Well, our trip is coming to a close. We've finished the painting job sooner than expected and hung out with the boys of Hope Mountain much more than we thought we would. But now what? Clearly, we had some impact on the boys and they have made an impact on us, a hundred fold. But the question has been asked numerous times: What do we do now? How do we make you all understand being that you haven't seen it?
Our last day with the boys consisted of any Easter Egg Hunt, soccer games, and a trip to the beach one last time. Philip Smith, Dayane and Rogerio, (one of the house fathers) shared some of the boys' stories. No surprise some of them included abuse of all kinds, murder and drugs. But all of the boys experienced neglect and abandonment. One has been adopted seven different times. Another was left in a closet and beaten for years. But we don't share this with you to make you feel bad for the kids. Because if you saw their eyes, you wouldn't see all that deep pain and scarring. You'd see happiness; you'd see boys trying to be boys who enjoy some horse play, playing practical jokes on each other, eating VERY well, and make farting noises. Even Josue, who definitely has deep rooted issues enjoyed a simple game of peek-a-boo on the bus ride to the beach. They are just boys looking for love and who have found hope in their new life at Hope Mountain. It was more than a pleasure to serve them these past four days. It was an honor to meet them and fix up their home.
Pray for the future of Hope Mountain. As of right now, it will stay open until July. Then, only God knows. But what is happening there certainly has eternal impact. Pray for wisdom for the leadership, that they will have the discernment to make the right decisions and that their eyes would be open to the opportunities God might provide. And most of all, pray for the boys. Pray that they will continue to grow in faith and courage so that no matter what happens to the residence, they will bring the message of hope to wherever they wind up.
Oh, remember William? Well, he gave a few of us hugs today. Talk about miracles happening at Hope Mountain.
May I Have This Dance?
As you can see from the pictures, we finished the painting project, and even the "God Wall", as it has been called. (This was the wall that we didn't think we'd have time to complete, which we completed along with two other walls we had no intention of painting.) The job was tremendous and we had MANY obstacles but God is never limited by our circumstances or lack of supplies. As we got to the end of the project, what was looming in our minds was the inevitable goodbye.
You should know one thing before I go on. This team had the opportunity to see something incredibly unusual. Yesterday, William was brought from a hospital, where he was deeply drugged to control his behavior, and welcomed at Hope Mountain. As he walked around in a haze, the boys continued with their regular lives, not making excuses for their loud praises, for the laughter they shared with one another, or for the fun they were having with us. William walked into this new place, with people he didn't know and was immediately entrenched in the culture of Hope Mountain. It is a culture of inclusion, not exclusion; it's a culture of love and not competition; it is a culture of selflessness and not selfishness. Imagine what he might have been thinking as we all headed to the mall for McDonald's. Imagine what he thought of a group of Americans wanting to engage him and love him. Please pray for him as he is weaned off of the medication and adjusts to life where he is loved, cared for, and given a second chance for hope.
So, back to today. After cleaning everything up, we stuffed ourselves with yummy barbecue on campus and had more time to just sit and hang out with the boys. We learned that a few of them wouldn't be there tomorrow as we say goodbye because they were going to spend Easter with a family member. And that's when the tears started rolling. One boy, Valdenir, had purposed not to get attached because he knew he'd have to eventually say goodbye, but clearly that didn't happen. As he started crying, so did some of us. Then it hit us: we have to say goodbye tomorrow. I think it hit some of the other kids, too.
When all of a sudden, what would appear but a song by Frank Sinatra which initiated a dancing circle. All we knew was that we thought it was time to go but some of us were taken by the hand and danced with while Frank Sinatra sang (via Edson's iTunes) "L is for the way you look at me..." Ironic, don't you think? It was akin to a country line dancing scene. There was swaying, twirling, turning, and loads of laughing. It was just so much fun. Then there were more tears. It was a terrific moment that none of us will forget. But it didn't quite end there. After that, three different prayer circles formed and three boys prayed for us. It didn't matter that we may not have know what they were saying. It didn't matter that they were teenagers. It didn't matter that snot was dripping out of our noses. At that moment, we were blessed by those we came to bless.
How do we go home? How do we tell our stories? How do we get those who haven't seen it to understand our experiences? We don't know but we will try so you can feel what we felt as we danced the night away.
You should know one thing before I go on. This team had the opportunity to see something incredibly unusual. Yesterday, William was brought from a hospital, where he was deeply drugged to control his behavior, and welcomed at Hope Mountain. As he walked around in a haze, the boys continued with their regular lives, not making excuses for their loud praises, for the laughter they shared with one another, or for the fun they were having with us. William walked into this new place, with people he didn't know and was immediately entrenched in the culture of Hope Mountain. It is a culture of inclusion, not exclusion; it's a culture of love and not competition; it is a culture of selflessness and not selfishness. Imagine what he might have been thinking as we all headed to the mall for McDonald's. Imagine what he thought of a group of Americans wanting to engage him and love him. Please pray for him as he is weaned off of the medication and adjusts to life where he is loved, cared for, and given a second chance for hope.
So, back to today. After cleaning everything up, we stuffed ourselves with yummy barbecue on campus and had more time to just sit and hang out with the boys. We learned that a few of them wouldn't be there tomorrow as we say goodbye because they were going to spend Easter with a family member. And that's when the tears started rolling. One boy, Valdenir, had purposed not to get attached because he knew he'd have to eventually say goodbye, but clearly that didn't happen. As he started crying, so did some of us. Then it hit us: we have to say goodbye tomorrow. I think it hit some of the other kids, too.
When all of a sudden, what would appear but a song by Frank Sinatra which initiated a dancing circle. All we knew was that we thought it was time to go but some of us were taken by the hand and danced with while Frank Sinatra sang (via Edson's iTunes) "L is for the way you look at me..." Ironic, don't you think? It was akin to a country line dancing scene. There was swaying, twirling, turning, and loads of laughing. It was just so much fun. Then there were more tears. It was a terrific moment that none of us will forget. But it didn't quite end there. After that, three different prayer circles formed and three boys prayed for us. It didn't matter that we may not have know what they were saying. It didn't matter that they were teenagers. It didn't matter that snot was dripping out of our noses. At that moment, we were blessed by those we came to bless.
How do we go home? How do we tell our stories? How do we get those who haven't seen it to understand our experiences? We don't know but we will try so you can feel what we felt as we danced the night away.
W.O.W.
Yea, WOW!! What an amazing day!!! We're already dreading Friday when we have to say goodbye.
Today was truly a God day. He had it all planned out for us and as the minutes passed, we went along with His plans. We knew today was going to be a major painting day...except that there were SO many issues with getting the paint for the plans that we didn't really start the major project until 5 pm. The areas we thought we would never have time for actual got done, PLUS MORE!!! After those were finished we had SO much time to spend with the boys. They were able to make bracelets and necklaces with beads, brownies, danced to music and played games for hours. Those of us that need to work, do physical labor, at first found the situation frustrating but then realized that we were really doing what God had planned. Once the paint came, we worked so fast and got A LOT done in merely an hour and half. But the best part of the day was when we finished and took all the boys out to the mall.
There are times on the Hope Unlimited campuses that the kids get to do a birthday outing during their birthday month. This means they go to a Walmart-like store, pick out a few things, eat at a fast food restaurant, get some sweet treats and see a movie. Tonight was supposed to be one of nights. But instead, we took all of the boys to the mall for McDonalds. The boys loved it. They even got some free ice cream out of the deal. But what surprised us all was how well-behaved they were (and always are) and how they looked out for one another constantly. They generally made sure everyone else was taken care of first. Numerous times the boys offered their own food to us and others instead of taking it first. Many times, they asked to clean our tables and throw away the trash. Many times, they took the littler ones or those that needed more help and sat with them to make sure someone was always watching. The brotherhood the boys demonstrate is just incredibly amazing. We've grown quite attached to them and they to us.
We spent so much valuable time with them today and we will never forget it. In the words of Bon Jovi, we feel like we can "Never Say Goodbye".
Today was truly a God day. He had it all planned out for us and as the minutes passed, we went along with His plans. We knew today was going to be a major painting day...except that there were SO many issues with getting the paint for the plans that we didn't really start the major project until 5 pm. The areas we thought we would never have time for actual got done, PLUS MORE!!! After those were finished we had SO much time to spend with the boys. They were able to make bracelets and necklaces with beads, brownies, danced to music and played games for hours. Those of us that need to work, do physical labor, at first found the situation frustrating but then realized that we were really doing what God had planned. Once the paint came, we worked so fast and got A LOT done in merely an hour and half. But the best part of the day was when we finished and took all the boys out to the mall.
There are times on the Hope Unlimited campuses that the kids get to do a birthday outing during their birthday month. This means they go to a Walmart-like store, pick out a few things, eat at a fast food restaurant, get some sweet treats and see a movie. Tonight was supposed to be one of nights. But instead, we took all of the boys to the mall for McDonalds. The boys loved it. They even got some free ice cream out of the deal. But what surprised us all was how well-behaved they were (and always are) and how they looked out for one another constantly. They generally made sure everyone else was taken care of first. Numerous times the boys offered their own food to us and others instead of taking it first. Many times, they asked to clean our tables and throw away the trash. Many times, they took the littler ones or those that needed more help and sat with them to make sure someone was always watching. The brotherhood the boys demonstrate is just incredibly amazing. We've grown quite attached to them and they to us.
We spent so much valuable time with them today and we will never forget it. In the words of Bon Jovi, we feel like we can "Never Say Goodbye".
They Don't Call it Hope Mountain for Nothing
Yesterday we arrived in Vitoria to meet the wonderful boys of Hope Mountain. They ALL literally met us at the airport in their bus, took our luggage to pack underneath, gave out cards, sang songs (very loudly), shared snacks and welcomed us like we were the long lost siblings they hadn't seen in years. On the way to our hotel, we went our for ice cream and spent some time with them near the beach. They showed off their soccer ball handling skills while trying to incorporate some of us Americans... Let's just say we need some work. After saying goodbye that night, it was very clear that Hope Mountain is truly a special place.
We started our painting work today and the kids just jumped right in to help. If they weren't in school, they wanted to get their hands dirty. The light in their eyes and in their lives was shining brighter than the sun. A few of them even said they wanted to help because of the grace of God in their lives. I mean, come on, how many 14-17 year old boys do you hear saying, "I'm doing this because of the grace of God" or "I've had help so I'm helping you"? Wait, weren't we there to work for them? Weren't we the ones who felt compelled to travel 5,000 miles in order to give these boys things they couldn't get on their own? And they are the ones reaching out their hands of grace to us? There must be something about this place called Hope Mountain.
If you don't know (or haven't kept up on the blog), Hope Mountain was set to close twice in the past year. But the government has pulled through at the LAST minute and helped them with some of their operating costs for a set period of time. Well, today, there were people from the press visiting, asking what makes Hope Mountain so special. There will be other visitors tomorrow from the government and the press meeting with Philip and Paul Husby, the director there, to talk and negotiate. Talk about great timing for a team of Americans to be there, demonstrating our concern and care for the work that goes on there. Please pray that God will show favor on Hope Mountain as these meetings happen and that seeds will be planted. Please pray that the team members would have the right words to say if approached by any of the visitors. Please pray that Philip and Paul would be prepared to knock their socks off with the success of Hope Mountain. Did you know that about 90% of the kids graduate and can find jobs after they leave from the program? What CEO wouldn't want those kinds of results? They are breaking the cycle of poverty. They are creating a positive outlook and a future for the kids. They are transforming lives every day. Their work needs to continue. Please pray with and for us.
We started our painting work today and the kids just jumped right in to help. If they weren't in school, they wanted to get their hands dirty. The light in their eyes and in their lives was shining brighter than the sun. A few of them even said they wanted to help because of the grace of God in their lives. I mean, come on, how many 14-17 year old boys do you hear saying, "I'm doing this because of the grace of God" or "I've had help so I'm helping you"? Wait, weren't we there to work for them? Weren't we the ones who felt compelled to travel 5,000 miles in order to give these boys things they couldn't get on their own? And they are the ones reaching out their hands of grace to us? There must be something about this place called Hope Mountain.
If you don't know (or haven't kept up on the blog), Hope Mountain was set to close twice in the past year. But the government has pulled through at the LAST minute and helped them with some of their operating costs for a set period of time. Well, today, there were people from the press visiting, asking what makes Hope Mountain so special. There will be other visitors tomorrow from the government and the press meeting with Philip and Paul Husby, the director there, to talk and negotiate. Talk about great timing for a team of Americans to be there, demonstrating our concern and care for the work that goes on there. Please pray that God will show favor on Hope Mountain as these meetings happen and that seeds will be planted. Please pray that the team members would have the right words to say if approached by any of the visitors. Please pray that Philip and Paul would be prepared to knock their socks off with the success of Hope Mountain. Did you know that about 90% of the kids graduate and can find jobs after they leave from the program? What CEO wouldn't want those kinds of results? They are breaking the cycle of poverty. They are creating a positive outlook and a future for the kids. They are transforming lives every day. Their work needs to continue. Please pray with and for us.
But it's only the second day....
For the team, it was a very interesting day. But before you hear about that, we'll tell you what we did.
Since it was a long day yesterday, we enjoyed a late start to the morning. Our mission was to have as much fun at the Girls' ranch as we did with the boys. The girls greeted us with cheers and each team member headed to one of the five girls' houses for a homemade lunch of chicken, rice and beans, salad and dessert. (Brazilian food is yummy!) We then planned an Easter Egg hunt (those girls are probably as competitive, if not more, than the boys!!), made friendship bracelets, sang songs, baked cookies and danced for a little while. Again, we were welcomed with open arms into their homes and into their lives. Imagine? We went there to embrace them and they embraced us a hundred fold. It's been very clear to us, that even with all of the "stuff" we brought, we have received so much more from those who have so little.
But here's the interesting part. After time at the ranch, Mark, one of the team members, asked us to share the best moment we experienced so far. You may be thinking, "But it's only the second day, Mark. What do you mean, share their best experience so far?" Well, we all had something to share, as well as a few tears to shed and plans about how we were going to make a difference for Hope when we got back home. Yes, we're already talking about going back home and sharing our experiences. Yes, as a team, we already have a plan as to how we will continue to take the message of Hope back to the states to further the work that is ongoing there. Yes, we've all been so moved that we cried about how touched we were these past two days.
But it's only been two days. Imagine what could happen in the next five. We are....
Since it was a long day yesterday, we enjoyed a late start to the morning. Our mission was to have as much fun at the Girls' ranch as we did with the boys. The girls greeted us with cheers and each team member headed to one of the five girls' houses for a homemade lunch of chicken, rice and beans, salad and dessert. (Brazilian food is yummy!) We then planned an Easter Egg hunt (those girls are probably as competitive, if not more, than the boys!!), made friendship bracelets, sang songs, baked cookies and danced for a little while. Again, we were welcomed with open arms into their homes and into their lives. Imagine? We went there to embrace them and they embraced us a hundred fold. It's been very clear to us, that even with all of the "stuff" we brought, we have received so much more from those who have so little.
But here's the interesting part. After time at the ranch, Mark, one of the team members, asked us to share the best moment we experienced so far. You may be thinking, "But it's only the second day, Mark. What do you mean, share their best experience so far?" Well, we all had something to share, as well as a few tears to shed and plans about how we were going to make a difference for Hope when we got back home. Yes, we're already talking about going back home and sharing our experiences. Yes, as a team, we already have a plan as to how we will continue to take the message of Hope back to the states to further the work that is ongoing there. Yes, we've all been so moved that we cried about how touched we were these past two days.
But it's only been two days. Imagine what could happen in the next five. We are....
This Was Only Our First Day, Really?
How can one group, in less than 24 hours, accomplish what we've accomplished????
Our day was FULL of activity, but the best part was the time with the boys of Cidade Dos Meninos (City of Youth). In our devotions this morning, we were all challenged to step out of our comfort zones and touch the lives of the kids here in Campinas and in Vitoria, later in the week. For some of us, that meant letting go of our own insecurities and hug, physically embrace, a child. For others of us, it meant we needed to reflect on how we've been touched by others, either spiritually or physically, and use those experiences to do what we could to impact the lives of the boys in City of Youth. And we jumped right in...
We started preparing for the afternoon activities which began with an Easter Egg hunt. Well, it wasn't long before we were surrounded by little hands that wanted to help fill plastic eggs with candy. Intense frisbee competitions followed (ok, maybe that's an exaggeration). We almost didn't make it out of the Easter egg hunt alive because those boys charged the campus grounds like horses going into war. Then, we all needed to cool off with a "water balloon toss", but you can imagine what it turned into... We had plenty of opportunities, in those small moments, to let the boys know they are God's children and are just as important to us as they are to Him.
But what touched us the most was the Talent Show put on by the boys and girls at tonight at service. Think about it. These are kids who, at some point, couldn't trust a single person, and now, they are on a stage in front of their peers and Americans they don't know, taking this amazing risk and performing for the entire group. Can you see the girls, some who have been abused emotionally, physically, and sexually, getting on a stage, talking about God's provision through the manna in the desert? Imagine that boys, who may have been scavenging the streets, now dance as unto the Lord, declaring His creation good. Our hearts were full of emotion, seeing their courage without knowing all of their particular situations. And what could have been a more perfect ending to the day, with our emotions sky high, than showing the kids, through a telescope, the magnitude of God's creation.
Yes, the day was VERY long and quite tiring, but as we lay our heads on our pillows, may we dream about all the lives we touched today and those who have touched us. And this was just our first day...
Our day was FULL of activity, but the best part was the time with the boys of Cidade Dos Meninos (City of Youth). In our devotions this morning, we were all challenged to step out of our comfort zones and touch the lives of the kids here in Campinas and in Vitoria, later in the week. For some of us, that meant letting go of our own insecurities and hug, physically embrace, a child. For others of us, it meant we needed to reflect on how we've been touched by others, either spiritually or physically, and use those experiences to do what we could to impact the lives of the boys in City of Youth. And we jumped right in...
We started preparing for the afternoon activities which began with an Easter Egg hunt. Well, it wasn't long before we were surrounded by little hands that wanted to help fill plastic eggs with candy. Intense frisbee competitions followed (ok, maybe that's an exaggeration). We almost didn't make it out of the Easter egg hunt alive because those boys charged the campus grounds like horses going into war. Then, we all needed to cool off with a "water balloon toss", but you can imagine what it turned into... We had plenty of opportunities, in those small moments, to let the boys know they are God's children and are just as important to us as they are to Him.
But what touched us the most was the Talent Show put on by the boys and girls at tonight at service. Think about it. These are kids who, at some point, couldn't trust a single person, and now, they are on a stage in front of their peers and Americans they don't know, taking this amazing risk and performing for the entire group. Can you see the girls, some who have been abused emotionally, physically, and sexually, getting on a stage, talking about God's provision through the manna in the desert? Imagine that boys, who may have been scavenging the streets, now dance as unto the Lord, declaring His creation good. Our hearts were full of emotion, seeing their courage without knowing all of their particular situations. And what could have been a more perfect ending to the day, with our emotions sky high, than showing the kids, through a telescope, the magnitude of God's creation.
Yes, the day was VERY long and quite tiring, but as we lay our heads on our pillows, may we dream about all the lives we touched today and those who have touched us. And this was just our first day...
March 2012- PAC's Going Back!!
That's right. Princeton Alliance Church is sending another team to Brazil, from March 30-April 7, 2012! But things will be a little different this time around.
This team will be the first team going to Hope Mountain, the other "Hope Unlimited", located in Vitoria. For those of you who don't know, Hope Mountain has seen tough days this past year and, only by God's grace, has kept thriving. With limited funds and expensive operating costs, Hope Mountain faced closure twice in a year's time. Thankfully, right in God's timing, the Brazilian government said they would help offset some of their costs for a period of time. So with a few more months to spare, the 25 boys at Hope Mountain can stay and continue to grow in God. If you were to talk to Philip Smith, co-founder of both Cidade dos Meninos and Hope Mountain, he would tell you that through this experience, the boys have grown exponentially in their faith and he wanted to make sure they had a team visit with them. Many of the kids there have never met an American or heard someone speak in a different language. The team that's leaving Friday was originally going to Hope Unlimited and Cidade dos Meninos to work on the boys' dorms there. Instead, we get to see both campuses and be blessed by all of the 225 kids Hope cares for. Yes, BE blessed BY the kids.
As a team, we've faced some tough challenges already, from health to visa to car to house issues. But that only means that God is going to do something AMAZING!! We are armed with plastic Easter eggs and tons of candy for an Easter egg hunt at both campuses. Plus, we've got lots of sports equipment, school materials, crafts and a telescope we can give the kids to show them we love them. We'll have to do a little work while we're there (paint a 330-foot hallway in three days) but the work will truly be done in our hearts. That's one thing we know for sure!! And, man, are we all excited!!
So as you keep up with us through the blog, please pray for the team members: Arlene, Karen, Lynn, Stephanie, Janet, Edson, Colin, Kay, Mark, Nayla, Antje, and Jannell. Pray for our safety, clarity of mind, unity, humility and for the kids of Hope. We can't wait to come back and tell you what God did!!!
Tchau!! (That was your first Portuguese lesson. It's pronounced "Chow" and means "Goodbye". Stay tuned for more!)
This team will be the first team going to Hope Mountain, the other "Hope Unlimited", located in Vitoria. For those of you who don't know, Hope Mountain has seen tough days this past year and, only by God's grace, has kept thriving. With limited funds and expensive operating costs, Hope Mountain faced closure twice in a year's time. Thankfully, right in God's timing, the Brazilian government said they would help offset some of their costs for a period of time. So with a few more months to spare, the 25 boys at Hope Mountain can stay and continue to grow in God. If you were to talk to Philip Smith, co-founder of both Cidade dos Meninos and Hope Mountain, he would tell you that through this experience, the boys have grown exponentially in their faith and he wanted to make sure they had a team visit with them. Many of the kids there have never met an American or heard someone speak in a different language. The team that's leaving Friday was originally going to Hope Unlimited and Cidade dos Meninos to work on the boys' dorms there. Instead, we get to see both campuses and be blessed by all of the 225 kids Hope cares for. Yes, BE blessed BY the kids.
As a team, we've faced some tough challenges already, from health to visa to car to house issues. But that only means that God is going to do something AMAZING!! We are armed with plastic Easter eggs and tons of candy for an Easter egg hunt at both campuses. Plus, we've got lots of sports equipment, school materials, crafts and a telescope we can give the kids to show them we love them. We'll have to do a little work while we're there (paint a 330-foot hallway in three days) but the work will truly be done in our hearts. That's one thing we know for sure!! And, man, are we all excited!!
So as you keep up with us through the blog, please pray for the team members: Arlene, Karen, Lynn, Stephanie, Janet, Edson, Colin, Kay, Mark, Nayla, Antje, and Jannell. Pray for our safety, clarity of mind, unity, humility and for the kids of Hope. We can't wait to come back and tell you what God did!!!
Tchau!! (That was your first Portuguese lesson. It's pronounced "Chow" and means "Goodbye". Stay tuned for more!)
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