Ola,

Here is the last message for this blog (at least for a while).

I am now back in France after a journey that lasted about 22hours.

The last week in Brazil was AMAZING. Half the team was able to go to a school. We thought we would just be doing stuff for one class, but when we arrived, we found out that in fact we would be in front of the whole school. The young people (aged between 15 and 18) were on their lunch break and dancing around (in true Brazilian style) when we arrived. But when they were told that some ‘gringas’ were there to talk to them, they all stopped and listened and watched quietly, which is something that impressed all of us. After having done our bit, we also were able to speak to some of the young people, which was really nice. We were even invited to go back whenever we wanted to help out with the English lessons (though we never had the chance to take the English teacher up on his offer).

Throughout the week we also ran 2 hours of activities for the kids from the communities every afternoon. It was a great chance to see the people from the camps again, as well as teach them some more about God. We also had time to play numerous games of volley ball, football… It was really encouraging to see some of the young people really grow in their faith/ come to know Jesus during that time.

That week was also the time to say goodbye to everyone. On the Thursday night, we took all the host families out to a typical Brazilian restaurant: a churrascaria. Basically: you pay a certain amount, and you can have as much food and drink as you would like. Waiters would come round with things of meat and if you want some they would just cut it off the stick. I don’t think I have ever eaten so much meat before in my life! It was also quite an emotional time for all of us as we suddenly realised that our time in Brazil was coming to an end.

On the Friday night, we had a camp reunion which was a time for us to have a service together and just see everyone again one last time. We then headed to the beach with some of the kids as well as most of the leaders for some more time together.

On Saturday we went off on our team holiday to Porto de Galinhas (literally port of chickens) which has been voted the best beach of Brazil for 10 years running. We stayed in a beautiful bed and breakfast with a swimming pool and only about 5 minutes from the beach. We were able to swim with fish and generally just relax. We also made the most of our last night there to organise a chicken party (rather than a hen party) for Angela – one of our team members – who is getting married in September. This included going out for food wearing party hats, chicken themed games and a treasure hunt.  It was great fun!

We came back on Tuesday and then left on Wednesday.

So I guess this is it for now...

Thanks a lot for your support and your prayers.