Wait, WHAT?!

I had to - I just did.... But the title does actually fit...

Wait, What?! You have moved into your third room after living there for three months?! Yes.

Wait, What?! the students ask, "What do you mean you aren't staying until Christmas?!"

Wait, What?! You went to jail?! Yes, but I will explain...

Wait, What?! You only have one week left? Yes, it's true. Sad, but true. This is what I have been up to during my final days here.
Wait, What?! The temperature is HOW cold in Ohio?

I had a great weekend! It began with "Fun Night" - a night full of games for all the students. The high schoolers each plan a game and have a booth set up in or around the gym. The middle school and elementary students then buy tickets in order to play games. The money earned is used for the high school retreat. It reminded me of "Fun Day" that WC put on years ago. I remember the most popular stand being the Goldfish Game.... anyways...

The most popular "game" of the night (the one the students were talking about the whole week leading up to "Fun Night" and the one that is the most popular every year...) was the Jail. After paying 2 tickets, you can have someone put in "jail" for 2 minutes. If you pay 10 tickets, they will be put in for 10 minutes, etc., etc.... One of my students, Pedro, told me Friday morning that he was going to put me in jail at Fun Night. He seemed very excited about it. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect. It didn't take me long to find out.

After not even being there for 15 minutes, a high school boy who was one of the "guards" grabbed my arm and escorted me to the "jail". (Wait, WHAT?!) It was a tiny little room (I have no idea what it is used for) that actually has bars on the windows. This actually was actually not surprising, for most of the windows here have bars over them. I enjoyed having Caleb keep me company as my cell mate for the few moments I was there. It was actually over rather quickly - I didn't even have time to enjoy it. :) I was informed that Hannah and her father had so thoughtfully paid for my time in prison.


I went through a maze in the dark with Stacy, chatted with students and parents, cheered students on as they played games, and enjoyed some snacks at the snack bar. Before long, a highschool teacher came up to me and asked what my last name was. When I replied "Herbst" she laughed and said "I thought so". Immediately, a guard came up and once again escorted me to the "jail". They told me that another first grader put me in jail. While sitting at the window of the jail, awaiting my time to expire, Pedro spotted me. He laughed and said, "Miss Herbst! How did you get in there?!" I told him that Andres had paid two tickets to put me in. He excitedly ran off.... When I got out of jail, I attempted to walk away quickly, knowing that Pedro would have paid guards to come after me once again.... Well, I used to think I was a fast walker.... but the Pedro caught up with me before I was far enough away... He grabbed my arm and triumphantly said, "YES! Miss Herbst, you're going to jail!" He proudly escorted me back to the jail once again. While sitting there, Pedro told me through the bars, "See, Miss Herbst? I did not lie when I told you this morning!" Too much, too much....

The jail was such a hit that Laura, one of my first graders, asked her friends to put her in. When no one volunteered, she paid to have herself put in! She didn't want to feel left out. haha! I love kids! The 5th and 6th grade girls were complaining that the jailers (highschool boys) were not doing a good job (to chase those who were supposed to be put in jail). The reality is.... and I'm sure you can all guess... that they somewhat enjoyed being chased by boys. Ha! Oh, the good ol' days... :) I will say, though, that I am done with being chased. I am more than content with the one whom I have allowed to finally capture my heart.

On Sunday, I went with my Brazilian friends, Kamila and Eliseo, to the Bosque. This a large square in the middle of the city stands as the remainder of the natural rainforest. This is a great place to admire God's creativity in creation! There are amazing plants to see as well as a few rainforest animals. We then to to the "Hippie Fair" so I could enjoy a little more "Brazilian culture". :) We ate lunch there and I had manissoba, a very cultural dish that I would not have chosen if only deciding by appearance. However, it was rather tasty. This green sauce (made out of some kind of leaves that are cooked for 7 days straight) is served over rice. I liked it better when accompanied by farofa - a yellow, sawdust-looking powder that Brazilians put on everything and I have learned to do the same (and actually enjoy it too :)

Random comment: I love when Brazilians ask, "What is insert any word in English?" Ha!

I then attended my final English service. I was amazed at how many people came up to say goodbye! This was one of my favorite things here and I will miss participating in this ministry a lot! Thanks, Kamila and Eliseo, once again for a WONDERFUL day, for your thoughtfulness and friendship!

I am enjoying my final week here and attempting to finish strong!

Thanks for your continued prayers as I continue to minister these last few days! I am looking forward to seeing you soon!

Serving HIM in Brazil,
*Brittany