StoryPit

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This is a great for creating online information. I've started a chapter for the trip to Brazil.

From my friend in Brazil

TODAS ÍBAMOS A SER REINAS

Todas íbamos a ser reinas,
de cuatro reinos sobre el mar:
Rosalía con Efigenia
y Lucila con Soledad.

En el valle de Elqui, ceñido
de cien montañas o de más,
que como ofrendas o tributos
arden en rojo y azafrán,

Lo decíamos embriagadas,
y lo tuvimos por verdad,
que seríamos todas reinas
y llegaríamos al mar.

Con las trenzas de los siete años,
y batas claras de percal,
persiguiendo tordos huidos
en la sombra del higueral,

De los cuatro reinos, decíamos,
indudables como el Korán,
que por grandes y por cabales
alcanzarían hasta el mar.

Cuatro esposos desposarían,
por el tiempo de desposar,
y eran reyes y cantadores
como David, rey de Judá.

Y de ser grandes nuestros reinos,
ellos tendrían, sin faltar,
mares verdes, mares de algas,
y el ave loca del faisán.

Y de tener todos los frutos,
árbol de leche, árbol del pan,
el guayacán no cortaríamos
ni morderíamos metal.

Todas íbamos a ser reinas,
y de verídico reinar;
pero ninguna ha sido reina
ni en Arauco ni en Copán.

Rosalía besó marino
ya desposado en el mar,
y al besador, en las Guaitecas,
se lo comió la tempestad.

Soledad crió siete hermanos
y su sangre dejó en su pan,
y sus ojos quedaron negros
de no haber visto nunca el mar.

En las viñas de Montegrande,
con su puro seno candeal,
mece los hijos de otras reinas
y los suyos no mecerá.

Efigenia cruzó extranjero
en las rutas, y sin hablar,
le siguió, sin saberle nombre,
porque el hombre parece el mar.

Y Lucila, que hablaba a río,
a montaña y cañaveral,
en las lunas de la locura
recibió reino de verdad.

En las nubes contó diez hijos
y en los salares su reinar,
en los ríos ha visto esposos
y su manto en la tempestad.

Pero en el Valle de Elqui, donde
son cien montañas o son más,
cantan las otras que vinieron
y las que vienen cantarán:

—«En la tierra seremos reinas,
y de verídico reinar,
y siendo grandes nuestros reinos,
llegaremos todas al mar».

Living Water

One of the most beautiful pieces in the concert was Living Water. The lyrics reminded us that any person can be refreshed by the living water of Christ. This video was captured as I stood at the top of the Iquassu Falls on the Argentine side. The Brazilian side is even more beautiful.



I have read that water, in any form, is good for us. Drinking water hydrates and cleanses. Psychologists claim that time spent at a waterfall is an excellent antidepressant. Even a few minutes under a shower can lift a person's spirit and mood.

Every Christian should have an opportunity for a mission trip outside the United States. It is the best experience possible for renewing your spirit and giving you a thankful heart. All the little things that bother you on a typical day become inconsequential. I will always remember the sweet fellowship enjoyed at each of the churches visited during our nine days in the land do Brasil. Everyone was so appreciative of our music and the time we took to talk with them---even though they barely could understand our English and pitiful efforts at Portuguese.

The children were the same in Brazil as in North Carolina, or Tennessee, or Arkansas--full of energy, mischief and excitement. I saw many sad little faces and many bright smiles. They loved the music and they loved the loud brass orchestra.

I will always remember the last night, our last concert-- a lovely young woman came up to me, crying and smiling and said," you are very special people". How very kind of her, when in my mind, it was she who was special. I hope I can hold the love of Jesus in my heart, given to me by all the several thousand people who heard our music during this mission.

Last day in Brasil

We are sitting in the lobby waiting for our buses to leave for a visit to the Brasilian side of Iqausou Falls. It is a nice cool day after a night-long rainfall. We are still thinking of the beautiful fellowship experienced at the Presbyterian Church in Iquusou. They were filled and overflowing with the members and visitors from the community. What a wonderful experience...His Kingdom right here in Brasil.

Argentina

Today we are in Argintina, walking along nature trails in the Iguacu Falls ---among the largest water falls in the world. These are breathtaking and I look forward to adding video clips I've been able to capture as we followed the trail.

I've stopped worrying about healthy eating---might as well since I'm eating everthing in sight. They tell me papaya in the mornings takes care of all dietary problems. I'm living proof because I've enjoyed every bite of food, without consequence!

We do drink bottled water--and the plumbing is an interesting story for another day.

The music in the little church in Iguacu Falls was beautiful. Many of these people speak English. Again, as with all other concerts, the sanctuary was full, every seat including the balconey and out in the court yard. The people all had such sweet smiles and really enjoyed the music. Lyrics were displayed on PowerPOint slides behind the choir making it possible to understand the gospel message being sung throughout the concert. The babies danced and clapped their hands and all the adults tapped their feet, as well as clapped their hands. Once again, the orchestra was hugely appreciated, especially the beautiful brass the filled the room with music.

Busy singing and eating in terra do Brasil

We are singing in many schools and churches. There are so many beautiful homes here, and also some very sad poor places. In our church last night, the first thing I see on the wall behind the pulpit is a huge word Cloud! All the words are in Portuguese, of course.

This mission team is fantastic---and the music is beautiful, but I think the people who are listening are the greatest thing about the trip so far.