Greetings from chilly Edmond, Oklahoma. Okay, I may be the only person in town who thinks it is chilly…and that is admittedly because what others consider normal levels of air conditioning, I consider pre-frostbite temperatures.

Thank you for praying for our trip! We are enjoying catching up with Oklahoma family and friends and the young (er) Bells are busily making up their Dr. Pepper and Tootsie Pop deficits. I, as an old(er) Bell, am adjusting to the astronomical increase in advertising absurdity in less than a year. It would be funny were it not so tragic. On a lighter note, I really appreciate all the grass; as Chris has observed, Brazil is greener than Oklahoma, but Edmond is greener than Belém.

A few days before leaving Belém, I checked on Ann, our old neighbor. She responded right before we left. She is having some health problems on top of adjusting to her loss but said that she wants to get together when we return to Belém. Thank you for continuing to pray for her.

As I mentioned last time, I was hoping that my explanatory chat with our landlady about the recurring visits of the Jehovah’s Witnesses would lead to a conversation about her own beliefs. I am thankful to report that it did; it was by far the longest exchange we have had about spiritual things. She is a casual yet committed Catholic, not strictly bound to Catholic teachings but deeply loyal to her Catholic heritage.

Ten days before we left, I had a final meeting with “E,” the lady who is a Jehovah’s Witness. She came without a partner (for the second time), and after giving her a chance to speak about her materials, we spent the rest of the time talking about the Biblical case for the deity of Christ, based on Hebrews 1. She listened patiently and seemed to be considering. I told her I would be glad to stay in touch via WhatsApp, whether or not she ever agrees with me (though I pray that she will!). Would you please pray for her?

Finally, due to a series of circumstances too complicated to explain here (although skipping them is a trial to my detail-loving soul!), one of the Three R’s, specifically the eldest son, is house-and-pet sitting for us while we are gone. This is a direct answer to prayer, and if these early days are any indication, an open door to building a stronger relationship with him. As you may remember, his family is strongly committed to a heretical, prosperity-gospel church. At the moment, our pets are driving him to distraction, which is providing opportunity for lots of interaction.

Thanks for reading and for praying!

In Christ,

Brenda