The longest leg, from Belem to Breves, was accomplished by large hammock boat. You pay your fare, hang your hammock, and guard your territory. As an American, I tend to have a large personal bubble, at least 1.5 to 3 feet, especially when sleeping. Not so Brazilians. People sleep like sardines on these boats--side by side (touching), on top of, below, across. Thankfully, when the boat was moving the wind kept us cool--mostly.
The main goal of the trip was to provide the students an opportunity to plan a ministry trip and put their faith into action, and they all did incredibly well at this. They worked tirelessly and without complaint (at least I didn't hear any). They showed initiative. They worked late. They smiled often. Instead of staying in cliques, they mingled with the locals.
On the ministry side of things, the students organized the services. They lead worship, performed skits, shared testimonies, and led small group Bible studies. I was very impressed with their selflessness and bravery.
We also spent several days working at churches. Good old-fashioned manual labor. We painted, cleaned, scrubbed, dusted, scoured, hammered, wired, leveled, weeded, burned, sanded, swept, chopped, and generally spruced up. Under the hot tropical sun we slaved, and I am sure the collective smell of our sweaty shirts did damage to the ozone. I am also quite sure that it rose to heaven as a sweet-smelling savor.
I had a hard time believing that 26 people could travel up river and back without getting sick, injured or robbed (you'd be surprised what a splash a parade of gringos with their digital cameras will make in a small river town). We swam with piranhas and alligators, ate and drank locally, and used hand tools, but were blessed with safety, tranquility, and health. Thanks for your prayers. Thanks to the Lord.
(The pictures are loosely organized: ministry, work, travel)
