2006 reads...a record year!

Just finished compiling my list of books read this past year. This has to be a record breaking year in number of books! These books have shaped this season of sabbath and discernment. I know they will play a valuable part in shaping all that is to come in 2007!

The List...

Thirteen Cents by K. Sello Duiker
A book about a 13-year old boy on the streets of Cape Town. Really shows the sad, desperate, and ugly realities of the "other Cape Town." A tough and graphic book to read, but gave me new eyes for Cape Town and the kids on the streets I saw.

Under the Unpredictable Plant by Eugene Peterson
A book that seeks to reclaim the spiritual dimensions of pastoral call and vocational holiness, using the example of Jonah.

Sleeping with Bread: Holding What Gives you Life by Dennis Linn, Sheila Fabricant Linn, & Matthew Linn
European refugee children during WWII were given a piece of bread to hold at bedtime, so they could sleep in peace and not fear homelessness and starvation again. This book takes this example and applies it to the Ignition prayer of Examen, where we ask ourselves what we are grateful for and what gives us life, as well as what we are not grateful for and what sucks life out of us.

More then Equals by Spencer Perkins & Chris Rice
The story of friendship and racial reconciliation between a white man and black man in the South. An important book for me to read in South Africa, as I examine my own heart and racism at home.

History of South Africa by Leonard Thompson
A great book on the history of South Africa and the racism that has existed from the beginning. Now I just need a book that picks up recent history and issues, post-2000.

Sacred Rhythms by Christine Sine, MD
I'll finish this one on the plane ride home. An excellent book that focuses on taking our spiritual pulse and finding a spiritual rhythm to our lives.

The Gift of Being Yourself by David Brenner
A book that reminds us that ultimately our vocation and call is grounded in relationship with God and who we are in Him.

A Sacred Sorrow by Michael Card
A book that opened my eyes and heart to the prayer language of lament in scripture and for today.

Let Your Life Speak by Parker Palmer
Reread this small and important book that speaks of discernment as it relates to call and vocation.

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
A classic! A story in which Christianity and Colonialism destroyed the stability and integrity of African traditional life and culture.

Spiritual Exercises by St. Ignatius
Since I have read a lot about Ignatius, I thought I better read him in his own words.

School(s) of Conversion: 12 Marks of a New Monasticism edited by: The Rubta House
Identifies the key marks of Christian communities living and serving in the abandoned and forgotten places in the U.S. and our world.

Friend of the Bridegroom by Thomas Green
A good introduction to spiritual direction.

Listening to the Music of the Spirit: The Art of Discernment by David Lonsdale
Most impactful book this year on discernment using Ignatius’ examen questions of consolation and desolation.

The God of Life by Gustavo Gutierrez
Great read in the context of living in a favela in Rio and spending time with children and youth on the streets.

Catch Your Breath: God’s Invitation to Sabbath Rest by Don Postema
Just what I needed this year of sabbatical!

The New Friars by Scott Bessenecker
Highlights five incarnational mission communities that are living and serving among the poorest of poor around the world.

Next Up in 2007…
- Eat This Book: A Conversation in the Art of Spiritual Reading by Eugene Peterson
- Companion to the Poor: Christ in the Urban Slums by Viv Grigg
- The Prophetic Imagination by Walter Brueggemann
- God of the Empty-Handed: Poverty, Power & the Kingdom of God by Jayakumar Christian
- Free of Charge: Giving and Forgiving in a Culture Stripped of Grace by Miroslav Volf
- Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott
- The Pilgrimage Way of the Cross by Edward Hayes
- The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr. edited by Clayborne Carson

12 days of christmas...more then a song

Here is some cool info on the twelve days of Christmas, beginning Christmas Day and leading up to Epiphany on January 6.

http://www.crivoice.org/cy12days.html

This web site, www.crivoice.org, really has a ton of helpful info and resources on the church calendar and seasons. It is quickly becoming a favorite of mine!

christmas day - christ candle

Sing to the Lord a new song, for God has done marvelous things;
God’s right hand and holy arm have worked salvation.
Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you.
The Lord has made salvation known and revealed righteousness to the nations.
Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you.
God has remembered his love and faithfulness to the people; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of God.
Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you.
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing.
Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you.
Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy; let them sing before the Lord, for God comes to judge the earth. The Lord will judge the world with righteousness and the people with equity.
Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you.

We have now light the four outside candles of the Advent Wreath. The first candle reminds us of hope. The second candle is the candle of peace. The third candle represents our joy. The fourth candle is for love, our love of God, and God’s love for us. We now light the center candle, the Christ candle. Jesus Christ is our HOPE. Jesus Christ gives us PEACE. We can have JOY because Jesus has come to us. Jesus is God’s greatest gift of LOVE. And because of God’s loving gift of Jesus Christ, we have life now nd forever.
Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you.

We Pray Together:Loving God, we are thankful that the waiting of Advent is over. We rejoice that today in the city of David a Savior is born. We rejoice that our hope is fulfilled, and God’s peace has come to earth. We rejoice that we can fully know God’s love in Jesus Christ. Help us to celebrate today and always that a Savior has been born to us. Amen.

Taken from:
http://images.rca.org/docs/discipleship/advent-readings.pdf

fourth sunday of advent...love

Fourth Sunday in Advent – December 24
Love & the Christ Candle
Scriptures: Psalm 103; John 3:16-21

Today we relight the first three candles of the Advent Wreath -- the candles of HOPE, PEACE and JOY.

Now we light the fourth candle of Advent. This is the candle of LOVE.

Jesus demonstrated self-giving love in his ministry as the Good Shepherd. Advent is a time for kindness, thinking of others, and sharing with others. It is a time to love as God loved us by giving us his most precious gift. As God is love, let us be love also.

In the Book of Deuteronomy we find these words:
"For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who is not partial and takes no bribe, who executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and who loves the strangers, providing them food and clothing. You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. -- Deuteronomy 10:17-19a

From the Gospel of John we hear:
"I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." -- John 13:34-35

Teach us to love, O Lord. May we always remember to put you first as we follow Christ's footsteps, that we may know your love and show it in our lives. As we prepare for our celebration of Jesus' birth, also fill our hearts with love for the world, that all may know your love and the one whom you have sent, your son, our Savior. Amen.

Taken from: http://www.natpresch.org/advent_liturgy.php

rose rejoicing sunday

Third Sunday in Advent – December 17
Gaudete Sunday (Rose Rejoicing Sunday)
Color: Pink
Theme: Joy
Scriptures: Isaiah 35:1-10; Luke 1:39-55

The third candle, usually for the Third Sunday of Advent, is traditionally Pink or Rose, and symbolizes Joy at the soon Advent of the Christ. In the four weeks of Advent the third Sunday came to be a time of rejoicing that the fasting was almost over (in some traditions it is called Gaudete Sunday, from the Latin word for "rejoice"). The shift from the purple of the Season to pink or rose for the third Sunday Advent candles reflected this lessening emphasis on penitence as attention turned more to celebration of the season. "Rose Rejoicing Sunday" shows how anticipated joy over our Savior's coming breaks through all our serious Advent preparation.
(Taken from: http://www.crivoice.org/cyadvent.html)

Lighting the Candle....
The third candle of Advent is the Candle of Joy. It reminds of the joy that Mary felt when the angel Gabriel told he that a special child would be born to her - a child who would save and deliver his people.

God wants us all to have joy. The angel who announced to the shepherds that Jesus had been born told them: "Do not be afraid. I am bringing you good news of a great joy for all people - for to you is born this day, in the City of David, a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord."

We light this candle to remember that Christ brings the promise of a new life - a life in which the blind receive sight, the lame walk, and the prisoners are set free. We light it to remember that He is the bringer of true and everlasting joy.

We light this candle today to remind us that he brings Joy to all who trust in him.

Loving God, we thank you for the joy you bring us. Help us prepare our hearts for this gift. Bless our worship. Help us to hear and to do your word. We ask it in the name of the one born in Bethlehem. Amen.
(Taken from: http://www.kirkweb.org/adventw.htm)

prayer for second week of advent...peace

Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen

a few parting shots....

Just a few more pics of Brasil friends my final week there...

Thanksgiving in Rio

With Andre & Clayton

With Ludmila and Rilo

Brasil Peeps on Thanksgiving

On retreat on a deserted beach just outside of Rio
(I'm not on Copacabana or Ipanema anymore)

Second Sunday of Advent

Theme: Peace
Scriptures: Isaiah 9:1-7; Revelation 21:1-5

Today we relight the candle of HOPE.

Now we light the candle for the second Sunday in Advent. This is the candle of PEACE. As we prepare for the coming of Jesus, we remember that Jesus is our hope and our peace.

From the prophet Isaiah:
"For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." -- Isaiah 9:6-7

From the Gospel of John:
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid." -- John 14:27

Gracious God, Grant that we may find peace as we prepare for our Lord’s birth. May divisions in ourselves and in our families be peacefully resolved. May there be peace in our cities and in the countries of our world. Help us to see the paths of peace in our lives, and then give to us courage to follow them. Lord, let us remember that you only are the giver of lasting peace and that you are always with us. Amen.

(Liturgy taken from: http://www.natpresch.org/advent_liturgy.php)

reading, listening, watching, & surfing...

Currently Listening To...
Songs for Christmas, Sufjan Stevens


Currently Reading...
The New Friars
By Scott Bessenecker


Currently Watching...
Blood Diamond
Going to see this movie this weekend. It highlights the conflict in Sierra Leone. The previews alone bring back memories of my visit in 2003. Timely for my upcoming visit to Sierra Leone in January ("on the way" to South Africa).


Currently Surfing...
http://www.metamorpha.com/
Metamorpha is an online community centered around spiritual formation. Metamorpha offers resources to inform those interested in spiritual formation (videos, articles, journals, etc.), tools for participation in the Spirit's transforming work (prayer exercises, spiritual disciplines, etc.) and community for discussion of the journey we are on (forums).

daily scripture readings for advent

The following readings include an Old Testament passage from Isaiah, a passage from one of the Gospels, and a passage from a New Testament epistle.

Daily Scripture Readings for Advent
(Taken from the Book of Common Prayer)
http://www.crivoice.org/daily.html

happy "church calendar" new year!

Yesterday was the first Sunday of Advent, which is also marks the beginning of the liturgical year in the Western Church. Advent is the first of six seasons on the Christian calendar and, as such, the beginning of a whole new (church) year. I am an illiterate Protestant on all this, so I am enjoying reading up and learning more.

I am finding myself more and more drawn to the rhythm and seasons of the church calendar and liturgy. I found a helpful website with lots of articles and resources on the church calendar and seasons.... http://www.crivoice.org

Here are a couple specific links that I found especially helpful this week...
The Seasons of the Church Year:
http://www.crivoice.org/chyear.html
The Liturgical Year:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liturgical_year

a year of blogging!

12 months, 8 countries, 123 blog posts later….the road continues ever on and on!

A year ago this week I made my first attempt at this blogging thing. The title of my blog comes from the Fellowship of the Ring when Bilbo Baggins leaves the Shire for an unknown destination…he did not know where the road was headed, but was off with eager feet!

The road goes ever on and on, down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the road has gone, and I must follow it if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet, until it joins the larger way
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say?
~ Bilbo Baggins in the Fellowship of the Ring

A year into this season of sabbatical and discernment, I still feel like Bilbo. 2006 has been an amazing year…God has exceeded my hope and prayers in it all! Thank you for sharing the journey with me in so many ways, including sharing our paths on this road via my blog world! It has been a great outlet to process, reflect, and share all God has had for me this year.

Candelaria Cathedral...

Today was my last visit with some of my friends on the streets of Praca XV. The Candelaria Cathedral is just about a five minute walk away from where the kids hang out. So, I decided to stop by the church for a time of prayer on my way to visit the kids today.

At 1:00 AM on July 25, 1993, as 50 homeless youths were sleeping on the grounds of the Candelaria Cathedral in this downtown section of the city, a group of gunmen drove up and began shooting. Four of the youths died instantly, a fifth was shot and killed as he ran, two more were abducted, beaten, shot and dumped in the gardens of the nearby Museum of Modern Art, and an eighth died several days later, never waking from a coma. Eight others were also shot, but survived their wounds. Three members of the Military Police were arrested for the crimes, and the shootings were reportedly provoked by an occurrence earlier in the day in which some of the children had allegedly thrown stones at a military police vehicle after one youth had been detained for drug use. It is thought that local shopkeepers hired the gunmen to rid the nuisance of these street children. The incident captured headlines and outcry worldwide.

Today outside the church there are eight silhouettes of children’s bodies painted on the sidewalk as a reminder of what happened thirteen years ago. As I sat there and prayed, I remembered my new friends just a five minute walk away. I know that injustice, brutality, and murder still exists towards the children and youth on the streets and in the favelas today. It just happens out of public view in the cracks, crevices, and forgotten places of the city. I often wonder what life is like for my friends when we leave, especially in the middle of the night. I pray that my friends would experience security, hope, and life in Jesus Christ. I pray for freedom from the chains of poverty and addiction that keep a tight grip on their lives on the streets.

May the image of those eight silhouettes painted outside the church serve as a vivid reminder to pray and stand up for those children and youth that live on the streets of Rio, Cape Town, and around the world.

another thanksgiving week highlight...

I almost forgot to mention another meaningful highlight of last week. Thanksgiving evening we visited a church that sits atop a hill in the town. The views from the top of the hill are beautiful. You can see the coastline in both directions. We shared communion together and reflected on our ultimate thanksgiving for Christ’s broken body and shed blood for us the cross. After taking communion, the peeps here prayed for me and my time in South Africa. Rio is almost parallel to Cape Town across the ocean, so it was extra cool looking out and realizing we are “just an ocean apart.” Whatever God has in store in Cape Town, South Africa, or wherever, the fleshies (WMF staff) here will have played a valuable part in God’s shaping and leading. I am very grateful. The prayer of commissioning was special and meaningful. The time together on the hill was toped off with a beautiful sunset over the ocean! What a gift!

thanksgiving week in rio...highlights!

I am so grateful for my final full week here in Brasil. As I wrap-up here and head home on Wednesday, here are just a few highlights of this past Thanksgiving week…

- Time with both groups of friends on the streets on Monday and Tuesday. It was a special time to share some words of thanksgiving to them and give them the bracelets I bought for them. A few of the kids shared their own words of thanksgiving to Deus (God), which was a testimony to me.

- I visited the Candelaria Cathedral in downtown Rio. In 1994 eight street children were murdered in front of this church. The death squad most likely included police and had the support of local shopkeepers to remove the “thieves and nuisances.” In front of the church there are eight body profiles painted on the sidewalk, as a reminder of what happened over ten years ago. It was an impactful time inside and outside the church. I will have more on this soon…

- Rich, Rebecca, Jenna, Ben, and I went on a retreat to the beach town, Saquarema, about two hours outside of Rio (Wednesday-Saturday). This beach area is well-known to surfers here in Brasil. It was nice to get away for some rest and quiet! The town was peaceful and the beach was empty! Our hostel/hotel was right on the beach. Just what we all needed.

- Wednesday night (Thanksgiving Eve) our worship time was in a room overlooking the ocean…it just doesn’t get any better! Something about the sound of the waves, the ocean breeze, and the saltwater smell refreshes and gives me life! We sang songs of thanksgiving and gratitude to God, reflected on Psalm 116 using Lectio Divina, and shared what we were thankful for. I landed on this verse…”Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you” (Psalm 116:7).

- I facilitated another day retreat with God on Thanksgiving Day. We all took several hours alone with God. What a great day to have time and space for this!

- Thanksgiving night our feast was a fish dinner at local restaurant on the beach! So great to share a meal around the table with my friends here.

- Our traditional Thanksgiving meal was on Saturday at Jenna’s place. Yes, we found a turkey! Everything was covered….stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, rolls, pumpkin pie, and more. I provided the green bean casserole and cranberry sauce, which I brought with me from home. I was impressed! Some Brasilian friends joined us for the afternoon and evening….Ludmila, Rilo, Clayton, Andre, and Tiago. It was extra meaningful for me to spend Thanksgiving with these new Brasilian friends, since I am leaving soon. The hard part was the goodbyes when the evening was over, since it was my last time to see many of these new friends.

- No Thanksgiving weekend is complete without shopping (ha!). So, I even got that in on Sunday, as I finished up my Christmas shopping here.

A full, special, and memorable Thanksgiving week here in Rio!

happy thanksgiving

I am off on a retreat for a few days. We will return to Rio late-Friday and then share our Thanksgiving meal on Saturday. More blogging when I return.....

the farewells begin....

Today was one of my last days on the streets with the kids. If the timing seemed right, I was prepared to share a few words with my friends and give them some bracelets I had bought for them. Since today was a holiday here in Brasil, it was a super quiet and mellow day. It was also a warm day, so the kids were down by the harbor hanging out and jumping in the water. It turned out to be an ideal day to say what I wanted to say. Thanks to anyone who was praying! The core group of kids were there…many who I remember meeting my first days here in Rio.

With the help of Jenna, Rich, and Ben’s translation, I told the kids that this week was a holiday in the United States called Thanksgiving, when we give thanks to God for His many blessings. I shared that as I prepare to return home, I give thanks for their friendship and my special times with them in Brasil. I also shared Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 that says, “Two are better than one…A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” I said I know they look after one another and that with God as the third strand their relationships they will be even stronger. I then gave them the braided string bracelets and told them they would be in my prayers.

While I fumbled around with my words, I am grateful for the opportunity God gave me today to try and express to the kids my thanksgiving for their friendship and that I will miss them. They really have welcomed me into their lives. Standing in the circle a few of the kids expressed their thanks for my presence and said they would miss me. They all ask me when I will return, which is always a bummer question to answer, since I don’t know when I will be back.

I am always trying to be aware of the gestures of hospitality and care that the kids will show to one another and me. Yes, there are often arguments and fighting among the kids, especially when they are having bad days. But, there are also lots of times when I observe the way they look out for one another. For example, today there was a new teenage boy who was deaf and mute with us. He was having fun jumping in the water. As he was walking away to leave, one of the regular guys chased him down to tell him to wait because we would be passing out food soon. Since the boy was deaf, this communication was all done with hand signals and pantomime. Really cool to see that today!

Fortunately, I did not have to say final goodbyes today…I will see this group of kids next Monday. Tomorrow we will visit the mother’s and children in another area of the city. Prayerfully, that will be another opportunity to express my thanks and share the bracelets.

thanks, i needed that!

Yesterday was our routine Monday to visit the youth and children on the streets near an area called Praca 15 (a plaza area named after November 15, a national independence holiday in Brasil which happens to be tomorrow). Typically, we find our friends under a spacious highway underpass that sits between two busy streets. On Mondays we take sandwiches, fruit, and hot or cold chocolate milk (depending on the weather).

On our way to visit our friends, we were stopped briefly by a young man in his early 20’s named Guilherme. He was sitting on the side of the road, surrounded by three or four of his friends, with a cast covering his right leg. I have seen them and walked past them often. He called us over to him as we were walking by. He asked us what we were doing down there, and when Ben answered, Guilherme responded….

"That's good. You know, I live on the streets too, and it means a lot when you stop and talk with people like us - not even to give us food or money, but just to talk and be our friend. And hopefully people (other Brazilians) will see this and realize that we aren't animals. We are people too. And maybe they will start to think about it, and will change the way they treat us. So thank you for coming and spending time with us. That's all I have to say."

WOW! When I later found out this morning what Guilherme told us in Portuguese, I was immediately convicted by my first reaction when he was making eye contact with me and motioning us over to talk to them. I thought to myself…”We don’t have enough lunch to share with these kids, too. We don’t have time to stop. Maybe we can just keep walking?” Thankfully, the others who were with me thought and acted better!!!! God seems to hit me with lessons like this right when I need them most! Prayerfully, the faces and smiles of these 4-5 youth on the streets and the words of Guilherme will stay planted in my heart and slap me around when I most need it! As I wind down my final couple of weeks here in Rio, I pray that I don’t neglect to smile, acknowledge, and respond to others living on the streets here in Rio. Actually, I need to remember these words back at home and in the South Africa too!!

Please pray for Guilherme, his friends, and the many others like them who do not have friends who visit them regularly on the streets!

corcovado

Today I went up to Corcovado, the famous Christ Statue that overlooks Rio. It was a cloudy and overcast day, but I needed to take advantage of the free day and do it while I could. Even with the clouds and haze it was beautiful from up top! Fun to see and identify all the many places I have been these past three months! Here are just a few highlight pictures. Notice downtown, Sugar Loaf, the coastline, and Maracana (the world's largest futbol stadium, where I went to a game in September)!

more pics

Just a few more highlights of the past couple weeks!

Final Portuguese Lesson Lunch Celebration!

Sugar Loaf

USA in Water Polo Semi-Finals
(Tim Hutten is in there somewhere)

Copacobana Beach

Beach World Cup - Argentina-Uruguay Brawl

At Beach World Cup w/ Andre

this week...

Yet another week has flown by here in Rio. Here are a few highlights…

- Got my tourist visa renewed at the Federal Police. No trip to Rio is complete without a trip to the Federal Police with visa issues. Fortunately, tourist visa extensions are much easier then all permanent, missionary, or student visa red tape that the WMF staff have hassled with for months here. The officer that processed my extension said, “You are a brave man.” It took me a minute to realize that he was talking about my favela address on the application. We joked that it was “extreme tourism”! Ha!

- Had my final Portuguese language lesson on Friday. I am grateful for my tutor Ludmila…she had a lot of patience for my slow language learning! Now if I could only find some Brasilians in So Cal or Cape Town to speak Portuguese with. We all marked the occasion with some great Chinese food and sushi!

- Went to the quarter finals of Beach World Cup on Copacobana beach. It was one of the few sunny days this week! Saw Brazil beat Canada, Portugal beat the Bahrain, BUT…. the highlight was an all-out brawl between Argentina and Uruguay. Uruguay scored in the final minutes, putting them ahead. Something set Argentina off and the fight escalated fast…fists, chairs, and police clubs were flying. The Brasil fans loved it, since there is not a lot of love between Brasil and Argentina. Thankfully, it all stayed on the field and in the player area just off the field…and didn’t spread into the stands!

- Our WMF community shared a time of worship, lament, and prayer on behalf of our friends on the streets here in Rio (similar to what we did at Grace last May). Using Psalm 10, we light candles representing specific names of friends and children who were on our hearts. We then took time to pour out our petitions to God on their behalf. The final verses of the psalm take on deeper meaning among my friends here….

“You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, so that mere earthly mortals will never again strike terror.” (Psalm 10:17-18)

sacred space for advent...

I have been researching the history and themes of Advent on the internet. I will be facilitating a time of Lectio Divina each of the four Sundays of Advent at Grace Community Church. Specifically, we will look at the key themes of each Advent candle and take some time in scripture meditation and prayer to focus and quiet our hearts for the season.

Grace Family, see the below announcement if you are interested.

In my research I found one article online that was especially helpful in understanding Advent. The article answered some of my questions like…why the candles are purple and why there is one pink candle on the third Sunday? I also appreciated the emphasis on hope and expectation for the Second Advent of Jesus return! Watch for my Christmas prayer letter on that one!

Here is the link if you want to learn more...
http://www.cresourcei.org/cyadvent.html

I would also love to hear any Advent traditions and ideas you might have. Just share your comments here!

Sacred Space for Advent – December Sundays at 9:30 AM
Grace Community Church of Seal Beach
The word Advent means "coming" or "arrival." The focus of the entire season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ in his First Advent, and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in his Second Advent. Advent is marked by a spirit of expectation, of anticipation, of preparation, of longing. All are welcome to join the Breakfast Club at Grace in December for a time of meditative scripture reading and prayer using the ancient spiritual practice of Lectio Divina. We will focus on key scriptures of prophecy and fulfillment of Jesus birth. Join us upstairs in the North Church on Sundays, December 3, 10, 17, and 24 at 9:30 AM. (It is not necessary to attend all four Sundays, you can drop in any Sunday you are available or in town!)

good weekend

Had a fun and relaxing weekend! After a lazy Saturday morning, I went to a water polo game to see Tim Hutten (from Grace at home) play in the ASUA semi-finals for the U.S. team. They easily beat Columbia and went on to beat Canada for the gold medal. On Sunday I went to church in the morning and then to the "Hippy Fair" (artists' fair here in Rio every Sunday) to start my Christmas shopping. Christmas shopping progress before Thanksgiving always feels good. I spent Friday and Saturday nights watching some TV on DVD on my laptop...I'm hooked on Grey's Anatomy and Arrested Development these days.

This weekend we "sprang forward" our clocks an hour, so I am now six hours ahead of California time.

With just three weeks left here in Rio, I am beginning to feel the clock ticking faster and louder. I really want to make the most of my remaining weeks here! This week includes...extending my tourist visa at the Federal Police tomorrow, time with friends on the streets, my final two Portuguese lessons, some FIFA Beach World Cup games at Copacabana, and more....

questions from my nieces...

My sister, Donja, has been sharing about my time here in Brasil with my nieces and nephew. It is so special to hear how they are praying for me and the kids on the streets. Last night during bedtime prayer, Alyssa (almost 7) and Ashlyn (6) asked Donja some questions about the children here. Email is so great! Donja emailed me after the girls went to bed…I emailed back before I went to bed…and Uncle Didi's answers (my best attempt anyway) were waiting for the girls this morning!

Here are their questions…
- Is there anyone Aidan's age or younger that lives on the streets (Aidan is their 3-year old brother)? (Alyssa)
- Are the children okay on the streets? (Ashlyn)
- What do they sleep on? What keeps them warm? (Alyssa)
- What do they eat? (Ashlyn)

Wow, those questions really get to the heart of it! Sometimes I get numb to the reality of the kids lives here, so those questions were a good reality check for me today as we spent time with the moms and younger children downtown. I thought of the questions and prayers of Alyssa and Ashlyn as I sat on the busy street corner with about eight children, age 8 and younger. Three little boys are Aidan’s age (or younger) and a few of the little girls are Alyssa and Ashlyn’s age. I couldn’t help but think of the contrast of their lives. But, at the same time, it was extra special to spend time coloring, playing, and loving the kids today. I was much more aware and attentive to the kids as they tried to talk to me, jumped all over me, and plopped in my lap. In some ways, I felt like God was using me to answer some of Alyssa and Ashlyn’s loving and caring prayers for the children today.

in case you were wondering...

Now that U.S. clocks have fallen back an hour, I am now five hours ahead of you all in the PST (Pacific Time Zone). Apparently, Brazil springs ahead in November, which means we will soon be six hours apart. Just in case you care!

Today I took a camera to the streets to get some pictures of my friends. Now that I have spent some time getting to know the kids, it seemed okay to take their pictures. But, it is always a big deal to bring a camera, as everyone wants to strike a pose for the lens. I tried to take a few pics on the sly, under the radar….but, I was spotted by a few of the kids pretty quick. So, after some coloring and eating sandwiches, I went ahead and pulled out the camera to finish up the roll. Fun times! I’ll get prints to share with them.

Today as we were in a circle getting ready to pray before our sandwiches, I realized I knew every kid’s name in the circle. It takes awhile to remember names and faces, especially when I don’t see a lot of kids consistently.

Some of you may remember Paulo, one of the first kids I got to know. I had not seen him for over a month…but, today he was there with the kids. I was able to tell him that I was happy to see him in Portuguese and sit with him for awhile. He told me “tudo bem” (all is well). Not sure if I will see him regularly or not, but I was happy for the chance to let him know he was missed. It really is better for him not to be on the streets, so, prayerfully, he is better off wherever he has been!

space for God in the forest...

Here are some pictures of the forest where we spent some time in personal retreat with God. Doesn't get any better!!

life in the fullest

“…I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10b

Our day retreat on Friday was just what I needed. The forest was a perfect place for solitude and quiet with God. See the pictures above and you will know why! Thursday night before our day retreat I posed two questions to reflect on as we prepared our hearts for the time with God.

- What do you bring with you today in way of lament?
- What do you bring with you today in way of gratitude?

Earlier that day we visited our friends on the streets. One of the young women, who was one of the first friends to welcome me into their lives back in August, wanted to share something with me. With the help of Ben’s translation, she shared that she lost her baby on Monday. From what we can tell, she was about 2-3 months pregnant before having a miscarriage. It is times like this that I really wish I could communicate and listen in Portuguese. Fortunately, I remembered the verb for “pray”, so I was able to say I am sorry and I will be praying for her. I then sat with her for awhile and played a couple game of dominoes. Later that afternoon another young woman was showing us pictures of her four children, who are being taken care of by other family and friends. She has showed us these pictures many times, but this time tears were running down her face as she told us the names of her children.

Needless to say, it was a pretty impactful day for me. My heart aches for these women and the children. As I considered the above questions later that night, I was lamenting over the realities of life for these women and children. Each week seems to bring a new story of a pregnancy, miscarriage, birth, or needs for the young babies and children. Michael Card in his book “A Sacred Sorrow” says, “Lament is the path that takes us to the place where we discover that there are no complete answers to pain and suffering, only Presence [referring to the Holy Spirit].”

Recently I read John 10 where Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd. In verse 10, he says, “…I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” In Acts 3:15 Peter refers to Jesus as the “author of life.” I have landed on these scriptures this past week. In my prayers of lament, I am reminded that God desires life to the fullest for his creation! And we are His instruments in sharing that life in the Spirit with those who are suffering and hurting.

My lament turned to gratitude and hope as I think of the WMF staff here and their presence among their friends on the streets. Their presence brings hope and life to the hurt and pain on the streets. I am grateful and excited for the vision God is developing to provide a drop-in center for the women and children here. Please pray for our relationships with these women and children and what God has ahead for ministry that offers hope and life.

a day in the forest tomorrow

First off, some good news to share! Ben is back in Rio! For those of you who have followed the visa drama, Ben was in the U.S. for 7-weeks working on getting his student visa. It has been over a year of visa hassles for Ben, so it is an answer to a lot of prayers that he now has his student visa. It will be good to have him a part of the community here my final month here in Rio. He is my roommate here at the Nichols place. The next prayer need is that Ben is able to find a place to live close by here in the favela.

Tomorrow morning Ben, Jenna, Rich, Rebecca, and I will make some space for God in personal communion and solitude with Him! We will get out of the favlea and the city for a few hours and go to a national park here that they refer to as a forest (Floresta da Tijuca). Apparently this forest is all that remains of the rain forest that once surrounded the city of Rio. There are hiking trials, creeks, waterfalls, and lots of green! The great thing is that it is only about an hour away by bus from where we live. I am really looking forward to the change of scenery and pace for a few hours tomorrow morning! Once we get to the forest we will split up and go off for our time with God.

As I was thinking and praying about tomorrow, I was reminded of the distractions that often rise to the surface in my head and heart whenever I sit down for some silence and prayer. As I have mentioned before, here in Rio, and especially in the favlea, there is a lot of activity and noise throughout the day and night. Whether the juke box just outside our window, fireworks, gunshots, loud funk parties, people yelling, motorcycles zooming by, or loud churches there can be a lot of outer distractions here, which is why we are getting away to the forest. But, I soon realized that the inner noise can be just as distracting, especially when we find space for solitude and silence. Henri Nouwen refers to these distractions as the inner monkeys that appear inside our head whenever we try to be still in the presence of God. Our worries, our concerns, our “to do” lists…they all immediately seem to rise to the surface. I think these inner distractions are often more difficult to deal with and surrender to God then the outer stuff, when we make effort to abide and dwell in His presence. God desires us to release those distractions to Him and find rest in Him.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

All that said, I look forward to tomorrow and whatever God has in store for the two of us…distractions and all!

rainy days and jenga

We hang out with our friends on the streets three times a week...Monday, Tuesday, and Friday afternoons. The past few days have been cool and rainy again, which I personally don't mind since the heat will be on here soon enough. When I was in Omaha last week I bought a Jenga game...you know, the one with the stacking wood blocks. It was a hit! Today I spent our entire time playing round after round of Jenga...fun times laughing and watching the tower of blocks lean, wobble, and eventually come crashing down.

Tomorrow is a birthday party for about 6-7 kids at a children's home where we spend time once a week. These kids (mostly younger boys) are a lot of fun to be with, so I'm sure it will be a great afternoon.

the soil of discernment

I am now well into the second half of my time here in Brasil. Lately I have been somewhat preoccupied thinking about South Africa and what God has ahead for me there early next year and possibly beyond. At times discerning decisions about the future can get overwhelming. This week I am reading a book titled, Listening to the Music of the Spirit: The Art of Discernment by David Lonsdale. Just the book I needed for this season of discernment and decisions. The below quote especially spoke to me this week…

"Christian discernment, therefore, means living in such a way that this basic fact, that we are daughters and sons of the Father and sister and brothers of Jesus Christ, actually does shape and color and govern all our decisions, both small and great....A daily, living relationship with God, therefore, is a precondition for good discernment...A process of discernment about an important choice requires the support of a form of daily living in which we are open and sensitive to the movements and leading of the Spirit of God in the path of the gospel. Fidelity to the Spirit in the daily round is the necessary soil in which large, important decisions come to fruition."

Discernment is not just about the BIG decisions; it is usually about the day-to-day stuff! What an important reminder that my time here in Brasil is the soil for discernment about South Africa next year. I need to remain faithful to all the Spirit has for me in my daily living and relationships here. Brasil is the soil for all God has ahead!

fearfully and wonderfully made

This past week I have been especially confronted with the reality of three young women and their pregnancies. One woman had a miscarriage at seven-months, another woman had her baby girl on Saturday, and another woman seems to be a couple months pregnant.

Today we found the new mother and baby girl. There is a street corner downtown where some of the mothers and their babies and young children spend their time. I also held another baby we see often (6 or 7 months old). I struggle with what to think and feel on days like today. It seems unimaginable to meet a sweet and beautiful four-day old baby for the first time on a dirty street corner, lying on a blanket and piece of cardboard. Part of me grieves for the life this new child has ahead, but at the same time I am sincere to celebrate this new life and say parabens (congratulations) to the new mom.

The one verse that keeps coming to mind is Psalm 139:13-14, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

These new lives are God’s creation in His image. He gave life to these young babies and desires the best for them. Please pray that our presence will represent God’s love, hope, and life amidst the harsh realities these families face on the streets. Pray that God will continue to give vision and discernment to the WMF staff here as they seek God’s best in serving these women and young children.

back in the jacare hood

After a week in Omaha, I am now back in Brasil ready for part two here! Besides WMF board meetings, I was also able to share in the surprise celebration for Chris & Phileena Heuertz and Brent Anderson, who all mark ten-years of service to the WMF community. It was fun and special to be a part of that celebration with these good friends! It was also fun to catch-up with other Omaha friends and, of course, enjoy sweet friendship and hospitality of the Gray family. When I left Omaha it was in the 40's....here in Rio it is in the 80's and 90's!

Today is Children's Day here in Brasil. It is actually a big Catholic holiday in honor of the patron saint of Brasil, Our Lady of Aparecida. But, in conjunction with the holiday, they focus on children. An appropriate reminder for me to pray for the children on the streets and in the children's home, I have grown to love.

I came back to some sad news this week. One of the young women on the streets lost her baby in a miscarriage at seven-months on Monday. Please pray we can minister the love and comfort of Jesus to this friend of ours during these days of grief ahead.

Time to get some sleep after an all night flight. More soon!

sights & sounds in the favela

Here is just a sampling of some of the sights, sounds, and activities in the favela that have become a normal part of life here...
- Juke box outside playing load music throughout the day and night
- Fire works going off throughout the day and night (sometimes for party fun, other times to alert the drug dealers that the police may nearby)
- Motorcycles weaving their way through pedestrians in the narrow streets
- Occasional gangsters with their guns strapped over their shoulder
- Friday Night "Bale Funk" party down the street which ends with more fireworks at 5 AM
- The Pentecostal church across the street going loud and strong throughout the week-including the monthly all night prayer meeting which involves some extra yelling and screaming
- Navigating my way through the crowds of people, motorcycles, cars, and vans that fill the streets, especially during "rush hour" times
- Buying tasty street food like "x tudo" burgers and french fries
- Buying bread from the bakery, meat from the butcher, fruits & vegies from the produce stand, and whatever else I need from one of several local grocery stores that sell all the staples
- Giving a thumbs up on a regular basis (I know this will probably stick for awhile when I get home, so don't think I am a nerd.)
- Quieter streets on Sunday afternoons when everything closes up

That is just a taste! It is impossible to really describe life here. At first, it is an overload to the senses. But, I am amazed how I am beginning to grow accustom to the favela rhythm of life. Trying my best to take it all in...

election day in brasil

It is election day here in Brasil. Since my arrival I have been handed candidate flyers daily in the favela and throughout the city. It is common to see people waving candidate flags and banners at intersections. Today there must have been a lot of left over flyers to distribute on the streets, because I could hardly walk to church with all the volunteers handing them out and throwing them up in the air. Normally, the streets have been littered with flyers, but today you could hardly even see the asphalt in one area. Maybe there is a commission or quota on the number of flyers you pass out. It might have been fun to see how many I could collect today. Ha!

Anyway, it is a Presidential election, as well as state and local. At this point in the election results, it looks like the current President, Lula, will not get a majority vote and face a run-off with the second place candidate. Looks like the flyer fun has not ended yet. Today, since we could not vote, the staff here spent time praying to the country and newly elected officials. May they be men and women with integrity and seek to respond to the needs of the poor and oppressed.

blog hiatus

Tomorrow I leave for Omaha for a week. I am using some frequent flyer miles to be a part of the WMF board meetings this coming week. I will probably be missing in action for a week or so here on my blog. But, I will be back!!

celebrating a birthday under a highway onramp…

For over a month one of the young women on the streets, who I will call “Lucia” has been reminding us that her 24th birthday was coming up. Our friends on the streets range in ages 0-30, but a majority of the kids are probably in their teens. It is often hard for me to guess their ages. Lucia is one of the young women that we see just about every time we visit with our friends on the streets. So, Rebecca made some cupcakes and all of us, including baby Ana, went downtown to celebrate Lucia’s life. It took quite a bit of searching today, as the youth were not in their regular spot. But, with the help of one of the boys, we finally found them all under a highway onramp with busy streets on either side. Everyone was there…except Lucia! This is the first day Lucia was not there, so her brother went searching for her. We hung out with our friends and thankfully Lucia eventually arrived with a smile on her face. We attempted to light the candles on the cupcakes and sang happy birthday, Brazilian-style. It was cool to see the smile on Lucia’s face as about 25 of us sang, shared cupcakes, and drank soda under a highway onramp with buses zooming by on either side of us. I hope and pray that Lucia felt loved and cared for today, in our simple gestures of celebrating her life.

I have still not seen my friend Paulo. We were told that he was at home in another part of the city for awhile. I do not know exactly what that means, but I pray home is a better situation then life on the streets. We do not know a lot about Paulo’s background and situation. It is hard to imagine the circumstances, backgrounds, and stories of these kids that makes life on the streets so much better then some of their homes. The addiction of the life of the streets is strong.

a few pics

Sugar Loaf

With Walter in Rio

The Forcatto Family

With Sweet Cora

Churrascaria!

With Brasil Staff - Rich, Rebecca, Anna, & Jenna

springtime

This week is the first week of spring here in the Southern Hemisphere, but today was cool and wet. In my six weeks here, I have only worn pants to church on Sundays and I have not worn my shoes once. I am at home here with my shorts and flip flop lifestyle. Today I should have at least worn my sweatshirt, as it was pretty cold this afternoon on the streets with the youth. While I was anxious to get on the bus to head home to warm up, I was once again reminded of the cold that my friends must endure all night on days like this.

Today we took sandwiches and hot chocolate to share. Our prayer time before the meal is evolving into something special each time. Today one of the kids asked the others to share something they are thankful for. Not all the kids shared and several were distracted, but I was touched to hear many “Obrigados Jesus” (Thank You, Jesus) as we went around the circle. Last week in a devotion time with the staff here, Walter reminded us to see the joy and life in the kids in the midst of the obvious suffering and harsh realities. Last week Cora Forcatto went with us…how fun to see the youth so excited to be with their new “gringo” four-year old friend. One of the older girls was gently chasing Cora around in a circle laughing and having fun. We also took a camera with us and the kids had had fun posing for the camera and doing dives and flips into the water of the nearby bay. It is important to pay attention to these moments and fun to share these times with my new friends

It has been over a week now since I last saw my friend Paulo. I pray for him and hope to see him very soon!

sharing the carioca life with the forcattos

Obviously, I have been missing in action for over a week here on my blog. My good friends Walter, Adriana, and Cora (and baby girl Forcatto due in December) were here in Rio to visit the WMF Brasil staff, since they are Regional Coordinators for South America. It was definitely a perk of my time here getting to share life with the Forcattos here in Rio. We spent time sharing ministry and time with the kids on the streets, but it was also a good time taking in the sights and experiences of Rio. Carioca is a term used for the people of Rio. There is even a book called, “How to Be a Carioca,” but more on that later!

This past week it was fun to experience the best of Rio, like hanging out at the beach, attending a Flamengo futebol game at the famous Maracana stadium, and eating out at a Brasilian churrascaria (all you can eat meat). After six weeks here in Rio, it was fun to be a bit of a tourist and take in some of these experiences with the staff peeps and the Forcattos. Their presence here was a blessing and encouragement to us all! Pics coming soon!

one month in rio...

I have now been here in Rio one full month! I think it is safe to say that the three weeks of “winter” are now over, but I can appreciate that being from So Cal! It is 90 degrees in the shade outside on the patio, while it is 93 degrees inside my room. Needless to say, I am now outside on the patio…I’ll take my 3 degrees cooler wherever I can find it!

Today I decided to take some time out with God to rest and reflect a bit on my first month here. There is not a lot of quiet space in the city and especially in the favelas, so I went to the Catholic Cathedral here in Rio. This enormous cone shaped cathedral was opened in 1976 and can accommodate 20,000 people standing up. It is prettier inside then it is outside with the light coming through the four huge stain glass windows. I have come to appreciate the sacred space found in Catholic churches and retreat centers. Somewhere along the way, we Protestants seem to have lost that space for God in our busy activity of worship and ministry. And the evangelical churches here in Rio really turn it up a notch in worship and prayer services. I’m sure it is cultural, since Brasilians are passionate about everything they do! But, I have found myself craving some quiet space and solitude. Thankfully, I found it for a few hours today at the Cathedral!

One scripture that really stuck with me today was Proverbs 31:8-9, “Speak up for those who cannot speak up for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about Sandros, the young man highlighted in the documentary “Bus 174” who grew up on the streets and held up a bus here in Rio a few years ago. This proverb sounds a lot like the question posed at end of the film, “Who will stand up for someone like Sandro?” It is estimated that there are at least 100 million children and youth living and working on the streets around the world. Over this past month I have probably meet about 30 kids like Sandro and about 10-12 of those kids I see on a regular basis. Today I asked God to help me know how to best stand up and speak up for my new friends, who are growing very close to my heart. I was reminded of their lack of security, love, and recognition as people created in the image of God. My prayer is that I stand up and demonstrate God’s love and grace to kids who are ignored and pushed to the margins of society.

just a few pics...

Cathedral in Rio

Inside the Cathedral

Lapa

Lapa & the Cathedral

hoje nas ruas (today on the streets)…

Once a week we make sandwiches to share with the kids on the streets along with some chocolate milk and fruit. Lately the two circles of kids have been together at the same place, which makes it a little more predictable where we will find them. Today there were probably about 20 kids who we hung out with for a couple of hours. It can be a bit chaotic passing out the food, but today went pretty smooth. Rich said a prayer for the food and most of the kids held hands with us in a circle. A group of kids then proceeded to recite the Lord’s Prayer, which they probably learned in the Catholic Church here. Today the kids were super talkative and we ended up hanging out with them a little longer then usual. A couple of the kids now know I only speak a little Portuguese, so they talk really slow to me and try to help me understand what they are saying. One of those kids was “Paulo” who I wrote about last week. It was fun today trying to communicate a little more with him. We recently learned that his mother is one of the younger women on the streets….he has probably spent his entire life growing up in this reality, as many of the other younger children will do the same.

Tomorrow I will already have been here one full month! I am very mindful and grateful for all the prayers on my behalf. I have settled into life here much smoother then I anticipated. I know that is a testimony to so many people praying for me. I am feeling more and more connected to the kids each visit.

My good friends Walter, Adriana, and Cora Forcatto arrive on Friday for a Word Made Flesh field visit for a week. They are the Regional Coordinators for South America. It will be fun to spend some time with them and share life here in Rio for a week.

Well, it has been a long day, so I will boa noite (good night) for now. More later this week!

missing my lifetime, friend!

Deputy Sheriff, Daniel Lee Archuleta

On this two-year anniversary of your being in the sweet presence of Jesus….I sure do miss sharing life with you here, my lifetime friend! Only two friends have shared life and memories with me since the very beginning…you and Matthew! Danny, we shared so many sweet times and memories together…causing trouble for Sunday school teachers and youth leaders, family memories like camping as kids, and hanging out and having fun as young adults. The list is too long for this memorial! You have been on my mind and heart these recent days, as I am serving Jesus among the poor here in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Danny, I will always be grateful that you joined me on my first short-term mission trip 17-18 years ago when we served in Spain. I will always cherish the Bible we got on the trip and the kind and meaningful words of friendship you wrote inside. I thank God for a friend like you who was willing to take that important step with me to go on a mission trip as a young college student. God used that trip in significant ways to begin to shape and grow my heart for those in desperate need of the love, grace, and compassion that can only come from Christ! Here in Rio I am also reminded of your life dream to serve in law enforcement. In a place like Rio where the police have a reputation for terrible and corrupt things, I am grateful for all those who are called to serve and protect with integrity and honesty. Danny your huge heart of compassion was a gift to all those you came in contact with, including your family and friends and those you assisted briefly in law enforcement. Our thirty-five years of friendship is a gift I will always be grateful for. And before we know it we will be together again for eternity! Love you, my brother and my friend!

Danny Archuleta's Memorial Web Page:
http://www.odmp.org/reflections.php?oid=17447&offset=0

this & that...

Today is Independence Day here in Brasil...the first of two independence holidays here. The second one is November 15. Rich and I went downtown to visit the kids on the streets. (Ben is back in the U.S. for a few weeks working on his student visa.) The downtown streets were dead and empty of traffic and people. We weren't sure who we might find, since it was a holiday. But, we ended up seeing more of the kids and youth then usual. There was a mixture of the two primary circles of kids, which has been rare since I have been here. Today I was hit with the reality of young children on the streets...there were six little children, probably ages 0-6. The young girls/women have children very early and do their best to care for their children on the streets. It grieves me as I realize the harsh realities for these babies as soon as they enter the world. Today I also saw my friend Paulo, whose birthday it was last week. We had a good time playing some cards. If all else fails with the language barrier, the kids know I am always good for a game of cards!

I had my first dream speaking Portuguese last night. Well, I wasn't speaking in a full on conversation...I was practicing some simple sentences with someone. But, the Portuguese words were actually coming out of my mouth in the dream. So, maybe some language is sinking in just a little??

Finally, my random life in the favela story for the day....
There is a LOUD juke box just oustide where we are living that plays music throughout the day and night. Most of the time it plays hip hop or funk, which the Brasilians love here. Well, the other night at 3:00 AM....I am woken up with "We Are the World." I instantly flashed back to high school and the 1980's...and the song was in my head all day! Only in the favela!

fall & college football

Fall is probably one of my favorite seasons...not exactly sure why? Maybe it is the college football?! Well, it's not fall here in Brasil...it's winter, coming up on spring. But I think the cooler weather here in Rio this weekend probably felt more like fall then in So Cal. I read it was 90-something degrees at the Rose Bowl on Saturday. Since this weekend was the first weekend of the college football season...I wore my UCLA t-shirt to get in the spirit. I'm sure I am probably one of the only ones here in Rio who cares....after all, they have the Jogo Bonito (beautiful game) here! Had some fun checking the internet for the College Gameday scores at 2 AM. Looks like my all my college football friends had good win days...ready for fun Travis, Chris, Jon, and Christian!

feliz aniversario!

God continues to break my heart for the youth on the street I am meeting. After just a few more days I am now beginning to get more familiar with some faces and names. One boy in particular has really stuck with me…I will call him “Paulo.” I met Paulo for the first time on Tuesday under the highway overpass. My first introduction to him was playing his version cricket with some plastic soda bottles, a bottle cap, and piece of cardboard. We then played a few games of cards…when he sat down to play, he said he was really serious about playing because he was setting aside his drugs (the paint thiner most of the kids inhale). Paulo’s spirit and sense of humor grabbed my heart on Tuesday. He was telling some jokes, smiling, and laughing, which is not often the case for many of the kids who have been through so much to just survive.

Today we saw Paulo again. One of the first things he told us was it was his birthday today…September 1! Today he is 14 years old! Thankfully, I remembered how to say Happy Birthday in Portuguese. So I shook his hand, gave him the thumbs up, a smile, and a “Feliz Aniversario.” But I was left wanting to do more to celebrate the life of this new friend. Tonight Paulo is on my heart and in my prayers. I pray he does not feel alone and that he feels the loving embrace of God, wherever he is this rainy birthday night! I also pray that I may continue to see Paulo in future times on the streets!

Tonight (and these first weeks in Brasil) a song written by a friend, Jeff Zabel, is the prayer of my heart – “Irresistible.” The lyrics are below, the song is on itunes, if you want to hear it.

IRRESISTIBLE
Written by: Jeff Zabel
You brought me to this holy place; And in your presence I am found acceptable
I am caught up in the smile upon your face You’re purely irresistible
And I can’t help but sing your name Jesus
And I can’t help but bring your name to those without you
So draw them to this holy place; Bring the lost so they’ll be found acceptable
May they see you in the smile upon my face; Make me irresistible just like you
And I can’t help but praise your name Jesus
And I can’t help but praise your name Jesus
And I can’t help but praise your name
I want to copy you, I want to love just like you do
A friend of sinners big and small, grace that makes it possible
To hold the hand of prostitutes, to dine with those of disrepute
Change my heart and make it long to seek and save
And reprobates will dance to long and sing your name
And we can’t help but praise your name Jesus
And we can’t help but praise your name Jesus
And we can’t help but praise your name Jesus
And we can’t help but bring your name to those without you

in jacarezinho favela

Here I am on the upstairs patio where I am living in Rio...

"City of God" & "Bus 174"

About a year ago I watched two Brazilian films that highlight the life of children and youth in the favelas and on the streets of Rio -- "City of God" and "Bus 174." These films were often violent, intense, and difficult to watch, but were helpful preparation for my time here.

The documentary extra on the "City of God" DVD titled, "News from a Personal War" was just as enlightening and eye-opening as the movie itself. In the documentary one police chief asks, "How do you keep two million people under control...how do you control the underprivileged?" He goes on to justify the repression and corruption. I have begun to experience this firsthand as life here in the favela is most often about watching out for the police as I walk the streets of the neighborhood.

“Bus 174” is a documentary about Sandos, a boy who grew up on the streets of Rio, who held up a city bus here in Rio a few years ago. The news here followed the story live, so there was a lot of news footage of the event. The documentary traces back the life of Sandros and the events of his life on the streets that led up to the tragic day on the bus. The film closes with a few powerful quotes that stuck with me. One man comments, "...society doesn't want to deal with it...society wants all the Sandros to vanish because it cannot bear reality...invisibility is perfectly accomplished by death..." Another woman asks, "Who will stand up for someone like Sandro? Who? No one."

Being here in Rio just two weeks I have seen the children and youth being pushed deeper into the invisible margins, out of public view in the cracks and crevices of the city. But, at the same time, I have also seen some dedicated and compassionate friends standing up for these kids and loving them with the love of Jesus.

just a quick saturday night update…

Has it already been a week since my last post? I guess time flies here in Rio, too! While I have settled in well these first ten days, my stomach wasn’t as cooperative earlier this week. I was out of action for a couple of days recovering from some stomach bug. But, all is well now! I’m back in the game. The last few days have included a few Portuguese lessons, a couple of visits with the youth on the streets, visiting a home for children, and serving dinner to homeless men with Missionaries of Charity. Next week will be more of the same. Then I will flesh out more of a weekly routine here.

Tonight I went to dinner with Ben, enjoyed a tasty Acai smoothy (made with a berry grown in the Brazilian Amazon), and watched a few episodes of the Simpsons on DVD(another opportunity to practice language with the Portuguese subtitles). Tomorrow I plan to visit the beach for the first time…then church tomorrow night. They have morning and evening services here. Church goes pretty long, so we will just pick one service tomorrow!

Now I am off to study some Portuguese before bed and pray that it absorbs deeper into my head as I sleep!

sunday in rio...

Today was my first Sunday in Rio. I went to church with Ben in the neighboring favela where Jenna lives. Ben and Jenna go to one church and the Nichols attend another church in another part of the city. I will go with Rich and Rebecca next week. This morning I really appreciated the worship and music at the church. While I don’t yet understand the Portuguese, the time of singing with these Brasilian brothers and sisters in Christ was a special worship time this morning. It also occurred to me sitting in church that I can practice Portuguese by learning songs and reading scripture in Portuguese side-by-side with the English Bible. Multi-tasking at its best!

One goal during my time here is to continue to grow in my understanding and practice of taking a sabbath! I have gained so much from a little book called, Catch Your Breath: God’s Invitation to Sabbath Rest by Don Postema. The author spends some time talking about Sabbath as a time to pay attention to holy things. “Sabbath helps me celebrate a ‘there’s-more-than-meets-the-eye’ reality… ‘Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy’ is an opportunity to sense the sacred, to open ourselves to the reality of the holy, to realize there is more than meets the eye. Much more. Sabbath is a time for being in the presence of the holy and letting the holy shape our lives.”

This sabbath Sunday I tried to pay attention to God’s presence here in Brasil and its people! Here is some of what I noticed and appreciated:
- Worshipping with Brasilian believers
- Cool “winter” breezes (when it gets below 80 here, they call it a “cold front”)
- Thunder, lightening, and big drops of rain (as I speak)
- A neighbor boy flying a kite from the roof across the way - his faces of both intensity and joy when he got it up really far and high! (some hard core kite flyers here in the favelas!)
- Reading Psalm 27 in Portuguese – God’s dwelling place of safety and rest is found here in Jacarezinho (the favela community where I am staying)

I am thankful for these first days here and the hospitality of the WMF peeps here! This week ahead I continue my steps into life here with Portuguese lessons each day and putting it into practice with those I meet. More soon…

settling in...

My first four days in Rio de Janeiro, Brasil have gotten off to a good start! My luggage arrived one day after I did due to some flight delays making my connection in Miami. I barely made the flight, but my luggage didn’t. When my luggage did arrive, the driver from the airline would not drive into the favela neighborhood to deliver my luggage. I was away with Rich visiting some of their friends on the streets. So, poor Rebecca had to enlist one neighbor to watch the baby while she went with another neighbor to drag my two heavy bags a few blocks through the neighborhood to their home where I am staying. So much for not drawing attention to my stuff and heavy bags. My excuse is…books are heavy!

The WMF staff here have taken good care of me and given me space to settle into life here these first few days. It is a lot different settling into 3 ½ months here versus my usual 2-3 week visits other places. These first few weeks will be primarily Portuguese lessons and settling into a rhythm of life and ministry here. I have a lot to observe and learn these first days…getting around on public transportation, shopping for food, and getting used to life here in the favela. I will also spend time getting introduced to the ministry opportunities here and meet their friends. After a couple weeks I will then flesh out more of a weekly routine on where and how I will spend my time.

There are lots of sights and sounds to take in. I am at a loss on how to even describe it yet. Maybe I will be able to after a little more time here? Each night has been full of new sounds in the favela…loud music of all varieties, Pentecostal preachers, Friday night “bale funk” party, fireworks, and cats in heat just outside our bedroom door. Good thing I can roll over and go back to sleep pretty easily!

I am grateful for all the prayers and emails across the miles as I settle into life here. I know God has much to teach me during these months here. I pray that I will have open eyes to see, ears to listen, and a receptive heart to learn and grow.

here in rio

Just a quick word to say I made it safe and sound. After a little excitement at LAX with a fire on the baggage conveyor belt, I still made my connection in Miami. But my luggage didn't. :( Prayerfully, tomorrow! It is good to be here with the WMF peeps. More soon...I'm going to sleep after a loooooong day! :)

off to the airport

One final post before I shut down this computer, pack it, and head to LAX. My next post will be from Basil. So grateful for all the love and prayers these past days! Until soon....

anchor scripture

This summer I have been spending a lot of time in Psalm 27. The Psalmist writes in times of enemies and foes, and days of trouble. But amidst all this he finds rest, confidence, and safety in the dwelling place in the Lord...

"One thing I ask from the Lord,
this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life.
to gaze on the beauty of the Lord
and to seek him in his temple." Psalm 27:4

The Message goes on to paraphrase verse 5:
"That's my only quiet, secure place in a noisy world..."

It has been good to rest and meditate on these words and prayers from the Psalmist. Eugene Peterson, author of many good books, who also paraphrased The Message, puts a high priority on the Psalms in our daily reading of scripture. In his book Under the Unpredictable Plant, Peterson says, "The Psalms...are the set place where we habitually go over the ground and vocabulary and rhythms of prayer, immersing ourselves in the centuries-layered praying community, becoming companions with these friends who prayed and pray."

Psalm 27 is this for me. It is amazing to consider that these same prayers, seeking God's dwelling place, have been prayed for centuries by disciples of Jesus. I leave for Brazil in three days. The prayer of Psalm 27 gives me peace, hope, and rest!

thankful

This past month, as I prepare to leave for Brazil, I have been reflecting on this first half of 2006. It really has been all that I hoped and prayed for and MORE! Thank you Lord! I am grateful to God for the amazing ways he has weaved together times of travel, learning, being mentored, growing, and resting in Him! In early-2005 I wrote a staff sabbatical proposal for the church leadership at Grace. Obviously, I didn't end up taking the church sponsored sabbatical while on staff. God had other plans! I did, however, end up sticking pretty close to my sabbatical hopes and goals, but instead it was on "my own time." I guess you could call it my self-sponsored, "in between jobs sabbatical."

Here is what I wrote in my sabbatical proposal back in early-2005...
"Two books have been helpful in considering how to make the most of this sabbatical opportunity: Clergy Renewal: The Alban Guide to Sabbatical Planning and Journey toward Renewal. As both book titles suggest, the emphasis is on renewal. One author describes sabbatical as "a time to receive, to be nurtured, to dig deeper into yourself, your relationship with God, and your own roots and stories, so that you can be renewed, refreshed, and revitalized by the breath of God." In a nutshell, this understanding of sabbatical has been the guiding framework for me as I prayed and pursued options for this sabbatical time. I feel I have reached an important season of ministry where I need to step back from all God has done and make intentional space for God to renew, refresh, and revitalize my personal relationship with Him and ministry."

As I read and revisit what I wrote a year and a half ago, I am overwhelmed with thanksgiving for how God answered my hopes and prayers! This sabbatical season has truly been a time of renewal, refreshment, and revitalization in my relationship with God and in ministry. In addition, this season has also made me realize the importance and value of Sabbath rest! Very rarely do we have opportunity to take six months for Sabbatical! But, making space and time for weekly Sabbath in our lives is vital to our spiritual lives and relationship with the Master. Plus, God tells us to honor the Sabbath and leads us by His example! Too often I have neglected Sabbath in my life...but, it is something I am convinced that I must give intentional priority moving forward!

Stay tuned...

henri nouwen eLetter of the week...

Henri Nouwen is a favorite of mine! His writings renew and refresh me, as well as point me toward deeper in relationship with Jesus and others. There is a Henri Nouwen Society web page that is a great resource. They offer daily and weekly eLetter mediations. I just signed-up for the weekly email. If they all are anything like this first one below, they will be weekly emails worth reading and reflecting on!

http://henrinouwen.org
(Look for the free eLetter link.)

On the Journey to Becoming Friends
written by ALBERT LEWIS

Truly, one of life's greatest gifts is friendship. And a close friendship nurtured over many years is a blessing to be cherished. In such a friendship, life's greatest moments and deepest disappointments can be shared, and the rough edges of daily coping can be made less harsh. With the closest of friends we can share feelings and thoughts we may not be ready to share with partners or family. Perspective can be gained, and ideas and ideals may be tested.

Often, though, friendship is more about listening than it is about talking. And that can be very difficult. Like many others, I sometimes think I know what is best for my friend. I want to say: "This is what you should do." But because I have not been asked, it is not for me to make such a statement. The Spanish Jewish poet Ibn Zabara (1140-1200) wrote: "Friendship: one heart in two bodies." We see our friend's pain and anguish, and we feel it with him. We sense our friend's delight, and we celebrate with her. Yet we must always know the anguish and delight are not ours; we are guests invited to a table we did not set.

Sometimes we expect too little or too much from friends. We think we can handle all the challenges of life. Or we wait for our friends to save us without sharing the real issues that confront us. How can a friend be a friend when we tell her everything except that which pains the very pounding of our hearts?

A Hasidic rabbi is credited with saying: "The man who thinks he can live without others is mistaken; the one who thinks others can't live without him is even more deluded." We all need and need to be friends.

some books for the journey...

This week I decided to compile a list of books on the spiritual life that have impacted me and have helped shape and form my inner journey with God these recent years and months. Wow, the list ended up a lot longer then I expected. Most of these books were recommended to me, so I thought I would now share them with anyone who is interested. Some of the books are written by Catholic authors and highlight Catholic traditons and spiritual practices of prayer and meditation on scripture. While I was at it, I threw in some books on vocation and call that I recently have learned from and reflected on. Please post comments sharing any related books you can recommended!

For what it's worth...

Introduction to Spiritual & Contemplative Life
Space for God: The Study and Practice of Prayer and Spirituality
Don Postema (Faith Alive)
A favorite of mine for ten plus years! Using the art of Van Gogh and the writings of authors such as Henri Nouwen and C. S. Lewis, this book a series of meditative readings and spiritual exercises that help create space for God.

Sacred Rhythms
Christine Sine (Baker Books)
A helpful book to consider your “spiritual pulse” and the rhythm of life.

Soul Feast
Marjorie Thompson
Another good introduction to spirituality and disciplines. It gives helpful tools and practices to consider in finding a rhythm of life. The final chapter highlights the Benedictine “Rule of Life.”

Collections of Spiritual Practices and Disciplines
Spiritual Disciplines Handbook
Adele Ahlberg Calhoun (InterVarsity)
Introduces and highlights over sixty spiritual practices and disciplines.

Soul Shaper
Tony Jones (Youth Specialties)
This book is published for youth ministry, but is practical for any age. It introduces twelve spiritual practices and gives suggested ways to exercise them in community.

Prayer & Temperament: Different Prayer Forms for Different Personality Types
Chester P. Michael & Marie C. Norrisey (The Open Door)
This book recommends different types of prayer appropriate for the different Myers Briggs temperament and personality types. The book includes different forms of prayer like Ignition Examen, Benedictine Lectio Divina, Augustine, and Franciscan prayer.

Specific Practices and Disciplines
Catch Your Breath: God’s Invitation to Sabbath Rest
Don Postema (Faith Alive)
From the same author who wrote Space for God. This book can also be used for group study and reflection.

Lectio Divina
M. Basil Pennington (Crossroads)
An introduction to the ancient practice of praying the scriptures, Lectio Divina.

Contemplative Bible Reading: Experiencing God through Scripture
Richard Peace (NavPress)
An introduction and small group application guide to Lectio Divina.

Sleeping with Bread: Holding What Gives You Life
Dennis, Matthew, and Sheila Linn (Paulist Press)
Introduces the prayer of examen, highlighting the questions of consolation and desolation. (I.E. - When did I feel the most alive? When did I feel the most drained?) Don’t be fooled that it looks like children’s book…it is a helpful starting point to understand examen.

A Sacred Sorrow: Reaching Out to God in the Lost Language of Lament
Michael Card (NavPress)

Clergy Renewal: The Alban Guide to Sabbatical Planning
A. Richard Bullock (Alban Institute)

Journeying toward Renewal: A spiritual Companion for Pastoral Sabbaticals
Melissa Bane Sevier (Alban Institute)

Prayer Books
Sacred Space: The Prayer Book
Jesuit Communication Centre, Ireland (Ave Maria Press)
A daily prayer book designed by the Jesuits in Ireland using a form of Ignition prayer and meditation on scripture, usually the gospels. The prayer book is published each year and begins with advent in late-November. You can check it out at www.sacredspace.ie.

Celtic Daily Prayer: Prayer & Readings from the Northumbria Community
(Harper Collins)
A collection of liturgies, prayers, and meditations. I especially like the Morning and Evening Prayer expressions that are designed to be done in community, but I have used them in solitude, as well.

Spiritual Direction
Sacred Companions
David Brenner
An introduction to spiritual direction and spiritual friendships, including a chapter on spiritual accompaniment groups.

Soul Guide
Bruce Demarest
A book that introduces spiritual direction, using Jesus life, ministry, and relationships as a foundation.

Vocation & Call
Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation
Parker Palmer (Jossey-Bass)
This book defines vocation as listening to the voice of who you are and who God has created you to be. Great final chapter on the seasons of life.

The Gift of Being Yourself
David Brenner (Intervarsity)
A book that reminds us that ultimately our vocation and call is grounded in relationship with God and who we are in Him.

Under the Unpredictable Plant: An Exploration of Vocational Holiness
Eugene Peterson (Eerdmans)
This book uses the example of Jonah to better understand vocation and ministry.