Viva Brazil!

We finally left Easter Island a day late. When we arrived in Santiago we realized why operations had been limited. Huge wedding tents were up, luggage was being picked of trolleys outside, temporary check ins and offices were everywhere. But things went smoothly. We saw some damage, and although there was a lot, it wasn’t obviously structural. Windows had fallen out, air conditioning ducts had dropped through ceilings, but no collapsed buildings that we could see. We were pleasantly surprised to see our luggage come round the carousel when we got to Sao Paulo!

What an amazing sight to behold as we flew towards Sao Paulo! There was city after city, with only 10-20 miles between them. Some very large by our standards, but many the size of Hamilton probably. I was amazed. Then we flew over Sao Paulo. Wow!! What a huge city. 18 million people or so. High rise apartments everywhere, but still many single level houses, and downtown was a maze of skyscrapers. What a vast metropolis.

We had to wait a while at the airport before we left by van to the conference venue so I thought I'd treat my wife (and myself of course) to a coffee. I spied a coffee shop and using my vast knowledge of the Portugese language, I ordered 2 Lates (Leite - close?). Well it was close, but they came without coffee! Just hot milk. My first faux pas, but learnt something!

The Conference has been great. Meeting up with friends from around the world and making new ones. The emphasis has been “Living the Kingdom” and has been very practical heart challenging stuff. If we don’t live it, every day, in our homes, we can’t preach it. Programs have minimal effect if our lives aren’t a living expression of our message. Christ incarnate! We have had some wonderful free worship times where the Africans have led out in dance. Great stuff. Of course the Brazilians are quick to join in as they are such passionate, celebratory people who live from the heart.

We have been for some walks. The footpaths are interesting! Yes there has been some free time. It has been one of the most relaxed conferences we have been to. Kingdom lifestyle I guess! The beach is a short distance from the hotel. We went swimming the other day. The sea is quite brown but very warm. I have mastered the art of putting used toilet paper in the bucket instead of down the toilet! And I think I now know why we are not allowed to put paper in the toilet. So we don’t have to fight the paper while swimming!

The hotel is on a river. They have some paddle boats which I have not seen anyone on. The river is very brown and not inviting at all, but at least we can see the water. A little further downstream the river is completely covered in weed. There are jetties for boats to pull up to, but you can’t even see the water! But we walked past this area last night and the weeds were blinking at us! Seems like there are glowing insects, fire flies or something, on the weed and these little lights were flashing on and off all over like a Christmas tree. Quite pretty.

Jesus seems to be a household word here. Moving trucks have “Jesus” signwritten across the back. His name is in all sorts of places. He is even the supreme mudflap! Kind of nice, but to be honest, when you are out walking, you sense anything but Jesus in the spirit of the place. I am told that there is a lot of religion without relationship, which is of course sad. But those who know Jesus are sure passionate for Him. They are a beautiful people.

We’ve had a great time here. One of the best conferences we’ve been to. Specific and excellent input challenging heart issues, with scheduled time for processing and planning implementation. But relaxed at the same time. Caught up on some sleep, and tried not to let the abundant food supplied catch up on us! Not much coffee around though.