A Letter from Kim Vis from Brazil
December 2011
Mahalia poses with our christmas tree.
A lot can happen in one year. This has been the case for our family and we have much to be grateful for. We are especially grateful to have had a smooth transition to life in Brazil. We are thankful for Brazil and for the United States of America. We are thankful that Josh will be able to bring his knowledge of the Old Testament to students here. We are thankful for the PC(USA) and its devotion to education for people around the world. We are thankful for our families and friends who have offered us support and strength throughout this year. We are thankful for the many people who support us financially and through prayers.
This year we spent the first half waiting for our visas to clear and the rest of the year living in Brazil. When we arrived in Brazil in June we did not really know what to expect. We were greeted with kindness and acceptance. It is fortunate that kindness was plentiful because we needed it when trying to communicate in our daily lives. We still continue to rely on others patience with us as we learn Portuguese. Since June, Josh and I have spent our mornings studying the language while Mahalia attends school. For me, the afternoons are spent trying to utilize the learning while Mahalia and I visit local parks and shops. Mahalia is learning as well. She uses Portuguese with the Brazilians we meet and know. Her teachers also tell us that her understanding and use of Portuguese is increasing. We are so happy and thankful she has adjusted so well to this new environment. After studying Portuguese in the morning, Josh spends his afternoons working at the University. At the end of each day we are all very tired from our days of learning.
It is difficult to become involved in the community if you do not understand the language, norms and traditions. For this reason we hope that this coming year we will be able to learn more about Brazilians, their history and their culture. Mahalia will enter another Brazilian school in January and we pray she is again able to adjust well to this change. Josh will become more involved at the University. He will begin in the spring with guest lectures and then teach the following semester. We pray for clarity of thought and workable knowledge of Portuguese, the language in which Josh will teach Old Testament. I will continue to maintain our home as a place of comfort and security. In addition, Mahalia and I will explore the area and attempt to learn more about life in Brazil. Please pray for energy and understanding.
Josh, Mahalia and Kim Vis.
We wish everyone a Holiday Season filled with love, joy and happiness.
Love,
Kim Vis
The 2011 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, Brazil, p. 304, 306
The 2012 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 27
