Monthly Archive for May, 2006

For most people in Miami, the unbearable heat is a good indication that summer has arrived. And although the temperature can be pretty extreme, it brings back lots of fond memories for me. I think the last time I had a truly fulfilling summer was when I was a preteen and I would spend nights over at my cousin Jorgie’s house along with my brother and other cousins as we would play football on the streets and spend time in his pool. We’d then play basketball in his backyard and eventually finish off the day by playing different games on his Super Nintendo. Night time would come and we’d sneak downstairs to his kitchen for all types of snacks from his cupboards like honeybuns, poptarts, and anything else that was packed sugar. We’d wake up the next morning with plans for another day of playing in the streets. The feeling of liberation engulfed us as we no longer had to worry about homework assignments and waking up early the next morning.

The past two weeks have brought back a similar sense of the summers I experienced back then. After church I’ve played basketball in the scorching sun with some of the best friends a guy could ask for. Trash talking and double-dribbling aside, the college students at WKBC are some of the selfless people I’ve met. We’ve had barbecues and gatherings for movie rentals and more opportunities to fellowship then ever before, methinks. Or maybe this is just the first time I make the effort to hang out with them more often.

Now that the highschool Movement is switching over to Tuesdays it will be nearly impossible for me to attend, since I already have a prayer group that I attend on those nights. So I think I’ll be attending the college groups on Thursdays instead and see if there’s a way I can make a difference in that environment. The idea of change was a bit intimidating at first, but now I look forward to it with excitement. It’s an opportunity for growth and with it I’ll have a better understanding of how to minister to all types of people. But before that I hope we have more Sunday barbecues and basketball games. It’s great to feel like a kid again.

The past 3 days in Miami have been rainy and cold. As I was listening to Djavan on my iPod, I caught some lyrics that described the atmosphere just right. Wanted to share the lyrics with you…

Um dia frio, um bom lugar pra ler um livro
e o pensamento lá em você, eu sem você não vivo
Um dia triste, toda a fragilidade incide,
e o pensamento lá em você, e tudo me divide.

I’m sure you can figure it out.
Here’s a hint. It’s in Portuguese.

So I’m back home and I’m trying to get used to my old routine. It’s strange how only a week in another country can turn things upside down for me. Someone once told me that the perfect way to ruin a worldview is by traveling. It’s a challenging statement that has been stuck in my mind ever since. I wonder if the reason for this is because one is exposed to an abundance of ideas and new sights when they are in other parts of the worlds. So much so that it innately risks an abandonment, or at least a rethinking, of previous thoughts of the world one lives in.

Now I’m back to driving and ordering lunch and taking naps after a long day of work. When I was in Brazil, I had less to concern myself with. I walked the blocks, food was everywhere, and the naps were even more peaceful. The one reality check that confirms my return home: traffic. There are days when I grip that steering wheel and literally yell at the cars surrounding me. I do not look forward to driving everyday.

I’ve decided that I will return to Brazil soon. I’m not exactly sure how soon, to be honest, but December would be perfectly fine with me. There are a few obstacles I must face before that happens, however. One, of which is school. Being the uninformed, lazy student that I am, I have no idea when the semesters begin and end. I will have to overcome this as soon as possible. A second obstacle is finance. Budgeting is a concept I am semi-familiar with, though I admit that my methods could improve. I’m trying to gather up enough money for a good laptop, a nice home someday, some sick albums, and most importantly traveling. If I can get my act together I’ll have enough for all. Those four desires occupy the majority of my thoughts these days. And my last obstacle is work. Traveling is great and all, but it’s tough to come home with the same bills I left. And I don’t like abandoning my workmates for too long. Apparently they need me every now and again. They’re great people and I’d hate to leave them with a void at work.

I long to fill another void as well. There’s an absence of love I think. Not so much in receiving, but in giving. My life has become a sponge for pampering and attention. I need to get my hands dirty with love for those who need it. My heart says orphans. I think I’ll do that. If anyone knows a good orphan organization I could volunteer at, let me know. I’ll be doing some research as well.

A shout out to the Ribeiros in Brazil: I love you guys. Miss you like crazy. Thanks for all the food and bread. Thanks for loving me like your own. I plan on returning the favor.