A Brazilian Easter

Hope you had a wonderful time celebrating Christ's resurrection and the hope that we have as Christians to one day be with him in Glory! On Easter morning, I sat in on James' Sunday School class, mainly because he wouldn't let me leave. Normally, I am a mother who has no hang-ups about leaving their crying child because I know that he will stop in a few minutes and begin to play. This, however, was a special occasion as all the children were gathered together in one place for a special Easter presentation put on by the teachers. While listening to the Passover story, each child was given some unleavened bread and a piece of cooked lamb. I was impressed with the amount of preparation that was put into this lesson. When my Portuguese improves, I look forward to helping more with the children's ministry!After church, we drove out to a restaurant in the country overlooking two lakes. Unfortunately, it began to rain and I was unable to get photos of the family and the mini egg hunt I planned to do for James there. The custom in Brazil for Easter happens not to be Easter baskets or egg hunts but rather the children are given giant chocolate eggs with a surprise inside. The surprise is usually a small toy or some candy. Not only did James receive a chocolate egg from his parents but also an American Easter basket that my sweet cousin Susan and her daughter Reese sent us in the mail. It was a nice surprise and I was able to hide some plastic eggs around the house for James to find later after we got home. Thanks guys- it was super thoughtful!

The care package sent by our cousins. We are looking forward to making the cupcakes!

Here is James with his Brazilian Easter Egg with the theme of Superman. His little surprise was a red cloth Superman cape which he quickly opened and put on.

James seen here relaxing with his cape and chocolate egg!

Later that evening, we went to our sister church to hear a children's cantata. James' little friends Raissa and Marina sang beautifully! Here is a photo of Raissa and James.

A group photo of our favorite friends. Edie and Rick work together at Fiel and Rosilene and I spend a lot of time together.(We live in the same building.) She has become my best friend here in Brazil. The Lord was sweet to send me a special friend. I always enjoy our time together and she is so patient with me and my "slow" Portuguese. The Lord knows our every need!