This Post was sent out to the people on my Brazil E-mail update list if you would like to be on that list, please e-mail me at JeffroyTurner@gmail.com

Working at the Café Impresso Print Shop is a wonderful experience and it really feels like God custom made this job for me. I work there with Roberto Conçalves. He is an outstanding Christian guy who is dating Tele’s oldest daughter, Karine. He speaks English fluently allowing me to be a lot more useful until I learn Portuguese better.

We are open at the Print Shop Monday – Friday 9am to noon, closed for lunch, and open again from 2pm to 6pm. Saturday we are open from 9am to noon.

So, what do I actually do for seven hours? Most of my day is usually spent working on projects for the World Renewal main office, the International School, or other ministry projects. Obviously I don’t work on ministry things all day, everyday.

Part of what the print shop is, is a business open to the public, a way to earn money for the ministry. I have been able to put together brochures, fix up old photos, and make Catalogs for small businesses. The photo to the right is the front cover of the latest catalog I made that contained 30 varieties of products. Below is another catalog that had mostly cleaning supplies in it.

One day we came to the print shop to find a lady was waiting for us to open. She said that she had just talked to Tele and wanted to see if we could change a picture of her two sons. The photo was taken in her backyard and she wanted the boys at the beach instead. Tele’s comment to her was, if Jeff and Roberto can’t do this for you, then you won’t find anybody else in town that can. Once Roberto explained to me what the women wanted I turned to him and said “You’re kidding right? This is so cool; I love this job!” I can’t believe that I get to do fun things in Photoshop while making money for the ministry and doing God’s work.

I love that we are here to get the word out about God moving in Brazil.

Lindsay & I have a wonderful support base in the US that allows us to live here, tithe to a local church, serve people, and even earn more money for the ministry! I get to bless others, by doing what I love!

Deus é forte!

Jeffrey Turner

Another August Update

Jeff & I were walking around downtown Carpina today - shopping, getting out our monthly money at the bank, etc - when I looked up and everything suddenly felt completely normal. The streets, people, and shops looked as familiar as those in my hometown. I still feel like I am in a bit of a bubble sometimes, but everything isn't as exotic. That is how it feels here now; everything feels normal. This is not in a boring way, but in a "I know what to expect" kind of way. It is nice.

(Carpina downtown)

There have been changes here and there in our lives, but life remains steady. One thing that I would like to change very much is my health. I have been sick with a head cold/ cough/ throat problem for about 2 weeks now. It is quite frustrating. As soon as I think that I am well again my health takes a turn and get more sick. I am on antibiotics that seem to be helping, but I will probably pay a visit to the doctor on Monday. I have been able to teach and have only had to take off 1 day. Pray for me to have patience with my body - I get frustrated when I can't do all that I want to do.

Jeff is taking great care of me. He's discovered that the best medicine is chocolate. At the Grafica, he has been creating some very interesting projects for people recently. Roberto is giving him more and more challenging assignments. One week he had to create a catalogue for a man who sold school products. He is now working on a logo for a motorcycle delivery service. On Thursday he managed to get out of the Grafica and go to Amexius to see the property that was purchased for the church there. Pastor Assurio just returned from South Africa and he and his family will be taking over at the Ameixas church. They plan to serve there for at least 8 months.

(the view in Ameixas)

post by Lindsay

Jeff & I had our first double date last Saturday the 7th with Roberto & Karine, Tele’s daughter and her boyfriend. We visited a castle. Seriously, there really is a castle in Brazil. Who would of thought? It isn’t medieval built, but its still pretty impressive. It was built by an eccentric old rich guy who probably saw Brave Heart a few too many times. They it chocked-full of antiquated weaponry, tapestries, and very old oddities. Jeff & I hadn’t really had a date since coming down so it was nice for a change.

It was much needed after a busy month of short-term groups and after the first week back to school. School really couldn’t have started better though. God is so faithful! The Holy Spirit was unquestionably leading me through. I have really enjoyed putting together lesson plans and working with the children. It is so rewarding to see them try to communicate with the words that I teach them.

It is so amazing to see them really learn. One example of such happened last week. We reviewed family members from a previous lesson with our preschoolers. After school on Friday, we noticed that a girl’s father was about to leave without her. Karine said in English, oh no look her father is leaving. The little 4 year-old looked and said quickly with concern, “Meu Father!?” - combining her first language (meu is my in Portuguese) with English. They comprehend more and more all the time!

On a completely different note, I saw my first giant cockroach “in the wild” yesterday! It was nearly as big as the palm of my hand and white in color! I’ve only seen ones like that at the Cincinnati Zoo. –The Moraes’ said they’ve never seen one like ever before either (except on Animal Planet), so not to worry if you plan on taking a visit to see us! I think it must have just climbed down from the Amazon jungle (three very large states away). If a cockroach can come down from the Amazon, then a monkey should be able to as well. I do hope to see a monkey in the wild!

It can be such an adventure here. Keep praying for us, especially to learn Portuguese quickly. We haven’t had lessons in longer than a month (on account of the short-term groups and our teacher going out of town).

Lindsay

I Loved seeing the Castle. I was big into castles as a kid and this is the first one that I have ever seen. I hope we get a chance to go back and see it again.

Jeff

Please Pray for Lindsay because she is sick today. I was sick all last week and it was no fun at all. I am afraid that I have given Lindsay what I had. I had a bad fever and my throat hurt. I woke up in the middle of the night last week, shaking and not being able to stop. But, I am ok now I just don't want that for Lindsay, especially since she started teaching this week and tomorrow is her first full day of teaching.
As for me the transition between the groups leaving wasn't that difficult because my head was pretty cloudy from being sick. I got sick the last day the big group left. It is nice to be back at the Print Shop working on projects and on the World Renewal Blog site. I hope to be able to go around to the different churches soon and report on them.

Post by Jeff T