Well, I cannot even to begin to explain the shock that I encountered when I discovered that my parents were thinking of coming to visit me, yes thinking of visiting me... and then a week later they booked their flights! It was really happening... I cried... pure joy! What a blessing... my parents were going to come to Brazil to visit me, to see where I live and see the work I do!! I cannot describe my excitement! And they came... made it safely here without any hitches!
They arrived on the 12th of July and stayed until the 30th of July... sufficient time to see my city and work and also do a bit of site seeing. So they started off in Belo Horizonte for 10 days. The got to experience a bit of daily life with me and to see the work I do. I absolutely loved introducing them to the kids and families we work with.
And a specifically favourite day of mine was when we gave the kids curly wurlys (a chocolate bar from United Kingdom). The boys were super excited to have some chocolate that they cannot buy in their own country and that came so far for them to try. Mum and dad had a laugh asking the boys to say 'Curly Wurly' ... also made the boys laugh a lot!!
After 10 fantastic days in Belo Horizonte we got on a bus and headed for Sao Paulo ... 8 hours on a bus! I don't know how my Dad managed it with his sore back.. but it was all good. We spent 3 days with Gary (a missionary from our church at home) and his wife, Claudia and their son, Nicholas. We got spoilt by them; my favourite was a typical Brazilian BBQ they made. We enjoyed resting and spending time with them and seeing the area where they live. We even went to their church although mum and dad didn't understand much!!
Our final destination was RIO DE JANEIRO!!! I was super excited to get here... for the beach!!! We had a great week chilling and relaxing! We had some beach time, some eating time, and some walking, and of course we couldn't miss going to see the statue of the Christ. Pretty impressive!
(for more photos click:
What I most enjoyed though was having my parents with me for my birthday... my 30th birthday! Everyone has been telling me it's a big one... I am now in the 30's club... and I think I got to celebrate it in style - with my parents in Rio!! I was super excited to have so many presents and cards to open on the day - totally unexpected! And I loved all the pressies I received - Thank you.
As I wrote in a previous blog - God cares about the details and I wholeheartedly believe this. He gave me a fantastic time with my parents. I am truly blessed by him and in many ways especially through you, my supporters. Thank you for continuing to be faithful to Him in supporting me.
Phillipians 1: 3
"I thank my God every time I remember you."
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