I liked the floor

Ahhh... something wonderful happened this morning.. the tank was installed.. we have a complete toilet..and it the most beautiful toilet I've ever SAT on. Thought I would share that.
So anyway changing the subject.... Here in Brazil, everyone goes to church in the evening.. I figure because starting about 10am it starts getting hot.. no one wants to be sitting in the service all hot and sweaty in their nice church clothes. It starts cooling off a little around 5 or 6 in the evening and services start about 7pm. It felt a little strange at first, but then, at the same time, it feels special. It's like going out for a special evening.. it's a time to dress up beautiful and elegant.. and the Brazilian women do take advnantage of this. Sunday night the streets of Sao Goncalo are filled with church-goers..spilling out of churches from every corner. A while ago there was a very strong evangelical movement in Brazil, and now you can find churches everywhere! In places you'd neverthink to look.. in garages, in houses, in warehouses, in deserted buildings... they range in sizes from 10 attendents to hundreds.
Last night we decided to attend one where a musician friend takes part in the worship team. We've visited several in the area, but there's always so much abrasive yelling or boring music. This time I was pleasently surprised. It fit about 20 to 30 people. The little brick building was partially open but protected by a tin roof. I especially liked floor which consisted of a mosaic of broken tiles differing in all shapes sizes and colors. I found myself staring at the ground most of the time. It was a small enough group that some of the women passed out cafezinho in delcate little porcline cup and saucers.. along with the tiniest little stiring spoon i've ever used..they got me right there.
Samuel played with the worship team. He's been practicing his sax like crazy. He's so good, and I think he's always getting better, especially the high notes which he's really been focusing in on. Anyone he plays with is lucky. I can see him coming to America and playing with great musicians and singers from around the world..doing concerts for great crowds and in stadiums.. Then think back on times like this in humble little churches.
The woman who gave the message came up to me after the sevice and asked if she could pray for me. Sure, why not. Prayer nver hurt anyone. she laid her hand gently on the shoulder and prayed for Gods blessing and comfort over me then for Samuel and Little Matteo. Then she said, when I was praying, I felt that you feel a little sad in your heart. Maybe because you are a long ways away from your family and country and its a little hard durng this time. but you can know that you have friends here.
How sweet. I suppose that is kind of true.. I did come here to be near Samuel when I had the baby, that was important to me. But now Matteo is here. And I didnt realize it would be so hard and frustrating not to be close to everyone over there now. He's already three months and no one from my family has even gotten to hold him.. except Mom... and he's growing really quick. I'm really looking forward to getting back for that reason. I'm looking for things to do to distract myself in this time before we get there. Trying to look for all the good happy beautiful things.. and when you look for something, you start seeing it in places you wouldnt have before. Like the ground? I really liked that floor.