Oi! Bom noite!,
Today was banana day so we all wore banana/yellow shirts, and we went to the supermarket to buy bananas for the kids!
We had a lot of work ahead of us as we arrived at Montana de Esperança (hope mountain) on day 4 at 9am. The pine derby race was today and we had much preparation to get done for the boy’s cars. Cole, Tim, Albert, and Derek headed to the workshop to get the overall shape of the cars while the rest of the team worked with the boys on their designs. After a few hours of hard work from everyone we had 20 fully ready cars ready to race at 2:00!
We had some free time before lunch to hang out with the boys where we learned how to slack line! A local instructor and his wife came and set up 2 lines for us to try and one was even over the pool. The boys are truly so joyful and loving despite the traumatic past they all have. No one was safe from being pushed into the pool by the boys, who all know ju jitsu by the way. We ate and drank some more fresh coconuts as we got ready for lunch.
For lunch was had hot dogs, but nothing like was were used to. The chefs prepared hot dogs topped with chips, raisins, olives, an egg, and every some mash potatoes. I know it sounds really strange but it was surprisingly delicious! The clock hit 2 and we headed outside for the derby race!
Luciano, the head maintenance worker for Hope Mountain set up and track over 30 feet long for the cars to go down. Luciano was also the announcer for the event and truly brought the energy giving each boy an introduction and everything! One of the older boys gathered everyone together to thank us and pray for the group. Luciano and a man named Mathias also said some heartwarming words for the us.
We had a short break which followed shortly after by a futebol game, which has been a daily activity with the boys. We played 10 vs 10, Americans vs Brazilians, which lasted a couple of hours! The entire team played and we ended up winning in penalty kicks!
Before we knew it, it was time for dinner which was the highlight of the day. While not speaking português can be challenging to communicate we make it work! Dinner was filled with laughter and questions about each other! A few of the conversations led to a prayer for some of the boys. This part of the day was truly the best because it is the main reason we are here, to spread the Gospel to those who may not know it already. We then started writing messages on each other’s shirts with signatures to remember our time with them.
Please keep safety in your prayers as we head into our last day here and move on another campus for next week!
Tchau e até logo!!
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Matthew 28:19-20
