Thank you for the Mobility!

     Thank you to all of those who were so generous to help me purchase a vehicle in order to more effectively perform my ministry here in the mission.  Thanks to all those individuals who contributed, as well as those who organized and participated in PIME USA's annual Golf Day since a large portion of the purchase was covered by some of the proceeds from that charitable event.
     In recent months things have become a bit more violent here in Parintins (a sad result of less and less work, and more and more teens and youth with too much time on their hands... perfect recipe to get into trouble...).  There has been a very noticeable and marked increase in violent assaults, robberies, and sexual assaults against teen girls.  (Tomorrow I'll post a story I wrote several months ago about this very thing.)
     Having my own vehicle has allowed me to help people out by giving them a safe ride home after parish events and meetings.  Not a ride for those who live nearby, and not a ride for those who are lazy.  But definitely a ride for groups of girls and/or women with children who would otherwise be exposed to this violence... especially those who are poorer and live in the "slum" parts of the city.
     Luckily my "Fiat Idea Adventure" gets great gas mileage, as the price of gasoline keeps going up here in Brazil (today right about $4U.S. per gallon).
     May God bless you all for your generous support of this necessary aspect of being a missionary in the Amazon!