faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law
Galatians 5:22-23
The Greetings:
Raquel & I send greetings to our family and friends living in North Bay, Ottawa & Montreal. Though we did not get to see everyone we had hoped to see before we made our voyage to Sao Paulo, Brasil*, we had opportunity to visit with many. St. Brice’s and friends from around our community in North Bay sent us off in the knowledge that we have a loving supportive family of faith in them. Raquel & I are truly thankful for you in Jesus. From there we visited with our community of faith in Ottawa. How wonderful it was to see you again and reminisce over the years of ministry and friendship we’ve shared together in Jesus. I particularly would like to thank the Maher’s for hosting a lovely get together at their home and for letting us stay with them during our visit in Ottawa. Our mini Canadian farewell tour ended in my home city, Montreal, where we caught up with old friends and my family, and I got to have Montreal smoked meat. “How I’ve missed you”.
The Arrival:
So with 4 boxes and 9 suitcases, Raquel and I boarded the plane at Montréal–Trudeau Airport; making our connecting flight from Toronto to Sao Paulo. I’m very happy to say that it was uneventful. Now when we arrived, our apartment was not ready for us to take over. So Raquel’s brother, Raphael, was gracious enough to let us stay with him. Looking back, we figure we were living out of suitcases for a total of 2 ½ months. Many thanks to Rapha for sharing his space with us and all our belongings.
The Apartment:
Like I was saying our apartment was not ready; on the contrary, the previous tenants had left our place in poor condition. Major work was needed to restore the pipes, the toilettes, the cupboards, the closets, the floors, the walls, and electrical outlets. Well that’s just about everything but the kitchen sink. Oh yes, I forgot the kitchen sink. Now standing on the other side of that mess, for the most part, we can say that we have a very lovely apartment we call home. Our apartment is on the 11th floor; with two elevators in excellent condition (our North Bay friends will understand why I mention the elevators.). From our living room you can walk out onto our balcony which faces the beautiful Sao Paulo sunset sky.
The Fun:
Raquel has introduced me to a new sport. It is called "shopping", and I think I am hooked. While we were waiting for our apartment to become liveable, we ran around looking for furniture and various accessories. I have made some observations during my time in the jungle (aka shopping mall). Men do not like to ask for directions when driving. They believe that their keen instincts and internal compass will guide them in the right direction; and this annoys women to no end. However, women do not like to ask where to find items in a store; most likely for the same reasons… the instincts and internal compass argument. All in all, it has been fun preparing the apartment. One particular place I'd like to mention here is a town called Embu, just on the outskirts of Sao Paulo. This town is basically a village of artists, with paintings on display everywhere and furniture is hand crafted.. so beautiful. We spent a whole day there and I cannot wait to go back.
Outside of working on the apartment, Raquel & I have also enjoyed some highlights in and out of the city.
As most of you know, I am a Star Wars fanatic. We managed to see a Star Wars Exhibition. Major props, costumes and original art concepts were on display and I was transported back to my childhood; a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. What a treat that was.
Being the music lovers we are, if ever there was a time for Raquel & I to move to Sao Paulo, this was the year. Brasil is celebrating 50 years of Bossa Nova. We took in a special exhibition on the history of this musical genre; exploring the work of some of the great names like, Tom Jobim, João Gilberto & Vinius De Moraes.
About 4 weeks ago, Raquel and I went to the beach for a couple of days. We were accompanied by her brother, Moses, Sabina,his girl friend and Alexandre, a buddy of his. About an hour ½ drive South East from our home, this trip proved to be most enjoyable and relaxing.
The Culture Shock:
I have been reading this book called “Successful Mission Teams,.” by Martha VanCise. If you are planning on going on a missions trip sometime in your life or planning a group to go, this is a great read for you (click link above to get book). Come to think of it, I recommend this for all Christians, because we are all missionaries to a degree, where ever we find ourselves. That being said, the vocational call to be a missionary, particularly oversees, is demanding; full of challenging struggles many of us are probably not aware of. Books like this one help us understand and appreciate a little more what they face, and give us some good guidelines on how to become an effective support system from a distance. Anyway, while reading this book, two points really hit home for me.
First point, Martha touches on the subject of culture shock, what it is and how it manifests itself. As I was going through the definition & descriptions, I put the book down and said to myself, “Hey, that’s me!” I was going through culture shock, and I still am; and probably will be for some time. Given the progressive nature of culture shock, I did not see it coming. However there were days that I would ask myself, what am I doing here? Missing Canada would hit me like a wave. I would experience fatigue, over sensory from the language, and tension. Now that I recognize it for what it is, I feel like I’m handling it better.
The other point that came to light from reading Successful Mission Teams, had to do with the Fruit of the Spirit. Martha writes, “The mission field quickly separates those who speak of the fruit of the Spirit from those who possess the fruit”. Not that I regard myself a missionary in the professional sense, or suggest that I am “suffering for Jesus” in ways that foreign missionaries do, however, the culture shock alone has challenged my inner life, my tolerance level. Under the new living circumstances, I have come to see that I am not the patient man I thought I was. I am not always ready to exude the signs of Christian maturity and fruit such as, kindness, joy and even maintain self control. On the contrary, the effects of culture shock, coping with a new language 24/7, and being away from the comforts of Timmy’s and Burger World, I see Jesus has work to do in me yet. I am overjoyed to learn this about myself. And so, I’m taking it one day at a time. I’m striving to keep my attitude and heart in check and asking Jesus to strengthen me and help me find the balance so I can serve him effectively.
The Work & Mission:
Raquel has started working in the evening at CEL LEP, an English school. Because I do not have permanent residency as of yet, or a work permit for that matter, I have to wait until this is settled before I can work. However, I may be teaching/tutoring, at no cost, a Pastor who is preparing to study in the U.S.A. Quel & I have been talking with various people who are involved in teaching and running camps. One idea is to create a Christian English Camp program here. I am quite excited about this possibility.
As many of you know, Raquel and I are Compassion advocates and firm believers in what the Lord is doing through Compassion International. Up until now, we have been supporting the work of Compassion in a mission in Sao Paulo through the Canadian agency. As we settle, we look forward to working directly with the local Compassion project here; where the St. Brice’s Sunday School’s sponsor child, Jaciane, is.
Click on the link and prayerfully consider sponsoring a child today through Compassion Canada.
The Prayer Requests
First point, Martha touches on the subject of culture shock, what it is and how it manifests itself. As I was going through the definition & descriptions, I put the book down and said to myself, “Hey, that’s me!” I was going through culture shock, and I still am; and probably will be for some time. Given the progressive nature of culture shock, I did not see it coming. However there were days that I would ask myself, what am I doing here? Missing Canada would hit me like a wave. I would experience fatigue, over sensory from the language, and tension. Now that I recognize it for what it is, I feel like I’m handling it better.
The other point that came to light from reading Successful Mission Teams, had to do with the Fruit of the Spirit. Martha writes, “The mission field quickly separates those who speak of the fruit of the Spirit from those who possess the fruit”. Not that I regard myself a missionary in the professional sense, or suggest that I am “suffering for Jesus” in ways that foreign missionaries do, however, the culture shock alone has challenged my inner life, my tolerance level. Under the new living circumstances, I have come to see that I am not the patient man I thought I was. I am not always ready to exude the signs of Christian maturity and fruit such as, kindness, joy and even maintain self control. On the contrary, the effects of culture shock, coping with a new language 24/7, and being away from the comforts of Timmy’s and Burger World, I see Jesus has work to do in me yet. I am overjoyed to learn this about myself. And so, I’m taking it one day at a time. I’m striving to keep my attitude and heart in check and asking Jesus to strengthen me and help me find the balance so I can serve him effectively.
The Work & Mission:
Raquel has started working in the evening at CEL LEP, an English school. Because I do not have permanent residency as of yet, or a work permit for that matter, I have to wait until this is settled before I can work. However, I may be teaching/tutoring, at no cost, a Pastor who is preparing to study in the U.S.A. Quel & I have been talking with various people who are involved in teaching and running camps. One idea is to create a Christian English Camp program here. I am quite excited about this possibility.
As many of you know, Raquel and I are Compassion advocates and firm believers in what the Lord is doing through Compassion International. Up until now, we have been supporting the work of Compassion in a mission in Sao Paulo through the Canadian agency. As we settle, we look forward to working directly with the local Compassion project here; where the St. Brice’s Sunday School’s sponsor child, Jaciane, is.
Click on the link and prayerfully consider sponsoring a child today through Compassion Canada.
The Prayer Requests
- That Raquel & I would continue to hear and follow the Lord's leading.
- Immigration process (permanent residency & work permit)
- For growth in the Fruit of the Spirit
- For my ability to learn Portuguese
- For more opportunity for Raquel to work
The End of Chapter 1:
Well everyone, that's about it for Chapter one of Letters from Brasil. Would love to hear from you and what is happening in your lives. Stay tuned for Chapter 2.
Blessings in Christ,
Gord & Raquel
