Church Christmas Program - Presentation

     After all the preparation, the time for the Christmas Program came at last!  The program was presented by a combination of the Choir, Special Music, Children's Singing, and Individual Narratives.

     Another church about forty-five minutes away came and joined us for the program and so the building was packed!  There were easily over a hundred people in attendance! 

     "Maria" was definitely ready and eager for her part!

     Johnathan and the Lockhart's daughter eagerly await on the front row with the other kids. 

     The Choir.  There really was a row of men across the back, but somehow they are all standing behind someone else.

     Bro. João Agusto recited his part of the narrative.

    We were even treated to a trio by the three Duarte daughters.

     At last it was time for the children to get up for their part.  Maria and José were proud to be with the babe in the manger.

     All the church children sang "Belo Som." 

     And then the service was concluded by a message by Bro. Jed Duarte.

     Afterward, we all enjoyed desserts and a time of fellowship.  I guess I was too busy eating to take any pictures!

Church Christmas Program - Backstage

    Sorry this post is a little late, but I wanted to let you all have a little look at the church's Christmas Program.  These pictures are "Backstage" from the practice time and preparation.
Pictures from the actual program itself are posted here.

     Here is a picture of the crude little manger that I was asked to build for the program.

     Most of the children loved dressing up for their character and getting ready for their part.

     Here is our little "Maria" as she prepares for her role.

    "Maria" enjoyed a special little moment with her "angel."

"Joseph" wasn't sure if he actually wanted to be Joseph or Karate Kid!

     Yes, Johnathan had a hard time being an angel - He's not used to wearing a halo or acting the part! :)

    Another one of the "Angels."

One of the Shepherds with Rambo Joseph.

     Ready to go herd some sheep!

They had a great time in preparation and then did very well for the program as well!


(You can read about the program by clicking here.)

Mahalia's Christmas Gift

A little walking narrative of Mahalia opening her Christmas Gift:

Oh, wow!  A present for me!

I wonder what it could be? 

oooh...  colorful!

Aaagh!  Someone gave me an upside-down, backward doll!

Oh, I see!  Hee-hee, my fault! :)

Oh, she's sooo preeetty!

I will love her,  and hug her, forever and ever! 

Ricardo - People of Brazil

Ricardo is yet another one of the boys who enjoyed Youth Camp this past year.

Merry Christmas from us to you!

And lest you think that we've lost one of our children, here's why Mahalia didn't make it to the final cut.

She was sooo afraid of the lights!  She screamed when I put her down in the lights, and laughed nervously at her brother when she was standing next to me watching him.  Crazy girl.

Anyway, we're all good now.  The lights are on the tree and she thinks they're quite pretty there... and safe...she hopes.

Rebeca - People of Brazil

    Rebeca is another girl from my continuing series of kids from this year's Youth Camp.

Here Comes the Rain! - PostCard from Brazil

     "Here comes the Rain!"  It seems like that is a common phrase here these days.  


     When we first arrived here in Brazil, it was the beginning of the dry season (our region really only has two seasons: hot wet, and hot dry) and so it never rained.  However, now we are coming into the rainy season and storm clouds can blow up out of nowhere and surprise us with a good downpour.  


     Though you can't do much outside during the rain, it's nice that it cuts the dust and often brings cooler temperatures immediately afterward - a very welcome relief!