Flying to this new land was long and tedious. An entire night spent in a strange environment made sleeping impossible. By not having anything to do I had room to think. I did not try to develop an image of what would happen over the week; I knew that any attempt I made would prove wrong. Not having a clue physically, I prepared spiritually. I put everything in God's hands, and allowed Him to put His diamonds in my silly old clay pots. After finally landing, I walked through the airport. It immediately struck me how dirty and old everything looked. Now I realize that I saw heavenly settings, compared with most of the world (or even most of Brazil), but after fifteen years in middle-class-America, I had developed an unfair standard to judge everyone else. Besides, I became convinced that most of the poorest people in Brazil are far richer then some of the American millionaires. They have an appreciation of things far greater than money.

We went to lunch at the hotel. Feijoada, a famous local dish, made up the meal. Dozens of different meats combined with rice to make something which was both familiar, and unlike any thing I have ever seen before. The next day, I went to a church which had been established last year as a result of volunteer work. Although I could not understand the songs, I worshiped. Most of the people in this church had strong energy and contagious enthusiasm. Since they were too small to argue about decoration, they focused everything on growth. Some American churches continually debate what kind of music should make up a service, but this church alternated between hymns centuries old, and the newest praise songs. They worshiped, rather then arguing about what "felt" better. Blessed are the new, small churches, for they truly know how to love God and people. Cursed are the bigger, older churches with pretty windows, for they will get trapped in tradition.

This week was the most amazing experience of my life, and it had not even started. My true motive for being in Rio was to work in a clinic. I was to check people's eyes; I knew nothing about it. With very little preparation, I was thrust into this work. Everything was new to me, but for some reason, I was never confused. Nothing made sense, and everything worked. After several days of continuing the same pattern, I began to grasp the work. I was somewhat afraid that it would get dull after this point. However, I never got bored, the work was new with every face. At first, I was intimidated by the people's forwardness. Everyone was very up-close and friendly. Later, however, I wondered how I ever lived anywhere else.

When I went to the compound, and went among the people, I noticed how much I take for granted. These people were amazed by the smallest things. Pencils, stickers, and the ability to see were all things I take for granted, but things some of these people have never had. I also had to live without basic "needs" I never think about. By being in a foreign country, it was the first time I could not drink water straight from the faucet, or walk down the street understanding the signs. Without a translator, I could not even carry on a conversation. This trip deprived me of the things I didn't even realize I can't live without.

After nearly-continuous service, I had a few days to see other things associated with Rio. My final Brazilian meal was a churrascaria, which truly has nothing in common with anything I have ever seen. Before anything happened, I was brought to a salad bar, the first time I have ever seen sushi served in a non-Japanese context. Waiters come to me before I sat down. They don't bother with separate plates; they just bring the meat still on the stick, and cut a slice before your eyes. Those in the barbecue house pride themselves on giving espeto corrido (non-stop meat eating). As a result, you are constantly being harassed by barbecue-carrying waiters from the moment you sit down, to the instant they serve deserts. Before eating at Estrela do Sul, I saw the statue of Christ the Redeemer. Slightly smaller then the Statue of Liberty, it is the main land mark of Rio. Pure stone overlooks the entire city, seeming more brilliant, and higher then the sun. However, for all of its glory, it was not the most amazing thing I had seen the entire week. Smiles from the rest of the team, the "obrigado" and thumbs-up of the villagers; these things showed Jesus in a way stronger then all the stone in the world could. I truly learned what it was like to see God in "the least of these."