We had no school today as it was a holiday in Rio de Janeiro. It was Black Awareness Day–something similar to Martin Luther King Day in the states. So, I spent much of the day believing that it was Saturday. Holidays in the middle of the week always seem to have that effect on me… But, I’ve got work tomorrow with the real Saturday to look forward too after that.
Next week, I will celebrate Thanksgiving with many of my work colleagues on Thursday night. There is a woman in the English-speaking church where I attend that invites all of the school staff over for a traditional turkey dinner every year. Hospitality is definitely one of her gifts, and I am really looking forward to a fantastic night of food and fellowship. Then, I’ve been invited to another feast on that Friday which we, thankfully, do have off from school–we don’t have Thursday off (so it’s only a 3-day weekend, not a 4). It truly is a blessing to have good friends here to help soothe the absence of family for the holiday season.
And, of course, looming in the distace (but not really far off now) is Christmas. I have never spent a Christmas away from my family, and, with my mom’s health being poor, it is hard to imagine spending this one away. However, God has been faithful in so many ways since I’ve come to Brazil, and one of those ways has been to put people in my life who bless me through relationship. I will have company from out-of-town for both Christmas and New Year’s. Plus, I’ve been invited to share so many days/evenings with friends here that I will rarely have time to rest. I will not be lonely; though I know that I will still have some homesick moments. In fact, I may have to make time to hide myself away from everyone who wishes me well. 
God specifically answered some financial prayers this month in an amazing way. Specifically, a short-term job opportunity became available just at a time when I needed some ready cash. Also, our school administrator was able to partially subsidize our rent this month; something that should continue for the rest of the school year. These two things is addition to some generous gifts from friends and family enabled me to get my accounts back in order after last month’s payment fiasco (Short story–only half of the money I was supposed to receive last month was deposited into my account. Two weeks later the error was corrected, but not until after bills were due and fees were charged). I know that many of you have been praying specifically for my financial stability here in Brazil, and I want to thank you for that. God provided manna for each and every day, and his faithfulness endures forever!
I am nearly finished reading a book that I’d like to recommend to everyone–it’s not a quick read. I’ve been working my way through it bit by bit for over a month; it is so rich in theology and so thought-provoking that I doubt that I could go any faster nor have I wanted to. It is called Naked Before God and is by Bill Williams. The author is dying of cystic fibrosis and spends much of the book arguing with God about the nature of pain and the inevitability of his death, but the hope for the reader lies in the conversation and the truth that a man with a genuine, active faith is also a man of heart-wrenching doubt (this is hopeful because we see our own mirror reflection therein). Unfortunately, I believe that it’s out of print, but I imagine that you could track it down through an online bookseller or a used bookstore.
Good night, and happy holiday to all of you!
With my love & prayers, Amy
I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Ecclesiates 3: 10 -11a
“Faith and works are both dead without clear vision. Clear vision produces good faith, life-giving work and sturdy love–as naturally as the sun gives off light, life and warmth. It is what is fused in the core that shines.” Bill Williams, Naked Before God