Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Feliz Aniversario, Jeremiah

Jeremiah had the privilege of celebrating his birthday in Brazil this year. It was fun to be able to see how the Brazilians celebrate birthdays. (Read about Fernanda's party here). But it was also great to be able to celebrate Jeremiah's birthday with our friends, the Carrels.

Early Sunday morning, the festivities began - Sarah put up Evelyn's birthday banner for Jeremiah. The balloons had to stay tied up high. Evelyn is terrified of them popping.


We had Cinnamon Rolls in Jeremiah's honor for breakfast. (Get the recipe here.)


In Santo Antonio, Sunday School is in the morning and the main service is held at 8:00 pm. We headed off to Sunday School. It was so enjoyable to be able to walk to church.


The entire church met in the sanctuary first for songs and announcements.


The room quickly filled up. We were encouraged by the friendliness of the congregation. During the song time, I was glad to be able to sing along to some familiar tunes in English. Everyone participated. It was a beautiful sound.

We then split up into different age groups. Jeremiah had the privilege of speaking to the teenagers.



It was such a treat to hear Jeremiah speak and Dave translate.


The youth also loved the games they played to introduce the lesson.


After Sunday School, we headed home for a birthday lunch! Homemade Pizza, brownies and ice cream. Jeremiah was in heaven. I had brought the brownie mix from the States and Sarah and I had made the vanilla ice cream the day before.


Once again, I was excited to get a new recipe.

Pizza Crust
1 and 1/2 tsp salt
4 cups flour
2 tsp yeast
1 1/4 cup water
3 Tbsp oil


Evelyn is quickly learning to be a great cook like her mom. She joined right in adding the toppings.


After lunch, Dave and Jeremiah began their preparation for the Iron Man Competition. This was to be a special event for the young men of the church to compete -- doing manly things such as sit ups, pull ups, arm wrestling, dodge ball, etc.

As Evelyn rode around the house on her new bike (she was riding this from morning til night), Dave pumped up the balls. Somehow, they got her to start saying (in a very low voice) "Pump it up!! Pump it up!!" It was adorable!

This is the afternoon that Jeremiah held on to 12 two liters while riding on the back of a motor cycle. I wish I had taken a picture.

Sarah and I rode the bikes down to check out some of the competition.


Things were intense here -


The sky turned intense as well - a storm was brewing! Sarah and I rode home quickly, just making it inside before the downpour began.



When it rains in the Amazon, the raindrops seem to be 5 times larger than they are in the States. It sounds amazing under a tin roof. The boys later arrived home, soaked but having a good time.

That evening, when we walked to church, it was still POURING! We walked through a field with our flashlights and umbrellas. The mud was quite sticky and I kept losing my flashlight. Jeremiah was quite patient to keep helping me find my rubber flip flop in various puddles and mud holes.
 It was a great way for Jeremiah to celebrate his birthday in 2012. One I'm sure he'll never forget.

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