When we returned to the States, we were asked to answer a few questions in order to help us process and organize our thoughts about the trip. We later used our responses from these questions to base our talks to the church off of. It was a really useful tool for organizing the mess of thoughts and emotions such a trip brought forth.
I think the best thing to do now is simply to let you read our answers for yourselves. To keep this post manageable I am going to share some of the questions now, and some of the questions later. I hope you enjoy reading our heart-felt responses and I hope they give you a better picture of our trip:
1) What was the hardest thing to do or see? Why?
Josh: The
hardest thing for me to do is always the home visits. Helping out a large group of kids is one
thing, but going into someone’s home and meeting the parent(s) and living
conditions of those kids is a whole different story. I find it hard to even speak when I’m there,
and not just because of the language barrier.
In fact, this year I found that I understood almost 100% of what Willian
was saying in the home visits. The
problem, I think, was that I just couldn’t comprehend what those people were
going through. In the States, I have
everything I need and more, yet I still consider myself a “poor, married
college student.” To see the trials
these people face is not something I can just brush off.
Casey: I’d have to say it is a
tie between:
Seeing how huge the need is in the favelas, and that even as influential the
ministry is, it cannot meet every need. Particularly seeing kids peeking (and
yelling) through the windows at the Christmas parties, wanting to join us, to
have a meal and actually get a Christmas present.
And, not being able to speak Portuguese when it came to wanting to share
something during a difficult home visit and trying to get to know/cheer up some
of the kiddos. I’m very comfortable working with kids, but a lot of what I do
with kids here is talk to them, even if they only speak Spanish I’m usually
able to speak with them a little, but not knowing any Portuguese made it very
difficult.
2) What was your favorite part of the trip? Why?
Josh: My
favorite part of the trip, ironically, is the home visits. Although they are the hardest, they are also
the most personal. We go into people’s
houses and talk with them and pray with them as they share some very personal
stories. Although there are often tears
shed from sadness, I can never forget the look of joy these people get on their
faces to have us come in and talk about faith and life with them. It gives me great hope that we can get
through anything with God leading the way!
Casey: Walking through the favelas was one
of my favorite parts. I loved seeing how the people responded to the people in
the ministry (the regular members like Tati, Itailia, William, Leticia, etc.).
So many kids ran up to give one of the locals a hug; it was clear how much they
loved the people involved in the ministry. I also really liked being able to go
into a few homes not only to see what they were like, but to hear the stories
of the families. It was eye opening to see the favelas in person. I also loved
running into kids that came to camp, finally seeing them in their home
environment.
3) What was the most unusual thing you experienced? Why?
Josh: As I
mentioned before, I found myself able to understand almost all of what Willian
was saying to the people in the home visits.
Maybe it was just my knowledge of Portuguese, but I really feel that God
almost translated, or at least simplified the language, for me those times – and
it gave me a completely different experience from the home visits I had two
years ago. It was like I was more a part of the
conversation, instead of being simply an onlooker.
Casey: Eating the berries at
camp. Giovanna just pulled them off the bush and ate them like they were so
normal. Then her and Josue tried to explain to me how to spit out the slimy,
white pit, drink the juice and then spit out the skin as well.
4) What was something that made you laugh?
Josh: Lots of
things made me laugh over this trip… I
probably laughed most that first night in Camp California in the guys’ cabin
when we stayed up really late just talking and laughing. But Willian could always make me laugh, too.
Casey: So many things. Off
the top of my head - the kids who could not believe we were married and giggled
uncontrollably when: we told them, when Ireni confirmed it, and when we kissed
as “proof”.
5) What is something that made you cry?
Josh: I don’t
cry often, but Lacey’s testimony made me tear up. It was just so straight from the heart and
really reached out. Also, the fact that
it seemed to so strongly affect the Brazilians and others around was really
impactful.
Casey: There was one home visit that hit me
especially hard. There was a woman who was a single mom, struggling to feed her
children. Her husband left her and her kids several years ago, and has since
remarried and started a new family. Her son was graduating high school that
week (which, it was made clear, is a huge accomplishment for kids living in the
favelas), and the dad had been invited, but refused to come. The hurt and
feelings of abandonment were so clear in her eyes. I had a particularly
difficult time with this because it is so real to me. Though my dad is no
longer alive, I often feel the same feelings of hurt and abandonment because my
dad chose to die and chose to leave my mom and I. I wanted so badly to speak to
her, but I could not speak Portuguese and I did not know exactly what to say to
have Willian translate. Willian and Tony spoke about how God never abandons us,
which is the very truth I hold on to when I think about my dad. It was moving
in that I could tangibly feel her pain and yet had no way of helping her. It
was interesting to see how someone half-way around the world can share such a
similar, deep-rooted pain with my mother and I. It was also encouraging to see
her involved in the ministry and having a life with God, and to see her son
succeeding despite all the challenges the family faces.
Thanks for reading this long post! Check back soon for the rest of the questions!
