What’s up friends and family!
My morning started in the most refreshing way possible as Declan, Tim, and I jumped in the rooftop pool for a nice cold plunge and worship music it was a great way to prepare our hearts for another full day of ministry.
Soon after, we arrived at the City of Youth where the kids welcomed us with open arms and loving energy. We spent some time with the little little kids playing around and making them laugh and then flew kites with some boys named Lalo, Enzo, Arthur, and Lucas. Later we played soccer, spikeball, and even rode around on a makeshift green machine.
Later, we met Reggie, one of the house parents who is originally from Oregon. He took time to share with us some powerful stories about the boys in the home their journeys, their resilience, their troubles and the impact this ministry is making in their lives. It was a beautiful reminder of the “why” behind the work we are doing here.
In the afternoon, we got to work on a few projects around the campus. Our team scraped and painted the white picket fence surrounding main office and seeing it finished was deeply rewarding. We also began painting the inside of the office, and we’re excited to finish that job tomorrow. What might a week for the staff here, we’re able to knock out in a day or two and it’s an incredible privilege to lighten that load for them.
Midway through the day, there was a buzz of uncertainty aswe weren’t sure if we’d be able to attend the Brazil vs. Paraguay soccer match. With such a large group, securing tickets last minute seemed unlikely. But in true miracle fashion, our fieldworker Phil and his amazing team pulled it off!
Before heading to the game, a few of the boys, including Matos and Enzo, were pulled from school under the impression they were in trouble. Moments later, surprise! They learned they were coming with us to the match.
Getting into the game was wild, 46,000 people flooded the stadium, home to Corinthians during the regular season. At one point, Declan’s ticket wasn’t scanning, and we thought he might not get in, but thankfully, everything worked out. The atmosphere inside was absolutely electric. Brazil took the win 1-0 thanks to a goal by Vinicius Jr., and the chants, the energy, and even a fan who stormed the field made it a night to remember.
Leaving the stadium was like a real life version of Crossy Road. With helicopters overhead and crowds pouring into the streets, it was definitely intense. But thanks to the street smarts of our team, our wonderful local hosts and some quick feet, we all made it back to the bus safe and sound.
Each day, our team is growing tighter, not just as a group, but as a family. The shared work, the joy, and the spontaneous moments of fun have created a bond that’s hard to put into words. As one fellow missionary, Dr. Dan from Indiana, told us while passing through the city of youth with his team, “You guys just have a great gift of making people feel comfortable around you.” That stuck with me, because that’s exactly what we’re here to do, love well and serve wholeheartedly.
God is clearly moving here in South America, in the children, in the staff, and in each of us. We’re so grateful for the opportunity to be part of what He’s doing, and we can’t wait to see what tomorrow holds!
Te amo mutio!
(I love you very much!)
Cole Spake
