Travel Time

Today we are off to mission meetings in Belem, a one hour flight. Back to Sao Luis Wednesday PM just in time for Vivian to pack up for her month's stay over November in the States helping to look after our grandsons while their family awaits the arrival of #3! Are praying that things will go well both in travels and that the baby arrives safely. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, things will be busy with seminary classes, church and keeping the emails, Skype chats and internet calls happening.

By the way, today, Oct. 29th, is the runoff election here in Brazil for president and a number of state governors including our own state of Maranhao. Everything is very quiet in the neighborhood this AM, great contrast to the last few days. Will let you know election results eventually.

Children's Camp & Other News

Vivian is helping out at children's camp this weekend. Thirty kids along with counselors, cooks and helpers are having a great time in a large house with a pool about 8 miles away from our home. Last night the mosquitoes about ate up everyone. I got a call to please bring out two fans along with some baking powder for making a special cake. Just before Bible story time this evening the lights went out so we dashed to a town nearby and bought candles. Fortunately, electricity was restored soon and the David and Goliath story was acted out as planned. I took some photos.
Is different and lonely with Vivian gone but I have managed to stay busy. I will pick her up Sunday after lunch, Lord willing. Is much more relaxing than last week when I was called upon suddenly to handle a funeral service Friday afternoon. That's another story told in our recent email update...By the way, the Brazilian election held on Oct. 1 resulted in a run-off election set for Oct. 29. President and a number of state governors will be chosen. Vivian and I will fly to Belem that day for a 3-day mission meeting with our U. S. director. Guess my students can work on their term papers during the classes I will miss.

Oct. 1, Election Day in Brazil

Even though we don’t vote in Brazil, it’s interesting to observe our friends trying to figure out whom to vote for. There are various party choices for state and federal congressmen, governors and president as some 100 million people peacefully cast their ballots today, all using modern computerized voting machines. Our seminary serves as a polling location, eleven different precincts set up in our classrooms. People come and go all day. Attendance was down at Sunday school this AM as everyone must vote and some had to travel to the interior. Our pastor heard a talk about whom a citizen should vote for and shared four points he learned in the Sunday school opening: You should vote for one who (1) Has a calling or commitment to the political process and is not in it for other reasons, (2) Has the necessary preparation for the post he or she is seeking, (3) Can truly represent his or her constituency, knowing well their social interests and needs, and (4) For one who has a basic fear or respect for God. I thought those were good guidelines for voting in any democracy, not just in Brazil. What do you think? Watch the world news and you will probably soon know if President Lula was relected today or if there will be a run off election in a month. May God bless Brazil!