The constant culture change continues. I make my way now to my sister Aran and her family in North Carolina. A relatively short plane ride and non existent time change and I'll be there. I've awoken from a relatively useless sleep to the smell of warm croissants and the Florida coast beneath me. The poor stewardess in the aisle is being followed closely by a balding 250 pounder (125 kg) with a pronounced lecherous afterglow. The fellow just emerged from the toilet looking well relieved and was apparently overcome by the sight and smell of her warm buns. Under the guise of returning to his seat he has maintained a proximity to those buns that could only be described as high and tight (we still maintain about 20,000ft. of elevation and if he gets any closer there will be inquiries).

Plane travel would not be complete without a stern dose of airport questioning. Pre-boarding something to the tune of:

"Has anyone given you something to take on board"
"Well, as it turns out, a moment ago some chap named Sam O'Laden requested I transport this container of juicy fruits on his behalf"
"Interesting, well enjoy your flight sir."

It was, however, the United States border officials that work hardest to mix it up. Makes me wonder how in the world those with limited English escape the rubber gloves and a lifetime of asking "Why me?". The line of questions I was subjected to (minimal compared to others considering my "true blue" passport) was something along the lines of the following:

"What was the purpose of your travil to Brazil?"
"Oh yeah, and its awful hot out there in Phoenix this time of year huh?"
"By the way what does your wife do out there late on a Friday afternoon?"
"Yeah, yeah and at what age did you learn to swim the breaststroke?"
"Ok, I think we're through here. Gracias."

I breathed sweet relief for the gentle Brazilian in front of me in line, who when asked his purpose in visiting the United States (question given in harsh tones and confusing verbiage) had spouted through obvious work of memorization "I hayve come he' to perfom' stateestical anal-ysees fo' my IT business." The fellows behind the glass who had begun preparing the white gloves were obviously dissapointed and the lad was allowed to pass through.

Ok, obviously airport experiences are hardly the name of the game here. A final week in Brazil and all that that entailed is what needs mention. The majority of the time was spent again in Sao Paulo and included many a visit, time to connect with more of my old friends from the days in Poland, and a final day of literal shop until near drop. Carla organized a wonderful last week of activity. Immediately upon arrival in Sao Paulo after 24 hours in a bus we raced across town and spent the day with a wonderful couple who are at year's end to depart for mission's work in Egypt (will be doing work in building community programs for children living on the street) with the eventual goal of being accepted long term into Iraq. With them we spent a wonderful afternoon of non stop chatter (my choice of energy drink) about the work of God in our lives. These people understood like few people I have known how friendship is built and so it was a wonderful beginning to my final week. Later last week Carla and I spend time with Maronildo and Juliana whom I had met in Poland also. The two prepare now to go and live in China for an indefinite period of time. Juliana has made a rapid and independant acquisition of English making for a wonderful chance to chat about all that God has done in their lives and in mine. I had in my few weeks in Brazil acquired enough Portugeuse to chat with Maronildo more than we have ever been able in past and this also was wonderful because his is such a relationship and friendship driven heart. The two will live deep into China and in the midst of acquiring the language will also begin working with street children. Was a gift to have this afternoon with them as the two are so genuine in their love and friendship. Their departure home in the evening brought tears to Maronildo's eyes and I can tell you I often wish for the ability to feel a loss in that way. As I mentioned a post or two ago my Irish hardness seems to keep a tight lid there.

Another highlight was to have my first experience of the Brazilian coast. Carla and I were invited to spend the weekend by a friend of hers living in Sao vicente, one of Sao Paulo state's coastal cities. A wonderful place to spend my last days. We spent the days wandering the harbor and beach parks, being treated as honored guests in the home of her friend, and as a wonderful treat for me seeing some Brazilian soccer. I got to see Santos play, the team that is most known as Pele's career club. It was great to see Brazilian culture in action in the attitude and enthusiasm of the fans who from beginning to end jumped up and down and kept a continaul drumbeat going even at moments of lackluster play. I am so happy to have spent that last weekend in that way, relaxed and surrounded in the atmosphere and beauty of the coast. I returned to Sao Paulo Sunday and had only Monday to do a whirlwind shopping day in the center before my departure on Monday evening. I enjoy the hectic scene of the Brazilian market areas so it was fun having to struggle through crowds and tiny shops to find culinary goodies to bring back with me.

I am in North Carolina with Aran know and will try to begin soon to write about time and experience here. I thank God for the joy of my experience of Brazilian people and culture. I was a blessing to my friends there and was certainly blessed by the experience of them and their beautifully mixed nation. When the pictures make it up today or tomorrow you can see the people I met and the coastal city that I traveled to.