Wednesday, February 06, 2008 – From the Helm
It’s 2 in the afternoon and we are tucked away in a cove waiting out a heck of a storm that began blowing through a couple of hours ago. Our team is just relaxing for a bit before returning to shore.
We arrived in Aru last night in time to have a service. The homecoming was beautiful for me. I have developed many friendships in this place over the past several years. A couple of men from here have even taken part in the River Bank Bible Institute – such a good thing. Three people accepted Christ at the close of the service.
- We came ashore this morning early and set up all stations, including the well equipment. The Arkadelphia team drilled here this past summer but the well was a bit too shallow to hold through the dry season. So, here we are again, going deeper. Once again, the “water” ministry is becoming a regular part of what AMOR teams do on location. We had stopped for several years due to equipment failures. In May of last year, Dwain Bell brought a newly manufactured clutch unit to us – we have been digging ever since. Thanks Dwain and Murray, Kentucky!
- I call back home each morning to check in with the parents and boys. Today, I found that a small town near home was completely destroyed by tornadoes last night. The death toll in Gassville, Arkansas is up to 37. My heart goes out to them. I know many who live there. May they feel God’s presence and comfort at this time.
- Back on shore, the villagers caught a 6’ anaconda this morning. Pretty cool for the group to see, hold and take a few pictures. Those of the team that went gator hunting last night will have this to add to the tales that will spine when they get home!
The trip is progressing just as God intended. Our plans have changed at almost every bend in the river. By the results of the work though, it is obvious that we are always in the right place at the right time. God is good to do that when we but follow His lead and live the day He has given us, His way. Humbling to watch it all unfold effortlessly…
If all goes according to “plan”, we will be holding services again this evening. If something else takes place, it will be better that the current “plan”, for sure.
<a href="http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=-4.416667,-59.216667&spn=0.186314,0.236893&t=h&z=12&om=1">we are here</a>
Tuesday, February 05, 2008 - From the Helm
4:00 PM – We are anchored in a cove waiting out a storm that came up as we were cruising to Aru. We finished our day in Cobras at Noon. The crowds were small enough that we were able to attend to everyone’s needs in half a day. We had a brief service before setting sail where 3 young people came forward accepting Christ – good indeed…
The Cobras community is a bit more primitive and reserved than Niteroi. Here again there was a very young Chief in charge (26 years old). There seems to be a trend of the older generation turning over power to the younger of the Nation. These young men are still conservative in their approach. This is needed to preserve the culture of the Tribe.
Yesterday, a clan member killed two jaguars across the river. They had already distributed the meat amongst the villagers by the time we got here this morning. I asked for the heads to take the teeth. My request was politely but promptly refused. Then I remembered that this people only kills for food and otherwise respects the dignity of the animals of the jungle – tradition.
Jaguars are only dangerous to man from around August thru December when the females are in heat. The males simply don’t try to avoid confrontation. Evidently the season ran late this year. Both animals killed last night were thin males – they tend not to eat much during the mating season.
Our team is healthy and in good spirits. We are scheduled to arrive in Aru some time after dark tonight. If we make it in time, we will hold services. If not, we will enjoy fellowship aboard.
We have many friends in Aru from past trips. Our plan is to spend 2 days there. We will be drilling a new well for this people. The one we drilled earlier in the year was not quite deep enough. I look forward to seeing familiar faces when we arrive onshore.
Oh, we are trying to get our blog working correctly so that you may post comments for the team. For now, please do so by email to boyd@amor-brazil.org. I will print them and pass them on to the team members! Sorry for the inconvenience…
<a href="http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=-4.733333,-59.233333&spn=0.186314,0.236893&t=h&z=12&om=1">we are here</a>
Monday, February 04, 2008 – From the Helm
9:30 AM - Arrived in Niteroi at 5 PM yesterday. We were welcomed in beautiful fashion. The Chief, Anizio, and his entire community were on the shores to receive us. Many, many children…
This community is hosting another community for medical and dental services. The patient load will be large because we only scheduled one day at this location.
We were asked to have services last night and we did. The community center was packed. Terry spoke on Jesus’ parables of the coins, sheep and the Prodigal Son. The house was attentive. When the invitation was given, dozens came to the front making various decisions and requests for prayer – what a night.
Chief Anizio has been newly appointed here. The old Chief had no male heirs and no sons-in-law that he felt were trustworthy to lead his clan. So, Anizio was given the position. Rather odd situation due to the fact that Anizio is of the Tucano Tribe, transplanted by marriage to the Mundurucu Nation. For sure, this is something God devised. He is a strong, humble leader. I look forward to the relationship that is developing between us.
All teams were on location by 8 this morning. All began smoothly – our crew aboard the Beatriz needs no instruction. It’s all automatic. I thank God for them. Most have been with me for at least 8 years. Some, as many as 17 years – good team…
5:45 PM – We just pulled away from Niteroi. A beautiful day indeed. The medical and dental teams treated all who came with a need – no one left in line. Our construction crew built a “mobile home”, of sorts, to be used for housing and concessions. VBS had ninety children and adults in attendance. The women’s ministry was packed with ladies, young and old alike. All in all, a good first day on location. At the closing service a few minutes ago, the folks who came forward last night joined six more in accepting Christ – 26 in all. That’s what it’s all about
We are underway to our next destination, Cobras (Snakes). We plan to seek out a safe harbor in which to anchor in an hour or two.
The day has been good – better than I would have dared to plan it. It was just how God meant it to be. For that, I am grateful.
<a href="http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=-4.733333,-59.233333&spn=0.186314,0.236893&t=h&z=12&om=1">we are here</a>
Sunday, February 03, 2008 – From the Helm
Stopped at Wellington’s house on the Parana da Eva at dusk yesterday. Picked up some buffalo cheese, squash and collard greens – mainly, just stopped to have a cup of coffee and some conversation though. He is family to us all.
It’s 3:30 AM. The rain is gentle and steady. The tarps are down upstairs. The chef has served up my coffee. We’ve just gotten underway after spending an hour fueling a passenger boat that called us in distress. It’s tough to be in the middle of the Madeira River with a load of passengers and cargo and no fuel. Glad to help.
I slept soundly. Feel fit. The Beatriz is running beautifully. The glow of Nova Olinda is getting brighter to the south. The day is unfolding.
I’m glad to be on the River. Carnival starts today and runs through Wednesday here in Brasil. The entire Country will shut down for the duration – no schools, banking, government, etc. Quite a phenomenon.
Been thinking about all those who are thinking of us back home as we travel. Old George, Norman and friends; the families and friends in Alabama; Robbie, Mike and the Walker’s – my prayers are with them all.
The dawn is approaching – we are well…
10:50 AM – Abraham tied up alongside at 7:30 this morning and we got underway to parts unknown. It was good to see him and his family again – great reunion, as always. We were able to bypass Kwata (the Capital city of the Nation) so that we could cruise directly to our furthermost destination. The ETA is set for 4:00 PM. However, we will arrive when we arrive. For now, the day is overcast and comfortable. We are at 9 knots with the pastor’s boat in toe. The day is good.
<a href="http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=-3.600000,-60.100000&spn=0.186314,0.236893&t=h&z=12&om=1">we are here</a>
Saturday, February 02, 2008
4:50 PM – It’s been a different day than we would have planned for ourselves…
Well before dawn, a good storm settled in from the north while we were at anchor. The tarps were lowered and the folks got to enjoy the new air-conditioning we installed last year. It is a good difference indeed (even with the lighthearted complaints that it was “too cold”).
I slept restlessly during the night – no real reason for it, but ended up with enough down-time. After breakfast, Mike got news that his mother-in-law had fallen and was on her way to surgery back home. The right decision was made and I took him to the airport to fly back to Mobile. Mike and I have been looking forward to traveling together for better than a year now. It will have to wait for another day…
As Mike was boarding his flight, another flight landed from Venezuela with the teams’ luggage. Several of us gathered the 37 action packers and suitcases inside the Brasilian Customs area. The agents X-rayed 3 of the packers, asked us what we were going to do with all the “stuff”. The Customs agents already know me well. Know who we are and what we do. The particular agent on duty this morning was new to me. We talked a minute about the aim of the mission. He lowered his voice to me and said he was a member of the Assembly of God and was glad we did what we did. The rest of the bags were waived through without incident – what a deal…
We were underway at 11:30 this morning. The river was calm. The sun was bright. It’s good to be on the River again. The majesty of it is breathtaking. The respect if commands, awesome. After all the planning and preparations, we’ve now entered another dimension of total dependence upon the Grace of God. It is how I attempt to live daily. But here, I feel smaller. I feel just the right size – a part of a huge plan that He shows me glimpses of when He has something for me to do in it. What a wonderful God I am privileged to serve.
I talked to my boys and Dad on the phone as Manaus slipped out of sight. All is well.
Abraham called from the Mundurucu Nation and will await us at the mouth of the Canuma River. Our ETA is set for near dawn in the morning. The sunset is but an hour away. We are all excited about the unfolding of the days to come. For now, a night of smooth sailing sounds good enough for me.
<a href="http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=-3.600000,-60.100000&spn=0.186314,0.236893&t=h&z=12&om=1">we are here</a>
Friday, February 01, 2008
The team called me this morning from Venezuela. The authorities were considering sending Mike, Terry, Sandra and Jamie back home because they had no Yellow Fever documentation. Well, somehow, someway, they were permitted to re-board in Caracas anyway (truly a “God” deal). Last January, I spent 3 days in Panama for the same reason. Looking back on it, it was a good lesson in patience and tolerance…
A bit tattered and worn, the group arrived on schedule at 10:30 AM. It was great seeing these dear, old friends come through the gates! All arrived in good spirits but not a single bag made it with them. So, here we sit in port. The bags should be here in the morning – we will just sit and enjoy the afternoon and evening here in Manaus.
I made the calls to Abraham on the Canuma River. All is on hold for our arrival, 24 hours delayed.
It’s 2:20 PM. The group has gone shopping in the city. Mike, Terry, Jamie and Sandra are out getting there shots. I am catching my breath and enjoying a cup of coffee aboard the AMOR/Beatriz. Can’t think of any place I’d rather be right this minute…
Our plan is to pull out and anchor for the evening. Right now, we are not where we thought we’d be in our journey. But, we are exactly where we’re meant to be – that’s good enough for me.
<a href="http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=-3.600000,-60.100000&spn=0.186314,0.236893&t=h&z=12&om=1">we are here</a>
Boyd Walker
From the Helm
Thursday – January 31, 2008
Today is the eve of the trip; the 2008 season has begun.
The Beatriz is essentially new. She has been structurally and mechanically overhauled. I trust she will perform well. Whatever the end result, she looks and sounds great right now!
Today is the final day of preparation. All supplies and materials are onboard. Meds and perishables arrive today. There has been so much going on with the engines, kitchen, decks and so forth that today will be the first day that I will be able to sleep aboard – looking forward to it.
Stacy Allen arrived on the 27th and has been at a hotel waiting to board as well. Pastor Pedro arrived last night. The interpreters arrive from Santarem this evening. Things seen to be on schedule.
I’m looking forward to setting sail tomorrow. The plan is to depart our home port of Manaus by 1:00 PM on Friday, after the groups’ arrival at 10:00 AM – we shall see.
My spirit is calm. My expectations are in check. It will all be what it is, as God unfolds the days. The results of our following His path, as He shows it, will determine the results of our time with the Mundurucu. I just ask and follow these days – seems to work better that way.
Boyd Walker
Hey, Everybody! Just a reminder...
Daily postings "From the Helm" will begin on Friday, February 1st, 2008. To check for entries, go to the website and click on the "blog" link.
Boyd Walker
We would like to welcome you to the new AMOR blog site! The format is more user compatible, informative, easier to read, and offers more features. We hope you enjoy it and come back often! Keep checking for updates concerning the mission and updates directly from the Amazon during trips!
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