We've been away from home now for just over 2 weeks. I think this is about as long as we've ever been away together. We love South America so much that it doesn't really feel like we're away from our home. The thing that makes us feel far away is missing our people. Our family, our church, and our friends. Other than being away from our family and friends... this place, this culture, this way of life, these people... all of it feels so "home" to us. And, of course, we're here with our own little (big) family, so it's a good home away from home. I'm sure we'll be missing home more at some point before we get back on a plane heading north, but for now we're quite happy.
We met some beautiful new friends today--family of a friend of a former classmate of James. Isn't the body of Christ grand?! They picked us up in 2 cars and took us to church with them. We all visited the First Baptist Church of Curitiba, which had Portuguese language Sunday School for the kids and an English service for us. All the same favorite songs after our life has changed so much in such a short time got us both pretty emotional. It was great. The church had a big lunch after the service, and our new friends treated all 6 of us, despite our protests. They took us to their own church, a Methodist Church just around the corner. They were having a family day with a soccer game and the biggest hit of the day: a Cama Elastica. (aka trampoline)!!! When it seemed like our day couldn't get any MORE fun, we went to a park and got ice cream an then walked to the Oscar Neimeyer museum! It was a perfect day until it ended in a very angry 3-hour-long episode with our eldest. She still needs to know in her gut that we are there for her, and spouting angry words is currently her preferred way of testing us. It was a marathon, but you'll be happy to know that, with God's help, we passed the test again, and we are now (as she put it) the best Mom and Dad in the world. Every success like this one brings her one step closer to relaxing into being a loved and adored and cared-for daughter. And we're happy to withstand the verbal barbs and daggers to help her feel secure in our love for her and commitment to being her parents.
It's difficult to do, but we scored some nice whole-family shots again today. Now we're going to sleep in the middle of a very loud rainstorm and hoping for swimming weather tomorrow.
3 comments:
Bravo Fulltons!! One more day of proof that you will never leave them!
Sending you love and prayers from New Jersey - give kisses to everyone!
Tia Laura
It's so beautiful to hear about your feelings for South America, and even more so your feelings and commitments for your children. Hang in there!
What a day today has been. So thankful you have the body of Christ along with you in Brazil. We miss you at TBC so!! :) We are so glad to hear all about another day of Daddy's provision in your lives and for this monumental moment in Maynara's life.. we'll pray for even more opportunities for her to glimpse the love that you have for her! Love from the Hixsons!!
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