Sara & Lance

2008-04-02T19:15:00.000-07:00

JOEY! TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF OUR LIVES...TODAY IS THE DAY YOU LEFT IN A MISSION, A GREATER MISSION THAN MEETS THE EYE, ONLY WE BOTH KNOW. THERE'S SO MUCH ABOUT YOU THAT WILL BE MISSED, SO MUCH WILL BE REMEMBERED, SO MUCH WILL BE LEFT WANTING. BUT BEYOND ALL THAT, BEYOND THE ACHE, THE LOVE REMAINS, AND IT WILL BE CARRIED ON NO MATTER WHAT. I WISH YOU WILL CARRY ON THIS LOVE YOU SO WILLINGLY GIVE, THIS DROP OF RAIN TO OTHER LITTLE FLOWERS WHO ALSO NEED YOUR TENDER CARE. I'M HAPPY I WAS ABLE TO SHARE OF YOUR HEART, THE TENDER MOMENTS AND THE HARD TIMES...CARRY US WITH YOU, WILL YOU?
ALWAYS IN YOUR HEART, ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS. LANCE AND I WILL NEVER BE THE SAME BECAUSE OF YOU...BECAUSE "YOU STOOD BY US!"
LANCE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER AND KNOW HIS "DADA".
LOVING YOU AND PRAYING FOR YOU FOR AS LONG AS YOU'RE GONE...
THESE PICTURES ARE IN SWEET MEMORY OF THE MANY GOOD MEMORIES WE'VE HAD.

2008-03-26T10:39:00.000-07:00

2008-03-26T10:24:00.000-07:00

Our First Seminar

2008-03-11T09:33:00.000-07:00

We hosted our first seminar at the company of our landlord, with about 50 people including our landlord. Here are Joey and myself participating of a skit called "menina futil" and he was supposed to be like Don Juan, and I"m the man stealer who leaves my sister broken hearted-ha! We had a blast practicing it, and presenting it. We had a few very touching slide shows, against drugs and alcohol, as well as workaholism which hit home to alot of those business men. In the end we had a barbecue hosted by our landlord, with loads of free beer...of course, there's not great ending for a true Brazilian without the "amarelinha" as they call it...the "little yellow one"-Good Brazilian Beer!
TTL everything worked out great, and many hearts were touched and we even prayed with everyone there.

2008-03-01T19:24:00.000-08:00

All about mama!

2008-02-13T15:31:00.000-08:00

It's been so long since my last post, so I thought it'd be about time for another one. I've talked about Daddy, drooled over baby, so I thought it was time to talk about mama now.
Well, the reason I haven't posted in such a long time is because mama has been extra busy these past weeks, no time for herself or her blogs...aw, mama doesn't mind, it's the beauty of motherhood.
Yup, so that's what I love most, to spend the day caring for Lance, using just about every opportunity to teach him colors, shapes, names of objects and anything else opportunity might throw my way.
Today Lance got to see the moon during broad day light, and he learned the word "moon", one of the few in his limited vocabulary. He was so proud of himself for it, that he kept saying it all afternoon long, over and over.
We spent the day together, went in the pool twice, and then we went over to the other home to visit his little friend Mateus, or as he calls him "Teteu". He discovered through mama that it's alright to let the water fall on your face, and he enjoyed a whole half an hour in the pool shower just letting the water fall and bathing himself all alone.
Aaaargh, I was going to talk about me, and all I can seem to blur out is about Lance. Oh well, I'm in love, what can I say?
I don't get to spend as much time with him as I'd like to, as I'm usually attending other business of the home, so every day with him is worth gold for me.
I'm loving Brazil again, can't get over the wonderful food, the warmth of the weather, the joy of the people and the aroma of the beach just a block away. I'm glad to be home! I thank God everyday for the gift of being a mother, nothing can take it's place. I love life!!

The Little Missionary!

2008-01-25T06:05:00.000-08:00

These little eyes say so much....

Eric Lance...I'm in love every single day over and over many times a day. Just looking at him, hugging him, and having him ask for me, run to me, and trust me as his angel here in this earth.
Those little eyes say so much, they look at me in adoration...how can anyone not fall in love? He's conquered the hearts of everyone who's lives he's touched. As he goes out for walks every day by the beach, he greets everyone that passes by with a smile and a wave. He calls out to them, making sure to get their attention...now that's a great method for witnessing. He's a true missionary already. TYJ! Everyone goes crazy about how outgoing he is, and how he fears no one, man or woman, he isn't a respecter of persons. So much of heaven is in his little heart, which flows out... to love even the unlovely, the old, the poor, he sees no difference. I wish I were more like him. He's a sample to me of what a true missionary should be, we shouldn't let anyone pass us by without at least a smile of acknowledgment and a look of "Jesus loves you". He's a faithful little missionary.
Our next goal is to teach him how to hand tracks, though most likely right now he'll just stick them in his mouth or think they're his-ha! In time he'll get the point I'm sure, he is only 14 months old.
When asked how old he is, in all 3 languages, he'll already sticks out his little pointer as to say "1"...how smart!

Yesterday he grabbed 2 spoons and decided he wanted to "bug" Dada and Mama, so he began circling us and poking our backs with the spoons making some loud shrills of excitement and then waiting to see our reaction. We laughed so hard!! We couldn't believe he actually knew how to "bug" people.

This coming week I'm starting his school prep, and more seriously delving into his teaching. I'm planning on teaching him both english and Portuguese reading. LHM! A huge challenge.

I love my little Sunshine!

A little soldier, and yet, his baby boy!

2008-01-13T17:21:00.000-08:00

Lance has been showing some amazing signs of maturity and understanding, he is intelligent, and gives kisses to everyone, and goes with almost anyone. Lot's of training from Dada. He loves to be around other children, and he's totally in love with mama,but his greatest respect is for Daddy. Daddy's taught him most of what he knows today, which includes many "early learning" verses, obedience commands, respect, and now he's even learned the Flamenco. Yup, Daddy showed him how to stomp his feet on the floor to Flamenco, and he does it amazingly good for a 1 year old. One of his favorite songs is Daddy's favorite Italian Opera "O Sole Mio" and every time he hears it, he will stop just about anything he is doing to listen to it. Daddy's always put him to sleep with that song, and now it brings him memories of comfort, safety and peace.
Daddy's also made a wonderful lullaby just for him called "Your Favorite Lullaby" which is so endearing and touching:

"As I sing for you my son,
This sweet lullaby
I pray you'll dream of heaven
And you stop your cry
When you wake up daddy will be here
Watching you ever so near
I"ll always be by your side
And always sing for you...
Your favorite little lullaby"

And here is a song from the classic Disney cartoon "Tarzan", which daddy sings to him every so often as well. Mom is the one who goes crazy about it most, and soothes her heart to hear him sing it so tenderly whenever Lance is fussy. It works for both Lance and Mom.-ha:

"Come stop your crying it'll be alright,
Just take my hand, hold it tight,
I will protect you from all around you,
I will be here don't you cry,
For one so small, you seem so strong,
My arms will hold you, keep you safe and warm,
This bond between US, can't be broken,
I will be here don't you cry!
Cause' you'll be in my heart,
Yes, you'll be in my heart,
From this day on, now and forever on.
You'll be in my heart
No matter what they say
You'll be here in my heart...
ALWAYS"

Growing hearing 3 languages is a gift we're imparting on him, and he already shows signs of comprehension of all 3, and will respond to each one. English, Spanish and Portuguese, are languages he's acquainted with on a day to day basis. Quite impressive for a 1 year old little sponge.
Daddy is so faithful, he watches over him like a guardian angel, teaching, calming, soothing, feeding and always making sure he behaves with honor. His schedule is kept to a T. Like a little soldier, and yet-his baby boy. What more could a boy want?
Today Lance yelled out for Daddy, in the highest tone I"ve ever heard from a 1 year old, "Da-da, Da-da" he knows his daddy will come. He seeks for Daddy's approval whenever he does something right, and daddy is faithful to give him lots of it.

And here's a poem I (mama) wrote for Daddy:

When God made the Daddies

When God made the Daddies,

He sure had you in mind

When he created the Daddies

He knew you’d be the kind

There was a little soul

Who needed tender care

Someone to also guard

And watch him everywhere

So then God formed your heart

And gave you strength and brawn

To keep away the wolves

To care while mom was gone

He made you sweet but firm

To keep Lance on the track

He blessed you with a love

That rascals couldn’t crack

Through dirty diaper pails

And many sleepless nights

You watched us like an angel

And battled all our fights

To us you are a hero

We tell the whole wide world

Your name among the stars

A story to be told…

Kathy and Renee!

2008-01-11T13:28:00.001-08:00

It's been a while now since we've been gone from there, and everyday more we miss you girls. There are so many moments, great moments we shared together, and now, the only thing we share is the same distance, the same oxygen we breathe, the same love and the same God. All else is gone, but we remember you with every day that goes by. The few chats we've had made us feel like we're still a part of your home and hearts. Thanks for trusting in us, and for being such wonderful friends. Always count on us for anything you may need, that's what we're here for.

You two are nut cases...and WE LOVE THAT ABOUT YOU!!!

Aaaah! Family!

2008-01-09T18:09:00.001-08:00

I can't get enough of having my family so close, united and enjoying every moment together...I know it'll wear out sometime, as it's only been a month since I've been back, but being gone for over 3 years it felt like an eternity, and I appreciate each moment so much...here they are again.
I love my niece....Alana, you're the cutest 2 year old I've ever met. I wish you didn't have to go.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ABNER!

2008-01-09T17:22:00.000-08:00

It's your birthday today, and you're not even moved. The day has just gone by for you, and it seems like it's just another day in your life, but the truth is, YOU'RE TURNING 30!!! That's special! You're starting a whole new decade of your life....you're still as young as when you were 16, and I still remember, going out with you, doing wonderful things together. You were a friend to me, a brother, a keeper, guardian, shepherd and a sample always. Your determination and love for the Lord and others is amazing. You're not easily moved by petty things, you're stable and sturdy, how do you do it? You've been through so much and yet you act as if your life was the joyous and most calm one ever. May you always be that way dear brother, and may your years only make you even stronger, and wiser.
I love you and am so glad to be here living with you at such an important time in your life.
You are and always will be BILLY to me-ha!

Family Collage

2008-01-07T13:38:00.000-08:00

FAMILY REUNION

2008-01-07T13:17:00.001-08:00

Many, many years have gone by since our family's had a Family Reunion, and without planning, it happened this beautiful January 2008. My dad came from the north of Brazil, heading to Rio, with his wife and my 2 half sisters. Along came my half brother with his wife from Rio for a 10 day vacation and their beautiful blue eyed baby daughter. My older brother also miraculously was able to come with his ADORABLE little girl, who conquered all our hearts. With Joey and I finally here with Lance, it completed the family. We were 11 siblings, 3 parents, 3 authentic grandchildren and 2 additions, plus 1 son-in-law and 3 daughters-in-law. We had a special Brazilian dish one day, which we were all craving for many years, "Vatapa and Caruru" all from the north of Brazil, where my parents are from. Dulci once again outdid herself and lavished us. The next day we had a family barbecue at the house, with lots of beer and my dad's favorite whisky.
One of the highlights was watching my dad and most of my siblings play together in their band. It's amazing how so talented they all are, even my sister puts on a show in her singing abilities. Dancing and laughing weren't skewed, and everyone was so thankful to have this precious time. We sat around late in the evening telling stories of past funny events in our lives, and remnenscing in time. I don't know when will be the next time, if ever we will, have this reunion again.
Families remind me of the love God has for us, to be loved and cared, to belong to something so dear, that makes life worth living.
Each of my brothers is a world of their own, and they each ad to our family in such a wonderful way. Seing my dad was also a thrill, it'd been too many years. I could see the change, feel the wisdom in his spirit and partake of his endearing and patient aura. A real patriarch. I love you Dad!

New Years 2008

2008-01-07T13:02:00.000-08:00

New Year in Brazil is beautiful and happy! The dress code is white, for most everyone, and at 12 is a migration to the beach for the fireworks which announce the coming of a brand new year. TYJ!
A Chance to start again, to think, to ponder on what you did last year and for those who want, to be made wiser.
We had a blast of a party at home, after a warm, area get together for praise time, united activties, and Dad even participated from the spirit world in our get together by giving us a beautiful, stirring and uniting message. After going to the beach for the fireworks, we partied at home till 5 am, and then some jumpped in the pool. At 6:30 am we were in bed, so we got to see the turning of the new year, a beautiful and bright sunrise given to us by our precious Love.
I took pictures but I've lost them...so this post will have to go without any. It'll be the only so far. Oh well...

Christmas in Brazil 2007

2008-01-07T12:38:00.000-08:00

Christmas in Brazil never felt so wonderful! Surrounded by family, an abundance of exotic and tasty dishes, as well as lots of music and laughter. My brothers are wonderful cooks, and Dulci (our bahiana FGA, who has a tremendous glory in all food she makes. And she's always cooking mind you) is an incredible chef. Someone told me I'd loose weight here in Brazil, now, I'm SERIOUSLY doubting that. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.
Yes, it's not your typical White Christmas here, but the warmth of the weather helps make the warmth of it's people in Brazil. Who needs snow when you can get a nice sun tan during your Christmas vacations?
Merry Christmas Brazil! Merry Christmas dear Family! Merry Christmas and Happy birthday My Precious Jesus! A Toast to You our King of Kings on this Your birthday!

Going Home!

2007-12-25T08:21:00.000-08:00

After the whole week on the road, we head back, and on the way we were delayed for about an hour due to an accident on the road, but that didn't quench our christmas spirits, we sat on the side of the road, got out our guitar and tracks and we sang carols and passed out tracks to everyone there also waiting for the road to be cleared. We put sun screen on as the sun was very hot, sat under some trees and patiently waited while praying for a speedy process. TTL we were out of there in good time and back on the road again.
Going home felt wonderful, we knew we had a wonderful Christmas dinner awaiting us the next day, with all our families and loved ones there. We felt accomplished. It was Christmas day.

Caroling 2007

2007-12-25T08:00:00.001-08:00

And here's our night caroling pics, and after going to the restaurants, we'd go to the houses in the area and do some more singing. People loved it and accepted us amazingly well. It felt wonderful bringing the Christmas spirit into the houses and homes of many families. People thanked us prefusely and we'd pray with whole families to receive the greatest gift of all, and they'd gladly get our tools in order to help our work. Many would offer us drinks and munchies, which most of the time we had to refuse in order to be able to keep on going and not get stuck in one house, but at other times, when it was irresistible, we'd gladly accept it.

More Tripping!

2007-12-25T07:40:00.000-08:00

We had so much fun this 1 week, pioneering this place, and we opened many restaurant contacts, got to meet many precious restaurant owners who look forward to having us again, besides winning many souls to the Lord this Christmas, and getting over 70 CDs out. We ate in the best restaurants, rested in a wonderful house, and in our times off in between busking, we also went to the pool, had lots of free beer , united word times with video clips and exciting new material provided by Abner from the DIT and we relaxed together.
Lance is now a little brown boy, after so many days of going to the pool and going to the beach, and Joey is in love with Brazil...I mean, who wouldn't be, with a life like this? We're so thankful to the Lord for doing it all for us, and making it so easy for us to be good and even spoiling us. What a Christmas season and wonderful Outreach method!

On The Road!

2007-12-25T07:17:00.000-08:00

So we did our first road trip here in Brazil, Joey, Abner, Lucas, Lizi and me, and of course, we couldn't just leave Lance behind, so he went along with us. Our goal was to scout the land of a nearby tourist town for restaurant singing and caroling. And the Lord did wonders, we stayed at the beach house of one of our supporters there, with a beautiful pool, where Joey stayed with Lance during the day while the rest of us went out singing. The house was just amazing, with luscious grass all around it, where Lance spent his days barefooting around with Dada, and swimming in the fresh pool under the warm sun. The rest of us got to get up and ready ourselves for battle, with restaurants filled to the brim with tourist from all over the country, and even foreigners. These were expensive beach towns named Guarapari and Meaipe, and we sang in a nationally known restaurant for it's sea food, including the "muqueca" fish type dish which we of course indulged ourselves in. DELICIOUS!!! We also drank of the very tropical fruit juices, which for Joey was the first time," graviola with milk" and "cocoa fruit with milk", totally heavenly!
These restaurant were so expensive, though the floors were artificially covered with beach sand, in order to make the clients feel as if they were dinning in the beach, totally cool. Each dish would cost around $100 reais, and we ate there for free, as the owners were very friendly and invited us to eat with them. We'd carol for the tables at lunch hour and at dinner times, and we'd get so many applauses, and they'd all tell us how professional we were-ha! Little did the know we'd only practiced together a couple of times. PTL!

Happy Birthday Eric Lance!

2007-12-13T07:38:00.001-08:00

After almost a month, we finally got to celebrate our darling's birthday party on the 12th of this month. The whole Argolo clan helped out and we did a simple but sweet little party for Lance. Daddy was the highlight, dressing up like a clown, it made everything look brighter. We also invited the kids in the area, and everyone had a blast, with ice-cream, cake and other little treats. Lance stuck his finger on the cake, after we put him on the table to see what he'd do. Contrary to other kids, he didn't grab everything, he ever so politely stuck only one little finger to taste it, and then gave some to Daddy who was also SUPER eager to taste some. Thanks honey, for sharing your dirty cake finger with Daddy.
Happy Birthday my love! May this be the first of many, many more beautiful birthdays mama and Dada will make for you.

Music, music....lots of music!

2007-12-10T06:43:00.000-08:00

Chritmas season here in Vitoria is all about music. Busking, caroling, shows, band...we use music in almost every area of our outreach. We're now getting ready for a presentation on the 15th of this month of December, for about 400 people. We've been practicing for 3 days already, with another 4 days to go. The band here is quite professional, composed mostly of my brothers, they've learned to work together into a harmony never seen before in our family. I truly do feel that the music has put them together, having to forget their differences, and make a true melody....it's changed their lives. It's just beautiful to watch them perform. Even my sister who wasn't so music oriented before, now sings like a lark, with a little help with the vocals. I'm loving this musical life...surrounded by it...music, music, music!

AND THIS IS BRAZIL!

2007-12-06T06:54:00.000-08:00

We traveled for about 3 days and 3 nights, with an excess of luggage and a baby and a guitar on our backs. Moving your whole family for the first time wasn't easy, and as soon as we got in the first plane from the blessed city of Tijuana where we lived for the past 3 1/2 years to Mexico City, I was hit with a high fever. I guess my body finally felt the weight of having to prepare the whole month before for this move. So my dear Joey (or Cronk) showed his valour and cared for everything, including our baby while I snoozed and drank some nice "cuba libre" in the air. Aaaah, now that's what I have Cronk for-ha! Thanks darling! Couldn't have made it without you!!

From MC we went to Chile, where we waited for 10 hours, as our plane was 5 hours late....Yikes! My fever only got worse, and i slumped on the airport couches for most of the time while my boys played ball in the halls. We survived!

Arriving in Rio we were quite late, but the dear brethren there were sweet enough to wait to pick us up, GBT! It felt wonderful to be back to my home country again. Portuguese all around, which made Joey grin as big as a child on his birthday. Rio was quite hot, compared to Tijuana, and we both laughed, thinking about the cold north we'd just exchanged for the fresh, warm beachy, tropicals. We had cheated winter-ha!

After a night in Rio, we took an 8 hour bus ride to little Vitoria, the city we will be calling home for as long as God wills it!

We reached the house here, and we took a deep cleansing breath "WE'RE HOME"!!

We live a block away from the beach, in a beautiful 2 stories house with a huge pool. Our God is truly Wonderful!!!

Aaaah! THIS IS BRAZIL!!!

IN YOUR HONOR!

2007-12-06T06:48:00.000-08:00

This is my first post, after much persuasion from dear Kathy (italian chic) and dear Renee (german goddess) I finally decided blogging was ok. At least it saves me time from writing each friend and family, having to attatch pictures. Those who really love me and my family, will come here and find out about us.

So Kathy and Renee, this blog is in your honor! I love you Today!!!! Thank you for helping me get started.

Sara