July 31, 2007

The iPhone (make that "aiFone") comes to Brazil.

clipped from www.iphoneworld.ca On a serious note though, Apple still doesn?t have any comments or announcements about iPhone?s release date for iPhone fans from Latin and South America,

Posted by Andrew at 7:14 PM
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July 24, 2007

Teen Week, 2007

My first full-program weeks as director of the Iguatu are at an end, and I thank God for the results He gave and the team he brought together to work with us.  The following are a few pictures...




All smiles...



The raft



Come in...the water's fine!




Moment of impact (this is really an incredible picture...)



Intently listening to the preaching of the word.



Pastor Valney Veras challenges the young people for missions.



Pie in the face!



Cabin clean-up: The Good



The Bad



...and the Just Plain Weird



Food!!!!




Crossing the finish line.



Playing with the finish line.



Judges for Movie Dress-Up Night (in case you're wondering, I am supposed to be "Private Ryan".




The incredible(?) Hulk



Clueless (oh, so fitting)



The Hunchback of Notre Dame



The Addams family (or one of it's members)



Friendships

Camp was a blessing.  This summer we saw four people accept Christ, and eight dedicate their lives to full-time Christian service.  That makes all the blood, sweat, and tears worthwhile.

Posted by Andrew at 5:47 PM
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Air Advisory

The following just appeared in my e-mail, from the consulate general here in Brazil:

This Warden Message is to alert American Citizens living in or traveling to Brazil of continued widespread delays in air travel nationwide. International and domestic flights have been affected.  Delays of up to five hours are common and many flights have been cancelled.  Other flights have been drastically rerouted.  It is not clear when the situation will improve. Americans are advised to be prepared for long waits at Brazilian airports and to be prepared for missed connections.

This is a result of the continuing chaos in the sky which has caused Brazil's two worst-ever air disasters--both occurring in within less than a year of each other.  The latest was the TAM accident in São Paulo which killed close to 200 people.

Please be in prayer for missionaries here with travel plans, including yours-truly--flying to Belem in August.

Posted by Andrew at 5:06 PM
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Come Let Us Network Together

Missionary Geek: Explaining Social Networks like Facebook, LinkedIn

Facebook? LinkedIn? MySpace? What's all the hoopla about? Trying to explain the power of social networks is a bit of a challenge. I'm becoming convinced that they will become the way missionaries will communicate to supporters 5 years from now.

The preceding paragraph from a fellow missionary blogger got me to thinking and experimenting with several different social networking and web 2.0 sites.  Below is a list of the networking services I use.  If you use any of them, feel free to add me to your list.

Orkut

If you live in Brazil, or know Brazilians, chances are you have an Orkut account.  Truthfully, that is the ONLY reason I have one.  Among the social networking sites, Orkut ranks near the bottom (somewhat different from what we have come to expect from Google--which owns Orkut). They only allow twelve photos, and the system is now full of spam.

Orkut did recently take a giant step forward by adding an RSS feed capability--but for some reason you can only add five RSS feeds.  For some of us, that is not very many.

Still, if you need to be in contact with Brazilians, there is no better way than Orkut (or or KOOTCH, as it is pronounced here).  For some reason, this was the networking site that took off here, and Brazilians are passionate about it.  By browsing communities created for the seminary and the camp, I have been able to get valuable information about what people are thinking and how they react to certain programs.

Also, If you want to get word to somebody here in Brazil, don't send and e-mail.  You will be much better off leaving them a scrap on Orkut.

Facebook

This is my favorite.  It is slick, smart, versatile, and fun.  I have been able to reconnect with many people from the US using Facebook, and even make some new contacts.

Linkedin

Linkedin is geared towards professionals looking to make contacts with other professionals in the same or similar fields.  It also aspires to serve as a place where potential employees can meet up with potential employers.  I like Linkedin for its clear portrayal of first, second, and third degree contacts.

Jaiku

Jaiku, Twitter, and Pownce (see below) are more "micro-blogging" services than social networking sites.  I have included them here, however, because they do serve in creating social networking, and because they can be easily integrated into social networking services like Facebook and Orkut through RSS.  If you have been following this blog recently, you may have noticed that I was able to post news from camp as it happened via Jaiku using my cell phone.

Twitter

Much like Jaiku, this site lets you post quick messages for your friends (and others) to see.  I have been unable to get the cell-phone feature to work, but it has a neat integration with Google Talk.

Pownce

This is a relatively new service, but with many possibilities.  Currently it is still "invitation only".  I have six invitations, so if you are interested, leave me a comment at the end of this post.

It will be interesting to see how social networking pans out, and the effect it has on missionary communication.  Will they replace the traditional prayer letter?  Will prayer requests on Wednesday night begin with the words "I read on Andrew's Facebook that..."?

Who knows. 

Posted by Andrew at 3:20 PM
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July 22, 2007

Video of TAM Crash in São Paulo

clipped from youtube.com

Posted by Andrew at 3:01 PM
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July 14, 2007

More Baseball in Brazil

clipped from www.iht.com Brazil does have a national amateur team, and at its training center, the squad has been preparing for months for the Pan American Games, which open July 13 in Rio de Janeiro. "Brazilians like rooting for their fellow countrymen, so once we get a Brazilian playing in Major League Baseball, that will help popularize the sport," "Just look what happened with tennis when Gustavo Kuerten was doing well, or with the NBA when Brazilian players like Anderson Varejão, Nenê Hilario and Leandro Barbosa showed up." Baseball came here, in contrast to other Latin American countries, not from the United States but from Japan. Brazil has the largest population of Japanese descent of any country outside Japan, about 2 million people, and baseball has traditionally been played primarily, if not exclusively, in the three states where the bulk of the Japanese community has settled.

Posted by Andrew at 9:40 AM
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July 13, 2007

Iguatu Counseling Staff

The first week of camp is winding up at Iguatu.  This year's counseling staff can be seen here (along with yours truly).  Mega propz to Shanna for the shirt design--it has been a big hit!

We thank God for the group of talented young people He brought together for this year's program. When I called the program director last night, he informed me that a little girl had accepted Christ. That makes it all worthwhile!

Posted by Andrew at 9:00 AM
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Or Would You Rather Swing on a...Tree?

Posted by Andrew at 8:50 AM
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July 7, 2007

Introducing Nathaniel Kenneth Comings

Say hello to the newest member of the Comings family/Brazil: Nathaniel Kenneth Comings!



Nathaniel was born at about 1:30 pm Brazil time, in Barbalha, Ceará.  He weighed roughly 8 lbs. 

The little guy was apparently in a big hurry.  Itacyara started feeling contractions at about 8am.  By 11:30 they were strong enough so she called me.  I called the doctor, and she said we should probably come to the office so she could take a look. 

On the way to the doctor's office, Itacyara looked at me and said "Take me straight to the hospital."  I did.  Upon our arrival, I accompanied Itacyara to the maternity ward, and it was there that her water broke.  The medical staff said they would take Itacyara to the birthing room, and that I should go fill out the paperwork.  So, I went down and spent about 15 minutes filling out forms.  On my way back, a nurse met us in the elevator.

"The baby has already arrived," she said.

I was shocked.  I was even more shocked to find Itacyara sitting in a wheelchair in the hallway, holding the little guy.  I could not believe I had missed the whole thing!

It turned out that she didn't even make it to the birthing room.  Nathaniel Kenneth Comings was born in the prep room!

True to Comings form, there were other things that happened that day--including the truck breaking down and me being stranded in the middle of nowhere for two hours--that made for quite the adventure.  However, the arrival of our second precious son makes all else pale in insignificance.

Today we brought him home, and Mikey got to hold him for the first time.



Now all the family is waiting for me at home, and so I am going to sign off.  Thanks to all who have sent e-mails of congratulations and well-wishes--as well as to all who were praying in response to the hurried e-mail I dashed off before taking Itacyara to the hospital. 

Posted by Andrew at 6:50 PM
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July 4, 2007

Palestinian Refugees in Brazil?

clipped from www.scoop.co.nz The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) today welcomed an offer by Brazil to resettle an estimated 100 Palestinians formerly living in Iraq starting in mid-September. Apart from Canada and New Zealand, in recent years Brazil has been the only country to offer resettlement to Palestinian refugees from Iraq, according to UNHCR, which has been spotlighting their plight.

Posted by Andrew at 9:00 AM
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Oh Men of God, Arise!

When I was in college I spent a summer working at a local Christian school.  A friend of mine and I spent weeks removing wax from the cafeteria floor, and putting down the new wax.  Not exciting work, but it paid the bills.

I remember that my friend, Wayne, had a copy of Steve Green's The Letter.  I recently came across another copy down here.  I had forgotten just how great that particular album is.  The songs range from the joyful (as in All Over The World--which I love for it's distinctively Latin flavor) to the contemplative (ie. Oh, I Want to Know You More).  Steve must have had great devotions the day he made that recording. 

By far my favorite song, however, is Oh Men Of God, Arise.  It's words need to be heeded by Christian men today--even more so than back when the CD was released.

Oh men of God arise, awake from slumber?s night, shake off sin?s drowsiness and rouse yourself to fight. Run from vain this distraction, keep your vision clear; cast out all fleshly stowaways, refuse to harbor fear.

Lift up the cup of holiness, drink long and take your fill, oh men of God arise to carry out to carry out God?s will. Oh men of God arise, take up your sword and shield. Your foe has no defense against the power they wield. Christ has gained the victory the outcome is assured, Satan is defeated by the power of God?s word.

Lift up the cup of holiness, drink long and take your fill, oh men of God arise to carry out to carry out God?s will. Oh men of God arise and face the eastern skies, for Christ will soon descend with lightning in his eyes. Then our ancient foe long vanquished will meet his rightful end, and sin?s dark night of terror will never fall again.

Lift up the cup of holiness, drink long and take your fill. Oh men of God arise to carry out, to carry out God?s will. Oh men of God arise to carry out, to carry out God?s will.

I love that line, "Lift up the cup of holiness, drink long and take your fill."  I believe it reflects the passion God has for holiness in his servants.

May we Christian men become known for our passion for holiness--drinking long and taking our fill!

Posted by Andrew at 8:09 AM
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July 3, 2007

Book of the Week: The Civil War, a Narrative--Vol. 3

Of all of the books in this series, this--the third and final volume--is my favorite, for a number of reasons.

First, in this book the North wins. Finally, we see competent generals take the helm and lead the Federal army to victory--a victory it could have won at least two years earlier. I admire the generals and fighting men of the South as much as anybody, but as a patriotic American I am partial to the north.

Second, this book describes the actions which saw the participation of the 114th New York egiment--one of whose members was Orlando Barney Monroe, my great-great grandfather.

Finally, this book relates the story of the only battle of the American Civil War fought in Brazilian territory. It was a sea battle between Union and a Confederate ships, fought in the Baiha de Todos os Santos--the port of present day Salvador. In that instance, because the Union ship violated international law by firing on the Confederate vessel within neutral waters, Brazil briefly (for a space of a few minutes) entered the war on the Confederate side--firing on the American ship from a fort on the coast. It is tantalizing to think of what might have happened had the US not been able to smooth things over with the Brazilian government.

This has been an outstanding (if a tad long) series to read. The Civil War--in all it's glory and bloodiness--has come alive to me as I have read Shelby Foote's monumental narrative.

Posted by Andrew at 8:14 PM
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Caption Challenge for 07-04-2007

Posted by Andrew at 8:10 PM
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Solitude

My weekend at camp gave me a chance to hang with Mikey.  We hiked up to the top of a large rock outcropping on camp property--from whence one can see much of the surrounding area.

On the way back, this Kodak moment presented itself.

 

In case you are wondering, that is a feather he is holding in his hand.

Posted by Andrew at 8:03 PM
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São João

The June festivals (the part of the Catholic calendar set aside to honor Saint John and Saint Peter), and things are quieting down a little.  Apart from the normal drunkenness that accompanies most festivals here, there are some neat customs that one sees.  Usually you have men and women dressing up as caipiras (Brazilian hillbillies) and dancing quadrilhas--which are very similar to square dances.

I was in the mall the other day, and happened on one of these dances.  Fortunately I had my camera, and got some decent shots.






Like most festivals here in Brazil, there is a story behind the choreography.  The story of the quadrilha revolves around a wedding--with a bride, groom, and wedding party,  They guy in black above represents the priest.



Here comes the bride!  The guy with the microphone is calling the steps.




Promenade left...


I also managed to get a short video of the event. I really wished my grandfather could have seen this. He was a square-dance caller, and I think he would have felt right at home here.

Posted by Andrew at 7:51 PM
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July 2, 2007

Brazil and Venezuela Joint Military Excercises

clipped from www.plenglish.com Two ships of the Venezuelan Navy will take part in the joint Venbras 2007 operation, to be held in Brazilian waters August 28-September 11, the institution informed on Monday. The maneuvers will comprise training to respond to crisis situations and application of guidelines to update operational doctrines in the multilateral use of joint forces.

Posted by Andrew at 5:53 PM
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New Camp Logo

Shanna from our sending church made us this cool, cutting-edge logo for camp this year. 

Shanna from our sending church made us this cool, cutting-edge logo for camp this year. 



Tomorrow I am going to get the shirts printed.  Thanks, Shanna!

Posted by Andrew at 5:26 PM
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