So before I left, a wise friend told me not to worry about the negative things I could encounter in Brazil until they happen, because if I don’t happen to encounter them, then I would have anticipated negative events for no reason.  Ok, it sounded so much wiser when they said it.  While I was inspired and convinced (at the time) I’m not that great at remembering things.  This morning I was terrified as I woke up.  Because Susan had to go on a “Pastors’ wives outing” for the day.  So today I had a ride arranged to get to church, but had no idea what to expect (especially since I’ve had… mm… no actual conversations with people NOT in English yet).  I imagined all sorts of horrible experiences, but I should have known better.

I enjoyed the ride there and actually talked a lot (I know that isn’t surprising for some of you, but it really was surprising, believe me), although it helped that there was a native Spanish speaker in the car which had me more at ease.  And at church I was so well taken care of.. I sat with a group of (now) friends during the church service and then Sabbath School.  I was also invited to lunch (which was so wonderful because I was planning on sitting in the kitchen chewing on a loaf of bread).  On the way home from church our car full had a fabulous conversation (half in Spanish and Portuguese) and there’s no way to explain how fulfilling it is to have real conversations with new people!  Especially when you feel like a new (or in my case, just weak) language keeps you trapped in, it’s so liberating when that same language is what frees you to express thoughts.  But thank goodness for patient friends who don’t mind a lot of “wait, does that word exist?” 

Lunch was great!  There were about 15 people there and such wonderful people they are too.  Quite a few of them I have watched at work and lunch but have never interacted with because I kept quiet.  But little shy me even joined in the GROUP conversation, not just one-on-one.  Although I will say, my comprehension went from 90% to 30% when everyone starts talking at once (and very loudly).  But after a few people went home, 7 of us stayed and talked until, well, around 6 o’clock.  We went outside to have a quick sundown worship.  I taught them “Jesus’ love is bubbling over,” then they asked me to read a short devotional out of a Spanish book.  I love feeling like people appreciate me.  While we were singing a closing song I looked up at the beautifully colorful sunset, and just as I did, two toucans landed on top of a nearby tree.  I know it sounds cheesy, but it was one the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen in my life.  Well, long story short, we then watched a movie.  Lots of laughter, lots of happiness.  Long story shortest: Angela’s happy.

Another happy Angela fact: Adventures in Odyssey has begun again.  Three episodes into the new season and I couldn’t be happier.  Wait, maybe if I see another monkey.