Cactus Flower

December 20,2023 Dear Mariyah, Gramma never thought about having a girl as wonderful as you from whom I'd have to live so far.  Oh, but I treasure the special moments we have had over your seven years.  I cherish the fact that you have been to my house in Brazil.  You were so little.  Papa Vovô and I were absolutely happy.   What a time that was...  You were a "hit" everywhere you went! And Gramma had the wonderful joy to spend almost every afternoon with you during our furlough in 2018.  You were walking and talking by then.  We lived in the church mission house.  Gramma counted every day as a blessing. Well, little Sissy, I hope you know for certain how much Gramma Michele loves you.  I have prayed for you since before you were born, and always will. Tomorrow you will be 7.  Where oh, where did the years go!  I'm happy I got to see you on two different trips this year and one last year!  I even got to sleep in ...

  On our way to the graduation at the Peniel Bible Institute, Byron and I were able to stop at a little Dutch immigrant city called Holambra.   We walked the streets, toured the parks, took lots of photos and bought bread and lunchmeat from a fancy grocery store for a picnic lunch. It was a special treat to enjoy the clean streets and beautiful flowers.  Check out my latest video letter made for my grandchildren to see a little more of our recent happenings.

  In the wee hours of the morning on December 1, 2023 Byron and I left the land of goats and no rain to head down to state of Minas Gerais where all the fields are green. The reason for our trip was to attend the graduation ceremonies at the Peniel Bible Institute where young people from Sobradinho have been studying over the past few years.   The weekend was full of joy and excitement to participate in this important moment. Pedro Henrique, Bruno and Maria Luiza finished the three year course with flying colors and much applause.  I was given the honor to accompany Pedro as a representative of his family.  Little baby Samuel was carried by Bruno as he and Maria Luiza walked in together.  It was a moment I will not long forget. One of the guest speakers had each graduate stand with their Bibles in hand to hear his charge.  He promptly asked each one to raise the Word of God with their arms outstretched.  As he spoke, of course, arms began to sag. ...