Greetings from Campo Bom, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
I am Elisabeth Driesenga, or more commonly known as Ellie. I pray this site is a special blessing to you as you get know me and what the Lord's doing in Brazil. Please don't forget to check out the prayer requests page to keep updated on how you can be praying. If you would like to know more about what ministries I have been involved with you can go to the "News" tab and scroll down to older articles. There is also information about the mission and Brazil under the "Get to Know Us" and "Where is Brazil?" tabs. I have included a few useful links on the "Links" tab. Take time to explore and enjoy.
Settling In
December 12th, 2009 -
Wow! What a difference! That's right, living in Rio Grande do Sul is different from anywhere I have ever lived. Knowing things will be different is not the same as actually living there and having to adapt. I am so thankful for our gracious God who comforts and guides us through each day. The last couple days have been especially encouraging as I begin to build new friendships and settle into my new city. Starting this next week I will begin to settle into my new home.
The Lord has provided an apartment right in the heart of Campo Bom, RS. This week I will focus on getting the apartment cleaned and hooked up to electricity and such to be ready to receive my things on Friday. Below is a picture looking out from my living room. I will attach another picture later of how beautiful the "praça" is with all the Christmas lights. There have been presentations many nights this month for Christmas.
Each town seems to have its own presentations to celebrate. In Estância Velho, where co-workers Jon and Denielle Johnson live and are currently working in a new church plant, our church chior has been invited to share Saturday night, December 12. Please pray God would work in hearts and lives as we share the gospel with a translation of Ron Hamilton's presentation of "Ten Thousand Hallelujahs," which explains the real meaning of Christmas. Especially be in prayer that the rain would stop so people will come! We will also be sharing in Campo Bom on December 20th. The city will be having a BIG presentation at the same time, so please pray the Lord would bring people to hear of the birth of our Savior.
Thank you so much for your prayers. Hope to write more news to you when I get the internet hooked-up in my new apartment next week.
From the South- August 2009
August 29th, 2009 -
Wow! My first update from Southern Brazil! I can't believe the second week is already coming to an end. In these two weeks what has been happening? Well...
Jon and Denielle moved into their new home. So I rode along to see the stores and what is available here and helped clean, move, and unpack. Below they are going in with the keys for the first time. Also I met the church in Campo Bom. It was great to meet the poeple I have been praying for. Tuesday nights is chior. Saturday night I attended youth group and led the game time. Instead of playing "Cat and Mouse" we practiced fleeing temptation with "Lion and Christian." Below are some of the visitors. Please pray for the salvation of the two girls on either side in front. Monday night included a trip to see the seminary and meet the two other single missionaries. Erin with ABWE and Rôse who serves in the Maranatha Baptist Church. Wednesday night is the planning meeting for a new evangelistic outreach in a poorer community nearby. Please pray for these four couples who have a burden for the people in Marisol. In the pictures you will see in yellow on the right is Pr Roberto with his wife Rôse to the left and Maria to her left. Maria is married to Otavio who is leaning over toward Edio his father who is sitting on the right. Edio's wife Candida is in the picture of the chior on the far left. The other couple is Vitor and Marcia. Pray the Lord would work in the life of the director to allow them to use the school. This has not been permitted in the past. This afternoon is the Ladies' meeting and I will be attending the youth group in Feitoria. Please pray for the next two weeks as we begin looking at apartments, see other minstries, meet with the Pastoral team here, and visit other towns in the region.
FUN OBSERVATIONS:
It is interesting that the fruit trucks comes up the hill to Phil and Rachel's street! Monday is the Italian and Thursday is the German. She asks if he has what she wants and he holds up the bags for her to see. Then when an amount is agreed upon he wieghs the fruit in a old fashion scale and Rachel pays him.
Lately Phil and Rachel have been needing to turn their sideview mirrors in every night. Why? For several mornings they would go out and find droppings all over the car door, but there were no trees or anything above the car. Apparently the birds are quite vain in Southern Brazil, or at least one is. If they don't cover or turn in the mirrors, a little bird with a yellow breast peeks in the mirror and leaves little droppings on the car door!
