Christmas Pix

Shine and daughter Windy at our benefit dinner
Sleepy heads...tired as can be ...Silas, Shine and Nina
All set up and ready to go busking....
December 24th, caroling away...our sweet team
Silly boys...looking cute or what??
Posing for a picture after cooking our Christmas dinner...Jp and his many funny faces....hehe
ummm...japes, never mind the funny looking guy, he was a little bored I guess...
Mary and Joseph playing the 1st Christmas skit...Dario was just too much! I couldn't stop laughing

the promised picture

braces and glasses smiling for u...big kiss!

Merry C'mas

Its over! The rush rush, singing till 1:00 in the morning, eating pizza every night, waking up at 9:00AM, meeting interesting people, trying new things and much, much more.
I can truly say this Christmas push was one of learning, growing and stretching, it was fun also, tiring for sure but nothing can compare to the souls won, to see people touched with a song or a word you say. It was only Jesus, we couldn't have made it without him, such a sweetheart! Is is too hard to fall in love with this man???
Right now,I'm helping to prepare our Christmas dinner, its been fun, we're five people, so you joke around, listen to music drink some beer and cook of course! I love you all, I have to go back to the kitchen, Have a merry, very merry Christmas and show Jesus how much you love him. Happy B-day dear Love!

news on me

I know.... I should apologize to you for not blogging in a long while. those who check my blog often might have gotten a little bored of seeing the same posts for almost 15 days. sometimes I think I should stop blogging but then I remember the reason why I made this blog and its what keeps me inspired.
Christmas is in the air and like you might know we're all on the big push to do all we can before our mans birthday arrives. Its a fight, but its fun to fight and I'm loving it more and more. Sorry this is not as detailed as you'd like but theres no need to say we're all busy. busking is going great, we're meeting some real sheep and potential people and the Lord is opening many doors.
keep on pushing this Cmas...make it your best yet!
xoxoxoxo

Jabuticaba

I thought you would like to know about this fruit...Isn't it crazy how they grow? I for one am pretty amazed. They're almost black on the outside and white on the inside. They're not my favorite but the kids here love it! We have a tree in our back yard and since it's jabuticaba season, they love to use their get-out time to pick them from the tree. People make sweets and drinks out of this. God is so original, don't you think?

On this moutain top....

MOUNTAIN TOP

ON THIS MOUNTAIN TOP I HEAR THE VOICE OF GOD
ON THIS MOUNTAIN TOP SO PURE AND BEAUTIFUL
ON THIS MOUNTAIN TOP I FEEL THE WHISPERING WIND
ON THIS MOUNTAIN TOP I SEE THE MAJESTY OF CREATION

I KNOW THIS IS WHERE I BELONG
FOREVER IN YOUR BREATH KEEPS ME MOVING ON
GIVEN WINGS OF AN ANGEL
I CAN SOAR OVER MOUNTAINS OVER VALLEYS
OVER RIVERS AND STREAMS
FROM JUST A WHISPER IN THE WIND
I SING THIS SONG TO YOU

AND THOUGH I AM IN THIS VALLEY
I HAVE BEEN TAKEN AWAY
UP HERE WHERE YOUR SPIRIT LIFTS ME
YOU’VE OPENED MY EYES TO SEE
SO NO MATTER WHAT MAY COME NOW
THOUGH MY WORLD CRUMBLES TO THE GROUND
THIS ONE THING I CAN TRUST FOREVER
I HAVE THIS MOUNTAIN WHERE I CAN RUN
AWAY

busy and alive...

I just noticed that I haven't been blogging, November is almost over and this would be my 3rd post this month. SO much is happening, we're throwing a benefit dinner on the 22nd of this month which is just around the corner. we've been practicing a skit, singing and etc...at the end of the day you just want to run to your bed and sleep because you know that tomorrow will be another long and busy one.
anyway, I love you and pray for us, its a lot to do in a very short time... take care and don't miss me too much!
muah

The surfer

Sean Victor (1 and 1/2), the cutest blond on earth....

Pillars...are you one?

# A pillar is something that holds something else up. So obviously an important prerequisite for being a pillar is that you help to bear an important part of a load. Whether that load is physical one or spiritual one, a pillar will play a key role.

#A pillar needs to look good and by that mean that they must be a sample and a sample of obedience to My word. Nobody wants to see a pillar that looks cracked, worn, and crumbling, or they won’t trust it to bear the weight. This doesn’t mean putting on a show, but it does mean reflecting Me in your life and actions and words as much as you’re able.

#A pillar needs to be strong and sturdy. This means that you have to have faith and be strong in Me and in your beliefs and convictions. You can’t be blown about by any attack of the Enemy or you’re more like a straw than a pillar.

# A pillar needs to be dependable. Along with being strong, people also want to have the assurance and security that the pillar is going to stay in its place and do what it’s supposed to do. Others want to know that they can count on you and do your job very well and faithfully without needing lots of outside intervention to make you do what you must. You also have to be stable, not doing well just because you feel like it but consistently, because you know its My task for you and thus you put your heart into it day in, day out.

#A pillar takes initiative. A pillar doesn’t wait to be told to help with something. They see the need, seek Me, counsel about it if necessary and respond.

# A pillar has vision and a direct connection with Me. Pillars don’t need a go-between Me and them. They look to Me directly for My input on how to live and how to improve in bearing the load I have called them to bear. They feel personally responsible for getting My viewpoints on how they can do their job better.

#A pillar knows its place, and it appreciates and celebrates the chance to serve Me in the way I’ve called it to. It doesn’t try to be something it’s not, but does the best it can for Me in the place where I’ve put it.

#A good pillar works to make others stronger. A good pillar for Me doesn’t just do its own job and bear its own load , but it helps to pull others up to a higher level as well, and through their sample and through their interactions and effects on others , they help others to be more for Me as well.

# A pillar works with others and isn’t a one-man show. There are very few buildings made of only one pillar, and it’s in the teamwork of all the pillars that buildings are made strong. Strength and dependability are traits I look for in a pillar but that doesn’t mean that my pillars don’t need others.

# Pillars are content. They are happy to be a pillar for Me, and My joy becomes their strength.

# Being a pillar is a lifestyle choice. It’s not something that happens at some point and then your status as a pillar is forever confirmed. It’s the faithful performance of your tasks for Me at a high level of consistency and excellence that determines your status as a pillar in My house.

To my brother

The day you left, the world stopped

My heart was torn and I was shocked

The news stroked me like lighting

They were so sudden, I thought you were lying

I cried, I prayed, I begged God to bring you back

But he said: “Wait, in My time he’ll be come right back on track!”

I trust He has a reason whatever it might be

As I’m blindfolded and the future can’t see

He takes my hand as He whispers in my ear:

“Trust Me, you have nothing to fear”

I try to imagine what would be like

Not having you here

Fighting in the best army

For the next couple of years

I find myself confused and I’m tempted to fear

It’s hard to see, it’s hard to trust

When you love someone a lot

You want to help, choose for them, and do what’s right

Bring all sorrow to an end

But my prayers will make it alright

Every time you throw your head back

Feeling like you can’t make it through the night

This to let you know I’m around

For in spirit, no time or space can keep me bound

I trust He has a reason whatever it might be

As I’m blindfolded and the future can’t see

He takes my hand as He whispers in my ear:

“Trust Me, you have nothing to fear”

God knows you’re not prefect

And he never expected you to be

Whenever u find it’s the right time

Here I’ll be, waiting…

With arms open wide

Josie

Thoughts about braces

Guys...I've been wearing braces for the past 2 weeks, and all I have to say is that I never thought I would ever need them, and never liked it or thought it was cute or anything.
Well...here I am using the thing I most hated, as far as the dentist said, I'll be wearing it for a year and a half, but you never know.
My biggest trial right now is eating, or better yet chewing. I've lost 2 kilos so far. I'm a lot better, but it still hurts when you chew and all these yummy foods you loved so much and would eat without even thinking twice now represent a problem and you have to trade them for something more soft. Food gets stuck and the list goes on. I'm sure it will be be for the better in the end and I'm glad the Lord supplied them, its just kinda hard to get use to it so please pray for me. And I didn't forget, I owe you a picture with them.

short note

I'm back!The Seminar( Palestra) was a real success, thank the Lord! The enemy fought but we fought back...guess who won??? US! of course... will try to post some pix of it, although I don't think we took many, but we got filmed...heheheh. Pretty cool!
Glad to be back home .....xoxoxoxoxoo

Off we go

We're setting tomorrow morning to this city 4 hours away form here to do a Seminar for 400 students. Please pray that everything works out fine, against any attacks of the enemy, delays, etc.
I love you! will see you soon...

Different countries, different food

Would you believe if I tell you that in 2 weeks we ate food from 4 different countries?
First came the Polish food, interesting, tasty, different. Then the hot, spicy Indian food by Gabi for Abner and Perolas good bye. Last Tuesday me and Jules cooked this major Brazilian meal, like 15-20 different dishes for some visitors and last weekend me, John C., Anita, Nina and Miguel provisioned lunch in a Mexican restaurant.

Saturday we went out busking in this German restaurant that lets us sing...we get there and there are 2 girls dressed as Germans and this fat German guy playing the accordion, he sees us with a guitar and asks us to sing this one song with him... Quite an experience... by talking to the owner we found out that the Oktoberfest is happening down south and since they were a German restaurant they decided to do a little something here too. Thats what you get for being a missionary....Nothing can compare! I love this life!

Teachers day

Happy teachers day to all faithful teachers each and everywhere! You are all tops in His books and from what we know great will be our reward in heaven. May you feel loved and appreciated and may Jesus continue to give you the strength you need to keep on going no matter what... have a nice day!

Buh bye guys...

Abner....I cant believe you're gone! I want you to know that you were a source of great inspiration and encouragement to me, through your words, hugs, prophecies shared and your sample.
Every time we give a Palestra I'll remember you...Cause there'll always be something or better yet, someone missing....sniff, sniff!
I love you and I hope to see you soon. Thanks for everything!
Live and crazy! I love this woman!!!! Perola pop, you will be missed It was nice living with you and doing all these crazy things , you were indeed original and a inspiration to each and every home member. Love you a ton and I'll be more than happy to visit you when I go to Rio.

Little painters

The following pictures were taken 2 days ago, as the girlies were decorating their own school room with me, Clarita and Miguel. Kids love painting and they had a blast! Even 1-year-old Christie joined them, I'll let the pictures speak for themselves....

About blogging

there's so much I want to write about, so many pictures to post, yet time seems so short....so please forgive me, I'll try my best to keep this a fun and updated blog. In the meantime I suggest you pray the Lord will see the need and create one more day on the week...eheheheh.

The latest

*Missing you and blogging

*Had a fun b-day

*Polish Dinner

*Fell down and scratched my knee

*Cut my hair

*Starting to wear braces

*Kids are growing and learning a LOT

*New people arrived

*Moved rooms

*Still alive...

23..thats me!

Who's getting older??? I AM!!!....hip hip hooray! maybe its not so fun after all.
yesterday the home made this celebration/activity night for me....I've NEVER laughed so much in my entire life! will make sure to post some pictures for you.
Happy b-day to Richard,Thiago and all of you have who are getting older today.
I love you!

The new revolution....

JUST GO AHEAD AND GRAB IT!!!!!

The latest member of the virgo family

His name is Odin, born on September 5th to Jay dee and Terri a perfect Virgo dude....hooray!!!

To my fellow Virgos out there

( Jesus : )

I love you My Virgo. Though you may often feel a little unsure of yourself, be assured of My love, My care, My happiness at the very thought of your existence.

Though you may be a Virgo that finds it difficult to be in the spotlight, you have a special joy and radiance that others can’t help but be attracted to. If you’re a Virgo tat fells comfortable around others, you add an extra touch of spark and enjoyment to life.

There’s a good chance you’re a detail person, meticulous with your room, or cleanliness. You may have a good memory for details and Events .

You may be concerned about the little things and faithfully attend to each one. Whatever your case may be, I’ve gifted you with an eye for details, a heart that is outgoing and cares about each little thing and everyone.

You usually either have the gift of faithfulness and plodding along, or the gift of helps. Perhaps you are one of those indispensable people that are willing to do anything for anybody no matter how menial or lowly it may seem. Or you’re one who daily plods along, faithfully fulfilling the job that I have entrusted to your care. Or perhaps your gift along these lines, are manifested in another are of your life, or you have to yet discover them.

If you ever feel burdened or pressured with the strain of your work, your ministry, or the many details you must tend to, cast these burdens on Me. Let Me carry your load and you can be My hands My feet, My lips, My eyes and My love to others. Don’t be discouraged or overburdened by the problems and trials you encounter. Remember that I will help you, I will strengthen you.

Whether you’re serious or funny, studious or playful, talkative or quiet, outgoing or reserved, you are a unique individual with definite feelings and emotions , joys and traits, dreams and goals that make you what you are, that help to form and fashion you into what I need you to be.

No two people of any sun sign are alike and no two Virgos are exactly the same. All are different, all are unique, all are special to Me. I made each one to fill My desires and to bring Me delight. I made each one as a vessel to pour My love through. In this coming year I will continue to be one with you, to be the heartbeat of your life and the Joy of your countenance.

It's been a while...

I don't blog! Not because nothing happening but because the days seem shorter and shorter and especially this last week seemed to be the busiest week of my life.
hopefully I'll get to sit and make up for the lost time.
I love you , thanks for reading my blog.

Sweet shot

Rio de Janeiro, 2007
The family the plays together stays together....hehehehe
Here's a shot of my dad and 3 of my brothers playing..its a family thing I'll tell ya...One day we'll have a family band with the other 3 playing and singing. Can't wait!

too many J's

For some reason for the last 2 years I've been living with lots of people whose names would start with J, last city I lived in there were like 14 J's in the area, and we were only 2 homes. Now here we have JP, Jules, John Martin, me, Jonathan and John C. I just thought it was kinda cool to have so many J's living together, the thought just crossed my mind...

Happy Fathers day

Kids....

I’m blessed to live with 6 kids, of different ages, personalities and traits, its just amazing to watch them learn and grow.

I teach Emily(3) and her sister Amanda (4), and this age is just the coolest age because they say all kinds of cute things, Amanda wants to be big and do all these big kids things, Emily is extremely spacey and bubbly. I could sit all day and watch these 2 together and just laugh and laugh. The following are 2 cute things that happened just this last week.

Dental floss situation

Before shower time…. since I’ve been doing this teeth treatment I have to be very careful and floss everyday.

So I got a piece of dental floss and Amanda looks at me and asks: “Josie, why are u using gentle floss?” I started laughing and I told her “honey, its called dental floss!” and so I kept on and she also kept on staring at me. Eager to partake of it too she sits beside me almost like the camels nose, and grabs the other end of the floss and tries to floss all by herself. I’ll tell you, it was a magic moment, If had a camera right there, I would’ve taken a picture….both of us flossing on the bathroom… Hilarious…. Now everyday, before shower time she faithfully asks “Auntie Josie are you gonna gentle floss today?….awwwwww!

Ovo mexido or scrambled eggs?

So we’re doing this major push for Emily and Amanda to learn how to speak Portuguese and use it more, Windy(3) learn how to speak English and also use it on the day to day, they’re all very smart so they’ve been getting it really fast, its amazing.

I was monitor this last Friday so I had to wake the kids up(which I did very happily with a guitar in hand), make their breakfast, the whole deal.

After they drinked their banana milk, I asked: “ Ok, girls I have a question, do you girls want scrambled eggs or egg in the hole?” Emily looks at me and says “ Eu quero ovo mexido!” and Amanda does the same, when it comes to Windy’s turn she looks at me with all the conviction in the world : “I want crambled eggs, Auntie Josie Pie!”

I laughed so hard, it was so funny!I was pretty amazed to get such cute and funny response from the 3 of them.

Ovo mexido means scramble eggs by the way, there you go you learned a new word in Portuguese….

XD on the go

The XD started exactly a week ago and 3 YAs from our home sweet home went:
JP, Clara and Anita...I already miss them...sniff, sniff...the house seems quieter, emptier and less fun and theres still 2 weeks to go, how am I going to survive???
My dad got invited to help...he writes me this one phrase e-mail: "Josie, I'm going to help on the XD, be back on the 23rd." SO CUTE! thats my man! I thought, I got so happy for him.
Even though its only from 18-20, I'm alive and I know that the Lord will do something to inspire me and make things fun around these parts... hopefully!

Dont mention....

okay, you can laugh, the toothbrush in the toilet was mine! I was brushing me teeth and without noticing I knocked my long time friend and companion....buahhhhhh. the whole situation was hilarious, everyone in the room laughed so hard, they even filmed it! I'll tell you, I had to use extreme praise right then. thank God we were going home that very same day, so I got a new tooth brush.
Some of the Arizona band and us: Arthur, Jonh C. , Mauricio, Me, Anita and Pedro
Me and shine once more, freezing.....burrrrr....

Enjoying lunch together... Shine, me, Anita, John C. and Gabi taking the picture...

my new glasses and me

I finally got to post a pic of me in my new glasses. hehehehehe....I hate wearing glasses but these are kinda cute, I like them better than the last pair I had...okay, so here goes my round face and cheesy smile for you....muah!

blog problems

I'm having blog problems for some reason and I still haven't figured out why..thats why i havent been blogging as much as I want.. please bare with me....hopefully it will soon be fixed.
love you!

Great Cancers

Well, Cancer season has come and gone but there are a few cancerians that I would like to highlight and who indeed make this world a better place. Besides Nina and Sophia below are some special people I didn't wanted to go unnoticed even though their b-day already passed. I LOVE YOU!Jay dee and Terri...soon to be parents...

Clara, great person, good cook and sweet friend
Marite, the mommy of the house...this woman is a heroin guys!
Jeremy, great pianist and musician...thanks for all the help!

Coolest cancer in the world

Here goes a silly poem I made for you, I love you Sophia, have a great year!

WHEN YOU’RE AROUND

Everything becomes fun

You make me laugh and even run

You make me smile

We talk for a long while

We play guitar and sing together

It doesn’t matter weather

Day or night, rain or shine

As long as we’re together

I love your love for the Lord

And your desire to win the world at all costs

Your connection with him

Your originality

Never forget whether you’re near or far

How special you are

Happy b-day crazy girl

You’re the coolest crab in the world!

To my far away still sheep....

Dont look at the date....got all the numbers mixed up....so this is worth for tomorrow and the rest of the year....
Happy B-day Nina! I love you! hope you're having a ton of fun at the FDTP.
You make my days happier by smiling and being around, you make my nights special by letting out the phrase: "I love you Josie, good night..." , You are a wonderful, fun and crazy teacher, the girls love you and miss you so so much! they're counting the days for when you'll be back.
All that to say, you are a great person and I love living with you...having a little bit of Teresa and Angel is pretty cool too. Wishing you the best year yet! Come back soon....you are missed!

My last trip

We went to Campos do Jordão for the third time, same team, same places…what could be new this time I wondered. Thanks to Jesus he always makes things fun and exciting just to stretch our faith and see where we are at. This time he made it really easy for us by supplying one of the best Hotels in town for our team to stay until our departure day.

We met up with the “Arizona” Band: Pedro, Emmanuel, Julia their son Arthur and Mauricio( a friend) Sweet people, good music, good fellowship, It was nice having other family people around.

The highlight for me though was when we were Busking and their band had already finished playing, we were almost in end of our song when Pedro, Arthur and Mauricio arrived making a joyful noise with their little eggies and meia lua, adding up their voices to our singing. Next thing you know we are called to a table where the owner and some of his friends are sitting down, we decide that the song “Clearly” was the best song to sing at the moment and the boys stood faithful beside us waiting for the next one. And so we sung, towards the middle of the song , Mauricio leaves, grabs his Saxophone and joins in right along, the whole restaurant was amazed, people clapping, the owner happy and us? HAVING A BLAST! Thank you so much boys that was fun! We all looked like nuts but that’s what we are!

What I've been up to....

That's the Life of a Missionary ladies and gentlemen..a never ending adventure!Watching Sunsets...

Playing guitar and Singing
Camping
Seminar in Schools
Busking
Taking care of kids
Skits

recent pic

God, I love this boy!

The Lord is so good to me, he brought 16 year old Calebe to visit our home for 10 days! It was fun, we talked about those good old times when I was his teen shepherd, laughed a little, ate each others watermelon...heheh... It was pretty cool to have him around, everyone in the home liked him a ton....who doesn't??? he is such a cool, funny and loving dude. Missing you already Calebao, love you, love you, love you...come back soon!!!

Nephews recent pic

Here's a recent pic of Reilly, looking very blond, still don't know why...

FDTP

It starts today for Brazil! Yuppie! A whole month of training, what else could anyone ask for? I wish I was a senior teen again....sob,sob,sob...okay, enough!
I went with John C. yesterday to take Nina our one and only Sr. teen, where everyone was suppose to meet before going. I got in with Nina's gigantic suitcase and everyone started asking me if I was going too...I wish! was my answer. I'm happy for each of you though, have fun, learn a lot and enjoy! in the mean time I'll be praying for something fun to happen to us poor Sgas...sniff, sniff.

Gold, roses and thorns

Believe it or not I’ve read that letter 3 times already, it breaks my heart to see others suffer or go through rough times.

I remember reading Celebrating 2006 and finding all about 2007: “2007 will be tough, taxing, it wont be easy…”

I thought: “ well, 2006 was pretty tough too what could be so bad about 2007?”

There’s nothing bad, just tough! Like the Lord said our faith is being tested day by day and were still preparing for what’s ahead. There’s so much going on in everyone’s lives. Everyone is battleling, fighting and striving but the best part is that He promised to give us the VICTORY!

You go through things, your family goes through things, your friends go through things and you wish you could stop the world to help them...Praise has been my best friend now, not just any praise but extreme praise! At first you feel funny praising for bad things or when bad things happens but it does work guys! You snap out of it in no time...its all his hands anyway, gotta trust him and if we want roses thorns do come along.

Glasses issue

To those who don't know... YES! I do wear glasses or most likely I have to wear them everyday, but I'm just too stubborn to obey what the doctor says, so I use them mainly when I have to read, use the computer or watch a video.
Like 2 week ago we were doing a seminar for a school, I would always lend my glasses to be used i skits, but this time it was a real bad idea, something told me that my glasses were gonna break but I just decided to brush the thought aside and keep on.
You know whats its like 7 people in a small room getting ready for their next performance...crazy! changing clothes putting make-up on and the whole thing. I look down and my expensive glasses which the Lord supplied for less than a year were on the floor totally smashed....I panicked! I started screaming, walking from side to side.....I just couldn't believe that my glasses were actually broken! Good lesson learned that day... Thank the Lord he is merciful to me and supplied another pair of glasses, which I'm gonna get next week....new look everyone...hehe...looking forward.....

Happy Birthday Anita

AWWWW...I love you girl! you're the best roommate I could've asked for: funny, sweet, talented and giving. Its really nice to live with you and to be the first one to jump on your bed and give you happy b-day today. Even though I would like to give you the biggest present in the World, I know someone who can and He will because I'll pray and make sure it gets to you...whatever you wish....hehehheheh.
Thanks for being such great teacher and most of all being willing to accept the challenge, the Lord sees everything and he'll reward you for sure.
Love you Anita Pie....

Valentines day

Again??? NO! Its valentines day for Brazil.....sweet uh? only I get to have it twice a year. Don't know if its actually good or depressing....

Pix from our trip

So, we did hit the road and we went to this beautiful city/mountain range named "Campos do Jordao", cold, romantic and touristic. Faith trip...yeah! even though the pictures don't really show it much, we went through some heavy bar situations like not having a place to sleep at 11:30 PM... either way the Lord perform many miracles and we had tons of fun. Below are just a few pix from our trip...hooray!!!
Pizza time....too good to be true! after singing for a long while
Flower power everyone...enjoying Gods creation before devotions
A sweet Italian lady in her restaurant, good dinner, fun time
Happy, oh so happy for the beautiful house...we had a place to sleep!!!!
The house we slept in our first night in the city, gorgeous!!!
Sleeping under 10 blankets... Snore, Sleep..zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz