing dishes. 

We got to spend quality time with people deepening relationships as well as get to know new friends. Annika and I were able to reconnect with some of the people we met from other cities two years ago. There were a few girls in particular I met and spent a good amount of time with, both of them didn’t know many other people, it was a blessing that God brought us there to cross paths and encourage each other.  

Sagui!

At a camp a few weeks ago a young girl asked a group of us if we wanted to go exploring the city during free time and see the monkeys.  My automatic response was "yes!"  I've lived here for 6 months now and the only monkeys I've seen have been caged monkeys in this park downtown.  So we all got ready and set out on our walk.

After walking a little while, we stopped in this little square and I asked her how much longer till we got to see the monkeys.  She looked up and pointed and there above our heads were like 5 Sagui monkeys hanging out in this little habitat in the tree in the middle of town.  Naturally, we bought bananas and tried to lure them down, but they were very skeptical.  Here's a video of the friendliest...or hungriest.

We moved!

Sorry it's been so long.  We've been without internet since we moved almost a month ago.  Which brings me to the exciting news for the day...WE MOVED! After lots of prayers, lots of talking, and lots of trying to decide between practicality and awesome neighbors--we decided to move.  We don't live on that crazy steep hill anymore in the middle of São Lourenço, but in an apartment building about 5 minutes away from the center of town.  There are definite advantages and disadvantages to both of the houses, but I feel overwhelmingly blessed to be living in this new community.  We now have room for people to come visit and stay with us...*hint hint*!