The story that will stick with me is Dave and Jan's maid, Sandra. She raised 7 children alone. I have the utmost respect for single moms and the dual role they have to play. The reality for single moms in Brazil is that the males completely unplug and walk away providing no support. It is not uncommon for women to have many children with many men. Sandra's 7 came from 3 men.
Sandra's 18 year old son, Johnny got stuck in the drug scene and the church paid for rehab. Shortly after he returned, he overdosed and died. This was the first time she had talked publicly about Johnny's death since it happened 2 1/2 years ago. Even though I don't speak much Portuguese, it was easy to see that the pain was still fresh, but it was accompanied with a significant peace. That's where her faith comes in. Sandra still goes to church and puts all of her trust in God. What a tremendous example of having faith in a maker who still holds the world in His hands.
That afternoon we started day one of our vacation Bible school for the Brazilian children. We had about 15-20 kids and expect the number to increase as the week moves along.
The night ended with my wife and I talking about what God has done in our lives. She was healed from a significant illness and we had to make some very hard choices throughout the process, as many of you know.
More to come....
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