a few more pics...

We'll be spending our last day in Sao Paulo today and flying out tonight towards New York City...so the posting will be coming to an end for now. We'll eventually post more pictures once we're home for those who are interested to see. And we'll share and show you more on August 10 at the missions luncheon.

Thank you...Thank you...Thank you! You have been a blessing to us and we have coveted your prayers, love and support!

More info from Camp Cali...

Beautiful describes Camp California. Acres of beautiful land covering the hills outside Sao Paulo. And the children love it...they have the chance to be children and to run and laugh and play. 7-year olds struggling with drugs have an excuse to escape and children facing horrible homes have an opportunity to retreat to a safe place.

And I should mention that our kids loved it too! Camp was exhausting, stretching and loco (crazy), but a blast. Our students did an incredible job running the programs, serving the Brazilians and loving the children.

One story that's stood out time and time again throughout our stay is the story of Tevez. Tevez is an 8 year old Brazilian living in the Tolstoy favela.

Tevez watched as his father was shot in his home and Tevez hid underneath the bed. Since then Tevez had dreamed of becoming a killer and killing the men who shot his father. But at Restoration Ministries Tevez found a love like no other. At a camp during their summer (our winter) Tevez was part of a futbol championship team. Earlier during the week Tevez told about his dream to be a killer. One particular day Tevez said he was happy and sad. When asked why, Tevez replied, "Happy because the man who killed my father is dead and sad because I was not the one who killed him." But God changed Tevez's life and by the end of the weekend Tevez said his dream had changed...he now wanted to be a futbol player when he grew up...not a killer.

The cycle of violence and hurt seems never-ending here. 3 year-olds play "drug dealer" rather than "house" and anger comes early in their lives. But God is breaking the cycle and through Restoration Ministries making new creations of the children here. Tevez is a shining example of hope and of God changing lives.

Pictures from Camp California...