Another Tuesday of Rain

View from the court

As many of you may know, I love to play basketball. It is something that I believe I cannot live without. Now that may be a bit dramatic, but it is definitely something I never want to live without. Watching it is great, but I love to play it. When we visited Niterói two years ago, I had to confirm not only that there would be a group of guys to play basketball with, but also that the group was fun. Obviously, the decision to come to Brazil did not hinge on basketball, but it certainly helped!

I love the group of guys I get to play b-ball with every Tuesday night. I have made some really good relationships with some of the guys and have invited many of them to "youth" events and other church events. And though only a few of them have taken me up on those invites, I will keep inviting them and only God knows what may come from these friendships. It is group of guys that I can joke with, discuss our mission and work here with and I always try to get into their lives as well. Some are married, so it is easy to ask how their wives are. Some are still in school, so I can always ask how school is going and talk about that with them. Some recently have had kids, which is obviously an exciting time for them. So I love to ask about that and see their eyes light up. It isn't just basketball on Tuesday nights for me. I see it as much more!

Just some of the guys...

However, March and April are often rainy months here in Rio. It is an outdoor court and so rain pretty much ruins Tuesday nights of basketball. And today it is raining yet again...so it will be one more Tuesday night without basketball, and getting together with some of my friends, for me. I think we have played like 2 times in the last month and a half. Sad times...I know! Brazil needs the rain (like seemingly the rest of the world), however, I only wish it would take a break on Tuesday nights!

Kelly "Mão Quente (Hot Hand)" Tomasi

Year One...Still Unbelievable!

Yea...we celebrated with donuts for breakfast!!

And McDonald's Ice Cream after a day of swimming...

One year in Brazil. Wow. It feels like we just arrived and were living with the Zincks and feeling like it was a short-term mission trip. I guess it can surely be defined as long-term now. We have learned a lot about ourselves, each other, the church and most of all God in the past year. We have almost learned a language (it is going really well btw). We have made new friends. We have seen new places. And fell in love with a different country, culture, and way of life. We have tried many new foods, most we like...some...not so much. We have gotten used to taxis, traffic, and tourists. And speaking of tourists, we no longer feel like the tourists and can even be tour guides for those visiting. We experienced the World Cup, a Presidential election, and Carnaval. We have constantly been reminded of the power of prayer and the presence of the Spirit. Without them we would be lost. We've had sad, frustrating, and tiring days...as well as joyful, fulfilling and victorious days. It's been quite a year. One that we will surely never forget. We look forward to the coming years in this beautiful city, with our wonderful friends and family here, and our amazing church. We are lucky and blessed. Thanks for your prayers!

 - Kelly and Kelci

(One Year Video Coming Soon...)

(Consider this the preview or something...)