WOL Kickoff 2008

We had an awesome kickoff this evening. We met at church, got everyone signed in and sang some songs with some members of S.O.S. (Saving of Souls) Christian Band. Phil shared a message on pursuing eternal treasures and then we split up into teams and went on a pursuit of our own...a scavenger hunt. Each team had to find clues at various locations in Rensselaer. Some were pretty challenging but all teams completed the route and it was a great time.

Here are a few pictures from the evening...

Brazil Trip - Days 9 & 10

We departed from Grupo CEO at 5:20 am on Saturday, August 2. We arrived at the airport in Fortaleza about an hour later and got set to check in. This all went very smooth. Now after a week in Brazil it was time to say good-bye to Bill and Erika. It's amazing. Months and months go into the planning and preparation and suddenly you find yourself saying good-bye as the trip comes to a close. We got through security with no problems and then it was off to Sao Paulo. This flight lasted about three and a half hours. We then had a layover in Sao Paulo for about nine hours. Some of us slept and some of us played cards. There wasn't a whole lot to do. We walked through a few of the shops anticipating our last flight.

Finally, at around 5:00 pm we were able to go and check-in. Thankfully, everyone had all the correct paperwork and we didn't have any problems with anyone losing any documentation to get us back home. The process of getting through security and customs seemed more lenghty but that's the way it is with international travel. After a little waiting at the gate it was finally time to board United Airlines Flight 842 to take us to Chicago. It wasn't a full flight and the more savvy of us were able to snag a better seat! It's a lot easier to find a position to sleep in two seats than it is in one. For future mission trips, I highly recommend we purchase a business class ticket for the youth leader. He really deserves it. :)

Ten and a half hours later, we land in Chicago at 5:30 am CST on Sunday, August 3rd. We quickly got through immigration and our luggage picked up. It was a welcome site to see the Davis van pulling up to collect our luggage. Ron, Tim, Scott, Roger and Heather were all there to greet us. I (Phil) am still mad at Jessi for not letting me hug Heather first!

We stopped at a breakfast buffet on the way home and chowed like crazy. We did eat but travel is wearying and plane food is very average.

We rolled into the church parking lot at 9:30 am CST and all got together for a prayer of thankfulness. It was an awesome trip and the Lord worked in us mightily.

Thank you all for your prayers, blog comments and support!

Brazil Trip - Day 8

Today was an R & R day at the beach in Fortaleza. Erika's parents hosted us and had a magnificent lunch for us of chicken, salmon and other fish. The ocean was beautiful and it was great to soak up the rays and swim in the ocean.

This evening we had a huddle with the Moore's and the others here at Grupo CEO. We all shared what impacted us the most. It was a most memborable evening and week. So hard to say good-bye.

Please pray for us as we begin traveling early Saturday morning. Our flight leaves at 6 am CST.

Brazil Trip - Day 7

Hi, this is Kyle and I'm a bad blogger. I wish Phil would do this for me. I can't think of anything to write. My foot hurts so bad. I feel useless. I'm homesick and just sit around crying all day. I miss my mom. I wish I was Phil (except for the bald part). Ethan hardly ever checks on me. It's such a bummer.

I'm kidding, this is Phil with your daily blog. I made that first part up. Seriously, Kyle did excellent today. Helped with a lot at VBS and the work site! Ethan has been awesome too, doing a great job serving his brother.

Today was our final day of our servant ministries. We started this morning with the story of Noah in VBS. Casey, Dave and Ben did the teaching for us. We also finished teaching the dance routine to those that were there.

All your kids are doing wonderfully. I did fail to mention yesterday that Jessica hurt her foot too. Amazingly she also hurt it while playing barefoot outside. We need to bring all the moms next time so these kids quit running around without shoes on. They sure don't listen to me. So, yeah, it's a lot like WOL!

Katy felt a little sick this morning but recovered and did a great job today. All the kids have done great this week.

Jake and Jake led the basketball (basquete in Portuguese) and then kickball this afternoon.

We finished up the construction project this afternoon as well. Tom did a great job leading this project for our team. We whitewashed the walls and did the electrical work. We also moved dirt in the front yard to even out the ground. The girls did a lot of the whitewashing and Tracy helped with a lot of the dirt moving.

This evening we had a worship service with the kids. First with the younger kids and then with the teens. It was a great time of fellowship and worship. We did our big drama and of course the dance. We did it three times! We even got Bill out there for the finale...and Jake Goodman! It was great.

Afterwards we said our good-byes to the kids. Then I threw Jake Goodman in the pool! He was acting up.

Pictures may be forthcoming. Tomorrow perhaps. Love you all. Thanks so much for your prayers.