Hey Everybody,
We've passed hump week! I could tell it was hump week, because I started thinking of everything I wanted to eat when I get back. We were really busy all week doing triage, Karen and I saw 630 people in the 5 days, it was a lot. I liked it though, because I got to sit down speak to all the patients. My interpreters taught me how to ask all of the questions in Portuguese. I talked to a few people without an interpreter, that was cool.
This weekend we decided to do all of our shopping, so we went downtown to the place were all of the locals shop on Saturday and Sunday afternoon we went to the hippie fair in Ipanema. I got to do a little bargaining, I got everybody to knock off 5. I think I still paid too much, though. The coolest thing I bought was a painting of the beach. I had finished shopping and I was waiting around looking at some paintings that were really nice looking they were all beach pictures. The more I thought about it, the more I decided I wanted one. I counted up all the money I had left and I was 30 short and I started talking to the guy. I told him I only had 50, and we got him to knock off 20 and I got everybody who owed me money to pay up. So I got a really sweet painting.
We went to a family's house on Sunday after church and we had the best meal we have had in Brazil. We had chicken, sausage, and beef cooked on the churrasco and it was so juicy and flavorful. It was way better than the steakhouse we went to earlier and it was the perfect ending to hump week.
I decided that the ability to sleep anywhere in almost any condition is a gift and I am extremely thankful for it.
I am going to try and update again soon.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
Halfway
Hey Everybody,
I've just passed the halfway-point. It has been a good month. It has been good to get away and straight up serve. I really needed this time to get back the fascination and wonder that God is. Our missionary suggested when we arrived that we read Proverbs everyday. I used to read a Proverb a day frequently, when I was younger and it was good. I haven't done that in a few years, and its really neat see all the verses I had previously memorized. It has also been really good to see God bring a lot of new verses to my attention. I think I have always been drawn to Proverbs because if its blatant practicality in all situations. I have said this and alluded to this before, but I have been praying a lot about direction for the future. Prov 21:24 helps. There are several options ahead of me right now, and I am praying for the best one, not a good one.
This past weekend we went to Angra dos Reis, a city 2 hours west of Rio to do a clinic and spend the weekend. Angra is kind of like the Destin of Brazil. We stayed and worked in a small beach town called Monsuaba. I decided that if I ever had to get away from the government or something and get a new identity, Monsuaba would be the place to go. The town was very relaxed and isolated. We did clinic at the Baptist church there on Saturday and it very well, a lot of people came, including some pretty fun kids. The church did a good job publicizing the clinic and preparing. It was tough because the wife of the Pastor passed away from a bacterial infection that morning. The church members were very gracious hosts, even though they were mourning their sister. I'm keeping the church in my prayers. They are a neat group of people.
We stayed in a "simple" house in Monsuaba, one bathroom for 12 people + a cold shower in the front yard. It was good though and we had good time of fellowship with the Brazilian team. They share everything and are very generous. The one bad thing about the trip was a mosquito problem. They were bad, but only at night when we were asleep. I think they liked my bug spray, because I got ate up anywhere where there weren't at least two layers of fabric. I had about a hundred bites on my face (I counted), and a couple dozen on my hands and feet. If any pictures of me show up from the last few days, I did not get chicken pox or measles or Dengue. Oh well, its not as bad as it looks or sounds. I am going to see if I can get a quick job doing a before and after photo shoot for Proactiv or something.
They have this fruit called acai, that they freeze and puree. It's the closest thing to a sonic slush you can get down here and it is good. You can get almost any flavor syrup or add-in. As long as you get past the fact that it is dark brown and thick. I think I got it 5 times over the weekend.
We are working a clinic in Bangu this week and I am taking blood pressure for the eye clinic. Apparently, today we were only allowed to see people with diastoles over 100 and people who would not take their BP medicine, it was interesting.
My favorite Portuguese phrase right now is:
"Eu no falo Portuguese. Eu sou se dezir quien 'no falo Portuguese'."
Translated:
I don't speak Portuguese. I only know how to say 'I don't speak Portuguese.'"
I've just passed the halfway-point. It has been a good month. It has been good to get away and straight up serve. I really needed this time to get back the fascination and wonder that God is. Our missionary suggested when we arrived that we read Proverbs everyday. I used to read a Proverb a day frequently, when I was younger and it was good. I haven't done that in a few years, and its really neat see all the verses I had previously memorized. It has also been really good to see God bring a lot of new verses to my attention. I think I have always been drawn to Proverbs because if its blatant practicality in all situations. I have said this and alluded to this before, but I have been praying a lot about direction for the future. Prov 21:24 helps. There are several options ahead of me right now, and I am praying for the best one, not a good one.
This past weekend we went to Angra dos Reis, a city 2 hours west of Rio to do a clinic and spend the weekend. Angra is kind of like the Destin of Brazil. We stayed and worked in a small beach town called Monsuaba. I decided that if I ever had to get away from the government or something and get a new identity, Monsuaba would be the place to go. The town was very relaxed and isolated. We did clinic at the Baptist church there on Saturday and it very well, a lot of people came, including some pretty fun kids. The church did a good job publicizing the clinic and preparing. It was tough because the wife of the Pastor passed away from a bacterial infection that morning. The church members were very gracious hosts, even though they were mourning their sister. I'm keeping the church in my prayers. They are a neat group of people.
We stayed in a "simple" house in Monsuaba, one bathroom for 12 people + a cold shower in the front yard. It was good though and we had good time of fellowship with the Brazilian team. They share everything and are very generous. The one bad thing about the trip was a mosquito problem. They were bad, but only at night when we were asleep. I think they liked my bug spray, because I got ate up anywhere where there weren't at least two layers of fabric. I had about a hundred bites on my face (I counted), and a couple dozen on my hands and feet. If any pictures of me show up from the last few days, I did not get chicken pox or measles or Dengue. Oh well, its not as bad as it looks or sounds. I am going to see if I can get a quick job doing a before and after photo shoot for Proactiv or something.
They have this fruit called acai, that they freeze and puree. It's the closest thing to a sonic slush you can get down here and it is good. You can get almost any flavor syrup or add-in. As long as you get past the fact that it is dark brown and thick. I think I got it 5 times over the weekend.
We are working a clinic in Bangu this week and I am taking blood pressure for the eye clinic. Apparently, today we were only allowed to see people with diastoles over 100 and people who would not take their BP medicine, it was interesting.
My favorite Portuguese phrase right now is:
"Eu no falo Portuguese. Eu sou se dezir quien 'no falo Portuguese'."
Translated:
I don't speak Portuguese. I only know how to say 'I don't speak Portuguese.'"
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Evangelism
Hey everybody,
I know it's been awhile, I appreciate the encouragement. Last week we finished up the evangelism outreach in Caxias. It was a very positive experience for me, even though a lot of the people weren't receptive at the time and some of the youth we were working with weren't all with it. The toughest part was always right before I would share with someone and I was always like "What in the world am I going to say, God?" The words always came though and they were always different, the Holy Spirit works in mysterious ways. Like I said before, it's hard to share the gospel with someone and leave them, undecided. I just know that God's word does not return void. One guy got up and left three times while I was sharing with him. I told him that we waited for him and so is God, he decided he would wait longer. The biggest excuse everyone gave was that they weren't prepared. I guess it's hard to translate that there is nothing to prepare. Yet again, I came to the conclusion that evangelism is an aspect of the Christian life that works best when it is practiced.
Went to the beach on Saturday and it was pretty sweet. The waves were huge and awesome. They knocked me down at 2 foot and washed me ashore. I know it seems like I've been to the beach alot, but it's cheap, sweet, and relaxing. Suffering for Jesus is what Eric calls it.
Yesterday, we went out for the first time unaccompanied by a Brazilian or missionary and what did I do? I bought a donut and apple turnover, both of which were pretty good. The coolest part was I didn't speak any English. It's good to know that if I was stranded in the middle of the city I could find a confeituria and buy a donut.
Today we worked an evangelism clinic for a newer church. It was slow day, but a lot of high blood pressure. There were three little boys there who were pretty funny. They wouldn't come near me or talk to me nearly all morning. It was until I made them paper airplanes did I get some responses. They played soccer with balls of paper, but it was really an excuse for them to roll around on the ground and wrestle. It was more like football than soccer, but I couldn't tell them that.
We are going to a place 2 hours away called Angra dos Reis on Thursday and we will be there until Sunday. We are doing a clinic and evangelism, at leasts that's the plan. One thing about the trip so far is that plans change an average of twice a day. Angra dos Reis is supposed to be very nice.
If you want see more pictures or check out our missionary go to http://www.reesefamilyonline.org/
check the clinic pictures and Reese's Pieces
I also have skype, but no phone numbers since my phone is still gone markf.law I will answer.
Thanks for your prayers. I think we have most of our logistics under control.
Isaiah 43 has been well worth my time
Mark
I know it's been awhile, I appreciate the encouragement. Last week we finished up the evangelism outreach in Caxias. It was a very positive experience for me, even though a lot of the people weren't receptive at the time and some of the youth we were working with weren't all with it. The toughest part was always right before I would share with someone and I was always like "What in the world am I going to say, God?" The words always came though and they were always different, the Holy Spirit works in mysterious ways. Like I said before, it's hard to share the gospel with someone and leave them, undecided. I just know that God's word does not return void. One guy got up and left three times while I was sharing with him. I told him that we waited for him and so is God, he decided he would wait longer. The biggest excuse everyone gave was that they weren't prepared. I guess it's hard to translate that there is nothing to prepare. Yet again, I came to the conclusion that evangelism is an aspect of the Christian life that works best when it is practiced.
Went to the beach on Saturday and it was pretty sweet. The waves were huge and awesome. They knocked me down at 2 foot and washed me ashore. I know it seems like I've been to the beach alot, but it's cheap, sweet, and relaxing. Suffering for Jesus is what Eric calls it.
Yesterday, we went out for the first time unaccompanied by a Brazilian or missionary and what did I do? I bought a donut and apple turnover, both of which were pretty good. The coolest part was I didn't speak any English. It's good to know that if I was stranded in the middle of the city I could find a confeituria and buy a donut.
Today we worked an evangelism clinic for a newer church. It was slow day, but a lot of high blood pressure. There were three little boys there who were pretty funny. They wouldn't come near me or talk to me nearly all morning. It was until I made them paper airplanes did I get some responses. They played soccer with balls of paper, but it was really an excuse for them to roll around on the ground and wrestle. It was more like football than soccer, but I couldn't tell them that.
We are going to a place 2 hours away called Angra dos Reis on Thursday and we will be there until Sunday. We are doing a clinic and evangelism, at leasts that's the plan. One thing about the trip so far is that plans change an average of twice a day. Angra dos Reis is supposed to be very nice.
If you want see more pictures or check out our missionary go to http://www.reesefamilyonline.org/
check the clinic pictures and Reese's Pieces
I also have skype, but no phone numbers since my phone is still gone markf.law I will answer.
Thanks for your prayers. I think we have most of our logistics under control.
Isaiah 43 has been well worth my time
Mark
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Streets
Hey Everybody,
This week I have been working with a team from Tennessee doing door-to-door evangelism. It has been a neat opportunity. The majority of the team are high-schoolers who have never done something like this before. Yesterday we went out and the people were very receptive and we were able to share the gospel and pray with everyone. Someone told me Brazilians will say yes to anything, and that is probably true. Both of the men I shared with asked to become Christians and I can only pray that they were sincere. Today, we went down the street in the other direction and we had a totally different experience. Almost everyone was blase and didn't really care what we had too say. There were are also many distractions, like cars, teenagers, dogs, and loud music (Try to share the Gospel with barbi girl blaring in the background). We had one man mumble the sinners prayer and everyone else said they were fine. It was a tough reminder that nothing I can do or say, saves people. God calls everyone to himself and we might have the privilege of seeing the manifestation of God's handiwork and sometimes we might plant or water a seed. It was also a reminder of how much prayer is needed when ministering to people. There is an extremely strong catholic presence and most people believe that they can lose their salvation and they believe in works-based salvation. We go out everyday from 1:00 to 6:00 and witness in the neighborhood of Centanario. We are working at the same church that we did a medical clinic in 2 weeks ago, so it is cool to be apart of the follow-up. Pray for the people here, they are having a hard time understanding that Jesus died once, they are saved once and it doesn't matter how good or bad you are. Also pray that there would not be any distractions as we try and share with these people.
I did get the chance to talk with one of our church member guides today. He had a really cool story of how God changed him. He was in drugs and drug dealing with the rest of his family (In a lot of these communities, drugs are for money and not necessarily for habits). 3 of his family have been killed because of drugs, one was arrested and "released" by the police (he hasn't been seen in 6 years). God used a friend to save him and has done miraculous work in him, changing and protecting him. We were able to share with some of his family, but they are still undecided. Everyone has a story.
Random moment: We were walking to the grocery store today in a busy part of the city and we were stopped at a light. A older lady came up to me and said something in Portuguese and I told her that I didn't speak Portuguese. She then just stood there and motioned with her arm, that was holding a crutch, and I realized she wanted me to walk her across the street. I felt kind of bad because I kind of brushed her off initially. But, I've never walked an old lady across the street before either, cool.
I also found out they like to shoot off fireworks randomly after soccer games.
This week I have been working with a team from Tennessee doing door-to-door evangelism. It has been a neat opportunity. The majority of the team are high-schoolers who have never done something like this before. Yesterday we went out and the people were very receptive and we were able to share the gospel and pray with everyone. Someone told me Brazilians will say yes to anything, and that is probably true. Both of the men I shared with asked to become Christians and I can only pray that they were sincere. Today, we went down the street in the other direction and we had a totally different experience. Almost everyone was blase and didn't really care what we had too say. There were are also many distractions, like cars, teenagers, dogs, and loud music (Try to share the Gospel with barbi girl blaring in the background). We had one man mumble the sinners prayer and everyone else said they were fine. It was a tough reminder that nothing I can do or say, saves people. God calls everyone to himself and we might have the privilege of seeing the manifestation of God's handiwork and sometimes we might plant or water a seed. It was also a reminder of how much prayer is needed when ministering to people. There is an extremely strong catholic presence and most people believe that they can lose their salvation and they believe in works-based salvation. We go out everyday from 1:00 to 6:00 and witness in the neighborhood of Centanario. We are working at the same church that we did a medical clinic in 2 weeks ago, so it is cool to be apart of the follow-up. Pray for the people here, they are having a hard time understanding that Jesus died once, they are saved once and it doesn't matter how good or bad you are. Also pray that there would not be any distractions as we try and share with these people.
I did get the chance to talk with one of our church member guides today. He had a really cool story of how God changed him. He was in drugs and drug dealing with the rest of his family (In a lot of these communities, drugs are for money and not necessarily for habits). 3 of his family have been killed because of drugs, one was arrested and "released" by the police (he hasn't been seen in 6 years). God used a friend to save him and has done miraculous work in him, changing and protecting him. We were able to share with some of his family, but they are still undecided. Everyone has a story.
Random moment: We were walking to the grocery store today in a busy part of the city and we were stopped at a light. A older lady came up to me and said something in Portuguese and I told her that I didn't speak Portuguese. She then just stood there and motioned with her arm, that was holding a crutch, and I realized she wanted me to walk her across the street. I felt kind of bad because I kind of brushed her off initially. But, I've never walked an old lady across the street before either, cool.
I also found out they like to shoot off fireworks randomly after soccer games.
Friday, June 6, 2008
2 Weeks- Rocks, Guns, and Ladies ("Demetri Martin")
Hey Everybody,
Important story,
We went to the beach again this afternoon, but we went to the other side, it was really cool. There was this huge rock/mountain at the beach and the sand ran right up to it. So we did the only reasonable thing and set out climb the mountain. The view was amazing. I could see the whole Barra beach and all of the city not blocked by the mountains. There were no clouds or smog. The mountain was almost the size of stone mountain, but steeper. I really have to go back.
The reason I am describing this to you and not showing you pictures is, yes it actually happened and it was awesome, but my camera died. Sad, sad day. The point at which the beach meets the rock is also where the ocean meets the beach and the rock. There was no way I was going to climb that mountain and not take pictures, that is unless I dropped my camera in the ocean. I've tried fixing it, but all I have been getting are noises that sound a lot like gunshots. Oh well. On an aside, I have also lost my cell phone, I left it on the plane and I don't know where it is. It's like gadget revenge.
Speaking of gunshots, I want to be careful how I say this because we are very safe where we live inside the compound, but Wednesday I did something I have never done before. I fell asleep counting gunshots and last count was thirty-something. Rio is a violent place at times. I'll be here for 2 months and I don't think I will understand the complexity of the situation. I think people have written books on the reasons why the favelas exist and the process of social justice. The gang/mafia/drug or paramilitary leaders of the favelas are the final word and if they want justice, an explanation, or a scapegoat they get it. The government is probably more corrupt than a lot of these leaders and for them to enforce the law, they would have to enforce it on themselves too. So there is a type of selective system and laws and regulations are used when is to the advantage of whoever decides to enforce or ignore them. There is more I could say, but it is long and complicated. Also, we don't go anywhere that is not safe. As missionaries that provide services and help the favelas, Eric and his team are respected and protected and subsequently, so are we.
Lastly, I feel like I am on a 2 month long dating show. Everyone wants to know if we are single, even little kids. I guess it is kind of like the Bachelor (I have never seen the show), but if the bachelor didn't sign up for the show and all of the sudden was thrust on to the show. It was kind of fun at first, but it is starting to get old. I think I could have a foot for a face, but as long as I was from America and single I would still get all of this interest. No offense to the Brazilian ladies, but I have always intended to return to America the way I came, solteiro.
Important story,
We went to the beach again this afternoon, but we went to the other side, it was really cool. There was this huge rock/mountain at the beach and the sand ran right up to it. So we did the only reasonable thing and set out climb the mountain. The view was amazing. I could see the whole Barra beach and all of the city not blocked by the mountains. There were no clouds or smog. The mountain was almost the size of stone mountain, but steeper. I really have to go back.
The reason I am describing this to you and not showing you pictures is, yes it actually happened and it was awesome, but my camera died. Sad, sad day. The point at which the beach meets the rock is also where the ocean meets the beach and the rock. There was no way I was going to climb that mountain and not take pictures, that is unless I dropped my camera in the ocean. I've tried fixing it, but all I have been getting are noises that sound a lot like gunshots. Oh well. On an aside, I have also lost my cell phone, I left it on the plane and I don't know where it is. It's like gadget revenge.
Speaking of gunshots, I want to be careful how I say this because we are very safe where we live inside the compound, but Wednesday I did something I have never done before. I fell asleep counting gunshots and last count was thirty-something. Rio is a violent place at times. I'll be here for 2 months and I don't think I will understand the complexity of the situation. I think people have written books on the reasons why the favelas exist and the process of social justice. The gang/mafia/drug or paramilitary leaders of the favelas are the final word and if they want justice, an explanation, or a scapegoat they get it. The government is probably more corrupt than a lot of these leaders and for them to enforce the law, they would have to enforce it on themselves too. So there is a type of selective system and laws and regulations are used when is to the advantage of whoever decides to enforce or ignore them. There is more I could say, but it is long and complicated. Also, we don't go anywhere that is not safe. As missionaries that provide services and help the favelas, Eric and his team are respected and protected and subsequently, so are we.
Lastly, I feel like I am on a 2 month long dating show. Everyone wants to know if we are single, even little kids. I guess it is kind of like the Bachelor (I have never seen the show), but if the bachelor didn't sign up for the show and all of the sudden was thrust on to the show. It was kind of fun at first, but it is starting to get old. I think I could have a foot for a face, but as long as I was from America and single I would still get all of this interest. No offense to the Brazilian ladies, but I have always intended to return to America the way I came, solteiro.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Food
I think it's time for a discussion of Brazilian food. It's good. Almost everyone has heard of Brazilian barbecue, meat roasted on sticks over the fire for a long time. I think there are a couple of restaurants in Atlanta. It's better than advertised. Every restaurant that serves meat down here, cheap or expensive, cooks it the same way and it is so juicy and tender. A true winner. Most of the time it is served with rice and beans, but they could serve it with spoiled tofu and it would still be good. On a side note, they have this stuff that looks like sawdust and tastes like flour that you put on your rice and beans, I guess to soak up the bean juice. The smaller street stands and shops serve a lot of fried pastels (similar to a croissant) and empanada-type items. Anywhere near a bakery or side shop has an overpowering doughnut smell. Everything is stuffed with either, cheese, meat or seafood product. It's pretty good unless you eat more than one.
They have a type of soda called guarana and it is pretty good. It tastes like bubble gum ginger ale. I don't know if I said this before, but the milk here is bad. It tastes like all the cows wandered into an onion patch and didn't come back out. Chocolate makes it palatable, but only in the loosest sense of the word. The biggest surprise is the coffee. You drink it in little cups and use equal amounts of sugar. I became addicted during the clinic last week when they would bring around rounds in the morning (I am drinking it right now). American coffee probably tastes the same if you added a bunch of sugar, but I wouldn't know.
Micheal and I went to the beach yesterday.
They have a type of soda called guarana and it is pretty good. It tastes like bubble gum ginger ale. I don't know if I said this before, but the milk here is bad. It tastes like all the cows wandered into an onion patch and didn't come back out. Chocolate makes it palatable, but only in the loosest sense of the word. The biggest surprise is the coffee. You drink it in little cups and use equal amounts of sugar. I became addicted during the clinic last week when they would bring around rounds in the morning (I am drinking it right now). American coffee probably tastes the same if you added a bunch of sugar, but I wouldn't know.
Micheal and I went to the beach yesterday.
The water was blue, the waves were huge, and the sand was white. Probably the nicest beach I have ever been to.
I'm at a unique place right now, rest of my life-wise. I'm not in school, I don't have a job, med school will have to wait a year, I really don't have any money and I'm in Brazil. There are more than few possibilities right now and I was reading Proverbs yesterday and verse 25 and 26 says "Have no fear of sudden disaster. . . For the Lord will be your confidence." And to paraphrase Philippians 1 God will be faithful to complete the work he has started in me. I really have no idea what will happen in the next year, but I am pretty sure God has plan that doesn't entail joining the ranks of destitute biology majors.
Anyway here is the address I can be reached.
Mark Law
Bosque dos Esquilos
Rua Freijo No# 35 Casa 1
Jacarepagua, Rio de Janerio 22753-802
Monday, June 2, 2008
Favelas not Fables
Hey Everybody,
Thanks for your encouragement and support. Your prayers help in more ways than you can know. We finished the clinic with the team from Tennessee, we saw a crazy amount of people, I don't remember the numbers, but then again I don't care about numbers. Friday also started a 3-day rain fest that hindered our activities for the weekend, but it was good. The beach will just have to wait. I was able to sleep until 12:30 on Saturday, I haven't slept that late, maybe ever. It was good to recoup from a week of work.
Sunday night Michael and I went to a small favela church for a short evening service. By short, I mean 90 minutes. It was good because I finally got to hang out with some Brazilian kids. It amazes me that even at 22 kids still like me. I got asked all the important questions like, am I rich, do I have a girlfriend and who is my soccer team. On an aside, I am going to have to choose a soccer team very soon. There are 12 teams in Rio and everyone has a team they live and bleed for, much like college football. 75% of the men wear soccer jerseys down here. I was going to choose the team with orange and blue, but alas, there is not one. So I think I will go with the one best uniform or name. The short list of candidates are a team named after an animal(Flamingo), another is named for a famous Portuguese explorer (Vasco de Gama) and another has a name that I have no idea what it means, but it sounds cool (Flumenence). I am leaning towards the team that sounds cool, but I have yet to see their uni's.
Today we got to go to a favela, Rio das Pedras. We prayer walked for 3 hours this afternoon all around the favela. It was amazing to see how many people were crammed into such small area. The community was just like a mini-city. Its kind of like how micro-machines used to be. Everything was there but in a smaller scale. All the houses and shops are about 30x30 stacked on each other like building blocks. I have posted a few pictures of the favela and the past week.
BTW I have started the official ticker: Mark 1 Brazilian Women 0
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
