Jordan's Last Wednesday

Well we ended up not doing the washing of the feet with the teens yet. There were a couple of girls who headed to the movies instead of hanging out with us….so we plan on doing it tomorrow with the teens. We were able to have a pretty good conversation with the girls, although at some points it felt like pulling teeth! The girls that said they had questions were not there today, so maybe they will bring them up tomorrow!

Wednesday night, it was Pastor Brian’s turn to speak. But before he could get started, James and Renan had a little presentation for them! They were wearing his shirts, shorts, and shoes! It was hilarious! James kept pulling his pants up like Brian does and sticking his hands in his pockets. You have to see the video to truly appreciate it! Brian was laughing the WHOLE time!

There were a bunch of girls crying tonight too…this is Jordan, Rob, Nate, Tammy, Brian and the girls’ last night here! It going to be hard to see them go, they have been an awesome addition!

Washing Feet

Kiddos ~
Today we talked about Jesus washing the disciples feet and how if they have accepted Jesus into their lives, they still need to wash their feet, but the rest of their body is clean!

Preteens ~
Today is pretty much our last shadow question day (Jo and the rest of the team from Indiana leave tomorrow). So we took the time to answer any last questions they might have and talk about the weeks we were with them.

We then had them sit in a circle so that we could talk about the washing of feet and actually wash their feet, one by one! We told them that this was a serious time and that we wanted them to be praying while we did this. Most of them it seriously, there were only a few who were talking during that time. But I believe it is the quietest I have ever seen them! It was a neat experience!

Becasue of the rain, we played dodgeball until it was time to go! Awesome time as usual!

Teens~
Will see them soon!!! The girls are wanting to split up today so that they can ask us a few more questions...Then we will be washing their feet as well!

BENJAMIN!!

Well, he broke both bones in his forearm, in a couple different places. They are keeping him at the hospital tonight and he will have surgery in the morning...

His mom keeps saying "God is in control!"

Please pray for this family!!

Why Are You So Mean To Me??

I’m still not completely recovered from the weekend. After waking up this morning, I took a nap on the floor in the entry/living room…until the morning ritual was ready!!!

Today we talked about the changes the disciples went through when they were called to follow Jesus. Not only did they not hesitate, they also were willing to leave their families and what they were used to and go…Some of the preteens say they would be willing to go too…

The disciples were also about the preteens age, so I think it helped put it into perspective! Basketball was fun with them today…Jo, Rob and Nate played a game where they preteens had to keep them from scoring a point and if they did, they got a piece of candy! They enjoyed it too and some of them did get candy!

We talked about Saul/Paul with the teens today. Elo wasn’t back yet so we still couldn’t split up, but we will be able to tomorrow. The teens seem a lot more open and willing to participate when they guys and girls are split.

Jo, Rob, Nate and Laura shared their experiences from Brasil with them…although they answered what they learned from the teens instead of what they think of the teens. JP wasn’t in the translating mind set yesterday, so it made for some interesting conversations. There was also a huge group yesterday, so he had to be extremely loud. But it was great to have everyone there.

After the lesson, I had to chase Roberto around to get my backpack back from him. There was no way I was going to be able to catch him myself, so I hired Benjamin to help me out!! I paid him in candy (hahaha)! Marcos helped to…I was VERY GRATEFUL!!!

Later, while playing volleyball, Douglas, Roberto and I were on a team, which isn’t always a good thing! It started off well, until we started tripping each other to the ground. And then for some reason, I end up being sat on by both of them! And no one was coming to my rescue! I told Jo that we have to be in the same area from now on, that way I know someone will give me so help! “TIME”

That night at church, they continued this throw Carlyn to the round game, but I did my best to stay on my feet! It didn't always work...

Rob spoke on forgiveness tonight...something many of the teens struggle with, but it was neat! He used two different stories from the Bible and had the preteens and teens act it out! It was enjoyable!

After church, we were all hurried inside! Benjamin fell and broke his arm...so Bill rushed him to the hospital...once I know how he is, I'll let you know! Please pray for him, Amanda says it was in a U shape...

Relaxing, Yet Busy Day!!!

Today seemed like an easy day compared to the past three days! We had a few breaks between events instead of going 24/7 for 3 days! (Not that it wasn’t worth it, It just made me tired!)

It was great to see the little kiddos once again and throw playground balls at them…and with them…

The preteens were in a good mood, although a lot of them weren’t there, probably because they were tired out too! But we did have a good discussion about how we are to be changing for better serve God. Our question this week is: How is your shadow changing? So today Rob talked to the kids about Saul/Paul’s life. We reminded them that their life changes probably won’t be as drastic as Saul’s, but God can and will change us when needed, especially when we are ready and willing!

After lunch Rob, Nate, Tammy and Brian headed to VQ. Which left us with all the teens in the afternoon, which was cool, but we were unable to split up into our groups. We gave the teens to option of waiting until Rob and Nate were back to answer the rest of h the questions, but they wanted them answered that day. Many of them were very truthful and honest, others were interesting…

The hardest one to answer was “How did you enjoy your time in Brasil and What do you think of the teens?” Jo and Laura opted to answer the question tomorrow, but I was ready to go ahead and answer! I was honest; I was disappointed with them in the beginning because they kept making excuses for why they couldn’t meet with us. And it was hard to have discussions with them, but once they opened up, we were able to have better connections and understand each other better. I ended up getting really close with some of them, but felt we lost precious time in the beginning. I hope they took it the right way…we came down to be with them, learn with them and in the beginning, it was difficult, but the time we had later with them was awesome!

We played basketball and soccer as usual...although for a while, Jamile, Josepha, Joyce, Alane, Jo and I were playing "soccer" using a little ball and chairs on the porch of the dorm...it was interesting and my feet were really hurting later!

I did make a goal while playing soccer! I don't kick the soccer ball nearly as hard as they do, but somehow I got it in!!!

After youth, it was time to relax and try to recoup from the weekend.

33 Crazy Preteens

Preteens

The schedule for the preteens was crazy! If you want to see it, please ask...there was so much awesome stuff that went on!! Its hard to discuss it all when writing!

Servant’s Heart Award Winners
- Luana
- Lias
- Amanda (2)
- Paulina
- Luciana

Overall Team Winner – White Team (AWESOME PARTICIPATION in EVERYTHING)



Teens

For the teens on Friday (since we didn’t want to completely neglect them for the preteens) we had each person write out a question that they wanted to be answered and discussed! We only had an hour for the teens, so we only got through 3 questions…some of them were more difficult than others, but it was neat to see all of them participating!



On Sunday after church, one of the mom's came up to me and Jordan wanting to talk! She said that she never understood why her kids wanted to come to Grupo CEO so much, until tonight! And she is going to try to be more involved and make sure her kids come to the different events! Praise God! I was wondering about their mom!

A Long Thursday

Last night Bill and I stayed up talking to 2 in the morning! So I’m going to be dragging for a little bit!

Today was a good day! We split our groups again and the girls began a discussion on purity and what it means to be pure! Laura did a demonstration using a wrapped box and each time she mentioned something immoral, the wrapping paper was ripped off! I think it helped the girls get a picture in their minds. We talk about how far was too far and then discussed different examples in our lives of people who are in a relationship, but are able to stick to boundaries. I was able to use my sister, Emmalee, as an example...and most of the preteens and teens know her! They’ll get to meet Christian so enough…I don’t think Brazil is going to know what to do! But we had a good discussion and gave the girls time to ask any questions that they had.

At children’s worship, Jo and I were pulled up to the front once again, but it was fun! I was glad I didn’t take a shower before worship, I got even sweatier than playing games and singing earlier in the day!

After children’s worship we headed to the beach market! Jo and I each bought a hammock! I’m really excited! Jo and I are planning to use them before she has to leave Brazil (1 week  ). For dinner we ate at a pizza place! The chicken and cheese pizza was really good! We ended up back home around 1 am…long day!

They Opened UP!!!!

Wednesday

Today was another crazy day! It started off normal, talking about Moses and the excuses he gave God for while he wasn’t good enough to do as God told him. And we reminded them that God does not call the equipped, but He equips the called!

Today we were able to split the preteens into 2 groups as well, more personal time without the awkwardness if there were deep comments or questions. We had a great discussion and time with them as usual.

We REALLY had the girl teens open up today! We still talked about Moses, but then asked them what excuses the give God for not doing what He has called. Some mentioned being unable to forgive, not prepared, anger, etc. We asked for some examples, and that led to some deep conversations and feelings that many of them had.

Our first example was from a group of girls (although one spokes person). There are 5 certain girls, in that same room, that were pointed out, that aren’t speaking to 3 other certain girls. It is weird. They wouldn’t go into too much detail while we were sitting there, so we planned on talking to them individually during basketball. Later she mentioned that she doesn’t like talking out loud, but she felt that God was giving her the strength and courage to do it! (PS…she hasn’t accepted Christ yet…)

One of the girls mentioned how frustrated she is with her mom because her mom didn’t tell her that who she thought was her dad, wasn’t. She’s also angry that her mom gave up her youngest child to another family, because she felt that she couldn’t take care of them all, and she feels her mom would have been able to do it! This girl is also somewhat on the “outside” of the group, so for her to share it was awesome to see! It was a very emotional time for her! She nearly cried every other sentence, and kept looking at the clock because she was “taking up too much time.” But we were all willing to listen and wait, especially since she said that this is something she felt God wanted her to share! At the end of her explanation, I told to her that a true father is something that is going to take care of you! She obviously had one of those and because she has accepted Christ, she has a Father that is in control of everything! She is such a sweet girl and now I know how to better pray for her!

We got over to the basketball court with 15 minutes until 4, so Jo, Elo and Laura began talking to the first group of girls that were having problems! 30 minutes later, they began talking to the next group. 30 minutes after that (the rest of us headed to the Soccer Field – I made a goal!) the last person took her turn! Come to find out, the reasons why the people aren’t talking is a huge misunderstanding…as usual! We are hoping everything will be cleaned up eventually!

That night it was my turn to speak! We talked about finding Rest in Christ! I had one of my preteens (Paulo) holding a 5 gallon igloo full of water and asked him if he would like some help…he said no…so will I was talking about how sin, anger, unwillingness to forgive, and our pasts weigh us down, I kept pushing down on the igloo…then he wanted some help! So Roberto was in charge of holding the other side, symbolizing Christ helping us take weight off. Throughout the lesson, Jordan (The Holy Spirit) was removing water to symbolize the pain, anger and frustration in our lives being removed.

In the end, there was still a little bit of water left, but nothing like before. I asked Paulo which igloo he would rather carry, the one that Jesus is helping him with and the Holy Spirit has taken off our burden, or the other igloo (which now had all the water). He preferred the emptier one! There are always going to be things in our lives that we are going to let weight us down, but when we accept Christ and allow Him to work in our lives, He can take that pain and burden away from us!

It was a good day!

5 On One Team is Wonderful!

Tuesday

Today started off as a normal day! We had our groups in the morning…it was awesome having extra hands to keep the kids under control! We talked about Ruth and how she didn’t plan to have the future that God gave her, but because of her obedience and willingness to do as she was told; God was able to use her in big ways to save all of her people!

During the teen time, we split into two groups (boys and girls). This way we can talk about more personal matters! The girls were still pretty quiet, but I am sure that they will open up eventually!

We played soccer again today! It was fun…as usual…but I just watched this day…I was tired!

At the Bible study tonight, Rob was in charge of the lesson. He talked about be submissive to authority, submitting to parents, teachers and especially God. It was a great lesson that many of them needed to hear. And it is helping me figure out what to talk about tomorrow night!

That’s all for now…

Extended Family!

We are now one great big family in the Moore's house!

There are 5 sometimes more in Patrick and Douglas' room. Four people in Amanda's. Three people in Bill and Erika's and 4 in the guest bedroom (where us interns are staying).

After little kids worship, Bill's car and a taxi showed up, carrying the new additions to the team! They haven't been down for a couple of years, so it was neat to see the reactions from the teens that remember their study vs. the preteens that don't remember them.

We went somewhat easy on them their first day! We had the preteens group (talking about for shadows fear for the future)...Today we talked about Jonah and how his decision to run away from God didn't work out every well!

The boys (Rob and Nate (from Indiana) and John Paul (JP from IBC to translate) enjoyed playing basketball with them after wards! And having more people around, may make it possible to play volleyball and basketball at the same time with the preteens as we do with the teens! It was a good time!

Youth later on was fun too! We are going to start breaking up the groups into girls and guys, so maybe they won't feel so awkward. The teens worked on their skit and it is going well! I am hoping that when they do present it to the church, they will be able to be a little more serious, but overall they are doing well!

We got to play "signs" with them today! The teens understood the game a lot easier than the preteens! We ended up playing it for a long time because of the whether...and learned that it is important to know what different hand signals mean in different countries! (Mine was the awkward turtle, can't take that one the wrong way!)

After the lesson and playing signs, we ended up playing soccer once again! (Yes, no basketball, but we did have soccer, but there are less injuries on the soccer field when it is wet then on the BBall Court! Although, Rob was able to bust his toe up by kicking the concrete wall instead of the ball...he's doing better though!

It is going to be a blessing to have more people added to our team! Elo and JP are an awesome blessing too!