If I could choose any life to live—this would be it. That is a feeling only God can give, and comes when you are living the life He designed for you. I graduated from IUPUI last year, and made it back to Brazil before New Years. The Living Stones program began in 1998, but after becoming the coordinator in 2009, I realized that we were starting from scratch as far as paperwork: missions statement, objectives, fund raising, curriculum, and so on.
The second Living Stones project is in Cajueiro Claro (only 8 more to go, for the 10 Living Stones in 10 towns in 10 years plan). I began walking the four kilometer walk to this small rural town of 1000 people a couple times a week with Pastor Flavio, opening my heart to these amazing children.
The sad news is that with all of the corruption, we had to end the connection with the government program, and close down the Living Stones in Paudalho while they were working on construction. But we were able to keep in contact with the children from Living Stones Paudalho through home visitations, our January Christmas party, Easter celebration, and Children’s day party.
After living all over in Brazil, this year I was able to share an apartment with some of the other English teachers, having my own place to rest, as well as being in a convenient location. I continued teaching English outreach community classes, well as teaching music (in English) at the International school.
This year I was accepted at a University in Brazil to work on my post-grad degree in Educational Psychology. With my tourist visa ending in May, I applied for my student visa while visiting my family for the summer. It was a whirlwind of fun, attending my graduation from IUPUI, spending time with family, a vacation to California, and a month in Hong Kong, working as a facilitator with Supercamp.
Returning to Brazil in August, I finally learned how to cook for Living Stones: rice and beans, noodles and chicken, and anything I could think of to use up all the bananas. With the kind donations from people, we were able to really move forward with the program, and expand our vision for the future. For Children’s day, we had a special celebration for almost 200 children from Paudalho and Cajueiro Claro!
My cousin, Lillian, also came to visit, taking me for a dream come true trip to the Amazon as her translator. It was such a blessing to have her come and teach for Living Stones, and I hope many other friends and family will come in the future.
This year I have grown as a professional. Taking one step at a time, and learning on the job, the Living Stones team, as well as many friends and family, have taught me how to move from a short-term missions trip mentality to long term goals and objectives. While I have never enjoyed asking for money for myself, I believe it is important to be able to give people the opportunity to give to others—just as important as the need is to receive. Creatively finding a way to present theses needs—with creative ways to give is a challenge and an adventure.
This year we began the $5 for 5 challenge—skipping a meal and giving that $5 so that five children can get a hot meal, and $10 for them—donating $10 to purchase and give a child a birthday or holiday present. These two campaigns help fund the basics of Living Stones—providing them with the food they need to be able to concentrate and learn about Jesus, and celebrating with them their personal value in Christ through birthday parties and holidays. Of course, the main need is for monthly donors, willing to give a dollar a day. 60 monthly donors giving $30 will enable us to begin a new program (www.wribrazil.com/foundationbuilder)
With our goal of reopening Living Stones Paudalho early 2012, I am going home for Christmas to enjoy my family and share these exciting opportunities. If you would like to get together, or open your home to invite friends over to hear about Living Stones, I would love to share. We are growing quickly, and need your support! (I will be in the USA until January 24th)
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