Election Fever

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.

Daniel’s queue (second time trying

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.

It’s not beginning to feel a lot like Christmas…

Alas, the palm trees, beaches, sun, lack of snow (or even some rain!) makes it hard for my brain to comprehend that it’s Christmastime. However, the decorations in the shopping centres, the annual appearance of turkey in the supermarkets and the upcoming break are going somewhat to helping us feel a wee bit Christmassy!

The children have been rehearsing for their Christmas show at church and we look forward to the performance on Sunday.

The big Christmas meal takes place here on the evening of the 24th over to the 25th. Yup, great timing if you have kids who sleep early!! We also have a family wedding on the 24th so double celebrations!

We must say thank you to those who have supported us and prayed for Daniel during his bout of cluster headaches. They finally seem to be on the way out and it’s a massive relief.

In other news, a large group enjoyed a visit to see Jose Ney last weekend where we held a football tournament, bazar and service. It is so encouraging to see Ney doing well in his home town.

Antonio went along with Daniel and enjoyed himself thought he didn’t appreciate the cockerel crowing at 4am!

The girls who stayed behing enjoyed hitting the shopping centre.

The English classes enjoyed themed lessons in time for Christmas even if it does seem a bit odd making snowmen in Brazil!

We are glad that the true meaning of Christmas lies not in snow or decorations or even presents, but in the real gift that God gave us his son to be born, then live and die in our place that we might be able to have a relationship with our Creator.

Wishing everyone a very happy Christmas!