From the time I arrived in Brazil everything has gone smoothly. Well, sorta...well, let's say it's already been an adventure. But then again, I think that in some language somewhere, my name means adventuress, so I'm lovin' it.
Finally got a guarana (my favorite soft drink ever) on the TAM airplane. Saturday's arrival in Recife was picture-perfect. Except for the fact that Recife is not a very pretty city - it's as if someone just kept putting up unimaginative, ugly buildings with no thought of creating a skyline. My passage through customs and immigration was uneventful, with a smiling Drew and Sueli on the other side.
We grabbed a quick hamburger at Bob's in the airport and got on our way...south! South? Joao Pessoa is north of Recife.
"We have a surprise...it's a good one." Marta, who teaches in the university and works as a tour guide during holidays, has brought a group of teenagers to Maragogi, a resort on the sea. In Brazil it's considered a 5-star resort (www.miramarmaragogiresort.com). Que supresa! (what a surprise!). Because she's the guide, she can just add people to her tour, so she added the 3 of us. I'll go back to Joao Pessoa with her and the group on Sunday afternoon. I like Brazil! I haven't done any work yet and I'm getting rewarded with a nice resort stay.
But let's talk about our route to get here. Recife is in the state of Pernambuco and this resort is in Alagoas. We were told it was just about 30km over the border. Each state in Brazil has its own borders and taxes are collected from the trucks each time they cross into another state. Along the way, there was gorgeous scenery. I would say mountainous, but I don't think the height qualifies them to be mountains. However, they are larger than hills. It's as if God just stirred up very lumpy "earth batter" (wouldn't you know I'd relate it to cooking?) and just drizzled it over the area. All over these very high lumps there grows sugar cane. Kilometers and kilometers of it, with occasional banana trees for added visual texture. Sugar cane, of course, is used to make the alcohol/ethanol for gasoline. For quite a while we drove without encountering any oncoming traffic...only to be stopped by a huge traffic jam. Yes, in the middle of the countryside. As is often the case, people get out of their cars and trucks and begin talking with others along the way. We discovered there was an overloaded sugar cane truck that had broken down on the one-lane bridge about 1 or 2 km ahead. So we sat for almost an hour. However, Drew, ever the resourceful guy, drove further ahead...intending to, shall we say, cut in the line? About 20 minutes after we made our move, we saw the first oncoming traffic...about 5 cars. Then it was our turn, and because of Drew's decision, we were in the first group of 6 cars (we were second to the last!) that went over this one-lane bridge, hastily erected by the army...just wide planks across with a few going lengthwise. Behind us were probably several km of cars and trucks and it would have been a couple hours' wait had we stayed way back in the line. I think they were going to alternate sides, 5-6 vehicles at a time. Say it with me now, "cutting in line is a good thing."
[Brings back the eerie memories of one of Terry's and my trips to Brazil, when we had to fly to Caracas, Venezuela and then come in to Brazil on an overnight bus through the jungle. Of course it's blacker than black in the jungle at night. Every once in a while we would slow down considerably and then bump along for a while, then speed up. It's probably better that we had no idea what was happening, because later, we discovered that the slow-downs were due to rivers or deep gorges where we crossed wooden make-shift bridges similar to this one - only not built as well, sometimes only the 2 planks lengthwise...and no sides!!! The bus driver just had to keep the wheels on those planks! Then there were the soldiers who boarded the bus and came straight to the 2 Americans - pointing machine guns at our heads...well, we've had some adventures.]
We crossed the bridge into the state of Alagoas, thinking we had just about 30 km to go. Wrong. We just kept driving and driving...no cell phone signal so they were unable to call Marta...but I love how helpful everyone is. We stopped and asked people several different times and most of the time their directions agreed. The number was more like 70 km! At one point, one man told us that the road ahead was out, but a farmer had allowed some of his sugar cane to be cut down in order to make passage available. In the states we usually have several options of getting from point A to point B. In other countries, many times there is only one road with no other roads crossing it for miles and miles. So if a road is out or under construction, you might just have to turn around and go hours out of your way.
We found the way into the field and drove along, 12-ft. sugar cane stalks on either side of us. By this time it was dark because sunset begins around 5:30. It had rained sometime during the day here so already there were deep ruts in the still gooey mud. Hard to believe, but we again encountered a "traffic jam". This time only about 5-6 vehicles on either side of a really big quagmire where a heavy truck had sunk down to where the back wheels and the back end of the truck were entirely covered with mud. I'm wondering how he ever got out (or maybe he's still there) because it was just a bunch of guys with some ropes and smaller trucks with no chance of decent traction! Drew measured the space between the truck and sugar cane and figured we had just enough space to squeak past, so we decided to go for it. Of course one needs to keep one's foot on the gas lest one also gets stuck in the mud! I'll usually take on any driving challenge, but let's just say I'm glad I was not the driver in this case. When we finally arrived back on the main road, almost 6km later, it was so potholed that we had to slow down tremendously so as not to break an axle or get a flat tire...some of those spots were canyons! Think about it for a minute...black night outside, no street lamps, no towns, very few cars at all, no gas stations...you get the picture. I was glad I had not drunk too much water at lunch.
We arrived at the resort at almost 7pm, after leaving the Recife airport at 2:30, and were greeted by Marta, waiting in the lobby...we hugged and she apologized to me for such a stressful arrival. Stress? Who, me? I was laughing and taking pictures the whole time. We got our little bracelets that allowed us to do all of the activities, dropped off our luggage in our rooms, and met for a delicious dinner, after which we all went to bed. All except Marta, that is, who went dancing with her tour group. Sleep came very easy to all of us.
The man I love
Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina
Subscribe To
Posts
All Comments
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Friday, July 1, 2011
if it seems too good...
Ok, I knew things were going too smoothly. It really seemed too good to be true...as I waited for the Miami flight, I noticed there was about an hour delay posted on the board. An announcement to that effect was made, but I hardly had time to ask about my connection when the next announcement declared the flight cancelled. Don't you just love to hear the word "weather" in conjunction with your cancelled flight? That's the airlines' way of saying they're not gonna lift a finger to help their stranded passengers.
Somehow I found myself 6th in line at the American Airlines desk for rebooking...that never happens to me because I'm not one to push my way in line. However, it soon became clear I would be waiting for a very long time and I really began to feel sorry for the others behind me. Proactively I called Martha, the world's greatest travel agent, and even as I moved closer to the front of the line, she was able to find me another flight not going through Miami (or Singapore, for that matter, which sometimes happens when you're trying to avoid certain cities!). Finally it was my turn at the counter, and the agent told me that the reserved flight ...for which I had a seat...was overbooked by 30 people. Simultaneously, I've got Martha on the line, who says "if they give you a seat assignment, you're on!" My "friend" at the counter was probably in for a long night and already regretting having not just called in sick. She snapped at me "well, then just have your travel agent book the flight with Delta!" Which I did. When I had my confirmation numbers in hand, I returned to the woman at the counter, who called Delta to confirm and then issued me a ticket. Whew!
Next order of business was to go to baggage claim for my suitcase and bring it to the Delta counter, and check in for the new flight, which would be non-stop from Atlanta to Brasilia.
The good news was that my suitcase and I were reunited, without anyone having a chance to lose it! But now that I was on an international flight, I had to ride that little train "all the way" to the "E" terminal, where I waited in line without incident, checked in, and once again said goodbye to my suitcase.
This time going through security, I just happened to get a TSA person with an attitude, or maybe she just fought with her boyfriend - whatever, she proceeded to unpack most of the contents of my carry-on bag, looking for, as she put it, "lots of little bottles of liquids all over the place." Really?? I had deliberately packed all liquids in my checked bag, leaving only a few vitamin bottles, (capsules) which I had placed in another bag to keep them all together. I mentioned that to her, but evidently it only spurred her on to prove me wrong. Of course one is not allowed to put one's hand over the "fence" to aid/interfere with packing/unpacking, so I watched quietly, almost curious to see what little bottles she could find! Of course my things were now strewn all over her desk...but still no bottles. I thought of inviting her to totally empty the bag, but some people need to be superior without actually finding out all the facts, which might prove them wrong. I knew that she had to save face so I continued to keep quiet, even as I watched her stuff everything back with a huff and then catch the zipper on my sweater not once but twice. I realize she's "just doing her job", but it's always much more pleasant to be kind and friendly. I usually try to joke a little with the person and see how long it takes me to get a smile or a laugh, but there was no humor in Ms. TSA yesterday. Made me think of our favorite quote from good friend Roger Heuser (who married us 12 years ago in the Loire Valley) who likes to say, "I take my work seriously but I don't take myself seriously." Good idea. The need for some people to be superior just brings out the clown in me...I'm always looking for a way to crack a joke, but many of 'em just don't get it.
Found my way to the gate and sat down on the floor to recharge phone after all that time with Martha, who kindly just "hung out" on the line with me till we got everything straightened out.
By the way, if you're interested, Martha works for The Cruise Experts, in California, where another good friend, Wes, also works. Wes and Terry know each other from music groups about a hundred years ago, and everyone there always gives us such wonderful service...we've gotten some ridiculously inexpensive cruises and the best advice...for Terry's 60th birthday I wanted a nice hotel in Budapest...Wes took only about a day before he called me back to give me the name of a wonderful Boutique Hotel that was having a "birthday discount"...I've told lots of you that our room was discounted the percentage of the birthday boy! Yep. 60% off. We just couldn't stop laughing it was so luxurious!
Just a shameless plug for the best TA ever! I'm not getting any payment, and they didn't even have to ask me to do it!
Boarded the plane, doors were closed, and there were still about 6 empty seats (on the flight that was 30 overbooked). For the first time ever, I think, I had adults all around my immediate area, which made me think I might even get to sleep on this overnight flight. Boy was I wrong! Screaming babies suddenly appeared, and right behind me, a yippy little dog. In addition, the captains seemed to be looking for every little bump they could find. Sleep was definitely not in my future, but I did manage to snag a few little catnaps. For Delta Airlines, the meals were pretty bad. (let's face it, for any airlines they were bad!) I picked at the pressed chicken, and ate the dessert. Apparently someone also neglected to put all the alcoholic drinks on board because the man in front of me tried to order something and the attendant was explaining to him the terrible service they had from the ground crew, who just forgot to restock the galley.
Fortunately puppy finally stopped yipping, and somewhere over the ocean the babies stopped screaming, only to start again the minute breakfast began to be rolled up the aisles. Did I saw bad? I'm not sure I'd dignify what was put in front of me by even calling it a meal. Although there was a perfectly ripe banana to save it from being a complete disaster. Being the coffee "snob" that I am, I nevertheless ordered coffee. My mistake.
Immigration and Customs were a breeze, and again I was able to check on my suitcase. Still coming along for the ride! Got it checked in for the last time and came to Gate 8, which, of course got changed to Gate 12.
Waiting for flight to Recife, I'm hoping that Terry was able to communicate all this to Drew. I did facebook him some partial info last night, but couldn't get through by phone or text. Terry tried calling several times as well with no answer or voicemail, but Drew's a pretty resourceful guy who'll figure it out, probably by process of elimination.
Here in Brasilia the sky is perfectly blue and it feels somewhat cool for now. I'm just glad to be here because the more people I spoke with last night, the worse things got. Being 4th of July weekend understandably makes it much more difficult to change/rebook travel plans, and I know that Miami flights were full for today. If I had tried to stay on the same flight, I would not have even been able to leave till Saturday or even Sunday.
They've called my flight. Off to Recife.
Somehow I found myself 6th in line at the American Airlines desk for rebooking...that never happens to me because I'm not one to push my way in line. However, it soon became clear I would be waiting for a very long time and I really began to feel sorry for the others behind me. Proactively I called Martha, the world's greatest travel agent, and even as I moved closer to the front of the line, she was able to find me another flight not going through Miami (or Singapore, for that matter, which sometimes happens when you're trying to avoid certain cities!). Finally it was my turn at the counter, and the agent told me that the reserved flight ...for which I had a seat...was overbooked by 30 people. Simultaneously, I've got Martha on the line, who says "if they give you a seat assignment, you're on!" My "friend" at the counter was probably in for a long night and already regretting having not just called in sick. She snapped at me "well, then just have your travel agent book the flight with Delta!" Which I did. When I had my confirmation numbers in hand, I returned to the woman at the counter, who called Delta to confirm and then issued me a ticket. Whew!
Next order of business was to go to baggage claim for my suitcase and bring it to the Delta counter, and check in for the new flight, which would be non-stop from Atlanta to Brasilia.
The good news was that my suitcase and I were reunited, without anyone having a chance to lose it! But now that I was on an international flight, I had to ride that little train "all the way" to the "E" terminal, where I waited in line without incident, checked in, and once again said goodbye to my suitcase.
This time going through security, I just happened to get a TSA person with an attitude, or maybe she just fought with her boyfriend - whatever, she proceeded to unpack most of the contents of my carry-on bag, looking for, as she put it, "lots of little bottles of liquids all over the place." Really?? I had deliberately packed all liquids in my checked bag, leaving only a few vitamin bottles, (capsules) which I had placed in another bag to keep them all together. I mentioned that to her, but evidently it only spurred her on to prove me wrong. Of course one is not allowed to put one's hand over the "fence" to aid/interfere with packing/unpacking, so I watched quietly, almost curious to see what little bottles she could find! Of course my things were now strewn all over her desk...but still no bottles. I thought of inviting her to totally empty the bag, but some people need to be superior without actually finding out all the facts, which might prove them wrong. I knew that she had to save face so I continued to keep quiet, even as I watched her stuff everything back with a huff and then catch the zipper on my sweater not once but twice. I realize she's "just doing her job", but it's always much more pleasant to be kind and friendly. I usually try to joke a little with the person and see how long it takes me to get a smile or a laugh, but there was no humor in Ms. TSA yesterday. Made me think of our favorite quote from good friend Roger Heuser (who married us 12 years ago in the Loire Valley) who likes to say, "I take my work seriously but I don't take myself seriously." Good idea. The need for some people to be superior just brings out the clown in me...I'm always looking for a way to crack a joke, but many of 'em just don't get it.
Found my way to the gate and sat down on the floor to recharge phone after all that time with Martha, who kindly just "hung out" on the line with me till we got everything straightened out.
By the way, if you're interested, Martha works for The Cruise Experts, in California, where another good friend, Wes, also works. Wes and Terry know each other from music groups about a hundred years ago, and everyone there always gives us such wonderful service...we've gotten some ridiculously inexpensive cruises and the best advice...for Terry's 60th birthday I wanted a nice hotel in Budapest...Wes took only about a day before he called me back to give me the name of a wonderful Boutique Hotel that was having a "birthday discount"...I've told lots of you that our room was discounted the percentage of the birthday boy! Yep. 60% off. We just couldn't stop laughing it was so luxurious!
Just a shameless plug for the best TA ever! I'm not getting any payment, and they didn't even have to ask me to do it!
Boarded the plane, doors were closed, and there were still about 6 empty seats (on the flight that was 30 overbooked). For the first time ever, I think, I had adults all around my immediate area, which made me think I might even get to sleep on this overnight flight. Boy was I wrong! Screaming babies suddenly appeared, and right behind me, a yippy little dog. In addition, the captains seemed to be looking for every little bump they could find. Sleep was definitely not in my future, but I did manage to snag a few little catnaps. For Delta Airlines, the meals were pretty bad. (let's face it, for any airlines they were bad!) I picked at the pressed chicken, and ate the dessert. Apparently someone also neglected to put all the alcoholic drinks on board because the man in front of me tried to order something and the attendant was explaining to him the terrible service they had from the ground crew, who just forgot to restock the galley.
Fortunately puppy finally stopped yipping, and somewhere over the ocean the babies stopped screaming, only to start again the minute breakfast began to be rolled up the aisles. Did I saw bad? I'm not sure I'd dignify what was put in front of me by even calling it a meal. Although there was a perfectly ripe banana to save it from being a complete disaster. Being the coffee "snob" that I am, I nevertheless ordered coffee. My mistake.
Immigration and Customs were a breeze, and again I was able to check on my suitcase. Still coming along for the ride! Got it checked in for the last time and came to Gate 8, which, of course got changed to Gate 12.
Waiting for flight to Recife, I'm hoping that Terry was able to communicate all this to Drew. I did facebook him some partial info last night, but couldn't get through by phone or text. Terry tried calling several times as well with no answer or voicemail, but Drew's a pretty resourceful guy who'll figure it out, probably by process of elimination.
Here in Brasilia the sky is perfectly blue and it feels somewhat cool for now. I'm just glad to be here because the more people I spoke with last night, the worse things got. Being 4th of July weekend understandably makes it much more difficult to change/rebook travel plans, and I know that Miami flights were full for today. If I had tried to stay on the same flight, I would not have even been able to leave till Saturday or even Sunday.
They've called my flight. Off to Recife.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
ATL-MIA
Checked one bag...ouch, I know...last time I checked a bag was 2 years ago on the way to Greece... didn't see our bags for 6 days, the exact length of that portion of our trip! So the last evening when we received the bags, I figured I should just change outfits 6 times to show everyone what I would have worn if we had had our luggage!
Everything went smoothly again...thanks for your prayers. I feel lonely for Terry already and hope he finds lots to do while I'm gone. Sometimes I ask friends if they'll call or invite him to lunch or dinner while I'm gone...this time I didn't do that. He does have weekend gigs in Nashville to keep him out of a bit of trouble, but if you're reading this and live in Canton, you really should give him a call or invitation! Or invite yourselves over to Lake Arrowhead. Tonight there's a parade and fireworks, and I'm not sure what else will be going on over the weekend and on Monday, the 4th. But I do worry about a man who thinks that 2 tablespoons full of peanut butter is a balanced meal! 10 days of that may find him dropping a few pounds, and then I'll really be jealous!
Just sitting here at the gate with everyone else in various stages of the waiting process... reading, conversing, listening to whatever on their ipods, eating, or just plain looking bored. Some of these people have perfected that one! No afternoon storms thus far, and the indication is that the planes are on time. (don't they always say that to lull us into a false sense of security???)
This was by far the most peaceful leaving I've done...(minus the visa stress of yesterday)...the packing was finished days ago, with little last minute changes, and we had a leisurely lunch before figuring we'd just go. Guess it was a good thing, though, because going through the heart of Atlanta there was a ton of traffic, though we never could figure out the holdup. Uneventful rest of the drive. Terry parked so he could help me get my bags in...you know how he never lets me carry anything at all. We have walked through airports with him carrying 4 big bags and me carrying my little handbag! I always feel like the princess...and of course he's my prince, for whom I am forever grateful.
I am really excited to be returning to one of my favorite countries (well, I've yet to find an UN-favorite one!), and to be digging in, getting ready to do some work to further the kingdom. I am appreciative of your prayers...many comments on facebook. Thank you. More tomorrow, I hope.
Everything went smoothly again...thanks for your prayers. I feel lonely for Terry already and hope he finds lots to do while I'm gone. Sometimes I ask friends if they'll call or invite him to lunch or dinner while I'm gone...this time I didn't do that. He does have weekend gigs in Nashville to keep him out of a bit of trouble, but if you're reading this and live in Canton, you really should give him a call or invitation! Or invite yourselves over to Lake Arrowhead. Tonight there's a parade and fireworks, and I'm not sure what else will be going on over the weekend and on Monday, the 4th. But I do worry about a man who thinks that 2 tablespoons full of peanut butter is a balanced meal! 10 days of that may find him dropping a few pounds, and then I'll really be jealous!
Just sitting here at the gate with everyone else in various stages of the waiting process... reading, conversing, listening to whatever on their ipods, eating, or just plain looking bored. Some of these people have perfected that one! No afternoon storms thus far, and the indication is that the planes are on time. (don't they always say that to lull us into a false sense of security???)
This was by far the most peaceful leaving I've done...(minus the visa stress of yesterday)...the packing was finished days ago, with little last minute changes, and we had a leisurely lunch before figuring we'd just go. Guess it was a good thing, though, because going through the heart of Atlanta there was a ton of traffic, though we never could figure out the holdup. Uneventful rest of the drive. Terry parked so he could help me get my bags in...you know how he never lets me carry anything at all. We have walked through airports with him carrying 4 big bags and me carrying my little handbag! I always feel like the princess...and of course he's my prince, for whom I am forever grateful.
I am really excited to be returning to one of my favorite countries (well, I've yet to find an UN-favorite one!), and to be digging in, getting ready to do some work to further the kingdom. I am appreciative of your prayers...many comments on facebook. Thank you. More tomorrow, I hope.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
I'm going to Brazil!
Today was the long-awaited visa appointment, complete with not a few qualms about even receiving it. I've had several different experiences with consulates who "forgot" about the appointment or just decided they were not going to grant one that day. I've also been at the border of Czechoslovakia (years ago) and the border guards refused us entry...because they could. One might ask, "why did you wait until the day before you were leaving to do this?" And my answer would be because today was the first available appointment from the time I applied for the visa, 2 weeks ago. Since it's not possible to talk to a live person, one just applies online and takes the appointment given on the site. Besides that, the only time the application can be filled out is when you already have your travel date and tickets. I had been waiting on a few others whom I was hoping would travel with me. Don't know what I'd have done if anything had gone wrong, because the tickets were non-refundable. Thank you Lord that it all went off without a hitch.
I'm appreciative of all your prayers, because I was called early to the window, did not need every piece of paperwork that was requested on the website, and after a nice lunch date with Terry and wandering around the Phipps Plaza (a bit deserted), at 3:12 pm today I got the visa that will allow me to travel back and forth for the next 10 years. The 3:12 is significant because both Terry and I were raised in homes with addresses of 312. We're sentimental saps, so every cause for celebration is seized with enthusiasm. The dark chocolate Reeses peanut butter cups tasted extra good today!
We left Buckhead about 3:30-ish, and the drive home was easy and traffic-free. Oh yeah, since this week is "no toll" week, we breezed right through the toll gates both going and coming! Nice little extra serendipity.
Since I'm all packed...yes, really, down to my vitamins and Max-GXL...I can make a scrumptious dinner for my hubby and we can relax and enjoy our last evening together for the next 10 days.
I would appreciate prayers for more smooth journeys...flying out of Atlanta tomorrow afternoon with a couple hours in Miami, then on to Salvador...few minutes on the ground and finally to Recife. Drew (good friend for the last 20 years...helped me with the adoption of Caroline and Alan) will pick me up and we'll drive a couple hours to Joao Pessoa, my home base for the next 10 days. Lots of info to gather, pictures to take, details to iron out, and hopefully back in late October with a building crew.
More on that later, but if you know anyone who's ready for a mission trip, either alone, as a couple, or as a family, keep watching for more information. We're going back primarily to renovate and add on to a girls' home and another building, but we'll also need people to play with the kids too.
My mind is settled and peaceful, just like it always is when I know I'm doing something God has clearly laid on my heart. Everyone needs someone to love, something to do, and something to look forward to. This week, I've got all three and feel extremely blessed.
I'm appreciative of all your prayers, because I was called early to the window, did not need every piece of paperwork that was requested on the website, and after a nice lunch date with Terry and wandering around the Phipps Plaza (a bit deserted), at 3:12 pm today I got the visa that will allow me to travel back and forth for the next 10 years. The 3:12 is significant because both Terry and I were raised in homes with addresses of 312. We're sentimental saps, so every cause for celebration is seized with enthusiasm. The dark chocolate Reeses peanut butter cups tasted extra good today!
We left Buckhead about 3:30-ish, and the drive home was easy and traffic-free. Oh yeah, since this week is "no toll" week, we breezed right through the toll gates both going and coming! Nice little extra serendipity.
Since I'm all packed...yes, really, down to my vitamins and Max-GXL...I can make a scrumptious dinner for my hubby and we can relax and enjoy our last evening together for the next 10 days.
I would appreciate prayers for more smooth journeys...flying out of Atlanta tomorrow afternoon with a couple hours in Miami, then on to Salvador...few minutes on the ground and finally to Recife. Drew (good friend for the last 20 years...helped me with the adoption of Caroline and Alan) will pick me up and we'll drive a couple hours to Joao Pessoa, my home base for the next 10 days. Lots of info to gather, pictures to take, details to iron out, and hopefully back in late October with a building crew.
More on that later, but if you know anyone who's ready for a mission trip, either alone, as a couple, or as a family, keep watching for more information. We're going back primarily to renovate and add on to a girls' home and another building, but we'll also need people to play with the kids too.
My mind is settled and peaceful, just like it always is when I know I'm doing something God has clearly laid on my heart. Everyone needs someone to love, something to do, and something to look forward to. This week, I've got all three and feel extremely blessed.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
on the road again...
Ok, so not quite yet, but in less than a week, I'll be in Joao Pessoa, Brazil, one of my favorite places on this earth. I know I'm called to minister to the orphans and I love that calling.
Having adopted and raised 14 internationally adopted orphans, my calling kept me at home for most of their childhoods. I loved that too. For a couple years, I did teach elementary school, but once the children began arriving (4 by birth also), I was so thrilled to be able to be a stay-at-home mom so I didn't have to miss any of the fun! Yes, it was fun! I have to admit, I've never had a "terrible two"...I always called it the terrific twos because I was having such a good time. How is it that no matter what I'm writing or thinking about, it always comes back around to my kids??? Guess that's where my heart's always been.
But, back to the trip. Hopefully all my paperwork will be proper and acceptable when I have my appointment at the Brazilian consulate in Atlanta on Wednesday...because Thursday I leave! So, I'd appreciate everyone's prayers for things to go smoothly because there is no margin for error!
This trip is somewhat exploratory, though I've been to Brazil many times and this particular lovely place a couple times. There is a girls' home that needs updating, renovations and additions, so my "job" is to take pictures, measurements, interview Marta, who runs this home, and find out exactly what needs to be done. I'll then bring all this info back home to our church, The Red Sea, and recruit some men who will go back with me in October to do the building. Though I've led quite a few tours, beginning in high school when I worked for a travel agency, I've not done a builders tour, so this is new territory for me. But as Terry always says, "since when did that stop her?" I'm just naive enough to jump in with both feet and think I can do anything! Of course one of my favorite verses is "with God, all things are possible." (Mark 10:27)
For today, that's all, because there is last-minute shopping to do, packing to organize, and writing homework to finish before I leave. Thank you for praying with/for me as I make the final preparations for this trip.
Having adopted and raised 14 internationally adopted orphans, my calling kept me at home for most of their childhoods. I loved that too. For a couple years, I did teach elementary school, but once the children began arriving (4 by birth also), I was so thrilled to be able to be a stay-at-home mom so I didn't have to miss any of the fun! Yes, it was fun! I have to admit, I've never had a "terrible two"...I always called it the terrific twos because I was having such a good time. How is it that no matter what I'm writing or thinking about, it always comes back around to my kids??? Guess that's where my heart's always been.
But, back to the trip. Hopefully all my paperwork will be proper and acceptable when I have my appointment at the Brazilian consulate in Atlanta on Wednesday...because Thursday I leave! So, I'd appreciate everyone's prayers for things to go smoothly because there is no margin for error!
This trip is somewhat exploratory, though I've been to Brazil many times and this particular lovely place a couple times. There is a girls' home that needs updating, renovations and additions, so my "job" is to take pictures, measurements, interview Marta, who runs this home, and find out exactly what needs to be done. I'll then bring all this info back home to our church, The Red Sea, and recruit some men who will go back with me in October to do the building. Though I've led quite a few tours, beginning in high school when I worked for a travel agency, I've not done a builders tour, so this is new territory for me. But as Terry always says, "since when did that stop her?" I'm just naive enough to jump in with both feet and think I can do anything! Of course one of my favorite verses is "with God, all things are possible." (Mark 10:27)
For today, that's all, because there is last-minute shopping to do, packing to organize, and writing homework to finish before I leave. Thank you for praying with/for me as I make the final preparations for this trip.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Quiet thoughts
Today was the public announcement of something I have known for a while yet suspected for longer. Pat Williams has cancer. Those of you who know me are aware that I was married to Pat Williams for 24 years and together we have 4 biological children and 14 foreign-born adopted children.
My step-daughter called today wondering how I was doing with the news. She is very sensitive to the feelings of others and not only tells me, but shows me how much she cares about me. I'm not sure how to answer her query for several different reasons. First of all, Pat is one of the strongest persons I know. He has always eaten very healthfully, he's taken extremely good care of his body, is always upbeat and positive and if anyone can beat this thing, he can. Secondly, we both believe in the power of God to heal and are relying on His grace.
Almost 14 1/2 years ago, we went through a very public divorce. The press portrayed it as amicable. Privately, it's been anything but. Neither one of us is 100% perfect or right, but at the same time, neither one of us is totally evil or wrong. Children sometimes feel they must choose sides, maybe in order to not hurt one or the other parent. Moms and dads should always assure the children that the other parent loves them very much...will always love them...and as their parent, still deserves their first loyalty along with continued love and respect. Many times I heard my present husband Terry explaining on the phone to his daughters, "your mom is a good person who loves you very much. We made a mistake". That's as good as any way to explain it, and today, they are lovely young women who have a great relationship with both of their parents as well as both of their step-parents. We have spent a lot of time with their mom and her husband, have laughed and cried with each other, sat together at weddings, jointly moved the girls into new apartments or houses, taken care of Winch grandchildren and prayed together. That in no way says we are all perfect models of divorcees; we can all only point to God as the great grace-giver and healer of all situations.
So maybe my profound sadness is not only for Pat in his illness, but also for nearly 15 years of poorly representing our Lord to our children. For whatever reasons, some of my children have chosen to alienate themselves from me without ever giving me the opportunity to ask for their forgiveness during and after the divorce. Several others have been asked repeatedly and have chosen not to forgive, to the point that out of 6 Williams grandchildren, I've only known one of them at all, and that's from the first week he was born. When my son Peter called me to say Austin had arrived and would I like to come out to California for a visit...you can bet this grammy was on the plane as soon as she could find a ticket. I will never forget the extreme joy of being able to sleep on the sofa with Austin on my stomach, close to my heart, thereby allowing his mom and dad a little rest. I even got to help give Austin his first bath, and a couple months after that, when Terry and I were on a ministry trip to California, we "kidnapped" him for the day. Now when we go to Orlando, where they've since moved, we're able to see Austin...what a fine little boy his mommy and daddy are teaching him to become!
The one thing I have asked many times is that both my former husband and I would model grace and forgiveness to each other and thereby pass on the legacy to our children. Grace is not grace if we choose those to whom we will give it. If we say we've learned about grace but then withhold it from anyone, we haven't learned a thing. God gives it freely and lavishly to everyone who asks. Hey, wait a minute! We don't even have to ask for it...He just continually offers it. Every time I say or read the prayer of our Lord in Matt. 6:9-15, I am reminded anew that unless I forgive the injustices of others toward me, I cannot be forgiven by my Father. Forgiveness is a condition for answered prayer. In other places in scripture, I'm told if I have something against someone else, I need not come to God in prayer unless I've first gone to that person and settled things with them by either asking for forgiveness or forgiving them. I once heard someone say that forgiveness is a process. I'm not sure that's the case. If we want to do it the way Jesus tells us to, we'll forgive immediately, completely and forever. Now, I'm sure that doesn't mean we will automatically forget what was done to us, because that's impossible on our own. But what it means to me is that every time I remember or think about the things others have done to hurt, slander or insult me, I need to also reflect on my sins against God and others, and the fact that He holds nothing against me. The Bible says He casts our sins as far as the east is from the west and remembers them no more. God has a selective memory, and that's one thing I guess I need to work on as well. Just as I exercise my body, I need to exercise my mind to choose not to remember the failures of others.
My heartbreak never goes away...maybe it's not as acute or piercing because it's gone on for 15 years, but it's every bit as real and continues to ache on a daily basis. Because I awaken every morning to the new mercies of God, there's also renewed hope that I'll hear from one of my kids. I'm praying fervently for God to heal Pat Williams' body. I'm praying just as fervently for God to use this time to soften many hearts and heal relationships with my children. Maybe you could join in that prayer with me.
My step-daughter called today wondering how I was doing with the news. She is very sensitive to the feelings of others and not only tells me, but shows me how much she cares about me. I'm not sure how to answer her query for several different reasons. First of all, Pat is one of the strongest persons I know. He has always eaten very healthfully, he's taken extremely good care of his body, is always upbeat and positive and if anyone can beat this thing, he can. Secondly, we both believe in the power of God to heal and are relying on His grace.
Almost 14 1/2 years ago, we went through a very public divorce. The press portrayed it as amicable. Privately, it's been anything but. Neither one of us is 100% perfect or right, but at the same time, neither one of us is totally evil or wrong. Children sometimes feel they must choose sides, maybe in order to not hurt one or the other parent. Moms and dads should always assure the children that the other parent loves them very much...will always love them...and as their parent, still deserves their first loyalty along with continued love and respect. Many times I heard my present husband Terry explaining on the phone to his daughters, "your mom is a good person who loves you very much. We made a mistake". That's as good as any way to explain it, and today, they are lovely young women who have a great relationship with both of their parents as well as both of their step-parents. We have spent a lot of time with their mom and her husband, have laughed and cried with each other, sat together at weddings, jointly moved the girls into new apartments or houses, taken care of Winch grandchildren and prayed together. That in no way says we are all perfect models of divorcees; we can all only point to God as the great grace-giver and healer of all situations.
So maybe my profound sadness is not only for Pat in his illness, but also for nearly 15 years of poorly representing our Lord to our children. For whatever reasons, some of my children have chosen to alienate themselves from me without ever giving me the opportunity to ask for their forgiveness during and after the divorce. Several others have been asked repeatedly and have chosen not to forgive, to the point that out of 6 Williams grandchildren, I've only known one of them at all, and that's from the first week he was born. When my son Peter called me to say Austin had arrived and would I like to come out to California for a visit...you can bet this grammy was on the plane as soon as she could find a ticket. I will never forget the extreme joy of being able to sleep on the sofa with Austin on my stomach, close to my heart, thereby allowing his mom and dad a little rest. I even got to help give Austin his first bath, and a couple months after that, when Terry and I were on a ministry trip to California, we "kidnapped" him for the day. Now when we go to Orlando, where they've since moved, we're able to see Austin...what a fine little boy his mommy and daddy are teaching him to become!
The one thing I have asked many times is that both my former husband and I would model grace and forgiveness to each other and thereby pass on the legacy to our children. Grace is not grace if we choose those to whom we will give it. If we say we've learned about grace but then withhold it from anyone, we haven't learned a thing. God gives it freely and lavishly to everyone who asks. Hey, wait a minute! We don't even have to ask for it...He just continually offers it. Every time I say or read the prayer of our Lord in Matt. 6:9-15, I am reminded anew that unless I forgive the injustices of others toward me, I cannot be forgiven by my Father. Forgiveness is a condition for answered prayer. In other places in scripture, I'm told if I have something against someone else, I need not come to God in prayer unless I've first gone to that person and settled things with them by either asking for forgiveness or forgiving them. I once heard someone say that forgiveness is a process. I'm not sure that's the case. If we want to do it the way Jesus tells us to, we'll forgive immediately, completely and forever. Now, I'm sure that doesn't mean we will automatically forget what was done to us, because that's impossible on our own. But what it means to me is that every time I remember or think about the things others have done to hurt, slander or insult me, I need to also reflect on my sins against God and others, and the fact that He holds nothing against me. The Bible says He casts our sins as far as the east is from the west and remembers them no more. God has a selective memory, and that's one thing I guess I need to work on as well. Just as I exercise my body, I need to exercise my mind to choose not to remember the failures of others.
My heartbreak never goes away...maybe it's not as acute or piercing because it's gone on for 15 years, but it's every bit as real and continues to ache on a daily basis. Because I awaken every morning to the new mercies of God, there's also renewed hope that I'll hear from one of my kids. I'm praying fervently for God to heal Pat Williams' body. I'm praying just as fervently for God to use this time to soften many hearts and heal relationships with my children. Maybe you could join in that prayer with me.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)