Missionary Mama's Musings

A Rock with My Name

2012-02-14T11:26:00.001-08:00

Job 28:10
He cuts out channels in the rocks, And his eye sees every precious thing.

Psalm 78:35
Then they remembered that God was their rock, And the Most High God their Redeemer.

Revelation 2:17

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.

On our family vacation I walked with three friends up the tallest mountain peak in the Brazilian state of Pernambuco. It was a rocky path with a one lane road of large cobblestone. The little road went up and down as it meandered to the top of the peak at 4134 feet. The hike took us three hours and about ten minutes. We could not have walked much faster if we had wanted for watching where we had to step with all the cracks and crevices between the large rocks in the road and for the occasional super steep inclines. We walked along at a good pace to enjoy the scenery some, to stop from time to time for photos, and to chat along the way. We had to keep our ears and eyes open for oncoming traffic as well and move on over.

At one little resting spot with cramping toes and a super sweaty head, I contemplated briefly the wild thought of just sitting down and waiting for the other ladies to come back for me on the return! One of my hiking pals had leaned on one of the many rock walls along the way. She said, Hey Look! This rock has your name on it! And indeed it did, or at least the Portuguese equilivant - Michely!

It was one of those epiphany moments for me. I decided I better take a picture of the rock with my name and that I better just keep on, keeping on with the big walk. I did have to pause a little later on to tend to my hurting toes, but a quick rub from the rock spotter friend and a good ol' banana helped out my cramps, and some prayers to the maker of all rocks and the keeper of the white rock in heaven with my name!

I'm so thankful to have participated in one of the events that will mark my life with three super missionary ladies. Thankful for health to walk and do my work everyday. I'm thankful to know personally the maker of rocks and mountains, our great Creator God. I'm super glad to know that He knows me by name.

Is your name written down in heaven?

There's a new name written down in glory and it's mine oh yes it's mine.

With my sins forgiven I am bound for heaven, never more to roam.

Everyday Beauty

2012-02-07T16:04:00.000-08:00

We're home after a week of traveling. Had a great time. Snapped this colorful line of laundry along a mountain road in Pernambuco. It's one of my favorite photos from our trip. Simple, everyday, common!

Check out my other blogs for news of our trip @

Up A Mountain

Mountain Retreat

Take care!

Wild Week - Part Three

2012-01-28T15:47:00.000-08:00

.... So did I say that I'd left the house with no supper? A few hours after Dalton's surgery to insert a pin to hold the bone together in his little finger, the nurse brought him some soup and a piece of bread. By then it was about 10:00 at night. He gulped it down. I sat and watched and regretted not letting my neighbor's husband go out before he left to get me a snack as he had suggested. Honestly I didn't feel much like eating. I was nervous to be in a ward with other patients in a strange place to spend the night.

After his soup and a bit of t.v., Dalton went to sleep on his bed. An orderly told me and another lady who was with a boy who had broken his arm that we could feel free to lay down on the extra beds in the room. I laid down, but my eyes stayed wide open most of the night. Around 3 am I remembered that I had some dramamine in my purse and decided that it might help me relax and sleep a little. It did and I must have slept for about two hours. Sometime around 5:00 am I heard the orderly rousing the men in the ward across the hall to take baths. Baths at 5:00 am! It was quite interesting to hear the hospital come to live.

At about 6:00 am the same orderly came to wake Dalton and the broken arm boy for their baths! I thought, Oh right, that man is not giving my boy a bath. Thankfully Dalton and his pal took their own baths with just a little help and instruction from the orderly about not getting their broken parts wet in the process. And finally the orderly came with some breakfast for Dalton and ME! It was only a piece of Brazilian bread with butter and a cup of milk with coffee, but it was fine.

Sometime in the morning the same doctor from the night before came by looking bright and chipper (guess, he had a private bed somewhere). He wanted to take more x-rays and see if the pins in Dalton's hand needed any readjusting before we could go home. No problem, we thought.

After the second "surgery," we never saw the doctor again. An hour went by and I asked if the doctor was going to sign Dalton's release papers. I was told to be patient. Lunch came and went. Dalton fell asleep and so did I sitting in my chair. I went out to ask if Dalton would be released know and the nurse said, Oh, your doctor has left for the day. You'll have to wait for tomorrow when he comes back. Okay! Now I'd had enough of waiting. I kindly informed the dear lady, we were leaving and soon, so she better find some other doctor to sign us out.

She did, but even then it was 4:00 in the afternoon before we finally got out of that place. Dalton is doing fine. The finger is not really hurting. I have to change the bandages and wrap every two days. I've done it twice now with no big problems. We go back in two weeks and hopefully the pins will be removed. Other than that I was told nothing more.

The End.

Wild Week - Part Two

2012-01-28T06:47:00.000-08:00

The Broken Finger

....When all of a sudden my middle son started screaming, hollering, and doing some sort of war dance. He had been jumping with his skateboard and bar on the front sidewalk. Ah, ah, ugh, ugh, arrrr! Seems he had fallen, but I could make no since out of his squalling to know what he had hit.

He ran into the house and collapsed on the couch. This kind of thing happens a lot in my house. So I passed on by to get a drink of water before coming back to ask what was the matter. Then I saw blood and a bent finger! Broken finger! The bone poking out was causing it to bleed. Oh joy!

We live in a small interior city of Brazil. No hospital. There is a small emergency clinic. They have no x-ray machine. Often they have no doctor for the day. Frequently they don’t even have simple supplies. What to do? My dh was in the big city an hour away with the car! That was sort of where I needed to go.

I hunted for my phone and called a neighbor with a car first. I’ve taken her to the hospital with sick children on numerous occasions and vice versa. I asked her opinion of where to go, explained the situation and asked what she thought I should do. Since it was already dark, she thought it best to have her husband take me. I called my dh to let him know what was happening . Got my other two boys all set to stay home. I had not even started our supper yet. So I had to get things out and ready for my oldest, 16 to take over. I gave a few instructions, hunted for the right documents for identification, and searched for what cash I could find in the house.

My neighbor and I on the phone had concluded that the best and closest place to go was a semi-public hospital that specializes in accidents. It took about an hour to arrive. We couldn’t drive too fast because at night there are lots of wild donkeys out on the two laned highway. We even saw two foxes and a few stray horses.

After we finally arrived and got registered, my son was seen by a doctor. After an x-ray it was decided to take him back to the surgery room to open up the finger and that it would be set in place with steel wire. And I was kindly informed we would have to spend the night since after the surgery my boy would be given antibiotics by IV. I was slightly horrified by this prospect and complained some, but decided the best thing to do was go along and make the best of it.

I made more phone calls, bid my neighbor’s husband good night and good-bye, saw my son off to the operating room, and sat down to wait and pray. Did I say I’d had no supper yet?

Look for Part 3 a little later today or Monday! I do my best to stay off-line on Sundays.

Wild Week - Part One

2012-01-27T10:56:00.000-08:00

It all started on Saturday and Sunday with a Siamese cat that would not go away. Why did the poor cat not see that my two dogs don’t like cats? All day on Saturday the little kitten ran around in the backyard dodging the dogs, resting, and playing tag again. We tried to catch it to no avail. We tried to run it off, but you know the song – The Cat Came Back! Sometime on Monday I decided I would catch that cat and I would make it mine! I spent a good part of my afternoon following the cat around the backyard in an attempt to coax it to come to me. Ah, I put the dogs in the house! Mmm, finally a cat for me!

Sometime in the afternoon, my youngest called from the school room, because the dogs had THE cat cornered under the old washing machine. I’m going to get my cat! I bend down with dogs breathing down my neck, and see not one, but TWO little cats! One ran off and climbed the wall never to be seen again. The other stayed huddled way up under the washer. I got a little bowl of milk and some dog food. I pushed them way up under to where it was and then blocked off all entrances from dog paws and left the little kitty alone.
Sometime around dusk, six-ish, I heard the dogs pawing at the washer and barking. Seems they figured out how to move the bricks I’d placed around the bottom of the washer and were on the prowl. The poor cat leapt out from her hiding place and made a wild dash for the backyard. Girl and Blackie, my dogs, surrounded the little thing. Girl tried to grab it in her mouth and the cat was hissing up a storm. The boys came running as I hollered at the dogs to get back. I reached into the melee and grabbed up the kitty. It seemed okay with my rescue, did not bite or scratch, but continued to hiss for about one minute. Then, it promptly went limp. I wasn't sure what to do. I carried it to my bathroom and placed it in the sink. I think somewhere in the depths of my mind I was thinking if I was going to keep it, I’d definitely need to give it a bath. The cat started going stiff and coughing weakly. I realized the little thing was dying. I tried to pat it on the back gently and rubbed it some, but the cat didn’t come back. It seems the life was just knocked or squeezed out of her.

My oldest dug a hole out in the brush in front of our house. By now it was almost dark and we worked quickly. We buried the little thing and I reminded it that it could have had a home and been mine. Coming back to the house, one of the boys said that Girl dog had been scratched by the feline fiend and was bleeding. I brought her to the front yard and hosed off her head where she was hurt. Now it was about 6:30 pm.

I'd had a good 30 minute walk earlier in the afternoon. I'd chased dogs and cats. I'd had a full day of homeschool and housework. I was about ready to call the day quits, eat supper, and relax when all of a sudden ...

Turn in tomorrow, same time, same blog for part two.

p.s. This is also posted at my SparkPeople journal.
Enjoy it here or there. You pick

Don't Judge a Book by its Cover?

2012-01-25T17:10:00.000-08:00

I chose a book based mostly on its beautiful leather cover and its title.

Be careful, because covers and titles can be deceiving!

Book Review:
The Love & Respect Experience

What does every woman want in her marriage? Love, respect, friendship, happiness... The author of this devotional book based on the Love & Respect conferences and seminars, teaches that men want respect and women want love. I don't know about you ladies out there, but I want it all - love and repect. I want to be treated with manners and kindness and consideration.

And I don't want to have to deserve it either, I just want it!

Well, with that said, maybe this is just the book I needed? I did find this book helpful with some excellent suggestions on building your marriage up and in working to find time and ways to share spiritually with your husband. I particularly liked the section of each devotional that indicates what you should do and how you should pray concerning the concept presented. The book contains 52 devotionals and suggests that husbands don't like having such time with wives, so once a week is probably enough and/or a good place to start. The author, Dr. Eggerichs, also suggests that wives or even husbands can read the book on their own. I read through the entire book over the course of several weeks.

The author talks a lot about the vicious cycles in a marriage. You know the ones, you say something mean to me and I say something even meaner and then we don't talk for a week. I wish I had realized before ordering the book that some knowledge of the "The Crazy Cycle," "The Rewarded Cycle," and "The Energizing Cycle" would have been helpful in understanding the devotionals. I didn't realize that this book was based on others and having no foreknowledge of the cycles or Love/Respect theories was a little frustrating.

Aside from that, the two color, leather bond cover is beautiful. I did learn a few marriage tricks. And I would say it was 3 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free from the publishers through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Never Heard

2012-01-16T11:02:00.000-08:00

She Never Heard...

She just keeps walking,
I call and call her name.
I run and try to catch up,
But she just keeps walking.

She's just far enough ahead,
She doesn't look back.
I hurry and push on.
She just keeps going.

Hurry, someone catch her,
Grab her, pull her, act!
There's danger ahead,
She never looks back.

She doesn't hear me,
She's deafened by the crowd.
She can't hear anymore
No matter how strong, how loud.

I've waited too late.
She was right here by my side.
I should have told her.
She would have time to decide.

Now she's walking, walking,
Never turning or looking back.
Onward she goes, quickly, sadly,
On to the cold, hard fact.

Christ is coming, Can't you hear!
Hurry He's coming, look back.
I want to tell you, to warn you,
Before it is eternally too late....

Thoughts while trying to catch up to a deaf man on the beach during our recent retreat on the island. Let us not forget to tell those we love of Christ before it is too late. By the way, I caught up to the man in time to give a message from a friend. Will I catch up to the young girl in the photo who lives in somewhere in Sobradinho? I only met her on the last day of the retreat and had no time to get to know her or even find out her name.

Here Today, Gone Tomorrow!

2012-01-09T03:22:00.000-08:00

Have a good week. We will be on the island all week! It's Deaf Retreat Week. Looks to be about 70 campers. Hoping for good weather and as always, safety!

Birthday Wishes for a Friend

2012-01-07T05:27:00.000-08:00

Believing hear, what you deserve to hear:
Your birthday as my own to me is dear...
But yours gives most; for mine did only lend
Me to the world; yours gave to me a friend.
- Martial

Our birthdays are feathers in the broad wing of time. - Jean Paul Richter

The best kind of friend is the one you could sit on a porch with, never saying a word, and walk away feeling like that was the best conversation you've had. - Author Unknown

Wishing you a wonderful birthday on this 7th of January of 2012. Your friendship has brightened my days over the years and helped me through the dreary times. May you have a wonderful year with all of God's blessings.

Your friend,

Visit my friend's blog @ http://inafarplace.com/blog/

What a Year!

2012-01-05T20:16:00.000-08:00

This past year was an incredible year for the Atha family. Here's a small list of this year's events that came to my mind as I gratefully considered all that the Lord God did for us in 2011...

Byron and I started teaching ESL classes outside of the home. This was a mixed blessing: lots of work and not as much reward as we'd hoped. It did expand our circle of acquaintances around the town and for this I am grateful.

Dona Neia moved into the head cook position for most of our camp retreats. She is a joy with whom to work. Look back to my "Happy Family" post to hear more about the others who began working in the kitchen this year.

William and Byron were able to make an incredible trip together to visit the town where Byron's parents worked years ago. The spent almost two weeks in Sao Miguel do Guama along with Granny Atha in May working on the church building and parsonage there.

William participated in his first missions trip. He went up to Crato in Ceara to help Jim and Julie Leonard with a missionary team from the States in June. He translated and helped with the children's work and an English outreach.

Also in June, I was the speaker for a ladies' retreat out on the island. It was a lot of work preparing over many months and being in charge of the kitchen as well, but it was a good experience for all who attended.

In July, William and Dalton attended their first of what we hope to be many more - Sacred Music Week. It was held at the seminary in Crato. They spent an entire week learning about music theory and participated in an orquestra at the end of the week. Very rewarding for them both.

The boys enjoyed the finished go-kart/sandrail/dune buggy that they started working on in 2010 with Uncle Tim all year long with lots of back road adventures.

William designed and built his own bike this year. Dalton took up skateboarding and is doing lots of great tricks. Greyson became an avid reader of all kinds of books.

William crashed his BMX on an outing with boys from Sunday School in October. He was badly injured, but thankfully he recovered quickly and we all learned some valuable lessons.

We all started going to the Juazeiro 8 work on Sunday mornings this fall.

Old Blackie dog survived surgery for a tumor at the back of his mouth and even got a little spriter!

Grandaddy and Grandma Beckner came and spent the whole month of November with us. It was one of the best trips ever for them and for all of us.

The Sobradinho church began to see better numbers in attendance this year. We witnessed the return and restoration of a member who had left several years back. Our Christmas program included an adult choral group with 5 men and 6 women, a 20 minute play with persons of all ages participating, a children's musical presentation, and special music by my boys and a friend for all the congregational hymns. About 50 people were present on Christmas night for the holiday service.

I'm sure there's much more I could have concluded. They were sad times, those times that help us grow. But I chose to leave out most of those. I want to remember the good times and be thankful for the happy memories of another year.

We'll be back out on the island all week long this next week for the annual deaf camp. Think of us and pray for safety of the campers and staff.

The Sound of Friendship

2012-01-04T05:53:00.000-08:00

My favorite part of this weekend out on the island was a few moments spent watching my youngest enjoy time with another missionary kid that was just the right size, just the right age, and had just the right interests. Can you hear them talking?

Greyson and his new pal had a blast all weekend, but especially on this one afternoon...

I could hear them as they climbed rocks and looked for just the right sticks for their adventure in the wild about 10 yards or so from the dining hall where I sat in the shade...

Their voices resonated simple happiness as they jumped and played and imagined their roles together in their journey ...

Two MK's, alike in many ways, and uniquely different in others found a place in time together for one special afternoon ...

How could they like so many of the same things, good sticks, nice rocks, old pieces of drift wood?

Yet only have really come to know each other the day before. Granted they had met once a few years ago, but this time was not the same...

It seems the sound of friendship is not loud and booming. It's rather quiet...

It happens in a moment under just the right conditions...

I don't believe in luck, nor total fate, but this event for me was truly divine. And that's what I believe - in God's design.

Thank you, God, for the gift of an afternoon of simple friendship for two missionary boys on the eve of a new year. Thank you for allowing me the joy of happening upon their play and having a few moments in the business of the day to sit and watch.

Read more about third culture kids and how they tick:

michelephoenix.com/mk-tck-resources/

In my children, a rainbow, the water, the world

mkplanet-resources.blogspot.com

On the Island

2011-12-30T05:53:00.000-08:00

We will be away this weekend working out on the island as we host area church folk for the annual New Year's Eve Weekend Retreat.

Take care. Back soon!

Counting My Missionary Blessings

2011-12-28T09:05:00.000-08:00

Our family eat most every meal together at the kitchen table.
We can eat tropical fruit and drink juice made from fresh fruit every day.
Our boys have never had to spend extended time away from home as MK's.
We enjoy good the friendship of good missionary colleagues.
My father and mother wholly support what we do and visit often, as well as my husband's mother.
Our boys participate in our ministry in many ways.
We have good general health.
We live in a small town where the boys can safely go most anywhere at anytime.
We have enough financial support to take care of most of our needs with few worries.
We serve a mighty God who loves and cares for us every single day.

Christmas Comes - Every Year

2011-12-26T03:46:00.000-08:00

Christmas comes every year whether we are ready or not. We can't stop it or delay it. If we're not prepared it still shows up and doesn't just skip by unseen. I felt unprepared. I was sure there just weren't enough gifts. I didn't have a fancy meal planned. I didn't know what to do about church and Christmas being on Sunday.

But Christmas came and it was fine. It was full of family fun and happiness. We got to make some calls to the States. We enjoyed time with our church family Sunday night. We had a great early celebration with our favorite missionary family in the next town. God was good and always is. And yes, Christmas comes every year, reminding us of God's Great Gift for all men!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

Christmas is a time to open our hearts to God and his gifts. Just like the rest of the year.

Is it Christmas?

2011-12-22T12:01:00.000-08:00

It's hot
Flies are buzzing around my head
It's hot
I'm sweating just a bit

It's hot
Thoughts of using the oven are well - hot
It's hot
The tree is decorated but it's just - not ...

It's just not exactly Christmas...

p.s. Maybe I better go on and make those cookies to make the weekend seem more festive!

His Marvelous Works

2011-12-17T01:38:00.000-08:00

Make know His deeds among the peoples

Talk of all His wondrous works

Remember His marvelous works which He has done

Able to sleep last night after a long, somewhat frustrating day.
One of my babes went to sleep after a fitful event.
One of my sweets saw my need in a certain hour and met it with creativity.
My dogs were home when we arrived.
Found a few things on my long list in the big city.
Got to see a friend and chat a little.
Received some inspiration for a small project at church.
This blog works even when nothing else on the net this week has been.
God lead me to Psalm 105 this morning when I needed hope and inspiration for my day.
The chirping birds and my Girl dog's morning greeting.

I love my Creator God.

A Cast Iron Skillet Story

2011-12-13T13:45:00.000-08:00

Chapter 1:

Once upon a time a dear, elderly missionary lady sent a box of kitchen things my way. Included in the box was a square, divided cast iron skillet. It was a little rusty, but I oiled it up and set it aside. At that time a family from our work in Fortaleza were living on the island. The wife had not brought all of her dishes, pots and pans along in their move. She asked if perhaps I had a couple of old pans or pots that she could use. Since she was going to be using a typical Brazilian style wood cook stove, I thought the heavy, iron pan might be a good thing to let her have. So, being the good, little, helpful missionary woman that I am, I gladly gave up the cute, little square griddle and sent it on its way to the island along with a super-nifty round skillet that was just right for making tapioca pancakes. It was heavy, but not iron.

Chapter 2:

Once upon a time, I sat on the back porch of the caretaker's house on the island and spotted an old, rusty, square pan leaning up against the back fence. It was obviously thrown out and not wanted. I wondered if it could possibly be that old iron skillet from long ago. It had been about three years, almost four since the day I had given it to a friend. As I sat there on the stoop of the porch, I felt all the emotions of the departure of our friends, the rejection, the pain, the misunderstanding. What was that special pan doing there in the dirt? Why had it been left? Why did no one want it or care about it? I went home that day without making any comments about the pan.

Chapter 3:

Once upon another time, I was back on the island. I went out the back door and found the pan. I looked at it and I knew it was the same one from long ago. I put it down gingerly and went back in the house. I found the lady of the house, the new lady. She was actually the second caretaker's wife since the original recipient of the gift. So you see the little skillet had passed through several hands. As I drank sweet black coffee seated at this caretaker's table, I decided the time was good. I casually asked if the little square pan thrown against the back fence was hers. She said, What pan? I said, Come and look. She said, Oh, that! It was here when I moved in. It's no good, all rusty. So I told the old lady my tale and said I was reclaiming the pan unless she really wanted it. She nonchantly said, Do what you want. And so I did.

Chapter 4:

The old skillet found a home in the bottom of my cupboard after I tried cleaning it up and didn't have very good success. It was still rather rusty. No telling how long it had been living outside by a fence. I oiled it up and wrapped it inside a plastic bag and now it was sitting inside. Loved, but not used.

Chapter 5:

Fast forward a little, Grandaddy arrives from Virginia. Ah, a man who knows about cast iron! One day I pulled it out to show my Daddy and asked him what he thought. He seemed to think there was hope and went to work. Soon I had a fine looking skillet on top of my stove and now I'm using it at least twice a week. It's loved and being gently used.

Little Iron Skillet

You traveled from house to house and all around.
You ended up thrown out on the ground.
Unloved, unwanted, unused with no one to care.
Unclean, unhappy with no family to share.
Then you were found and brought in from the cold.
You were dusty and a little old.
But we washed you up and shined your iron cast.
Now you're cooking and home at last!

You know, Daddy. Every time you come to visit me in Brazil you fix something. This time, you may very well have fixed some hearts. Thank you for coming and for all the fixing!

Just a Little Note

2011-12-12T13:18:00.000-08:00

Just a small message to all my IRL, cyber, FB and SP friends!

I'm having major problems with our hillbilly internet provider here in Sobradinho. Hope it's all resolved soon. Can't get on my Wordpress blogs for the boys' school activities or on Sparkpeople. Facebook is limited to some pages but not all.

Go figure! Just letting ya know!

Thanksgiving

2011-12-07T15:22:00.000-08:00

Yes, I'm a little behind. But it's okay, I have good reason. I took the month of November off from all things Internet and tried to keep my schedule simple. On November 9th my father and mother arrived to spend the month with us. We had an incredible month. Words just can't tell it all, so I'll let a few well chosen photos say just a little tonight.

Juazeiro 8 congregation

Island fun

Shopping in Petro

I'm so thankful for my parents and grateful for the time we were able to share. My heart overflows with thanksgiving leftover from the month of November! Look for more posts about our time spent together over the next week!

Worth It

2011-11-05T05:27:00.000-07:00

good friends

great messages

special music


prayer time

"I don't think it's really worth my time." "Ah, it's going to be so hot." "I don't have the money." "Oh, I have so much to do." "I can't leave my family to fend for themselves all day long." Oh, oh, oh! Excuses, excuses... I hear them every time I rally the ladies of our congregation to head off for an area-wide ladies' meeting. Usually I end up going alone or with just one or two others. Wednesday four women and two girls went along with me to the 51st Meeting of the Regular Bapitst Women of the Sao Francisco Valley. We had a blast! More than 160 ladies were present for the meeting. It was worth it!

Photo of the Week

2011-10-25T11:46:00.000-07:00


December 2003

Look at what I found this week. Mercy me! Squirming boys that wouldn't sit still and smile all at the same time for a simple, fast picture. This is on the morning of my brother's wedding in South Carolina just days before our return to the States from a furlough. All dressed up and wanting to go!

Book Review: The Blessing

2011-10-12T16:41:00.000-07:00

Dalton with friends

The season of my life is a-changing with the falling of the leaves. Actually, no leaves are falling right now where I am in Brazil, but it is October! The season to which I refer is that of being the mother of emerging young men. I now have an almost sixteen year old, a fourteen year old, and my baby who is eleven. The oldest is wearing men's size pants, shirts and shoes. Girls look his way when we are out and about. Life is changing as my dear husband and I move into the next stage - preparing our chicks to make life decisions.

The title of the book - The Blessing - and its description appealed to me as I consider these days how to best convey my love and hopes to each of my boys. Recent days have shown to me that with peer pressure, parent weariness, and just the changing nature of boys into men, I needed some new books beyond Dare to Discipline and Bringing Up Boys. I truly wanted a good instructional guide on how to pass on the gift of true love and acceptance to each of my sons.

The Blessing does just that in a concise and readable manner. As a Christian parent I appreciated the many Biblical references and applications. I think the part that spoke the most to me was in considering this a goal of all parents - making sure our children know beyond any doubt that they are loved and wanted.

This is a practical book with many great ideas on how to pass on a blessing to others. I highly recommend it to all Christian parents.

My Dear Little Friend on the right

Little boys and girls in Brazil often approach their grandparents, aunts and uncles with an extended hand saying, "Blessing, grandfather" or "Blessing, Aunt." It was my great privilege to have a little friend whom I had not seen for some months reach his little hand out to me and ask for a blessing. I kissed his hand as I had seen others do and he pulled his back with mine to do the same. As a missionary I have the extended responsibility to go beyond my own children and family as I reach out to bless other lives with God's love.

Get the book and be a blessing!

Sis-In-Love

2011-10-10T04:02:00.000-07:00

Seems in-laws always get a bad rap from mother-in-law jokes to the sad tales of rejection of a new bride by the other women in a big family. My dear brother married a wonderful young woman and I can gladly say that she is a wonderful sister-in-law and in-love! We've had little I.R.L. (*in real life) time to be together but I can rest assured that she is always praying for and thinking of me as I do of her.

Saturday was my s-i-love's 39th birthday. I want to wish her a wonderful birthday and a happy new year. A new year to live for Christ and to enjoy all the good memories that she can squeeze into her 40th year of life!

Happy Birthday, Angie!

We're always coming and going but like the two in the middle,

we can always be friends and hold each other's hand along the way!

Praying for you each day as you tend the little sprouts in your garden of boys.

All Tied Up!

2011-09-28T03:02:00.000-07:00

I've been a little tied up lately. But I'll be back with some great poetry or article before you know it, so keep your eyes open!

Just Out My Front Door

2011-09-16T15:53:00.000-07:00

A Day Remembered...

2011-09-14T15:31:00.000-07:00

I remember the day this photo was taken. The ladies from Igreja Batista da Fé and I were invited to participate in special day at a country house with other women from churches all over the city. In the afternoon we got together to take this picture. The grass was pointy and hurt to sit on. We were all laughing and trying to hurry it up! It was a good day.

For one short year Byron and I had the privilege to work with a special group of people in the city of Fortaleza at the Igreja Batista da Fé. Every Sunday afternoon I hopped on a bus to go early to church for a special ladies' Bible study slash prayer time before the evening worship service. There were such a great group of women.

It was during this year that we noticed the problem Greyson was having with his eyes. A family at the church had a daughter who had gone through the exact same thing. The general eye doctor that had been seeing Greyson wasn't working out very well. This family not only recommended a children's eye doctor, but went with us to the first appointment. God had placed us at the right place that year.

Although our time was brief, it was very special and dear. From time to time I think about the ladies at Fé and remember to pray for each one!

Ecclesiastes 3:1
To every thing there is a season,

and a time to every purpose under the heaven

Where Were You?

2011-09-03T05:14:00.000-07:00

Living Room, Santa Constancia house, Fortaleza

Greyson, later in 2002

I remember like it was just last week. I was in the living room of our house on Santa Constancia in Fortaleza, the only house we ever bought and was truly ours. I was cleaning up after breakfast and getting some off to school and morning activities. The phone rang. It was a church member. It was odd because it was not a person who had a phone and not someone who called frequently at all. The man said I should get off the phone, sit down and turn on my television. He repeated the sit down part at least once and said to hurry, something was happening.

I did what he said. When I realized what was going on, in spite of my fears, I decided to call the children as I knew this would be an important moment in their lives even though they were so small and might not remember the details. It never dawned on me at that time that it could be bad for children to know. It just seemed like it was such a historical day even if it was overwhelming and sad.

In the days and weeks after friends would stop us on the street to ask if all our family in the States were okay. Neighbors would call us to come into their homes to watch news broadcasts from around the world with their big satellite dishes. Church people prayed and so did we.

CaMpInG

2011-08-26T04:17:00.000-07:00

C – Care, Cheer, Clap!

A – Amor/love.

M – Mentor (Let them see you pray and read Bible.)

P – Pray, Pray, Pray!

I – Involved "ivery" instant!

N – Near, never, never far from your campers.

G – Genuine.

Can you tell what I've been working on this week? Camp Counseling Class for next year's Aventura Brasil!

Looking Back and Forth!

2011-08-22T07:54:00.000-07:00

My how time flies by. My boys just keep getting bigger and bigger. My bones seems to just keep getting creakier and creakier! Today I'm looking back and counting my blessings, but I'm also looking forward to new and greater joys in the days to come!

August Blessings:

Every Sunday in August we have had 40+ in main Sunday worship service. Last night we had about 45.
Dalton turned 14.
Highschool homeschool started and we are doing well.
I'm on Week 3 of a healthy living streak - stopped chomping my cuticles when nervous or sad.
Several salvation decisions at church just last night.
Discovery of an online gradebook for homeschool!
Blackie dog who was quite sick in July is doing alright.
My dear husband fixed up our porch recently and it's looking great!

Photo of the Week

2011-08-17T16:20:00.000-07:00

Blackie just sitting and watching William work earlier this week.

Birthday Boy

2011-08-10T16:12:00.000-07:00

This is my favorite all-time photo of my precious Dalton. Tomorrow he turns 14! Almost a man! Yes, and where has the time gone? Abraham Lincoln once said, "And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." We've had some real live-wire moments together and learned much from each other. Yet, as a mother, I feel there is so much more you need to know. There's so much more I need to tell you. Ah, but there is so little time.

Papa measured all the boys this morning and guess who has grown the most in recent months - you got it - Dalton. It won't be long before he passes all the others in a trail of dust.

A Prayer for a Boy

May the Lord keep you safe from all harm and hurting

May He guide you gently and keep you smiling

May He always remind you of what is good and right

May He give you grace to accept what you must, and

His perfect wisdom to know when to really fight.

Happy Birthday, little buddy. I know you aren't little any more.

Mama

A Little Find

2011-08-04T12:49:00.000-07:00

October 11, 2007

Tomorrow we go to camp. It is a retreat with the church from Remanso. Adilson and Uncle Harold will be there. Maybe Uncle Harold will sing Tom Dooley.

Found this in one of Greyson's old notebooks while cleaning out the school room this week... brought a tear to my eye.

Full House

2011-08-04T12:31:00.000-07:00

So nice to have over 45 people in attendance at our main worship service this past Sunday night. Many visitors came to accompany students receiving diplomas for Source of Light Bible studies.

Byron goes by bike to make all his visits. He makes rounds going to each house at least once every two weeks to get finished lessons, help with answers and deliver new ones. Few of his Source of Life students ever come to church. It was especially rewarding to see such a good number turn out for this diploma awards ceremony.

Keep on biking, Byron! God knows and will give the increase in His time!

Prayer for a Friend

2011-07-30T07:11:00.000-07:00

May God guide you to wise and healthy decisions. May He keep you safe from harm and hurt. May He remind you of things learned and heard from mother, father and true friends. May He cause you to desire the only true relief for your soul - Jesus. Amen.

The Jobs of a Proverb's Woman

2011-07-23T11:43:00.000-07:00

spinning and weaving cloth
making and selling clothing
dressing well and attractively
staying physically and mentally fit
giving religious instruction to her children
gathering food and healthy meal planning
administering household finances
overseeing the family business
buying and investing family funds
performing charity work
caring for the poor

helping people up climbing walls on the island

Long Ago...

2011-07-18T13:41:00.000-07:00

February 2000, a precious moment...

Photo of the Week

2011-07-18T11:28:00.000-07:00

Update:

And the answer is .... It is a Savonius windmill! You can look that up yourself on Google if you're really interested! It will be used to generate power for a water pump out on the island.

What's Cooking?

2011-07-13T11:38:00.000-07:00

For lunch today:

Chili Beans:
used 1 kilo of hamburger, 1/2 kilo of carioca beans, and 2 McCormick Mild Taco Seasoning packets

Corn Bread:
used self rising flour, corn meal, Qualy margarine, 2 eggs, milk, little salt, a little sugar

Shredded Cabbage Salad:
shredded cabbage and carrots, 1 Splenda packet, Rosé salad dressing, a little mayo

Baked Potatoes:
5 big potatoes, 30 minutes in microwave

On the table:
Qualy margarine, garlic sauce, hot pepper sauce, sour cream

To drink:
Sweet Iced Tea
5 regular sized tea bags and 1 cup sugar for 1 gallon of tea

Good Times

2011-07-08T13:03:00.000-07:00

My Daddy had a birthday this week and my thoughts have been on home and happy times with him over the years. Here's a few...

Stopping at the canal locks near Harper's Ferry on a trip. I loved going over the bridge there.

Camping on the Skyline Drive with all the cousins and playing lots of croquet.

Jumping out of the car to see the view on a Blue Ridge Parkway overlook. Seems Daddy always had time for another overlook.

Going over the mountain from Bedford to Natural Bridge on Route 443 and wondering if Uncle Leon's RV would really make it.

Driving back from the Outer Banks one time with our bathing suits still on and feeling salty all the way home because we wanted to get in one more swim in the ocean before heading back.

Creeping along old Route 24 before it gets to Bedford with each main component of the car's electrical system going out one by one and finding an old farmer man in the middle of the night with just the right battery for Dad's old stationwagon.

Rolling down the dunes at Jockey's Ridge having just been to the beach. All wet + dry sand = big mess

Driving up that long road to the top of Grandfather Mountain and being a little scared but knowing my Daddy was a good driver.

Eating ice cream on Sunday afternoons at a little place near Loch Raven just outside of Baltimore. Dad would drive out to the lake and wax his car while we played.

I think I have such fond memories of going places with Daddy, because he loved to drive. He would take me and my brother along to car parts stores, hardware stores, lumber yards, wherever he happened to be going. We never had a lot of money for big fancy hotel vacations, but we would camp out and take one day trips all over the place. It's the time spent and the fun that makes the memories.

Thank you, Daddy, for all my great childhood memories. I could list a dozen more, but the message would be the same - Time spent with family is never wasted!

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

10 Great Things to Put in a Missionary Care Package

2011-07-06T11:46:00.000-07:00

Okay Folks! After millions of requests for what I would love to have in a box from America, here's the big list! Alright that is a slighty exaggeration of the number of people who have ever asked or even cared to know, nonetheless the matter has been on my mind lately. I guess it all started when a person told me that sending packages to missionaries was a big waste of money and effort. Floored me! Same person included snail mail letters and cards in the same paragraph as non-importanto!

So here we go and make sure you keep in mind that this is MY list and not send these same items to some other missionary mama that might not like tacos at all or need ear plugs. Always best to verify before hand!

Mild Taco Seasoning in packets
Soft Foam Ear Plugs
Skittles


4. Plastic Bowl Covers

5. Mennon Speed Stick Antiperspirant (any fragrance)


6. Mechanical Pencils

Just an example!

7. DVD's
Check first to see which ones!

8. Blistex Lip Ointment

9. Newly released Hot Wheels

10. Unique bandages:

knee and elbow

butterfly

skin closures

Here is a good site with a list of other sites to help you figure out how to best mail your package:

missionary-care-package-ideas

Here's another on Adopting a Missionary Family with ideas on care packages and other mail:

missionary-adoption

Last but not least, let me say this...

I don't NEED a thing (well, maybe the ear plugs!), but sending a care package is to show that YOU, the sender CARE for little ol' me, the RECEIVER. It will make my family happy. It will let us know that we are not forgotten. It's GOOD!

It's BIBLICAL!

Just look for the word "refresh" in the Bible and how many times Paul, the missionary,

thanked people for gifts and hospitality and prayers and love.

For we have great joy and consolation in thy love,

because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.

Philemon 1:7

p.s. This week I got a box from my sis-in-love and mother in the U.S. of A. They love me and show it in many ways physical and emotional, written and proven. Thanks to you both. All the stuff was great!

Three Things

2011-07-05T12:52:00.000-07:00

There are three things I use every single day in my kitchen. Every once in a while someone asks me, what are some good things for a new missionary wife to bring from the States to Brazil. Each one of these was well worth the effort to fit into my luggage.

A stainless steel tea kettle for all that water boiling ...

This one isn't exactly like mine, but close. I like the one I have for three great features:

It whistles.
It's big.
My mother gave it to me.

A double burner griddle for toasting bread in a non-toaster world and of course, for pancakes ...

I like mine because:

I can do more pancakes, bread, grilled cheese or tapioca cakes at one time, hence my family eats sooner.
My favorite ladies at my favorite missionary ladies' group gave it to me.

Super big dish drainers

Hey, not many dish washers in the third world unless they are "hand-made" jobs! So you need room for lots of dishes to dry. Not many places to buy packs of 100 white paper plates for a dollar either. I have two green Rubbermaid super big dish drainers and love them to death. Mine are green and I use both at the same time side-by-side and usually fill them both up after a meal between dishes, glasses, pots and pans! I like to let my dishes dry. After I'm done washing I cover them with a clean linen cloth.

That's it for my two cents worth for today.

Proud Mama

2011-07-04T13:15:00.000-07:00

I am the proud Mama of three great boys. I was ex-specially privileged to see a little of the fruits of my and my dear husband's labors recently as our oldest made a trip to be involved with a missions group from America. Our son was praised for his good work and help in all things physical and spiritual.

Thank you, Lord, for a great boy. Keep him safe and in your will and service for many, many years to come!

To read more about his trip and see more photos, go to my homeschool blog at Wordpress:
http://theathaschoolforboys.wordpress.com/

Please pray for William and Dalton as they are both at a music camp being held at the seminary this week.

The Retreat

2011-07-02T05:59:00.000-07:00

Last year around November I managed to get myself invited to be the main speaker of a retreat for women that was to be held out on Treasure Island. Looking back over the past months since I have wondered several times what in the world I was thinking...

The theme given originally was "Women in Ministry." Later it was modified to something like this - "Women in Mininstry in the Church and Home." I have read and studied enough to write a book on the role of women in the church all through the ages and in the modern world. I looked for resources in English and Portuguese. And of course, I wore out the pages of my favorite study Bible, "The Women's Study Bible."

I feel like I only had time to share about 1/10th of all that I had hoped and desired, but now I have a lot of material for future opportunities! I made a few new friends and even made my second attempt to climb the camp climbing tower.

I'm just helping here. No photos of me going up!

Seems all had a good time. Later I plan to rework my notes and studies in English and post some of my work.

Greyson and an Old Friend

2011-06-27T16:21:00.000-07:00

An old friend of Greyson's went home to heaven early this morning. At camp Uncle Harold would often spend time talking with Greyson and singing little songs. He taught Greyson the song, If It Hadn't been for Grayson, I'd be in Tennessee. All the boys can tell you some of Uncle Harold's favorite stories and jokes.

When Greyson heard this morning that Uncle Harold had passed away, he was quiet for a long time. When I told him that I heard that he had just died in his sleep, he asked how that must feel. I replied that I thought it was good. Later Greyson came back to me and said that it was good. It meant that Uncle Harold had fallen asleep and woken up in Heaven.

He was a good friend to all my boys.

Hang down your head, Tom Dooley. Hang down your head and cry.
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley. Poor boy, you're bound to die.

This time tomorrow. Reckon where I'll be. Hadn't been for Grayson, I'd be in Tennessee...

Daddy

2011-06-18T18:04:00.000-07:00

He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it. Clarence B. Kelland

Fatherhood is pretending the present you love most is soap-on-a-rope. Bill Cosby

A father carries pictures where his money used to be.

My Dad's a hard man to get a picture of. He's quiet, always working. Hope your Sunday is good. I'm so thankful for a man like you as my father. So glad for all I learned from you as a girl and now as a woman.

Happy Father's Day, Daddy!

Unwashed Dishes

2011-06-18T05:34:00.000-07:00

2005

The Dishes Went Unwashed One Day

The dishes went unwashed one day

We didn’t make the beds

I took their hands and followed

Where their eager footsteps led.

Oh, yes, we went adventuring

All three boys, and I

Exploring in the our yard

Beneath the deep blue sky.

We played out in the warm bright sun

We wandered here and there

The kitchen wasn’t swept that day

But life was glad and good.

That my house was neglected

That we didn’t sweep the stairs

In twenty years, no one on earth

Will know or even care.

But that I helped some little boy

To a nobler man grow

In twenty years, the whole wide world

Will look, and see, and know!

I found this poem in an old, out of print Girl Scout Manual many years ago. I modified it to suit my family and got it out today as I consider the role of Christian women in the world today. Could it be we have our focus way off as we rush from here to there trying to accomplish so much for God's Kingdom? Help me to remember my priorities, Dear Lord. Help me to slow down and take time to raise my boys well before my limited time with them is gone.

Fresh Air

2011-06-14T15:53:00.000-07:00

Don't you love the smell of clothes dried on the line in the fresh air and sunshine.

Don't you love driving with the window rolled down on a cool, breezy day, just taking in all the scents and sounds.

Don't you love the smell of fresh flowers, especially the ones that grow right outside your door!

The best things in life are nearest: Breath in your nostrils, light in your eyes, flowers at your feet, duties at your hand, the path of right just before you. Then do not grasp at the stars, but do life's plain, common work as it comes, certain that daily duties and daily bread are the sweetest things in life. Robert Louis Stevenson

Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure. O. Winfrey

I took a deep breath and listened to the old bray of my heart: I am, I am, I am. Sylvia Plath

Tonight I'm thanking God for simple things like fresh, clean air!

Take care,

Faithful Friend

2011-06-07T14:50:00.000-07:00

I talk to him when I'm lonesome like; and I'm sure he understands. When he looks at me so attentively, and gently licks my hands; then he rubs his nose on my tailored clothes, but I never say naught thereat. For the good Lord knows I can buy more clothes, but never a friend like that. W. D. Wedgefarth

She's my faithful friend. She's a mut saved from a doomed life on the streets. She's the happiest dog I know. She's kind of crazy and a little "blonde." She can be so timid that she wets the floor when she thinks she's in trouble, but she can fight with the best and win. She's a professional ratter. She loves to throw them up in the air and catch them as they come down for a good nip to end their horrid lives! She can shake, sit, and play dead on command!

Thanks, Girl, for being my faithful friend!

The Island and Us - Through the Years

2011-05-31T18:44:00.000-07:00

We've been in Bahia and working with the Treasure Island Camp now for seven whole years. Take a look at this slideshow with photos from all through that time. I'm learning how to do these. Wasn't real happy with how my soundtrack worked out, but watch fast and enjoy! You might want to mute the Mixpod player on the side bar before you start the video!

Love

2011-05-29T21:07:00.000-07:00

Newlyweds become oldyweds, and oldyweds are the reasons that families work. Anon.

Chains do not hold a marriage together. It is threads, hundreds of tiny threads which sew people together through the years. Simone Signoret

Remember, we all stumble, every one of us. That's why it's a comfort to go hand in hand. Emily Kimbrough

I dreamed of a wedding of elaborate elegance,
A church filled with family and friends.
I asked him what kind of a wedding he wished for,
He said one that would make me his wife.
Author Unknown

Ah, what dreams we have as young people! Dreams of large houses and beautiful children.

Hopes for happiness always and perfect days. On May 30, 1987, I dreamed of telling stories to children under a tree in a far off land with my missionary husband hurding them all to hear. I dreamed of travels and baptisms and my husband preaching to large crowds, of teaching missionary children, and occasional walks on beautiful tropical beaches.

We've done all these things and more. Together Byron and I have worked in five different churches, a missionary children's school, and now a Christian camp. We've walked on many beaches and ridden in all types of boats, buses and cars. We've traveled to 10 Brazilian states and all over America. We've seen three boys come into our life and home and grow. We've shared the Gospel with more children and adults than I could ever count.

We've had good times and some not so happy at all. We've seen a small share of wealth, small. We've seen a good share of doing without and scraping by. We're together. I think we're in love, and we're learning still, every day.

Hey, what are we going to do for our 25th anniversary, by the way!

Love you, Byron Atha! Get yourself home from this big trip so we can go out on a real date!

Song of Solomon 3:3
The watchmen who go about the city found me; I said,“ Have you seen the one I love?”

Weep a Little...

2011-05-25T19:56:00.000-07:00

This is an old post from my Yahoo!360 blog. It's from sometime in 2006.
*******************************************************

Yesterday while sitting in the car in front of Petrolina’s shopping mall - River Shopping, I saw a fellow standing in front of the entrance that looked remarkably like my brother Wesley. He didn’t have a beard, he looked like Wesley did a few years back. I was guarding the six packs of 2 liters drinks lashed on the top of our car for a retreat, Byron had gone back in to get one more item. The more I watched this fellow from where I was sitting, the more I thought about how it couldn't be Wesley, could it? I thought about all the time that has passed by since I’ve last seen my brother. He got married just days before we came back from our last furlough. He has three sons now - three little nephews that I’ve never seen except in pictures. I cried a little thinking about him and his boys wondering when I would ever get to see them.

Later in the day a friend told me about her mother who had gone back to the hospital. She’s been in and out of the hospital and rehab for several months now. Her dad’s had some health problems, too, at the same time. She’s far away. Who’s helping her mother? Yes, there are other family members, but it’s not the same as being close and seeing to things yourself when loved ones are concerned.

I know, it’s that great sacrifice of being a missionary on a foreign field. I’ve heard it all, people in the States often live too far away from family to help, and so missionaries aren’t so different. Or, what could you do any different if you were there, you’d be working and taking care of your own family. Or, don’t you trust God enough to take care of them? I’ve heard the whole list. But let me have my tears for today. Tears of hope for the day I will see them, those little precious boys, and hold them in my arms. Tears for the day I’ll love them and squeeze them and kiss them. Tears for the day I can fuss at my brother in person just like old times and taste the good cooking I hear my sister-in-law can whip up.

Just a few little tears…

Tears in my eye on this day, too, but God wipes them away.

I'm not crying today. It seems that quite often I notice someone walking down the street or on a bus, and think to myself, That looks just like so-and-so. Tonight I'm just resting in the Lord as some of my family are far from home tonight. Thanking God for my blessings and looking forward to future family reunions.

New Prayer Letter Up!

2011-05-20T18:14:00.000-07:00

Check out Byron's latest prayer letter by clicking on the Prayer Letters tab at the top of the page...

May 15, 2011

Thanks!

Confessions of the Soul

2011-05-18T04:11:00.000-07:00

And I prayed to the LORD my God, and made confession, and said, “O Lord, great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and mercy with those who love Him, and with those who keep His commandments,

Daniel 9:4

Old chapel, Praia do Forte, Bahia

Seems I yell at my kids most often on Sunday on the way to church or getting ready to go.

I'm never super well prepared for my Sunday School class.

Every corner of my house almost always has a cobweb.

I haven't swept behind the freezer or refrigerator in who knows when.

I hate passing out random tracts, but often do it nonetheless.

There is a small hill of unfolded laundry in a chair in my bedroom.

My sink is rarely shiny like the Fly Lady says it ought to be.

I can't stand to take out water to passers-by even though I realize one of them one day could be an angel in disguise.

I often tell kids in the front yard that there time is up and their mothers must be calling them.

I play Scramble on Facebook way too much and should probably give it up. I did stop playing Bejeweled it was just too addicting thinking that it was just one more minute.

I ride my bike a lot to church and to the breadstore but I don't get any awards for speed.

Instead of facing some people with a smile, I prefer to avoid them all together.

Some people's Facebook statuses drive me crazy and so I have blocked them. No, if you are reading this you probably aren't one of them.

I have let my kids eat cereal for lunch when my husband is out for the day and I can't stand the thought of cooking anything.

I do not read my Bible as often as I should and ought to, but I pray all the time.

My usual prayer is short and simple. "Lord, please help me. Right now."

When I go to get my nails done, I tell the boys I'm going to visit a friend. She is a friend and they usually figure it out.

I don't think I divide my love very well between my three boys. But it's okay because I love each one differently every day, but love them all just the same. Does that make any sense at all?

I'm not so sure I would stay in Brazil if something were to happen to my husband. I might.

If I had lots of money, I'd buy more shoes.

Photo for My Mom

2011-05-14T11:30:00.000-07:00

Had to climb a little to get this photo. Have you ever seen baby hummers in a nest, Mom? They were so cute. I got to within a foot of them. Didn't want to upset their chattering mother too much. They are blue scissortails.

Check out my latest Sparkpeople journal for all the details on my "climb."

My Box

2011-05-09T04:36:00.000-07:00

apples
peanut butter (natural with honey to sweeten)
brazil nuts
books
Bibles
extra shoes
bread
cookies
crackers
sardines (emergency food)
good soft t.p. for our cabin
more cookies
grape jelly
two spoons
guava fruit newtons (kinda like fig newtons to me)
Alpine Instant Apple Cider (just add water)
packs of Tang (guava, tangerine, lemon)
cards (Uno, Skipbo)
Dalton's extra socks
hats
brand-name chips

I learned a long time ago to travel well prepared for all possibilities. I like to pack one of our Rubbermaid Action Packers when we go to camp with all kinds of good stuff. The boys are mostly interested in the cookies and snacks and always hoping the box has no school books!

Mom

2011-05-05T12:35:00.000-07:00

She's been with me all the way from packing for the mission field, to support for natural breastfeeding of all my babies, to future home base support for all her MK grandkids.

She's the motivation behind every Bible Story I tell on the mission field and every devotional message I present in every church or school.

She is the example of what a Christian parent should be, right along side my Awesome Dad!

She knows how to make a profit and use it well just like the Proverbs 31 woman and still remembers what it's like to can beans and eat what you grow.

She can appreciate antique flour sacks and tell you which ones are like the ones from which she had dresses.
She prays for her own and for some many others.

She knows what I'm up to everyday because she has been where I am and will go wherever I go.

She knows what I like, works all the time collecting things for future trips and boxes because she is tuned in.

She understands me way too well, because we are two peas in a pod!

She's a true Matriarch of a Great Family.

Wishing you a Wonderful Mother's Day!

Aint He Sweet!

2011-05-05T05:42:00.000-07:00


2003

What's Cooking? Homemade Tomato Soup

2011-04-28T06:46:00.000-07:00

After the recent retreat over Easter weekend, I came home with lots of leftover fruits and vegetables, not to mention all the extra rice, beans and other grains that I carefully counted and stored in a protected place to be left on the island for another day. Seems my menu planning and the last minute drop out of some of the expected campers made my best laid plans all awry, to say the least. And if there is anything I hate more than coming home tired and weary from a retreat, it's having to deal with leftovers.

But I am thankful this time!
On Sunday night arriving home at 5 pm as we ran around to get ready for our evening church service that starts at 7 pm, I was thankful for 5 beef steaks all cooked and waiting for my family to eat with hearty servings of a rice and bean casserole dish salvaged from the last lunch on the island.
On Monday, I was happy for the fresh lamb given to me by the island caretaker that went in the crockpot with potatoes, onions and carrots from the retreat.
On Tuesday, I was grateful for the cabbage that went in the crockpot with the broth from the lamb with more potatoes, onions, carrots and chu-chu squash - all from the retreat.
On Wednesday, I was glad for grilled cheese sandwiches made with bread and cheese that were leftover from the canteen.

And today, I faithfully chopped up all the leftover tomatoes, a few onions, and some fresh sweet basil from my backyard basil bush and threw in all in the crock for some homemade tomato soup later tonight. I think I'll serve it with some breadsticks made with that bag of leftover flour!

In the pot:
fresh tomatoes, well blended in my juice blender
chopped onions
chopped fresh basil
2 bay leaves
oregano
garlic
dash of worstershire sauce
dash of pepper and salt

Best Photo of the Retreat

2011-04-26T06:09:00.000-07:00

Easter 2011

by Michele

Refreshed

2011-04-16T18:01:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 25:13
As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.

Acts 3:19
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

2 Timothy 1:16
The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:

to refresh: to take refreshment, to become fresh again, to revive.

Today five ladies and I went to the "big city" for a little time of refreshment. First we went to the brand new Lojas Americanas in Juazeiro da Bahia and walked around in pairs for about an hour. What can possibly be more refreshing for women than shopping! Then we all made a few purchases and left for our next destination - a mini mall - where we were to have a snack time.

During our snack I talked just a little about the word "refresh" in the Bible. It's one of my favorite words in the Bible. I love to hunt for new verses that have "refresh." Early this morning, I looked up some of the verses that use some form of the same root word in my Portuguese Bible. It seems there are three word roots that are used to translate what is found as "refresh" in my Women's Study Bible: recrear, refrescar, and refrigerar.

Recrear gives the idea of recess time, time to have some good old fun and enjoy yourself.

Refrescar has the idea of renewing or refreshing, or washing up and getting rid of the dirt and sweat.

Refrigerar is the root word from which Brazilians get their word for soda pop - refrigerante. It's a word that means to cool off or quench your thirst.

As I drank my Coke Zero and we ate our little salgadinhos, I told the ladies that it was my desire for us to have a time of refreshing together, to enjoy each other's Christian company, and to go happy and content for having been together. I also reminded them of how each one of us needs to be a refreshment to the others in our group all the time. Lastly I asked them to consider the words of Acts 3:19 and to think on what each one might need to do on a private level with our Lord God to renew our own hearts and to allow ourselves to be more of that thirst-quenching source to those around us.

Thanks to the five that went along with me today for our little time of refreshment! Rosa, Francisca, Janilde, Celia, and Socorro!

I just love old Coca-Cola advertisement signs. So refreshing!

What a Good Looking Guitar Player!

2011-04-09T06:20:00.000-07:00

That's my boy!

"Canned" Days

2011-04-01T22:12:00.000-07:00

Family faces are magic mirrors. Looking at people who belong to us, we see the past, present, and future. Gail Lumet Buckley

Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose. From the television show The Wonder Years

Memory... is the diary that we all carry about with us. Oscar Wilde

Hmmm, how to "can a day?" You know, those days that seem just perfect you want access to them whenever the need arises. Jeb Dickerson

*******
Can a day be "canned?" Can you slow down time, catch it and keep it in a jar? If only. We can "preserve" our memories and special moments nowadays with photos, scrapbooking, and even with journaling and blogging. I guess that's why I keep a blog. It's sort of an online scrapbook of my memories.

I can hold on to them. Post them for all to see. Visit them often and set my well processed jars on the shelf of the cellartop for all to view.

Wishing you happy memories and slowed down moments this week, Mom, and other dear readers! Let's not rush through the week. Let's take the time to sit and enjoy at least a few precious memory making moments along the way of the business and rush of life.

Book I'd love to get and read ---

Thank You, Pollsters!

2011-03-31T08:07:00.000-07:00

Just a little word of appreciation for the Wonderful 11 who took time to respond to my Head Covering Poll! The poll is closed, but if you still wish to respond just leave a comment with your answer on this post!

Thank you,

Rain

2011-03-28T16:30:00.000-07:00

Recent Rainbow

Shhhh... I'm listening to the rain falling outside my window. It doesn't rain here very often and, you see, I can hear things outside. My house isn't all shut up and squeezed in like houses in the USA. My slatted venetian wooden windows don't even really totally close. Sometimes some of the rain drops hit just right and come splattering in.

Shhhh... I hear the dogs getting readjusted to sleep in dry spots for the night.

Shhhh... I hear the boys resting comfortably and their fan gently blowing.

Shhhh... Good night!

From the Old Picture Box

2011-03-21T17:17:00.000-07:00

Greyson, Reidsville, 2003

Came across this in my files while looking for something else this week. What a classic! Greyson's first Christmas in America. Footed pj's on a boy who had never even sleep in anything but little pants in his whole life. Presents all over the floor. Wide eyes. Colddddd outside! Many relatives. Great memories!

Preacher Law

2011-03-19T17:11:00.000-07:00


from William's baby album Thinking of Pastor Law and all he did to see missionaries working and reaching the people of Brazil. Today he is standing in the presence of Christ and yes, he must be kicking up that old leg and shouting, Glory! Thank you, Pastor Law! Thank you for a life well lived and the strong and faithful example that you were in my life. Thank you for all your prayers over the years and all your letters. Relish in the wonder of your first day in heaven, Pastor! Memories of Pastor Law: Driving me home from my shortened summer at Springs of Life Camp in Stuart, Virginia. There wasn't enough money to keep me on after the four week assignment he had suggested me for. He drove me home in his big old station wagon. I was teary-eyed but trying not to let him see. He knew! He talked and talked about God's timing in a person's life and how He always knows what is for our best. Counseling Byron and I before we got married. He told us all kinds of things but the one that stands out for both of us is about a wife's "particular" - her pocketbook. He said men should always stay out of their spouse's purse! Rehearsing for our wedding, Pastor said he wanted everyone to remember one thing - Everything he does is carefully and well planned, no matter what happens. Standing in the living room of the parsonage at Chamblissburg Baptist Church as Dad and I waited for the wedding march to start. It was hot. Things had been wild and hectic getting ready. Pastor Law came in to tell us it was almost time. Smiling he said that this was the first and the last wedding he'd ever do outside in front of his house. Holding William on his lap in Joao Pessoa, Brazil, and marveling about how good God is. Laughing and being so happy that William got right up on his knee as if they were long lost friends. Telling me at the conference that I would make it! Thank you, George Law. Thank you for your example in my life!

Happy Kitchen

2011-03-09T15:47:00.000-08:00

Look at those smiling faces! These happy people worked from sun-up to sun-down for four days in a row to feed over 160 people this weekend on Treasure Island Camp. Look at them! This was taken on the last day as we all waited to board the boat. They have to be dead tired, but they are all so happy! They were hugging and laughing and HAPPY!

One of the ladies commented that the kitchen staff this weekend was one big HAPPY FAMILY. Yeah, we had some problems. Yeah, we had to fuss at each other a little. Yeah, one lady kept calling us all "burros" from time to time, in fun. But we were all happy and got along wonderfully. It was hard, hot work, but I can thank the Lord for a great crew for this retreat.

Not too long ago I had to make some tough decisions about the kitchen out on the island. I chose to make wise decisions based on spiritual principles in dealing with the negative and forebearing people in my life. This weekend was wonderful proof that God blessed the choices I made earlier this year.

I worked hard all weekend to SMILE and HUG and LOVE them people pictured above all up! Thank you, Lord, for the sweet dividends of contented workers.

Please pray for some of the ladies pictured above who have not accepted the Lord Jesus as their personal Savior.

Too Fast...

2011-03-02T17:45:00.000-08:00

Look how small he is! 11/2007

We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today. Stacia Tauscher

While we try to teach our children all about life,
Our children teach us what life is all about.
Angela Schwindt

Last night my 11 year old and I waited on the boat for the rest of the gang to finish up their work so we could head back to the mainland. We sat close together and watched all the different kinds of bugs that were attracted to the light we had figured out how to turn on. We enjoyed the long-legged wasp that did an aerial dance all around the long florescent tube. We counted all the different kinds of flies and made silly comments about why they were so happy to fly around the light.

Then we went on the back of the boat and laid down with our heads close together and looked for constellations. We found Orion and his belt. We even saw his knife hanging down. We could clearly see the Milky Way and found the Southern Cross. And for a while, we just laid quietly pausing the moment in time for just a little longer, but it was too fast. The moment was over and gone as we heard the others coming down the beach.

Too fast they grow up and too fast they go their way. May each one go his way with a few frozen moment memories of bugs and stars.

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

3 John 2

Wind Storm - Prayer Request

2011-02-25T16:20:00.000-08:00

BIG PRAYER REQUEST:

Lots of rain in our area, which is unusual for our semi-arid area. Last night a big storm with lots of rain and wind hit the island and tore the roofs off several cabins, knocked down trees and electric posts, and did quite a bit of damage to the kitchen.

Byron went out on the island today to do some pre-retreat preparation work, only to confront all the mess. Looks like our week before a very full Carnaval Retreat that begins on Saturday, March 5th, just got fuller!

Classes at the English extension school start on Monday at the church. Purchases for the retreat will have to be made this next week, not to mention packing, homeschool, and eating! Pray for us this week as we do our best to get the job done and do it will a smile!

p.s. I went today with little Deb's mother to the hospital in the big city. She is very sick with some sort of infection. Those of you who know Francisca from our congregation, please remember to pray for her daughter this week.

Sweet Birthday Boy

2011-02-21T05:55:00.000-08:00

My sweet baby boy hits the big 1-1 today! Eleven years old! Wow! Can it possibly be? As I look back over the years, it's so hard to believe how time has jumped forward from the day I found out I was pregnant, again! And ran home to get Mom and run back to town to buy things for a baby to put in the container that we were packing the very next day! So thankful for that high chair and other things we bought that day!

I remember the day we left the hospital in Fortaleza with our little fellow with no name. Yes, we left the hospital and had not named him yet. We had plenty of time since babies did not have to registered right away. We went to pick up William and Dalton at the Nunleys' house near the legislative building. I cannot remember exactly which day we chose the name, Greyson Samuel Atha, but we did shortly and took him to be registered near the Parangaba bus termianl, and that's what counts today.

He was a good baby and we enjoyed him as he grew and grew! He was the delight of all our neighbors on Santa Constancia in Joao XXIII. Many would come by and take him off my hands for an hour or so during the day just for the privilege of holding the little blonde, blue-eyed cutie!

Happy Birthday Baby! You're not a baby anymore, but you will always be my last baby and I hope you always stick close to home! :)

Your Mama,

Birthday Wishes

2011-02-17T18:28:00.000-08:00


Fortaleza, 2002

Sobradinho, 2007

Missionary Mom

Can't wait 'till they get called!
Can't stand to let them go!
Can't stop talking about them!
Can't stop worrying about them!
Can't wait 'till they get home!
(copied)

Happy Birthday, Mom! Happy Birthday from far, far away! Thank you for sending me off to the mission field. Thank you for encouraging me to do God's Will. Thank you for supporting my decisions inspite of the separation and the grief. Thank you for coming and knowing where I am and what I am doing each and every day. Thank you for all the prayers and time spent on bended knee for our family and our ministry. I love you!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

What's for Lunch?

2011-02-16T06:46:00.000-08:00

Leftovers for lunch today! All homemade! I had been posting this on my homeschool journal site - The Atha School for Boys. It really doesn't fit there as I am trying to keep that site for all things "edgy-kay-shun-nal." So my "What's for Lunch?" posts have hearby migrated to my blogspot!

Here's what's on the menu for today:
BBQ beans with hot dogs
BBQ beef sandwiches
Cole Slaw
Pickles (yes, I made these, too.)
Whatever else I can find in the refrigerator
One piece of chocolate cake each for dessert (I didn't make this.It came from a neighbor.)

Our Stone

2011-02-13T21:33:00.000-08:00

When our stone was made at Fortaleza Academy's new school site, Greyson was just an itty bitty baby. He had fallen asleep while they were getting the cement ready. I can remember not being very happy to wake my sleeping baby. But wise Byron said, One day you'll be happy you did.

Thinking tonight of an MK that passed away today that was a student of Byron and myself on the old Aldeota campus during our first years in Fortaleza. Yes, I'm glad Greyson's little hand is on that stepping stone.

Good night!

Guitar Man

2011-02-10T17:13:00.000-08:00

Ginger Bread Cyclops

2011-02-08T12:44:00.000-08:00

Made some peanut butter gingerbread cookies yesterday afternoon for a friend who is a kindergarten teacher to give out to her to her students today on their first day of school. These four were extras. I got a little silly with the icing, but the boys ate them up inspite of their crazy appearance.

Think what a better world it would be if we all - the whole world - had cookies and milk about three o’clock every afternoon and then lay down with our blankies for a nap. Robert Fulghum, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten

Smaosh-Ded

2011-02-06T06:09:00.000-08:00

"Smaosh-ded," that's what happened long, long ago to some lizard eggs at the hand of one of my boys. Last night Byron recounted the story for some visiting guests. Here's how it was told...

Once while remodeling the parsonage for the church in Joao XXIII in Fortaleza, Byron took toddler Dalton and little William along for the morning. As the men were clearing out rubbage from the back yard and working on the house, some strange eggs were discovered. Byron set one aside on the sidewalk or front steps of the house and said they would take it home and see if it would hatch to find out what sort of egg it was. He left do other things.

William and Dalton,1998

When it was time to go home, Byron called the two boys and stopped to get the egg. It had been cracked open and a small baby lizard was still inside. When Byron picked it up, the little thing jump out and ran off. He asked the boys if either one knew how it had been broken. They both responded that they did not know. And Dalton said, it just got smaosh-ded.

Next day, Byron takes the boys again and some more eggs are found. This time he said to the boys that he wanted to make sure they got to take one of these eggs home. Byron asked one of the boys if he thought that the eggs would get smaoash-ded today. The little fellow replied, No, I don't have a hammer today.

So which boy do you think it was? Remember Greyson was a baby and at home, so you can only choose between William or Dalton.

Withered

2011-02-05T10:10:00.000-08:00

Wither: verb

To make or become no longer fresh or shapely because of loss of moisture: dry up, mummify, sear, shrivel, wizen. See dry.
To waste away from longing or grief: languish, pine (away). See health.
To render helpless, as by emotion: benumb, numb, paralyze, petrify, stun, stupefy. See affect.

http://education.yahoo.com/reference/thesaurus/entry/wither

The following was originally written in the month of November of 2007. It is consistent true in the dry, hot, semi-arid of Northeastern Brazil where we live. The big city nearest to us states on their website that they get only 16 inches of rain per year!

Every time we come home from a retreat, the grass in the front yard is dry and withered. It doesn’t rain in Sobradinho. When we’re at home, I water the grass with the run-off from my washing machine and what doesn’t get enough from that, I top up in the evening with a little sprinkler we have. I enjoy raking the leaves and keeping the yard free from trash. I water some parts with a hose where it just doesn’t do to use the sprinkler and try to keep it looking mostly green.

I’ve been reading about gardens in the Bible….

It seems my life is a lot like our front yard. After retreats my feet are all dried up from walking in the sand. My skin is dry all over. I often get dehydrated while out on the island. It’s hot and we run from here to there taking care of everything with our current lack of help that there just isn’t time to drink as much water as we should. The boys are tired and cranky. It takes days to get back to normal and just to get back into the schedule of being at home.

Everything gets dried up! When we come back from retreats we return to a dried up congregation. We have to start the watering process all over again. Lately we’ve been gone quite a bit. There is no automatic sprinkling system for churches. We have to be there to do the job. We have no substitutes….

I’m trying to plan ahead and be better prepared for the "droughts." I’m trying to think ahead about what we will eat when we get home. We often arrive just in the nick of time to run to church for the evening worship service and there is no time to fix complicated meals and no stores open from which to buy anything. But some garden work can’t be done too far in advance. Mostly I can only try to control what I can, plan ahead, and hope for the best. I’m trying to make the garden of my home a green, growing place. A happy place in which to be. A place of rest and comfort. A place where growing can take place and should take place.

Greyson, 2007, Yard looks a little green!

Today it rained! For the first time since April or May, maybe even before that. Thank you, God for the rain. And thanks for the occasional shower in my life to keep me watered just enough to make it through until the real rains.

Above is an old post from the crypt written in 2007. I'm so thankful for little spiritual "rain" in my life this week:

visit from friends for the weekend
unexpected gift from my dear husband
an opportunity for which I've been praying for some time
my wonderful boys and a special learning time for one
strawberries to add to my crock pot yogurt this week

What was THAT?

2011-02-03T01:37:00.000-08:00

This morning I got up early to take care of some net things while the house was still and quiet. What to my surprise to find the top on my side bar with a photo that I did not put there! My first reaction was "Someone has hacked into my blogger account!" Then I saw that the little yellow advertisement was from a newly opened local DVD store. Local! Located right here in my little town. I was totally mad. Either it was an attack on my blogger account or someone more feign and horrid like the local net provider knowing all my frequently used passwords!

First thing I did was go to my major web places and change my passwords. Then I thought, big deal! If they are seeing everything I do, they know I just changed them and they know the new one I just put in! Ohhh! Now I was mad for sure! I made sure I was definitely logged out of all my favorite websites and the next thing I did was to figure out if there was a way to report the known? culprit. I knew the he had a blogger account because the "doido" (if you don't know what that means just google translate it) had the address for his own blog spot right on the stupid little yellow ad! UGH!

I still don't know exactly how the whoever did this, but it has apparently been resolved after Byron made a few phone calls to our local Internet provider. Seems this person did some work for them in their offices and must have thought this was a nice way to get some free propaganda for his new business - sell, copying, and rental of PIRATED DVD's.

So, a few lessons learned and the start to a kooky crazy day in Sobradinho!

Thanks to a comment here early this morning that led me to realize it was not universal but just a local occurrence! This helped to figure out who in the world was up to what!

Backwards "desserts" for my Thursday -

ran out of gas on the stove in the middle of baking a dish for lunch and didn't realize it until a good bit later

woke up way too early

Papa needed boys to go to help with bees

William discovered he had not finished several school related things

Think I need a chocolate cake!

Ephesians 5:20
Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

Happy Valentine's Day to You!

2011-01-31T17:30:00.000-08:00

These pictures are from a few years ago. My boys don't make valentine's for their mama anymore. Guess it's my own fault. But I can enjoy these from the cyber photo treasure box.

Brazil doesn't have a Valentine's Day in February. They do celebrate a sort of lover's day in May or June, can't remember which! But it's not the same thing. No little candy hearts with silly phrases about loving and liking, and no cards to pass out at school to all your friends either.

Some times it's hard to remember that it's time for a certain American holiday when no else is celebrating. Guess that's what those special send a card automatically websites are for, eh?

Well, in case I forget before the right day gets here this month, Happy Valentine's Day to you! You, whoever you are out there in the great big world. You, relatives and friends. You, readers and blog jumpers. You who happen upon this silly little post on my silly little blog. You, Aaron, Joshua and Isaiah, down south! And you, Grandma and Grandaddy, up north!

Some silly Valentine's quotes just right for silly boys:

I don't understand why Cupid was chosen to represent Valentine's Day. When I think about romance, the last thing on my mind is a short, chubby toddler coming at me with a weapon. Unknown

I claim there ain't
Another Saint
As great as Valentine.
Ogden Nash

Without love, what are we worth? Eighty-nine cents! Eighty-nine cents worth of chemicals walking around lonely.

M*A*S*H, Hawkeye

Son, you outgrew my lap, but never my heart. Unknown

Good poems for silly boys:

Shhh... Be Still, and Know Your God

2011-01-27T05:27:00.000-08:00

It's a Go, Go, Go! world. I've not been very still lately. In fact it seems I've been running here and there and everywhere. Sometimes the running is not of my design, sometimes it is. But with all the flitting from here to yon, it's hard to concentrate, it's hard to listen, it's hard to hear. It's hard to hear the still, small voice of God. We run and run and run and end up with no time at all for the important part of each day - communing with our God and Maker.

I'm so tired of running and getting nothing accomplished. You know what I think the best part of eternity in Heaven will be? We'll have all the time in the world, no deadlines, no curfews, no darkness and no concerns but that of singing the praises of God Almighty each and every moment.

If I could just take my last scrapbook, maybe I could finally get it done!

Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.

Psalm 4:4

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

Psalm 46:10

My Retreat, January 2011

2011-01-17T05:54:00.000-08:00

Rest! That's a friend's word for 2011! I know she's a hardworking, homeschooling missionary mom just like me and the word may seem totally ironic, but I know exactly what she means. She wants to look for those quiet times to sweet peace and rest in the Lord God. They may be brief, they may be far between, but those tranquil moments that we need to slowly recharge. Did you know that the rechargeable batteries that take longer to recharge last longer! We need that slow recharge from time to time to give us what it takes to be energizer bunnies!

Path to my Cabin

This past week was a six-day retreat out on the island for hearing-impaired. My responsibilities were limited since I was not in the kitchen, canteen, or did I have to do any of the shopping. So thankfully I could dedicate my free time for taking pictures for the camp website and to ME! I took lots of books for myself and the boys. The boys and I had a writing workshop time each morning during the morning service for the campers. It was short, but quality time.

I stayed in my cabin for a good part of each day and read for leisure and in preparation for a conference for women later this year where I will be the main speaker. I enjoyed catching up on my daily Bible reading, as well. I did lots of Sudoku puzzles, too! When I did need to go out to take photos, I took time to speak with campers and check up on the ladies in the kitchen. I also visited with the island caretaker's wife several times in her house.

My pal, Calebe, in the middle

In spite of all the work and flurry going on around me and some of the work to prepare to go and to pack up to leave, I had a good week of rest for my soul. I also took time to enjoy speaking with the boys and girls that had come along to the retreat. I am especially fond of one pastor's son and daughter and hope that they enjoyed our chats and walks together!

A Hummer for my Mother

The island was full of happy birds this week since we have gotten some much needed rain recently. One day I sang with a orange and black bird known as a sofrego. I would copy and whistle its little ditty and the bird would sing back to me. Some of the workers in the kitchen (hearing ones) were listening and came out to see the bird. I enjoyed that moment very much. I was not able to get a good photo of that bird. Hummers were out in abundance, both the small emerald ones and blue scissor tailed!

Book I'd love to read -

Just a Photo

2011-01-04T16:47:00.000-08:00

Here is the group of children that sang on December 19 at church in our Christmas program. I think there were about 19 including a visitor who had never even been to visit before this night. So... what is Greyson doing back there?

My Christmas Tree

2010-12-13T14:41:00.000-08:00

Each year when we get out our Christmas tree and all the ornaments we enjoy looking back a little. Looking back on all the ornaments that each boy has received over the years from the ladies of Community Baptist Church of Reidsville, North Carolina. Every year the ladies' missionary circle make ornaments to send out to all the sons and daughters of the missionaries the church supports. They hang them on a tree way before Christmas (in July I believe) with the name of each boy or girl. Church members are then asked to choose an ornament, write a note to that missionary boy or girl, and give a gift of US$25.

Every year since each of my boys have been born they have been receiving these gifts. When William was just a little baby that $25 dollars bought his Christmas gifts that year. When the other boys were small, that was the money I had to buy each one some much needed new clothes. Now that the boys are older, we have been giving them the money to do with as they see fit. While in the States we opened a savings account for each boy and gave each one the equivalent of several years of "back-pay" from these gifts to deposit.

One year a few of the ornaments were eaten by Blackie, our dog, who was a puppy at the time. Nevertheless each boy has almost all of his sent ornaments from over the years. Almost all of them have the little card attached with the message from the special church member who chose that child in that year. Having spent two furloughs now at the missionary house on Wentworth Street and attending school at Community Baptist Christian School, the boys can remember and "see the faces" of their givers well for the first time. It was joyful to see William reading last years' note from Mr. McKinney. I enjoyed seeing how many times the Stanfields have chosen one of my boys in particular. So many precious names and so many precious memories of our time in Reidsville. A few of the senders have gone on to glory, but are still remembered each year as we decorate our tree.

Each year when the package comes in the mail with the year's ornament and notes, I know that there is a church in Rockingham County of North Carolina that is sending love, care, and support to my family in Brazil. Thank you, ladies and all members of Community Baptist Church. Thank you for a fine place to stay while on furlough. Thank you, staff of Community Baptist Christian School. Thank you for all the years of your financial support. Thank you for your friendship. Thank you for your love and care for ALL your missionaries all around the world. Thank you for your HEART for missions!

Check out this book about how to take care of your missionaries!

A Summary of my Year?

2010-12-11T03:49:00.000-08:00

Interesting collage of some of my status messages on facebook this year. I especially enjoy saying when I am using my Cracker Barrell mug that three other important women in my life also have in their homes. Fun to remember Mrs. Whitten insisting on washing all the dishes while she was in my home in September this year for about a week. Funny to see that black tea and jelly are things that I almost always run out of and can't find here in Sobradinho. And even when our day seems long and not quite good, we can always forget it and start anew the next day!

Zephaniah 3:5

...Every morning He brings His justice to light;
He never fails...

My First Son

2010-12-05T06:09:00.000-08:00

Teaching SS while pregnant
with William

My first son, William, was born in Fortaleza, Brazil. It's a city of several million located in Northeast Brazil. It was a small miracle for me on several notes. In the States while on deputation, I had two miscarriages. One was never really defined beyond the point of God's will. It occurred around 9 weeks. The second was a molar pregnancy. There was a fetus, but it developed a form of cancer. That pregnancy also ended around 9 - 10 weeks. The year following the second miscarriage, I was tested each month for any signs of cancer. None were ever found. During that second pregancy I had gone in for a regular check-up only to find there were no life signs after a sonogram. My was husband was traveling in Brazil and wouldn’t return for several more days. The doctor insisted I go right over to the hospital for a DNC. When I stated that I would like to wait for my husband to arrive from his trip, I was highly criticized by the doctor and his staff. I had our pastor call the doctor and explain that this was our choice understanding the complications of a natural miscarriage could occur at any time. When Byron did arrive, I took him to the doctor’s office to have another sonogram done so that he too could see before taking any other action. This too was criticized. Our pastor went with us to the hospital on the day of the surgery. It was Pastor Ed Sears of Grace Baptist Temple in Winston-Salem.

We gave up on having children for the time and decided that we should concentrate on getting to the mission field and let God take care of the rest. I had only lived in Brazil for one year, and my Portuguese was far from fluent, when I begin to have those icky stomach feelings from time to time that made me wonder! Thankfully, a dear old American missionary nurse was recommended to me. She gave me the names of three ob/gyn's that she personally liked. I called the first two on her list, only to be told that I could have an appointment in a month or two. I was sure that I was already close to two months. and in a big hurry to see a doctor in light of my past complications. The third one I called said: "Come tomorrow." I went, and never regretted it. This doctor spoke English well. He did his best to explain everything in Portuguese first, saying it was to my benefit in the long run. He was by no means the cheapest doctor in town, but well educated in Brazil and the States, and well equipped. In his office he had his own sonograph machine. This may not seem like much to you, but in Brazil you usually go to the doctor to be examined. Then he sends you to a laboratory for blood work and other tests, a different place for any x-rays, a clinic for shots and vaccines, and then before you drag you sick body home you can stop off at another site for sonograms, etc. Then you have to go back with all these results, usually on a different day before getting any medicine prescribed or diagnosis. These are the complications of a foreign country. So I was very happy to see that not only did this doctor have a sonograph machine but that he was adept in its usage. He was also anti-abortion and pro-family in all rights.

The American nurse went along with me on many of my monthly visits. She also accompanied me to the hospital and stayed through the entire ordeal. I began having inconsistent back pains on a Sunday evening. Monday morning I went to see the doctor. He advised me to stay at home until things were well under way to avoid being stuck in a Brazilian hospital all day. Byron and I had walked to the appointment. I was enormous and it was not a short walk to the doctor's office. After we got back to the apartment where we were living that year, Byron said, Let's go to the mall and you can eat one last good lunch and walk around some. Seems he was in a hurry to see this labor thing begin! He bought a little stuffed animal raccoon for the new baby.

Baby William goes to church.

Around midnight Monday the pain was real and consistent. Contractions were coming every 3-5 minutes. First I called the nurse and she did the rest calling the hospital and the doctor as we made our way to the hospital. After a night full of contractions, I never fully dilated and things were not going well. Around 6am the doctor mentioned the possibility of a C-section. At that point I was so miserable I asked if that meant I could have pain medicine now, he replied that it did, and I readily accepted the idea. Within an hour or so my first child was born. The doctor discovered that the umbilical cord my firmly wrapped several times around the baby's neck, and felt if he had forced the natural birth, it may have very well killed the baby. I was confident that everything was done with skill and caring and had no doubts whatsoever about the necessity of the surgery. I was released the next day to the care of a missionary friend, my husband, and my personal American missionary nurse.

The nurse came the very next day, my first full day at home, and examined me, checked the baby, and stayed for several hours helping me get a good start breastfeeding, and just teaching me about my new baby boy. My friend, another missionary from my home state of Virginia, stayed on through the rest of the week cooking and cleaning and just helping out. It was Melissa Johson and the nurse was Mrs. Amy Bergen. My doctor's name was Dr. Raimundo César Pinheiro.

Baby William was visited by many of the misisonaries living in Fortaleza at that time and it wasn't long before Grandma and Grandad Beckner had passports and visas in hand to make the trip to see their first grandson.

Toddler William playing with a pipe,
what a dirty sight!

All three of my children were born in Fortaleza. All three with this same doctor. In the States I received top notch care, but not the loving, personal concern of the doctor I found in Brazil. Brazilians love children and consider the birth of a child an important event. I thank God for His timing in my life. Today I thank God for William on this his 15th birthday. I could not have a better helper, a better student, or a better friend. (Shhh! Except for those other two on their birthdays!)

Happy Birthday, William!