Endings and Beginnings

The final investigative retreat of the summer with the Americans from the CCP (mid-July):

We discussed a different parable of Jesus during each discussion group time.  We had 6 groups and divided the students between their campuses.  This is Mark's group.

Gabriel (freshman, 1st CCP), Priscila (PT major), Barbara (freshman, 1st CCP), Lyndsey (from Arkansas), and Weslley (1st CCP)

P.E. students, and the staff and Americans on the P.E. team at the retreat

Last group shot with 5 sweet Americans that spent time with the Phys. Ed. students this summer... and of course Barbara (middle) and me!  

Saying goodbye:

Large turn-out at the airport to say goodbye to the gringos.  Circle time of prayer and last words...

Sweet girls singing a Brazilian song to Katie (right-back) before she left.

Jessica (freshman, 1st CCP) saying goodbye to Charity (right)

Couple we've gotten to know this summer, Leticia and Gabriel.  Thankfully this isn't a goodbye picture!

Spent a whole day at Weslley's house this week.  His mom cooked a delicious Brazilian feast.  We watched a movie, listened to music and looked at pictures of Weslley and his family.  Wonderful day.

Team time:

Priscila, Alan, Mark and me:  The P.E. Team! 

(We spend time with the P.E. majors at UFMG, large public university)

We are truly looking forward to growing with and learning from the Brazilians we met over the past couple months... we'll keep you updated!

The Fourth

My apologies for my recent lack in postings.  It's been more difficult recently to steal away to use Mark's computer for long periods of time.  We've been spending much of our time outside of class with Brazilian students and the Americans at social events and in our home.  Only one more week until the CCP ends and the Americans return to Memphis.  It will be hard to see them go since we've become especially close to the students on our team. (Our team's focus is in the P.E. dept. at UFMG.)

We celebrated the 4th of July at our apartment with the Americans on our team and a couple Brazilians.  We had burgers, mac 'n cheese, sweet tea, a cake decorated like a flag, and ice cream while we watched the ever popular and memorable The Patriot.  The night went well.  Mark and I weren't as homesick as we expected to be since we were able to enjoy a couple comforts from home.

Our rendition of the national anthem...