March, 2006

René and I got back from the Carnaval Retreat in Goiania on March 2. The trip back was a 13 hour bus ride. Fortunately, it was what we call a "leito" or sleeper bus...not that we did all that much sleeping. It definitely was better than a standard bus, and I did manage to sleep some, between stops. The strange thing is that I bought an airplane passage for the trip out for less than the bus trip back!


Why didn't I buy the same ticket both ways? Schedule. People leave for their Carnaval excursions at different times, hence, I found good air passages for good prices. But everyone goes back from their Carnaval destinations on the same day. Neither love nor money (at least in the amounts I was willing to pay) could arrange airfare. Here are a couple of pictures of part of the crowd from the retreat. The lady in blue is my favorite camper!


Right after getting back, I had to leave again for Brazilia for our All Brazil conference and Strategic Planning meeting. This past year I served as secretary for Baptist Mid Missions in Brazil and our 140+ missionaries. I enjoyed the opportunity to serve, but am especially happy that I now am NOT the secretary anymore! May the Lord bless Mark Swedberg!

While in Brazilia, I had the fun of seeing Wanderson and Katia. Wanderson was saved and called to the ministry in our Barueri church. He studied in our Bible Institute where he met Katia. They were married and are now serving in Brazilia. The Lord gave them twins, recently, Abigail and Gabriel. It was great to see them and the Lord's blessing in their ministry.


Of course, I can't sign off without at least one picture of my grandkids. Here's Ben. Apparently he has decided on a lifetime baseball team preference.

Lord bless,

Graham, René and Katie