The Village in the Amazon Day 1

March 19, 2011
First and foremost I need to address the delay of this posting: Unfortunately, we are unable to gain internet access while the boat is moving –which it often does in fulfilling its purpose- thus, this posting is coming to you a day late since the Amor E Esperanca has not paused during its voyage down the Amazon since we boarded.  SO to all of you worried-sick-parents, family, and friends:  WHOOPS! SORRY! We'll do our best to blog daily so you can vicariously trek through the Amazon jungle with us right from the cozy, air-conditioned office you're likely sitting in.  ?
To pick you up to speed:
We first embarked on a successful flight from Dallas to Miami where we witnessed bronzed vacationers, learned the value of the SkyLine (after a 25-minute hunt for a restaurant), and missed the good-ole southern hospitality of Texans.  Around 11:00 that night, everyone sent their last good-bye txts and tweets, and we were eagerly Brazil-bound.  Approximately seven hours later, your favorite missionaries awoke to  a sunrise in South America and the announcement that President Obama was landing in Brasilia just minutes before us (I'm certain he wasn't served "fruit gel" for breakfast as we were).  After a smooth landing and a glance at Air Force One, the entire team successfully made it through customs (Amen!) and we collected our luggage only to board yet another flight to Menaus a few hours later.  Our journey was almost complete after a 20-minute ride from the airport to the river boat which we shall now call home for the next week.
Once aboard, we joyfully found team-bonding through unpacking ministry supplies, hanging up hammocks and breaking bread together.  Cameras were immediately put to use as we all stood humbled before the beauty of the Amazon (and its river dolphins) and gave thanks to the Maker.  These pictures, and the many many more to come, will certainly be shared with you all as soon as possible.  After a delicious dinner prepared by the incredible Amazon Outreach crew, we read Matthew 14 (Jesus walks on water) together and responded with awesome worship led by Paul, Ben and Chris. After which, most of us fled to our hammocks as two days of travel will leave one quite restless.  On our first night, we are blessed with a cool breeze and the sound of waves as we lay wrapped in our hammocks (which this particular writer will be bringing home with her) while the boat pushes on by the Will of the Almighty.   
We, again, want to thank all of you for your support, your faith, and your submission to the Father.  This journey started months ago, and we thank Jehovah Jireh for His provision and the beautiful opportunity it is to go unto to the world making disciples in His name with you.  We ask that you labor in prayer with us as we witness hearts changed by the Gospel of our King Jesus.  May we be dethroned by Grace. 
We'll do our very best to post again tonight.
Until then,
The Village March Team

 

A full moon maglighted the murky highway of coffee colored Amazon arteries and I wouldn't sleep if someone paid me, if it meant missing this South American intravenous excursion inhaling such sweet sugar cane air under thick spotty clouds that hang like healthy old skin from a sumptuous sky
The fast moving moonlit waters play tricks on your eyes as white shaped whales and swans mosey by
"Then Sings My Soul" takes on a whole new meaning. In fact, every song I've ever sung about our creator's marvelous light or indescribable expanse carries the weight of new experience definition.
And this is just day 1.
-Watson
Hey Jefferson family (Tyler, Noah, and Jacob)  love to you all.  I am doing great amazing night of rocking and rolling waves while sleeping in hammocks.  We woke to dolphins at the back of the boat jumping in and out of the water.  I love you all so much. –Aly
Hi ALLISONS mom, dad, matt! Hello friends in Cali and TX, I love you all. I am soooo very excited to be here, man do I have stories for you when I return ?
Hi Mom, Dad, & Khoa!! I am having a great time so far & am excited about what God has planned for us. I miss you & love you so  much! – Tam
I kissed an anaconda! –Blair
Hey family! Love you guys, having a blast so far. Wish you guys could see how beautiful this place and the people are. Love you! –ben
I am still alive. –Paul
Jackie, Luke, Hadley – love you and miss you guys.  Cant wait to see ya'll.  We are doing great here.  Jackie, your thoughts on replacing our bed with a king size hammock?  We can talk about it later.  Love you guys – chris
Mama Terri, John & Hunter- I'm alive! I wrote the main portion but I just wanted to give a shout out and say that I love ya'll and miss ya'll!  Mom- Take a breath. Sorry I didn't get to blog immediately. The "worried-sick parents" is a shout out to you. Keep looking for them throughout the week.
Love ya'll – Skye
Taylor, Abby, Avery, Mallory, and Jayden- I miss you and love you and…be good for daddy! Matt-I love that you have made it possible for me to be here. Love you guys!