Earlier in our stay, the ProLink Hotel owners had asked if we would be willing to dedicate their hotel. So, Monday morning found us up early asking God to bless the owners in all of their business dealings; that their hotel would have a reputation for hospitality, service, and integrity; and that those who stayed inside their walls would find rest and peace. In this family, the wife of the owner is churched. To our knowledge, the other members are not.
After a quick trip by Edinaldo’s home for one last goodbye, we were on the road to Rio Branco. Instead of prayer-walking, we began prayer-driving areas as we returned. One area that had captured our attention was the small community that was forming across the river from Tarauaca. To our knowledge “Tarauaca-East” [our naming] has no church so we have begun to pray for a new work there. We were able to enjoy “pothole pavement” until we were east of Feijo where we immediately encountered muddy roads due to the rains Sunday evening. The mud was sufficient to cause numerous trucks to slide into the ditch and force us to run in 4wd--indicaters that travel on BR 364 would soon be challenging--we were heading back at the right time. Later in the morning, we traveled beyond the effects of the recent rain and the mud turned to dust, which wasn’t a problem for the five folks in the cab but a nuisance to the rider in the rear. This was pretty much the same as last year except we had brought along a “poofy” [pear shaped bean bag] to serve as a body cushion and allow one to stretch out. Between the poofy and Theresa’s pillow, the guy in the rear was in good shape, especially when all passengers became airborne on the sudden dips/bumps in the road. Road conditions this year were much better and the group even reminisced over our adventure last year being a thing of the past, as the current road improvements will eventually make the way for year-round travel. We arrived in Rio Branco without incident after 7 hours or so of travel…not too bad.
The afternoon was spent completing last minute shopping and packing for our 2am flight to Manaus. As in the past, we left lots of clothes and medicines to be distributed to those in need. Good thing too or else we would have had to pay extra to transport all those havaianas [flip flops] back to the states. Numerous friends came by Monday night to say goodbye and wish us well. Soon it was too late for guests and we finished our final preparations and departed for the airport. Even though Bruce is doing well in communicating in Portuguese, we all appreciated Aaron being involved to ensure there was no confusion as we checked in and secured our ticket changes. After a final prayer, we said our goodbyes to Aaron and entered security to begin our trip home. Much to our relief, the flight to Manaus departed on time, as we only had about an hour to arrive/process/check-in for our flight to Miami.
We arrived Manaus a few minutes late but with a plan, Bruce would go secure our tickets and wait for Joe/Theresa at security while they secured the luggage. Things were going great for Theresa and Joe until they got to the ticket counter and Bruce conveyed they wouldn’t let us board and it attributed to timing—control of luggage going through customs???.
After the reality of our situation settled, we made contact with local IMB missionaries and Ken agreed to come to the airport and help us get rebooked for the same flight on Wednesday. It was a blessing to have Ken come to our aid. Soon all travel arrangements were made, including van transportation to the airport the next morning. He took us to the Hotel Brazil, pointed out a couple of eating options, as well as internet cafes, a few notable sights, and a list of contacts if we needed further assistance. Ken had a network of Brazilian associates that assisted him with mission teams visiting Brazil. We were receiving “standard” treatment and it was much appreciated.
After a short rest, we hit the streets of Manaus. First an internet café to catch up on news and then a sit down meal at a restaurant. Traveling days usually consist of granola bars and crackers and we still had several days to go so a good meal was in order. Oh yea, on our first trip out a man walking along side of me said, “you’re a missionary aren’t you?”. This wasn’t the first time I had been surprised by someone speaking English but this encounter was a little startling. After a short pause, I admitted as much and shared that we were only in Manaus overnight waiting for a flight and were currently looking for an internet café. He helped us and then went on his way. After some internet time, dinner, an ice cream break, and more internet time the evening was over.
Wednesday morning we enjoyed a breakfast at the hotel being careful about the food and beverages that we consumed. This would be our last meal in Brazil this year. Every meal presented opportunities to eat something new often without full knowledge/appreciation of how our systems would respond. This year found all of us eating more items than in the past but we refrained from being too adventurous because we knew too well that the reaction could bring a significant disruption to our plans. Other than Joe’s two afternoons of the “Pepto-prance” all had done very well.
Miguel Bruce, our van transportation, arrived on time at the hotel and we were soon at the airport saying goodbye to another critical contact for our future unassisted trips into Brazil. After getting past the disruption/delay to our travel home on Tuesday, we began to look at this time in Manaus as an opportunity to learn. We took away many insights about the numerous differences with the interior due to its size and business base.
We arrived early at the airport to ensure we had some flexibililty in case issues surfaced regarding our ticketing/departure, there were none. We again spent time on the internet contacting family, life groups, and other who were praying for us and our travels. It is amazing that we can communicate almost instantly to share and receive information across huge distances to different countries/cultures. We plan to make the internet a part of our mission to Brazil by beginning and sustaining communication with our partners in country. We have a long way to go in this area but expect it to be a valuable tool.
The flight to Miami was not without significance. Theresa was seated by a young Brazilian lady that spoke English and was soon deep in conversation with Francesca. Joe added a comment from time to time but it remained a conversation between two Christian women. Theresa learned of Francesca living in the US as a student for several years (age 15-17) with a Christian family and that that was her current destination. She would arrive in Houston just a few hours after the funeral of her “American” father and stay for several weeks to help her “American” mother, Jo, with personal matters and to pack for relocation. It was obvious that this was a Christian family that had been a huge influence on her own salvation and current growing in Christ. The conversation covered both personal life and corporate life in their different cultures. Francesca was a child psychiatrist and had recently relocated to Portalera in northern Brazil. The long flight to Miami was consumed in conversation and was soon over but not the relationship with Francesca. It was her first time traveling internationally alone so we moved through customs, baggage claim, and check-in with her to ensure no problems on the last leg of her flight. We even shared a first American meal together before her departure, a hamburger at Burger King. This encounter was one of many that God orchestrated and we will have to wait to see how it fits in to His plans for Brazil.
Our arrival time in Miami prevented us from flying to Pensacola so we spent the night and resumed travel on Thursday morning but not without additional weather delays. Regardless we were in Pensacola around lunch time and was greeted by Rhonda, our team member and chief interface officer stateside this year.
