So the service on Sunday was taken by a different preacher. Ubiracy went to some other Church and spoke there and we got someone different. And he talked about how next year he was going on mission to Mozambique, to set up a Church in a village there. Apparently they speak Portuguese in five different African countries - who knew? Anyway, Mozambique is one of them and he showed us photos of the village and what the Church would look like when it was built etc etc. And it really made me stop and think. Because this is a Church that was the subject of my fundraising, my Church's fundraising - we considered them as (in the nicest way possible) a case for charity. But here they were, giving money to a local preacher so that he could go to a part of the world that was far worse off and do some good. It reminded me of that story in the Bible, of the poor widow who gave two copper coins for collection, and Jesus said she was giving more than the rich men because she gave all she had. I give more to collection than they do, but I don't give all I can afford. They do, just to help others in need. It was really touching.
On Monday me and the girls* went to Brasilia to watch a movie (Just Go With It, dubbed into Portuguese, luckily the plot is so predictable that I had no trouble keeping up) and that was really fun, though I was really tired afterwards. The buses in Brazil are a bit of an experience - way too many people, but a really cheerful atmosphere. Not like sullen British commuters, but kind of "we're all jammed into this bus together, so we might as well make the best of it". There was even singing at one point.
Then yesterday I mooched around the house for a bit, before preparing some stuff for English class, we worked on the colours and food and they really did quite well.
One thing to note is the patriotism of the girls. Now, don't get me wrong, I love Britain, but I like it because it's my home, and we have good values and the customs agree with me and I haven't yet found anywhere as beautiful as the shire. But they love England too, for very stereotyped and ridiculous reasons - they love Big Ben and red telephone boxes and the Queen and the custom of afternoon tea and the Union Flag. It's almost like a parody and yet they are very genuine. They can all say "God save the Queen" and "I love England" and Priscila showed me her "England things" which included a jigsaw puzzle of Big Ben, a little Union Flag, a top from River Island, a magazine article on the Queen and two plastic bags from Debenhams and BHS. It was bizarre. They also have the enthusiasm of Evangelicals and Brazilians. I'm just not sure the reserved, stiff-upper-lip British are capable of that kind of eagerness. It's certainly not in my nature.
For English class tonight I'm planning a little competition on who can remember the most foods and another with colours. They love team games too so maybe I'll put them in groups.
That's all for now, beijos!
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