A world of I'm sorry's and I don't understand

I wish I could say God gave me the gift of tongues, but He has not.  I still understand some and speak a little but I often find myself asking people to repeat what they are saying or to just say I am sorry I don't understand.  I have been here over a week and I have learned many new words and learned key phrases but I have not begun my intentional study of Portuguese with a native speaker.  I will start that soon and then I soon hope to be understanding and speaking more.  But I really can't complain, those who speak to me are quite patient and I really have not be suffering.  I also have Native English speakers with which to talk which gives me a nice mental break.

It has been lovely weather here, hot in the sun but nice in the shade.  I am continually reminded that the sun is much stronger here and that I need to stay out of it, so I spend most of my time in the shade or indoors.  My only complaint so far has been the mosquitos and fire ants. They seem to really enjoy feasting on me.  I am sure I will soon learn the art of avoiding them.

I have had many firsts here, I played the piano at Zion, I introduced my self in Portuguese and English (Roque translated) to the church,  I bought my first oven and refrigerator, and I drove in Brazil for the first time.  I am sure there are many other things I cannot think of yet.

Classes at the Seminary do not begin until the first of August and so my time is spent much more relaxed and accomplishing errands of establishing myself here.  I will start keeping a schedule and being involved in many things come August so I am trying to enjoy my extra time now.

I am in the process of trying to locate and buy a car.  My friend João works at a Fiat dealership and he is looking for me.  Due to the decline of the American dollar the exchange rate is not so much in my favor. And so the car will cost me more than I had planned.  Please pray that God provides me the money or a cheaper car.  I have seen God providing for my needs so I know He can and will.

I however am not looking forward to owning and driving a car here in Brazil.  They drive differently here and it will require nerves of steel to deal with what I have seen so far.  Road rules are simply guidelines that you may chose or not chose to follow and so I am sure I will have many stories to share once I do begin to drive the streets of Brazil.

Please keep me in your prayers, and I shall do the same for you.  I would love to hear from you, please email or leave me a comment!

Thanks!  Joy