Wow! My experience so far in Rio has been incredible. My eyes have been opened so much. I LOVE Brazil and everything it has to offer. The food is incredible; I am definitely not going hungry. I have even tried new things, like chicken heart. It wasn’t bad, though I’m not sure that I’ll ever eat it again. The city is gorgeous. One of my favorite things to do here, so far is to sit on the roof of our hotel and look out over the ocean toward the mountains and loose myself in thought. God continues to blow me away. Rio is so different than anywhere I have ever been. I love the Brazilian culture and people; it is much different than I am used to. I have been pushed out of my comfort zone when it comes to my personal space.
My favorite thing about Rio is the people, especially the children. Every time we have to leave a school, I want to pack all of the kids in my bags and bring them home with me. Each child is precious, I love talking to them, and hugging them when we have to say goodbye. Today as we were leaving, the children followed us down the block. It brought tears to my eyes.
I love being in the schools and spending time with the kids. Playing tonight was also fun. The team was very good. It was a good experience to play against people that are older than us. The people here are so open to what we have to say. It is amazing to be sitting among them while someone is talking and to see how attentive and drawn they are to hearing what we are going to say. It is evident to me that God is working through us. I have realized, in a very short time how much I take my life for granted, especially the little things. Most of the people in Rio have so little compared to what we are used to in the United States. Every time we are driving from place to place my heart is torn by the sites I see. I am so thankful for the opportunity to serve God here in Rio. I am truly blessed.