First snow of the year. Until now, there have been flurries and dustings, but no snow stuck for long. Then, last night, about 6 inches. Schools are closed and the kids are waiting to go outside and play in the snow!!!!
Another sure sign of the differences between the States and Brazil - the first snow of the season. The kids are enchanted! They are waiting to get out and play in the snow.
But, I thought I would write my list of ten things I HAVEN'T SEEN since coming to the States on furlough. So, here is the top ten list - I haven't seen:
10) Anyone doing laundry by hand in the local rivers or creeks.
09) Any three-legged, mangy dogs roaming the streets.
08) Any iguanas climbing the trees in the backyard.
07) Any dirt roads.
06) Any store clerks handing out hard candy because they did not have exact change.
05) Any Fish Markets.
04) Any flocks of parrots or macaws passing overhead.
03) Any ants in the sugar bowl or on the kitchen counter.
02) Any traffic backups caused by horse drawn carts.
01) Any 100cc motorbikes carrying a family of four.
Yes, there are many differences. Sometimes it is funny, sometimes sobering, sometimes enlightening. But, without a doubt, it is different and some parts of our hearts and minds is always at home in Brazil. We sometimes struggle to reconcile the differences, the cultures, and the values of what we see and hear.
What we really value are the friendships and relationships. That is more and more impressed on us as the days pass. So many things are fragile and fleeting, but we can forge relationships that are enduring. It helps to keep our focus on the long term. That is where our hearts need to be, focused on the things that are eternal.
One of the horse carts of Altamira
Hi Bud and Suzanne,
I'm so sorry we got only glimpses of you while you were here, but we were both down with colds, and coughs, and you didn't need that!
Right now we are iced in bigtime. Jim and Jackie took us to church yesterday, and it was a wonderful day. Especially the song "Come home running, His arms are open wide". I don't know the name of it, but it really spoke to us because we've been praying hard for a few young people who have been listening to liberal college professors, and been enticed away. We live in an increasingly pagan society.
Would I know the friends you stayed with in Phoenix? (These blogs are such a great idea, and save you hours of time.)
Have a blessed Christmas, and may 2008 be awash with blessings.
Much love from Harlan & Rosalie
Posted by: Harlan and Rosalie Pflederer | December 10, 2007 at 12:54 PM