We have been in the “big city” of Altamira where our mother base is for over 2 weeks. We intended to spend only a week, but it sometimes never works out our way.

He learned how to fish!

He captured every crowd he played for!!!(This only shows one angle, there were a bunch on the other side)

We had our short termer, Nathan, leave earlier than expected when his visa wasn’t approved for the following 90 days. We were informed that his visa was only given for 20 days. It was never communicated therefore we were all in the dark about it until we went to proceed with the extension. Apparently, the Federal Police can give up to 90 days and it’s up to the officer who receives your passport first to determine that time. Nathan had to pay a stiff fine and stiff airfare. That was on a Friday and we said our good byes on Sunday night. He has since then arranged for the time he’d be in Brazil to serve at a orphanage in Mexico, so he’s a happy camper!

He’s off to serve at Mission Carmen Serdan in Mexico

One of our leaders from our community who traveled with us on the river for that long trip, got to know Nathan and got some guitar lessons from him too. When he came to vote this weekend for the Brazilian election day, we saw him and told him. He looked very sad and teared up a bit because he didn’t get to say good bye! It was a disappointment, but God’s ways are Higher.

“In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps” Proverbs 16:9

So since Nathan has left, his “isms” have stayed. Like he’d say “um, um tasty good” and such. The kids still say that when it’s something yummy coming their way!! HAHAHAHA!

We had plans to return back home, but we needed to get the truck maintained and it’s so difficult to have it done timely here. Altamira has exploded, as I’ve mentioned before, and every area it’s felt. Prices, traffic, construction and it’s all going UP, UP, UP!!!!

Altamira is like a big city now. Clyde was waiting at a stop light and there were 3 hippies doing tricks in front of the traffic as they waiting for the stop light to earn money. A girl, doing hula hoop, a guy doing a hand drum roll and the the other guy juggling.  We see this in the really big cities. I guess Altamira has gone up a step!

A few good things are that the “big city” now has Sushi and I don’t have to go to Belem or Maraba for it now!!!! I expect to come for my bday/Christmas gift!!!

So the truck is fine, it’s just those little things that need help! Brakes, clutch, power steering, electical so the brake lights will work. These things sound so routine, but here it’s VITAL to have it all done WELL!!! I told Clyde that God has sent him to the Amazon to learn how to be a car mechanic cause if he doesn’t keep a vigilant watch on these mechanics here, it won’t get done and it won’t get done right…in most cases!

We are praying that we can leave tomorrow for Uruara’ and then off to Maribel by Wednesday. Friday is National Kids Day and I’m in charge of the cake!

Watch for another update around Christmas! Blessings from the Bergquist Clan~

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