Monday, June 6, 2011

Experiencing a New Culture

Hey family and friends!
      These past couple of days in Parintins have been incredible! One of the main reasons that we wanted to come to this amazing city was to learn and experience their culture. It can be very scary to immerse yourself in a new culture. For example, not knowing the language very well or having never eaten a certain kind of food before can be a daunting task. Of course these fears are real, but they should not keep you from learning from such a rewarding experience. Michael and I decided that we would leave our American tendencies behind and totally embrace Brazilian culture. I think that part of our motivation was that we hoped people would mistake us for Brazilians rather than Americans. Unfortunately, Michael's pale white skin gave us away, haha! Anyway, because we have decided to embrace this wonderful culture, we have learned so many things. First of all, we have learned that we are obsessed with Brazilian food! It is amazing!! Every morning we eat pao and ovos fritos (bread and fried eggs) alongside with the best cup of coffee ever!! We soon learned that lunch is their biggest meal of the day. For lunch we always eat rice, beans, chicken or beef, macaxiera (tastes like a potato), farofa (a regional thing that kind of resembles bread crumbs, you mix this with your food like a seasoning), salad, and many other things. Of course no lunch would be complete without fresh squeezed passion fruit juice (the best juice in the entire world!!). Then during the afternoon, at about 3:00, they have a time where everyone takes a break, shares a cup of coffee while eating probably Michael and I's favorite food here, pao de quejo (bread with parmesan cheese inside, amazing!!!). Unlike in the U.S. the dinner is very small, usually consisting of leftovers from lunch, but of course it is still delicious. So for everyone who is worried about how well we are eating here in the Amazon, we probably are eating better here than at home haha!!!! I have a feeling that after Michael and I return, we will probably crave Brazilian food all the time!
      Another great cultural experience that we were able to be a part of was a 15th birthday party. The family that we are staying with had a 15th birthday party for their neice on Saturday night. Kinda of like in Mexican culture, the 15th birthday is a very special one. It was such a beautiful party with lots of food, singing, and brigadero (little chocolate candies). One of the traditions, which is so not American, is that they make this huge (and I mean huge) cake, but they don't eat the cake till the day after the birthday. The cake is just for pictures at the party and then the family takes it home and eats it the following day. It was so hard to look at this delicious cake and know that we weren't going to eat it, hahaha! But the good news is, we got to go over to their house the next day and eat the cake anyway, hahaha!
      Yesterday, we went to church and it was awesome! The dad of the family that we are living with is the pastor of this church. His name is Pastor Elmer (pronounced Elmay, yes I know, Portuguese has different phonetics), and he is an amazing warrior for Christ. He is teaching us so much about this country, ministry here, and life in general. In another blog post I will tell you all about him and his amazing story cause it is so inspirational! Anyway, yesterday at the church we were asked to participate in a skit for the children during their sunday school. I think that they just wanted to see Americans look stupid in front of everyone, haha just kidding! The skit was so much fun and Michael and I even said our lines in Portuguese! The kids laughed so hard and it was great being able to be a part of their fellowship.
      As you can tell, it is so rewarding to experience a new culture. Not only do we get to learn more about who they are, but we get to learn more about our Creator who created these special people. Pastor Elmer gave me this book to read while I'm here, and it is absolutely incredible. It is called "Radical" by David Platt. If you haven't read this book, please go to your nearest bookstore and buy it and read it. It will change your life! I have not heard someone speak biblical truth like this in a long time, and you will be so convicted about how you live your daily life, I sure am being convicted. I want to share with you one thing that I learned from this book today. The author, David, is talking about how the American culture often keeps us from experiencing the Lord's will for our lives. As Americans, we want to pursue the American dream and become as successful as we can. But it seems that we are missing the point. Often times, we think that our own talents and skills will allow us to be used by God, but in reality God doesn't need these talents at all. He just desires a heart that is desperately seeking to be used by Him. In David's words, "God delights in using ordinary Christians who come to the end of themselves and choose to trust in his extraordinary provision. He stands ready to allocate his power to all who are radically dependant on him and radically devoted to making much of him. This is the design of God among his people. He is giving unlikely people his power so it is clear who deserves the glory for the success that takes place. Instead of imagining all the things we can accomplish, we ask God to do only what HE can accomplish." Pretty powerful stuff, huh? I am totally being convicted that it is not the talents or skills that I posses that will bring people to Christ, it is the total surrender of allowing Christ to work through me that will make disciples for His glory. Anyway, I could talk for hours about this, but in later blogs I will continue to share more about this book because it is really transforming the way I see missions and Christianity in general.
      Wow, those of you who know me well, know that I can talk with the best of them, and now I am learning that I can write just as much as I can talk, haha! Michael just asked me, "Are you still typing over there?" haha! I am just so thankful that God has brought Michael and I to Brasil. God is opening our eyes to so many new things, and molding and shaping us in ways that He has never before. I am so grateful that I serve such an amazing God! Well, Boa Noite (goodnight) and we will write again soon! Thank you so much for your prayers and support, we love you all very much! And to all of our Brazilian friends in Chicago "Saudade!!!"

Graces a Deus,

Michael and Leah

3 comments:

  1. Dear Michael & Leah,
    It's so wonderful to read of how God is using you and how He's speaking to your hearts while in Brazil. Wanessa and I are so excited for you. We miss you guys a great deal here in Chicago, but we're so grateful to God for this opportunity of service He's giving you guys. We keep praying for His protection, provision and guidance to both of you. Your love for our country is very inspiring. God's blessings to you. Um grande abraço, Andre, Wanessa and "tum-tum". :-)

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  2. My Dear Michael and Leah,
    Words cannot express how proud Nana and I are of you two. Just know that you are in our prayers each and every second. We miss you so and cannot wait until you are back home with us that is after you two have fulfilled what God has sent you to do. Blessings to both of you and all of our love. Nana and Ps

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  3. Meus queridos!! I am sooo happy to read all God is doing during your time in Brasil!!! Thank you so much for loving our country and our people and sharing this amazing God we serve with them!! Saudades de voces!! Beijos Elaine

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