From the Helm – Friday, July 02, 2010

NOON – The remainder of the day, yesterday, went well.  All teams were busy throughout the afternoon.  Much was accomplished as the hours passed.

The service last night was filled with singing and dancing by the young ladies of the village.  It seems they played 10 different songs, all to the same tune; each lasting about 10 minutes.  Fun to watch.   These are a beautiful people.  They are genuine, carrying and loving.  Their joy over our being here is transparent and real.  Once again, I realized one of the many reasons why I am drawn to be among them.

I visited with Marciano and Foroxa down the river this morning.  We spoke of nothing special.  But, it was all truly special.  I’m considered a family member here.  With all the defects we each present from time to time, the underlying love is true and consistent.  They’ve asked for a meeting after lunch with the leadership of our team.  I look forward to it.

- Brasil is playing Holland right now.  All has pretty much stopped for the duration of the game.  We aren’t doing very well.  We’ll have to see how it turns out to see how moral will be shaped for the remainder of the afternoon…

I called Mom and Dad this morning, as I try to do each and every day I’m away.  Dad has not been well.  I struggle with being away as I am.  It seems their health takes a turn each time I travel for extended periods.  Nothing much I can do about it from here.  I’ve asked William to lay eyes on them this afternoon.  I’ll call him later to see if Dad’s tired voice actually matches the way he looks and feels.  It would help if our trip season was spread out a bit more during the year.  Two to three weeks at a time away would be more tolerable than 2 to 3 months.  It’s never worked out that way over the years.  Who knows though, it might be a possibility in the future.  Both they and I are grateful for the opportunity to serve here in the Valley, regardless of the timing and schedules involved.

- All are well.  All are healthy and enjoying the days here in Inaja.  We found out earlier this morning that air travel schedules will cause us to have to head down to Parintins from here on the morning of the 5^th.

I believe I have a couple eye surgeries to do this afternoon.  If the patients show up, I guess my afternoon is set. Right now, I believe a dip in the “pool” is in order.  Seems about half the team has already beaten me there...

3:00 PM – The afternoon is but a couple of hours from settling down.  The meeting with Marciano and Foroxa ended up being a time of them sharing from their hearts in search of council.  Some elements of dissention and division have erupted here in Inaja over the past several months.  These two men have acted wisely in their response. 

Power, greed and jealousy always yield chaos.  Chaos which can either be intensified or quieted by our response to it.  They chose to allow God to care for such things and all has been either reconciled or the elements have removed themselves to other locations.  It was an honor for me to sit in such meeting.  I was grateful for the opportunity to share my experience with them.  It’s about all I have to offer anyone at all – my experience and hope…