Thoughts from Brasil

Hello all! These last three weeks at Lar I've been writing letters to a dear friend as a sort of journal, and as we prepare to come home I'd like to share some thoughts from this morning.


***

Seeing July on the date makes me sad, because I know we have to leave at the beginning of July!

I've been thinking, trying to pinpoint exactly why I hate leaving, and I think I've figured it out.

You can tell everything about a culture by where the primary focus is: people (relationships) or work (industry).

In the US for the most part it's all about work; getting the job done, making good time, faster, more, me, me, me -- here, things are slowed down. There's no hurry because it's all about people: meeting them, spending time with them, talking with them, and just being with them.

Meals aren't about food; they're about sharing food with friends. Work isn't about getting a job done; it's about sharing a task with friends. Even church isn't about singing or reading or dressing up; it's about coming together to grow closer in relationship with God -- and, yes, each other.

I think that's how things should be. I feel like the people here have it figured out how life should be lived. I feel at home, and like I'm with the people I belong with. If life is like a song, then I'm in tune here.

Don't get me wrong, I miss you all like crazy! I wish I could just kidnap you and bring you here.

I can't do that, though, so I guess I'll have to kidnap a piece of this and bring it home.

You know why I think the relationship thing feels so right, so "in tune?" Think about it: What's at the heart of everything, the heart of all of us?

Father. Son. Holy Spirit.

A relationship.

Love, kindness, fellowship, saying "You first, I can wait. Whatever you want, I don't mind. Your needs before mine."

That's how life should be lived: Others are always the first priority. Not my work, not my wants, not my preferences. It's so simple, but truth often lies in simplicity: Others first.

I think we can all take a piece of that home, don't you?


(Ella Broadbooks)