I’m not sure how much the Brazilian election is covered in overseas media and of its bias. It has been a bit crazy here over the past few months.
Brazilian Independence Day was rather loud at the beach. Daniel, Antônio, and cousins Victor and Ana Raquel cycled to the beach (a good hour with a stop off for breakfast). There was a procession of cars in favour of right-wing candidate Bolsonaro. It must have gone on for over 2 hours with horns blasting, music blaring and flags billowing. The irony was that it was right in front of the hired help who were paid around R$50 to wave flag for the opposition. Lula is the left-wing candidate who was imprisoned for corruption and multiple other charges. He spent 580 days behind bars before the charges were annulled due to various technicalities.
The queues at the polling stations were ridiculous yesterday. Daniel waited for over an hour but others were turned away at the end of the day, yet voting is obligatory here. No vote, no passport etc etc. You must “justify your vote” if you don’t go.
The amount of paper on the streets now from leftover flyers and posters is really awful but unfortunately a close election result means there will be a second round at the end of the month between these two front runners. I don’t get a vote but am not too sad about that since corruption is left, right and centre.
While many churches have held extra prayer meetings, the followers of candomblé, a spiritist religionhjdhave equally done their rituals. Some of it is scary.
Otherwise, Antonio enjoyed a YWAM camp last weekend. Both are still enjoying swimming though Antonio wouldn’t mind trying another sport! Antonio is also enjoying scouts and “working” in Engrenar. While he received his R$5 per week for his work, Stephanie helps me with various tasks to receive the same!
We also enjoyed a lunch at one of our volunteers houses on Saturday. Oda, who helps with kids club, opened her home to house and we had a great time together. Oda and two of the seminary’s students are leading the talks for a few weeks which is such a blessing. Training for them and us!
Do keep us all in prayer and pray for God’s will to be done regarding the elections.
Daniel and Linsey 