Christmas in Brazil

Many have asked us what we will be doing down here in the Southern Hemisphere for Christmas so I wanted to include some pictures of our Christmas week.


Kelton did not want to sit in Santa's lap
















Our day at the Beach











Our family at the first lighthouse in Brazil




The Sea Turtle Reserve













Historic Salvador dressed up for Christmas

one of my favorite things about Salvador

One of the things we see sometimes here in Salvador that really makes me feel like we live in another world is the wild monkeys. The first time I saw one I just couldn't believe it! Now I have seen them several time, but I still love it just as much. The monkeys around here are small about the size of a small house cat and they have white tuffs at their ears. They will get so close to you that they will practically eat out of your hands. (But I'm pretty sure you don't want to get bitten by a monkey- so we don't do that)

The other day we were in Praia da Forte visiting the sea turtle researve. Several times throughout the day we would exclaim about the wild monkeys swinging though the trees or sitting on a little stand eating a snack some shop keeper had left out for them. Well we were sitting at a little ice cream shop eating wonderful fruit ice cream when all of the sudden the people at the next table jump up yelling (there might have been a few curses thrown in) in English. We didn't realize they were Americans until they started yelling. A monkey had jumped onto their table and started eating their ice cream. Very soon it was several monkeys eating the ice cream.

The family didn't seem too mad and we all laughed and got out our cameras.
What a place to live in!

Time with Friends

This week we have been blessed to spend time with our friends and fellow missionsaries, Sasha and Jennifer Terry. Sasha and Jennifer live in Porto Alegre, way in the south of Brazil. We visited Porto Alegre on our survey trip. This week, through the Terrys, we have learned just how different the various parts of Brazil are. In some ways it seems like we are working in two different countries. Porto Alegre is almost like a European city in appearance and culture. Whereas Salvador just operates on a totally different pace of life. Overall skin is darker, the beaches wider and the weather much warmer here in Salvador.

We have really enjoyed showing them our beautiful city and have even been learning more about Brazilian culture from them. But most of all we have enjoyed talking with them about ministry, working on a team, living in Brazil and being parents (they are 4 months pregnant). It is very encouraging to be with friends who have been where we are. Praise God for brothers and sisters in Christ.

Please pray for the church in Salvador and the church in Porto Alegre.