(Victoria and Charlie)
WE ARE BACK! These past 9 days have been quite the adventure on THE Amazon River. Wanna hear about it? Well keep on reading. Don't want to read about it? Well then what then go back to watching reruns of Friends danggit.
The journey started the morning of the 23rd when we were awoken by loud and obnoxious yet effective fireworks. We met our team and headed for the airport! At this point we didn't know too much of the group so C and I kinda stuck to ourselves. It was a long day of flying and riding on a cramped/hot bus. We finally made it to the base of the river ministry, SEARA. Our home for the next week was a ferry lookin' thing but we all slept in hammocks. It was pretty sweet. Monday was spent in the nearby city Itacoatiara just shoppin' and sweatin' in the glorious summer heat.
Tuesday we set out for the community where our camp was being held. It was a day's journey but so totally worth it! Ever been on the Amazon? No? Well it is a beautiful thing. Picture shall come.
So the week consisted of C and I helping out the students wherever they needed it. Teens came from communities all over the river (it took some hours to get there and for some it was a day's journey!) I found some local kids who tagged along with me throughout the week and they were such a joy for me. I can finally tie balloons!! After lots of practice, and failed attempts at water balloons, I was able to help out with their camp preparations. The girl counselors invited me to join them in the first night dance! It was soo much fun dancing and laughing with all of them. They are all a blessing in my life! I loved seeing the kids worshipping the Lord in chapel, sharing their testimonies, and being such good sports in the games!
As for me (Charles) the week went much better than I expected. At first I was a bit intimidated by the fact that seemingly no one spoke english, but I soon came to find out that a few students were at least conversational. It was really great to help out around camp and be able to get to know the camp staff and the leaders. I laughed along with all the jokes, even if they were in portuguese (Hey, they sounded funny). I got to know a student form Palabra da Vida really well, and he told me all about how he became a missionary. We would teach eatherother vocab all week in our perspective languages and he told me a lot about his work with the native Indian tribes on the river. Over all it was an amazing experience that I doubt can be repeated, but that doesn't mean I wont try.
Sincerely,
Victoria and (more importantly) Charles Starr
P.S. So...many...bug bites.....
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