We've seen a lot of new wildlife since we've lived here. It's been exciting to discover lizards on rocks and walls. The hummingbirds that live near our apartment are beautiful and intriguing. We've even seen a couple of monkeys. (We were most excited about the monkeys.) But the other day, I saw something I was NOT excited about (Stacey, don't read this part!): a snake. Well, sort of. It's called a "cobra de duas cabecas" (cobra meaning snake) but it's actually a legless lizard (so yes, Russ, you were right). It was pink and its tail resembled a second head. I'm not a big fan of snakes so this was not one of those "isn't-living-in-the-tropics-charming-and-fun?" kind of discoveries. And yes, though I've admitted it wasn't technically a snake, it was long and skinny like a snake and does indeed bite like a snake and that is enough of a snake for my purposes. They're not poisonous, though, and they're rare to see in town. Russ and I were just "fortunate" to see one the other day. But instead of feeling fearful, I'll choose to marvel at God's unique creation (though I will watch where I step!)

It's raining, it's pouring...

Today the rain has been nothing short of torrential. It wouldn't have been much of a problem if we hadn't been walking to Portuguese class when it started. The wind was blowing so the rain kept changing directions. Several umbrellas lost the battle against the elements today. We arrived at class completely drenched and spent the next three hours drying off. The rain started again right before we left class.

Otherwise, things are fine. Life continues. This week, Russ and I are going to try to set up our telephone service. It's been challenging for everyone else who has tried so we've been putting it off!

Our stuff (the Quireys and the Porters) has arrived in port in Salvador. The Parkers' stuff is in Sao Paulo. Please pray for our things to be release expediently and inexpensively.

Speaking of finances, the value of our American dollars keeps dropping. Please keep it in your prayers that it might at least level out, if not go back up to where it was when we arrived.