The Past Week, Or So:

Its been an eventful month. I considered opening with the first words from “The Tale of Two Cities,” but felt that might be overkill.

November 30th the DSL was turned off here for what the company said was going to be 72 hours. I was fine with that. I figured it might be longer, but hoped not.

I found other things to do with my time, but many of them (such as watching my movies) got old fast. I also started to miss talking with family, and friends via chat and email.

One of the more extensive projects I delved into was putting some music on “paper.” Before I came to Brazil I upgraded some applications on my computer, and got a new one called Garage Band. I had a lot of fun orchestrating different pre-recorded sounds into some semblance of a cohesive and musical retreat from the rigors of everyday life. I plan to review the application on my other site soon.

Monday of this week--or was it Tuesday--I don't remember, we found out that my application for permanent residence in Brazil was rejected because of a missed step in the paperwork. This was because we were given flawed instructions.

Looking back now, I can say that it is all in God's hands, and that he has it under control. But I really struggled for a day or two with the “Why?” question. Its frustrating that we have had so many delays to getting this process started. Sometimes it feels like one step forward, three steps back.

On Wednesday I started 3 or 4 songs (I had one of those really inspired days...), then I went to the shopping center to see about a job.

Talk about Divine appointments! The director of the school had called an American who had a Tourist Visa. He could not hire this person because it would cost the company R$8000 (a lot of money here) and likely his job as well. Once I explained that I was a different person entirely, and that I had the correct authorization to work in Brazil, he was excited--or it seemed that way to me, at least.

He said that he would call me very soon, as teacher training has already begun. I should know more by the end of the day today, and will let you know about it.

Another thing I started doing during the long days without internet, was re-reading a great book. Its called “Messy Spirituality,” and its by Michael Yaconelli. (The link has some excerpts from the book.) I HIGHLY recommend this book. No, its not the Bible, but it can help you grow closer to Jesus if you let it.

So, we are getting ready for Christmas. Tomorrow morning, Nádya and I are going to a market for veggies for a salad, and in the evening the entire family is going to dinner. I will probably have more pictures for you to look at soon.

For now, though, here is a taste of the thunderstorms we get in Teresina:

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