Brazil Facts

Here are some interesting facts that I have learned about Brazil through internet research. It will be interesting to see what holds true after I actually go there.
These are just a few facts that I find interesting:
-language is Portuguese (Brazilian, not European) (I'm struggling to learn just a few basic word to get me by)
-Largest Catholic population in the world (about 80% of the people)
-It is a melting pot, similar to the US. Large groups of people from many other countries have made it their home. (Portugal, Japan, Germany, Italy, and Africa because of slavery) (I read that after you have been in Brazil for several years you are considered Brazilian, very unlike the Southern US)
-A common greeting between females and male/female is an "air" kiss on the cheeks. That will be a challenge!
-It's capital is Sao Paulo and it is the 3rd largest city in the world.
-Natal is in the Northeastern part of the country and as you go north the culture gets more conservative. So, no nude people on the beach, the insist you wear at least a little bikini. Interesting that it is okay to be practically naked on the beach but women in the N.E. don't wear shorts otherwise. That's okay with me, I don't either.

I could share a lot more but will stop for now. Maybe more in another post!

Training

I know a lot of people are curious about LST training sessions, so I thought I would take this time to give you a little info on that. So far the training has been very rewarding and so helpful to prepare me for the trip. They are also good to keep me focused on the work we are going to do and to help me stay positive and excited about going.
A typical session includes a devotional time, prayer, research about our site, preparation for the work, learning about team members and often a chance to eat together. The team members are really getting to know each other better and that is important since we will be together almost constantly for 6 weeks. My favorite part about the training is getting to see the others using the talents that God gave them and seeing how strong they are in Christ! My least favorite part of training is the role playing sessions when one of us pretends we are a reader and the other practices reading with them. But I know that this is important and I will be glad when I am on site that I had the opportunity to practice.
LST really knows their stuff! They've been doing this for more than 20 years and they know what we will be encountering. I feel very blessed to benefit from their years of knowledge and experience.

Picture

I added a picture of the beach in Natal. Scroll Down!

A little background.

At the CCSC we have had a relationship with LST for the last 7 years. All that time I knew that I would eventually be a part of a team. Each year as we started putting the teams together, I would think, "maybe this is the year for me", but then I would realize, "no, it's not time". This year, as usual, I thought, "maybe this year", and that thought didn't go away until I thought, "definately this year". When I talked to Greg about it, he was supportive and encouraged me to go. I have had a peace about this decision the whole time and God has given me comfort about it by making everything fall easily into place.

Our team has been training off and on since November and consistantly since January. This training has been a great experience and I look forward to continuing it. As our team was forming and getting finalized, it was obvious that God had put us together and that we shared the same goals and desires for this project. I feel so blessed and honored to be a part of it all and I pray that I will be worthy of the work He has given me to do.

Here goes nothing!

Okay, so I thought it would be nice if I communicated via blogging while I am on the LST mission trip to Natal, Brazil. That way if anyone is interested in how the trip is going, they will have an easy way to get an update. Of course this is contingent on the availablily of internet use while I am there.
Although it is still ten weeks until I leave, I figured I'd better get started practicing with blogging before I go so that it will be easier for me to use while I am there.
During this time I will use this site to share about training and trip preparation.
So, I'm taking one more step into the world of communication. Who knows what is next. God is constantly surprising me with the opportunities He places before me.