The Past Week
We have had ups and downs over the past week, so I guess that proves we're still human. :o) This is just a little update of what's been going on with us.
Al is still busy with work and has an update on the guys we had asked prayer for - it seems that both of them have lost their jobs along with another young guy Al had been trying to witness to. He had a hard family life and was using drugs (hence, his firing). Rachel has been busy with Hava, Grandma and her voice students. One of her students is also an mk (missionary kid) which allows Rachel to meet him on a personal level. Rachel has also started a relationship with a young voice teacher who is seeking Rachel for advice. Pray that this would lead to conversations of a spiritual matter. Grandma is doing good and on the move again. She is taking advantage of this time in her life where the L-rd has given her good health and traveling quite frequently to see her family and friends. She will be going again for about 2 months - pray for her travel safety. And Miss Hava has news too - she is officially 8 months old. She is nice and healthy, sleeping sound, growing hair - but still no teeth, yet. In her comfortable environments, she is VERY talkative - must be the Caldwell in her. :o)
We also have some exciting ministry news to share. We have started to contact our international contacts (missionaries and others in foreign countries). We have made some good contacts with people in secure places - which means they cannot come right out and bring the gospel in broad daylight. We have a few contacts that we are starting to work with in about 3 different countries right now - 2 in Africa/Middle East and 1 in Asia. (We are also working for future plans in Italy, Ukraine, Germany, Israel and China). Please pray with us for theses people groups - that they would come to salvation, pray for the missionaries and their families as they serve, and pray for us - that the L-rd would show us the exact path He wants us to take and that the financial needs, in order to carry out this ministry, would be met.
If you are a missionary/missionary family and would like to have us come participate with you - please email us at: leitefam@yahoo.com (subject line: come with us)
If you are interested in receiving our monthly newsletter, please email your mailing address to: leitefam@yahoo.com (subject line: add to mailing list)
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Thursday, September 20, 2007
5 years ago yesterday (9/19/02) Al and Rachel were married in Belem, Para, Brazil. 4 years ago yesterday, they flew to the US....Al's first time out of the country. 3 years ago, they found a depth to their faith in messianic lifestyle. 2 years ago, they moved to TX. 1 year ago, Rachel had a little pregnant belly on her and yesterday, with Hava in arms, Al and Rachel celebrated an incredible first half of a decade together.
Thank you to all of you who have been there for us over the past 5 years. We love you and are grateful that our lives have been blessed because of you. We prayed for you yesterday, as we will continue to do.
Thank you to all of you who have been there for us over the past 5 years. We love you and are grateful that our lives have been blessed because of you. We prayed for you yesterday, as we will continue to do.
May we always be at peace with and full of understanding of the years and lives the L-rd has blessed us with.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
NEWS
Well, it is what it is...when someone in the house is sick, everyone else WILL catch it. Rachel had terrible neckpain and headaches all week last week. In an attempt to relax and "get over it," she and Hava stayed in on Saturday to rest. By Saturday night, the pain was still there and Hava had caught a cold. We were up ALL NIGHT with her on Saturday (which we are not used to since she is such an excellent sleeper) until she finally fell asleep at 7:30 am Sunday morning. By Sunday afternoon, Al was not feeling to hot and he had the cold by that night. Rachel got the scratchy throat Monday and today was in full cold-mode. Grandma seems to be the only one still healthy - so pray for her that she DOESN'T catch this. (By the way, Rachel's headaches are gone, but she is still suffering some neck pain.)
Al also asks prayer for a fellow co-worker who fell from scafolding today and broke an arm, a leg and possibly his back. Al was able to rush over only to see him lying on the ground soaked in blood. He was rushed to the hospital by paramedics.
PTL - The couple who we previously asked prayer for (who are on the verge of divorce) has an amazing update: Although neither are believers, they have both decided to read scripture together daily. If anything can save a marriage, the Word of the L-rd can.
Well, it is what it is...when someone in the house is sick, everyone else WILL catch it. Rachel had terrible neckpain and headaches all week last week. In an attempt to relax and "get over it," she and Hava stayed in on Saturday to rest. By Saturday night, the pain was still there and Hava had caught a cold. We were up ALL NIGHT with her on Saturday (which we are not used to since she is such an excellent sleeper) until she finally fell asleep at 7:30 am Sunday morning. By Sunday afternoon, Al was not feeling to hot and he had the cold by that night. Rachel got the scratchy throat Monday and today was in full cold-mode. Grandma seems to be the only one still healthy - so pray for her that she DOESN'T catch this. (By the way, Rachel's headaches are gone, but she is still suffering some neck pain.)
Al also asks prayer for a fellow co-worker who fell from scafolding today and broke an arm, a leg and possibly his back. Al was able to rush over only to see him lying on the ground soaked in blood. He was rushed to the hospital by paramedics.
PTL - The couple who we previously asked prayer for (who are on the verge of divorce) has an amazing update: Although neither are believers, they have both decided to read scripture together daily. If anything can save a marriage, the Word of the L-rd can.
Friday, September 14, 2007
OUR LIVES
You know, soap operas are much more popular in Brazil than they are here. And I think that is with reason - Brazilian soap operas are very close to life. They relate stories that seem like that of your neighbor next door.
Lately, our life has seemed like we are part of a soap opera. Al and I are both blessed with wonderful jobs. And the L-rd has continues to bless us. But in the meantime, since we have dedicated ourselves to bringing the gospel to the needy, discipling those who follow and ministering to families worldwide, more and more saddening opportunities have appeared.
Al has had some trying times at his work as he tries to show a lifestyle focused on the L-rd. This week, 2 of his co-workers got in a literal fist fight which took one to the hospital and the other chased by police as he fled the scene. It put the entire company on hold for a few hours. But the L-rd allowed Al's life to shine even so....the 2 ended up in a fight because of a game the co-workers play, a game that Al does not participate in. But he had a relationship with both guys. Please help us to pray for these 2 - they are both fathers of families who are financially reposible to support their wives and children.
We also have friends overseas who have had trouble with their marriage. This week was evidently the last straw as one admitted adultery to the other and asked for a divorce. Even with the time differences, the internet allowed us to talk with them and give them spiritual support during this time. Help us to pray for them - they also have a child involved.
We are thankful that the L-rd is protecting us from all kinds of evils, but we are saddened that so many people worldwide suffer for lack of knowing Him. We are more confident than ever that the L-rd has called us to minister to families. In this process, we must make sure that our lives are safely in His hands (and not our own) so that we do not become the enemy's pawns in a soap opera of life.
"One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Yeshua (Jesus) had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important? Yeshua (Jesus) answered, "The most important one is this; 'Hear, O Israel, the LORD our GOD, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your GOD with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.'"
You know, soap operas are much more popular in Brazil than they are here. And I think that is with reason - Brazilian soap operas are very close to life. They relate stories that seem like that of your neighbor next door.
Lately, our life has seemed like we are part of a soap opera. Al and I are both blessed with wonderful jobs. And the L-rd has continues to bless us. But in the meantime, since we have dedicated ourselves to bringing the gospel to the needy, discipling those who follow and ministering to families worldwide, more and more saddening opportunities have appeared.
Al has had some trying times at his work as he tries to show a lifestyle focused on the L-rd. This week, 2 of his co-workers got in a literal fist fight which took one to the hospital and the other chased by police as he fled the scene. It put the entire company on hold for a few hours. But the L-rd allowed Al's life to shine even so....the 2 ended up in a fight because of a game the co-workers play, a game that Al does not participate in. But he had a relationship with both guys. Please help us to pray for these 2 - they are both fathers of families who are financially reposible to support their wives and children.
We also have friends overseas who have had trouble with their marriage. This week was evidently the last straw as one admitted adultery to the other and asked for a divorce. Even with the time differences, the internet allowed us to talk with them and give them spiritual support during this time. Help us to pray for them - they also have a child involved.
We are thankful that the L-rd is protecting us from all kinds of evils, but we are saddened that so many people worldwide suffer for lack of knowing Him. We are more confident than ever that the L-rd has called us to minister to families. In this process, we must make sure that our lives are safely in His hands (and not our own) so that we do not become the enemy's pawns in a soap opera of life.
"One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Yeshua (Jesus) had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important? Yeshua (Jesus) answered, "The most important one is this; 'Hear, O Israel, the LORD our GOD, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your GOD with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.'"
HAVA LATELY
For the longest time, she slept on her back, now Miss Hava has a few new favorite sleeping positions:
Upside down "booty-in-the-air"
Sideways "letting-it-all-hang-out"
This is Hava trying to break her toy! No, she's just trying to figure out why it keeps going in a circle. It was really funny, we heard this funny noise like a tiny engine trying to turn over - she had grabbed it and wouldn't let it go.
Here she is deeply engaged in thought over a baby dvd that speaks in a bunch of different languages. (We are already prepping her for international ministry!)
And yes...at last....she has hair. Now it's mommy's turn to play! :o)
For the longest time, she slept on her back, now Miss Hava has a few new favorite sleeping positions:
Upside down "booty-in-the-air"
Sideways "letting-it-all-hang-out"
This is Hava trying to break her toy! No, she's just trying to figure out why it keeps going in a circle. It was really funny, we heard this funny noise like a tiny engine trying to turn over - she had grabbed it and wouldn't let it go.
Here she is deeply engaged in thought over a baby dvd that speaks in a bunch of different languages. (We are already prepping her for international ministry!)
And yes...at last....she has hair. Now it's mommy's turn to play! :o)
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
LEITE FAMILY MINISTRY UPDATE
For those of you who check in here for news other than Hava (is there anyone in this category???) - here is the latest in ministry news.
Since our first newsletter mail-out which was almost a month ago, the responses have started to filter in. We are so blessed to have so many friends who genuinely care about us and understand our heart for this ministry. If you are reading this and you are one of the ones who have so generously given - THANK YOU! If you are interested in receiving our newsletter, but are not currently receiving it, please send us your mailing address at: leitefam@yahoo.com and we will add you on for our next mail-out.
The L-rd has been very gracious to us over the past month. Some changes have occured (which are detailed in the next newsletter), but His love and providence are very visible. Al is still working the same job (and lately has been working overtime) and Rachel is still busy with voice lessons. In fact, over the past month, 6 new students have contacted her for lessons (which is a large number for private voice lessons, especially in one month!).
And Hava, well, as you can see here, she is growing like a weed and is so precious to us. Lately she has been very attached to mamae (mommy), but we think it is a phase. She has become quite "noisy" over the past month - talking in her own "tongue" most of the time. She still sleeps great and is a great eater. In fact, she has been holding her own bottle for about a month now. We just introduced a third "meal" today. Until now, she had breakfast, a bottle, dinner and a bottle....now she has breakfast, lunch and dinner and a bottle before bed. She's really getting to be a "big" girl in every sense of the word. :o)
Project AMO (Amazon Musical Outreach), our first ministry project, is well underway. This month will mark our 3rd monthly meeting with the team members. They are learning about how to give a personal testimony, Brazilian culture (specifically the Amazon region), and Portuguese lessons. We are also busy working on the music, script and blocking for the musical. I must say, we have been very blessed by the people who have been and are involved in the Project. We see how many believers are motivated by the simple objective of witnessing to others.
The Caldwells, Rachel's parents and the missionaries whom we will be supporting in Project AMO, are to be coming back our way in November. If you are interested in having any of us come to speak at your church/congregation about the ministry in the Amazon, we would love to. You can contact us at: leitefam@yahoo.com
For those of you who check in here for news other than Hava (is there anyone in this category???) - here is the latest in ministry news.
Since our first newsletter mail-out which was almost a month ago, the responses have started to filter in. We are so blessed to have so many friends who genuinely care about us and understand our heart for this ministry. If you are reading this and you are one of the ones who have so generously given - THANK YOU! If you are interested in receiving our newsletter, but are not currently receiving it, please send us your mailing address at: leitefam@yahoo.com and we will add you on for our next mail-out.
The L-rd has been very gracious to us over the past month. Some changes have occured (which are detailed in the next newsletter), but His love and providence are very visible. Al is still working the same job (and lately has been working overtime) and Rachel is still busy with voice lessons. In fact, over the past month, 6 new students have contacted her for lessons (which is a large number for private voice lessons, especially in one month!).
And Hava, well, as you can see here, she is growing like a weed and is so precious to us. Lately she has been very attached to mamae (mommy), but we think it is a phase. She has become quite "noisy" over the past month - talking in her own "tongue" most of the time. She still sleeps great and is a great eater. In fact, she has been holding her own bottle for about a month now. We just introduced a third "meal" today. Until now, she had breakfast, a bottle, dinner and a bottle....now she has breakfast, lunch and dinner and a bottle before bed. She's really getting to be a "big" girl in every sense of the word. :o)
Project AMO (Amazon Musical Outreach), our first ministry project, is well underway. This month will mark our 3rd monthly meeting with the team members. They are learning about how to give a personal testimony, Brazilian culture (specifically the Amazon region), and Portuguese lessons. We are also busy working on the music, script and blocking for the musical. I must say, we have been very blessed by the people who have been and are involved in the Project. We see how many believers are motivated by the simple objective of witnessing to others.
The Caldwells, Rachel's parents and the missionaries whom we will be supporting in Project AMO, are to be coming back our way in November. If you are interested in having any of us come to speak at your church/congregation about the ministry in the Amazon, we would love to. You can contact us at: leitefam@yahoo.com
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Friday, September 07, 2007
You might have to turn up your volume to hear this, but we hear it ALL THE TIME now. Also, you won't hear it till the end of the video....of course, she wouldn't do it while I was recording.
Hava is over in her playpen. She plays there every morning after breakfast. Hava's favorite word is not mama, or dada (although we've heard similarities now and again), but she is the NYAYNYAYNYAY baby. (We actually hear the nasal sound from portugues in it, so those of you who speak portuguese can here the "nenem" saying "nhenhenhem.") Anyway's it's always fun to hear and sometimes she really doesn't stop. We'll try to get more up as we can. Enjoy!
Hava is over in her playpen. She plays there every morning after breakfast. Hava's favorite word is not mama, or dada (although we've heard similarities now and again), but she is the NYAYNYAYNYAY baby. (We actually hear the nasal sound from portugues in it, so those of you who speak portuguese can here the "nenem" saying "nhenhenhem.") Anyway's it's always fun to hear and sometimes she really doesn't stop. We'll try to get more up as we can. Enjoy!
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
LABOR DAY PICTURES!!!
Let me tell you a short story about a girl from a tiny city in Arkansas, Glenwood.
I met Tammy 5 years ago when I was working as a music/youth director at a small Baptist church in Bonnerdale, Arkansas. Tammy had a very rough life and she also had a 7-month-old baby boy on her hands. She needed someone to encourage her in her spiritual walk, and I needed someone over the age of 16 to talk to. :o) So, we hit it off as friends. I left Glenwood 3 months later to go back to Brazil to marry you know who. Tammy however, being resourceful as she is, kept all of my videos (movies) that I had from college. She said, "If you ever want to see your movies again, you better come back to Arkansas to visit!" She kept my movies as ransom....and I eventually made my way back up hwy 7.....5 years later.
Well, we are missing a few pictures from Ouachita Campus, because Rachel forgot the camera, but Grandma (GG) Evelyn had her disposable camera, so we'll see if we can get you caught up on those later.
After an Arkadelphia/OBU tour, we went down to Lake Degray. This was the first time Hava was getting in any water besides bathwater.
This is Hava and her buddy Ryan (5). Ryan was Hava's age the last time I saw him, so it was loads of fun to play with a 5-year-old! Hava, however, didn't care one way or the other. :o)
She really didn't want to get in the water - I think the massive "bathtub" to her was frightening, but I finally got her booty in.
Then, papai took her way out in the middle and got her good and wet.
I think they had a good time, but they both still new this WASN'T the Amazon. (Wait til next summer, Hava!)
After it was all said and done, she was a wet, but happy camper!
Grandma (GG) took it easy up under the shade, which, later we would discover, was the homeland of some little tiny black bugs that bite and left us all itching.
This is the gang (minus Al): Grandma, Tammy (Ryan's mom), Hava, Rachel and Ryan.
After a nice church service and some fast food, this is all of us saying goodbye the next day. We are in the TINY Hot Springs Mall: Rachel, Al, Hava (looking at the floor), Dexter (Mr. Tammy to you!), Tammy, Ryan and Grandma.
This was Ryan's last attempt at conquering Hava's heart. :o) All I can say is: "Kefa, you know we love you, but you might need to step up your game a bit!" :o)
Papai, Mamae and Hava at a hot spring in Hot Springs, AR. The water behind us REALLY IS hot! It is falling down from the mountain rocks above our heads.
Let me tell you a short story about a girl from a tiny city in Arkansas, Glenwood.
I met Tammy 5 years ago when I was working as a music/youth director at a small Baptist church in Bonnerdale, Arkansas. Tammy had a very rough life and she also had a 7-month-old baby boy on her hands. She needed someone to encourage her in her spiritual walk, and I needed someone over the age of 16 to talk to. :o) So, we hit it off as friends. I left Glenwood 3 months later to go back to Brazil to marry you know who. Tammy however, being resourceful as she is, kept all of my videos (movies) that I had from college. She said, "If you ever want to see your movies again, you better come back to Arkansas to visit!" She kept my movies as ransom....and I eventually made my way back up hwy 7.....5 years later.
Well, we are missing a few pictures from Ouachita Campus, because Rachel forgot the camera, but Grandma (GG) Evelyn had her disposable camera, so we'll see if we can get you caught up on those later.
After an Arkadelphia/OBU tour, we went down to Lake Degray. This was the first time Hava was getting in any water besides bathwater.
This is Hava and her buddy Ryan (5). Ryan was Hava's age the last time I saw him, so it was loads of fun to play with a 5-year-old! Hava, however, didn't care one way or the other. :o)She really didn't want to get in the water - I think the massive "bathtub" to her was frightening, but I finally got her booty in. Then, papai took her way out in the middle and got her good and wet.
I think they had a good time, but they both still new this WASN'T the Amazon. (Wait til next summer, Hava!)
After it was all said and done, she was a wet, but happy camper!Grandma (GG) took it easy up under the shade, which, later we would discover, was the homeland of some little tiny black bugs that bite and left us all itching.This is the gang (minus Al): Grandma, Tammy (Ryan's mom), Hava, Rachel and Ryan.After a nice church service and some fast food, this is all of us saying goodbye the next day. We are in the TINY Hot Springs Mall: Rachel, Al, Hava (looking at the floor), Dexter (Mr. Tammy to you!), Tammy, Ryan and Grandma.This was Ryan's last attempt at conquering Hava's heart. :o) All I can say is: "Kefa, you know we love you, but you might need to step up your game a bit!" :o)Papai, Mamae and Hava at a hot spring in Hot Springs, AR. The water behind us REALLY IS hot! It is falling down from the mountain rocks above our heads.
We walked around down at the bath houses and took a little tour of them and the Arlington (old hotel still in use) and then drove up to the top of the mountain.
Last Arkansas pics:
Papai and Hava overlooking Hot Springs.
Mamae and Hava overlooking Hot Springs.
GG and Hava overlooking Hot Springs.
Mamae, Hava and GG overlooking...um (Hava scratches head)...oh yeah, HOT SPRINGS!
And finally we found a good samaritan to take a picture of the whole family ending our Labor Day weekend in Arkansas. (We actually finished it off with a nice meal at, where else? CRACKER BARREL in Caddo Valley!!!)
So, I now have all my movies back and some wonderful memories to go with them. We hope to not take another 5 years to make it up that way - there is a very important event coming up soon - Tammy and Dexter are getting married! So, we dedicate this little trip down memory lane (even though it was just a few days ago) to Dexter, Tammy and Ryan:
Mamae and Hava overlooking Hot Springs.GG and Hava overlooking Hot Springs.Mamae, Hava and GG overlooking...um (Hava scratches head)...oh yeah, HOT SPRINGS!
And finally we found a good samaritan to take a picture of the whole family ending our Labor Day weekend in Arkansas. (We actually finished it off with a nice meal at, where else? CRACKER BARREL in Caddo Valley!!!)
So, I now have all my movies back and some wonderful memories to go with them. We hope to not take another 5 years to make it up that way - there is a very important event coming up soon - Tammy and Dexter are getting married! So, we dedicate this little trip down memory lane (even though it was just a few days ago) to Dexter, Tammy and Ryan:
Thank you for letting us spend some time with you. Thank you for making us feel so welcome and loved. Thank you most of all, for putting Jesus in the center of your lives as you seek to obey G-d's will. Your lives are proof that He never leaves us or forsakes us and we can always come back to live in His loving arms. May our G-d bless you abundantly on your new journey together!
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
LATELY
Well, we have been pretty busy lately. We have actually started receiving some feedback from our first mailout. We have also been busy with work - Al still works as an electrician and I have had some new students show up. This past weekend, we took a long overdue trip to Arkansas. It was nice to have that visit. If you're interested in what we saw there, go to my blog and read up on the changes.
Rachel's myspace blog: http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=203875814&blogID=306694538
So, I will upload some pictures from our weekend, just as soon as I get new batteries in the camera! :o) Remember, you can always comment here, or write us at: leitefam@yahoo.com
Well, we have been pretty busy lately. We have actually started receiving some feedback from our first mailout. We have also been busy with work - Al still works as an electrician and I have had some new students show up. This past weekend, we took a long overdue trip to Arkansas. It was nice to have that visit. If you're interested in what we saw there, go to my blog and read up on the changes.
Rachel's myspace blog: http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=203875814&blogID=306694538
So, I will upload some pictures from our weekend, just as soon as I get new batteries in the camera! :o) Remember, you can always comment here, or write us at: leitefam@yahoo.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
