Before the Semester Starts

Even though the new semester hasn’t started yet, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do. Working with kids and ministry, there is always something. During January Palavra da Vida, holds week long family camps. Each week, some of the Vinde Kids rehearse songs Mrs. Simone has taught them and they preform them for the guests staying there. Their performance is accompanied along with a video about the ministry and a table full literature about the ministry and the sponsorship program.

On Thursdays, we pick up the kiddos and bring them to Vinde to practice, swim, craft, and snack beforehand.

After performing, PV provides them with a “snack,” which consists of two burgers, chips, and a dessert.

Besides helping with that, we moved the pantry from the front of the kitchen to the back room, in order to make a new classroom for a sewing class. Eduardo came to help us. I love this young man. As a reward for all the hard work and heavy lifting, we took him out to the Brazilian steakhouse, Grill Sul. It was his first time every going so he didn’t know that can go back for more or what to expect, but he loved it. It’s so fun to share these new experiences with the kids.

Carol invited us over for taco/pool day at her house. I didn’t even get a picture of her or Julia and Nico. Carol is such a sweet young lady. She lives at home with her parents. It is very culturally appropriate for adult children to live at home with their parents until, and sometimes even after, they get married. Also, as a guest you are not allowed to help clean up. Or at least Carol’s mom (aka Mrs. Simone that I mentioned above) doesn’t allow it. I felt so bad since making tacos is a pretty elaborate ordeal and we were there from 11am to 9:30pm. The boys had a great time. This was a fun break as they haven’t had Wiffleball Thursday the past few weeks.

Another week, another performance. They are so cute.

On a personal note, we have now briefly experienced the Brazilian healthcare system. Tucker touched someone or something and developed a viral wart on his last knuckle. It was pretty big and grossing him out so I asked Anna if she knew of a dermatologist I could take him too. Brazil has a free healthcare system but like many such free systems, the backlog is insane and services are stretched. We have travel insurance (I don’t know if our insurance would even cover that) so we just decided to pay cash. Now if you’re a cash patient, things are completely different. Anna immediately text her doctor and we had an appointment the following week. We were in and out. One price included his visit, his follow up, and both cryotherapy treatments. Easy peasy lemon squeezy.

It was so easy, I asked the doctor if she would take a look at two spots on me. We scheduled it for the same time as Tuck’s follow up. One spot was precancerous so she froze it. The other spot had to be removed and required stitches. She did everything right then and sent me to drop the cyst off at the lab. Easiest doctor’s appointment ever. Anna was with us to help translate but at the end of the appointment, I found out that the doctor speaks English, she just doesn’t feel confident to speak it unless absolutely necessary. When I go back to get the stitches out Anna won’t be with me so the doc will get to practice her English (which is way better than my Portuguese by the way).

If you’re not a cash paying patient, things a different. There are problems finding beds, getting the treatment you need in a timely manner, being released too soon as to free up space for other patients, or even having to way a long time to be seen. People think, “oh free healthcare that’s great,” and it is in theory. Who wouldn’t want that, but when you realize the consequences of it, you soon realize it’s not that simple and the end product is terrible.

I was inspired by taco day to make chicken fajitas and rice and mango salsa (since I have a mango tree) and guacamole later that week. I just love seeing all the colorful fruits and veggies.

Our newfound mango tree is causing us bit of a problem. Mason likes mangos. But we have learned while harvesting the mangos, that we are pretty sure, Mason is allergic to the mango skin. He can eat them just fine but his hands whelp up and itch every time he touches one. We were pretty confused at first but we are pretty sure it’s the mangos. Who knew.

That’s about all I have to report for now except for the exciting trip we have coming up. I can’t wait to share another country with you.