ORDEM E PROGRESSO

Andréa Woods

Having been here for two months, the novelty of being in a new country has worn off. That doesn’t mean I don’t still get excited about eating fresh mango and not having to wear a coat when I go outside, but at the same time I’m getting used to things that one can only get accustomed to through time. For example, I don’t expect to walk into a room and be able to speak to someone in English. I’m also familiar now with the social norms of using public transportation, like how far in advance to stand before my stop comes and whether or not to take a seat at all. Beyond these superficial things, the extended amount of time here has helped me to learn that the Brazilian people are fun-loving, hospitable people that truly look to progress as their motto says “Ordem e Progresso.”

Not everything about being here is smooth sailing. But when things are getting tough and it feels like I’m banging my head against the wall trying to speak Portuguese, and it would just be easier to pack up and go home where everyone speaks the same language, God steps in and reminds me that He is with me, loves me and has a plan for me here. God’s obvious faithfulness to me inspires me to serve Him and share His love with those around me, particularly the kids that I work with at ANA (a before and after school program for shanty town children.)

God gave me one of those reminders at the evening service on Easter. I went to church that evening missing my family and being frustrated with my Portuguese progress, but during the praise and worship time I came to the realization that I understood nearly all of the worship songs. I’m still not thrilled with my Portuguese but I was overjoyed that after almost 2 months of being here I could wholeheartedly participate in the worship music. I am so thankful for times like this that are so encouraging. It helps make the hard parts of being here not so bad.

Taking a trip to the beach and Rio de Janeiro wasn’t bad either. Although we missed Miranda terribly, we all had a great time of fun in the sun! We stayed in a couple of apartments in a little tourist town called Arraial do Cabo. We had some good times hanging out on white sandy beaches, making brigadeiro, and seeing “Big Jesus.” It was a great week and I can’t wait to go back to share it with Miranda, but I’m really excited to get back to learning Portuguese and working with the kids at ANA.