Hey everybody! I thought I'd write and let you know that we WILL be having turtles this Chrismas...so don't worry! Poor Dwayne and Patsy...they are seeing a nutricionist and so they will be eating much fewer turtles and much more fruit this Christmas!!!

Thanks for getting back to us on your favourites. Today is spring cleaning at my house(before I host my family) and we started putting out some Christmas decorations. We came across our gift from the Schalms last Christmas, which is a smoking German guy. We have one problem Tres, he has nothing to smoke...can you bring us some of those little incense things??? Thanks!

Tonight is Shannon's second appointment and also a Christmas concert on the lake, if of course, it doesn't rain. It has been 34 degrees here the last couple of days and believe you me, with this humidity...that is HOT!!! Either start your tanning sessions SOON or bring a lot of sunscreen!

Well, the countdown till Christmas starts tomorrow...we can hardly wait for you all to come!

By the way, just to celebrate our GREAT and FAITHFUL God...our monthly support has already gone up around $200/month. We need at least $500, but God is doing His work and we are just so thankful for His provisions.

Love you all,

Patsy

FOOD!! Let's see - turtles, cheerio bars, dream cake, peppernuts, did I mention turtles!, cream cookies, cinnamon buns. That's it for now.

Markus' meeting with Howard went well. It's not the counselling we are concerned about, but how they are going about this. I think they just want to ask him to leave, but can't really do that. Pray for our attitudes towards Tim, Mark, Gary and Lane.

Thank you,
Teresa

Food? Home-made turtles. Hands down my favorite. Mom's Christmas cake. Peppernuts. Butter tarts. Mmmmmm!

We are so excited about our trip. We are still awaiting our visas. Travel agent said they'd be here by Dec. 19. Yikes! That's cutting it short. But we trust it'll all come together. We saw Donato and Roneche's baby last weekend and David and Sylvia were there too. They are thrilled that we get to use their sitio. I think they are pretty homesick right now. They want to get together with us after Christmas and hear all about it.

Markus, I know God has great things for you. I trust the meeting with Howard goes well.
Dwayne, good to hear from you! Shannon, prayin' for ya!

Love, Brenda

Hi family,

Wow...our email is down at our house, so it´s been a few days since I checked and it seems so much has happened. Hey Markus, sounds like you are entering a good healing time...we´re praying for you. Maybe we will need to be super intentional with some good talks while we´re all together.

Well, we spent the weekend at the sitio...it was WONDERFUL!!! We cut grass, pulled weeds, cut up logs and basically cleaned up really well to eliminate as many places where snakes could hide...hehehe!!! No, but we did leave it in pretty good shape for us to be able to enjoy it.

Caleb and Muki went on a art class field trip on Saturday to see some art exhibitions in Porto Alegre...they loved it. McDonalds was also on the agenda! Hannah of course thoroughly enjoyed the day alone with Mom and Dad!

Ok, here~s the big question. What do you want Mom and I to bake for Christmas? Let us know your favourite Christmas baking and we will try to do our best. Let me know ASAP to be able to buy everything necessary to make your Christmas memorable!

Have a great day...we can hardly wait to have you all here!

Love,

Patsy

We can get Taco Seasoning mixes here, but htey are very expensive since they are only in the American Food section. Could anyone else volunteer to bring this for Christmas? Thanks!!

Tomorrow Markus will call Howard to arrange a meeting time. Markus is actaully sort of looking forward to this!

Matthew and Emily had to have physicals a few weeks back. Their urine tests both came back with blood in the urine. After a few more urine samples, it's still the same. The doctor is a little concered about this since they both have it and it;s there for so long. She asked if we have any kidney history in our family!? On Tuesday she wants to take a unrien sample of Niklaas and do blood tests with Matthew and Emily.

Since we are on the topic of health. Niklaas has also had this thing behind his right knee for about two months. They sent him to the dermatologist and she wants to observe it now. This just means they will look at it, measure it, and see if the color changes over the next three months. She didn't think it was anything to be nervous about.

Teresa

Hey everyone,

Before I start, Tres, I figured it out.
Well, we've been here almost a month and are feeling quite at home. I've been able to do some stuff with JT already including a trip to Pelotas and directing a truck driver to where he was to drop off new sand for our V-ball court (Markus it's awesome sand), a sand box I built for Jasper and .... (oops, it almost slipped). We will also use it in a game almost like lawn bowling but on a sand/clay mix.
Well today I went for my first trot through the tourist traps of Gramado. It was fun, but it could of been more fun if I had $$ to spend. We are still wanting to pick-up a few things for our house to make it a bit more homey.
By the way, We have renters in our house starting Dec. 1st! It is the family we initially wanted there but they didn't take it then. We are so excited, we don't need to make the motgage payments on it for the next while.
Shannon is ready to have the baby, I think. She is very tired and getting more sore all the time. We had to get an extra spong for our bed because the mattres was too firm for her hips and made them hurt.
Jaden seems to be elergic to something, we're not sure what. He has had the sniffles and his eyes tend to puff up and hurt. Other than that he has been having so much fun he hasn't even been asking for a bike, and that was his life the last while in Canada.
Jasper always wants to be "side" (outside). She loves walking, swinging and just being out of the house. She does not stop going for anything or anyone. She is always moving, climbing, falling or whatever. This comming week is her 2nd birthday. Wow, it's been two years already.
We are looking forward to having you all here for Christmas. It will be great to have everyone together. We will also get to celebrate a few birthdays together, Jaden's (21) and Hannah's (28).
Well, there is probibily a lot more I could write, but for now I will sign off. Have a great night or morning, where ever you are,
Dwayne

Re: Markus, his meeting with Gary went really well and then two days later Mark and Lane come in and recommend that he go for counseling with Howard - they had already talked with Howard about Markus. I think actually howard suggested he and Markus meet two days a week for a while. They all think there must be something about him being an MK that won't allow him to get around the bend. This could be great, Markus (and I) is completely humiliated at how many people are involved in this. It feels like we can't trust anyone here right now. So this trip is about trusting family for us. It's about Scott and Dwayne talking with Markus and encouraging him. He talks to Howard on Monday to set up a time.

Teresa

PRAY!! Markus is being hauled over the broken glass again. They want him to meet twice a week with Howard now. Markus is feeling very depleted!!!

Snow! Snow!! Snow!!! Snow!!!! We had our first snow fall last night and it is beautiful from our livingroom window.

Teresa

I want lots of presents - just kiddin'!!!

We are making a small gift for each of the cousins and we bought small gifts for each of the cousins at the BFA Floh Markt (trust me, nothing big). The gifts are wither coming from the Floh markt or from our kids stuff. Niklaas reaaly wanted to buy gifts because he said that's what Christmas is all about - hey, I wasn't about to argue with a 12 year old who wants to give gifts!!

For the adults, we may have a small gift for each couple.

Our family has talked it about it alot and no one is expecting any gifts at all - not even from mom and dad. So they will be surprized with anything.

I think the shoebox idea is great!! Will we go shopping with the kids for the stuff?

We would really like to see the Chain of Love as well. I'd like the kids to see it, but if the cost is alot more, then just Markus and I will go.

Isn't this so fun!!!

I do have one pretty big expectation for the family time - LAUGHING!!!

Teresa

Patsy,

After reading your itinerary we noticed that you have us leaving on the 6th when we are actually leaving on the 7th. As per our previous emails we are departing for Florianapolis on the 2nd and returning on the 6th ( 4 nights ) ? Have you received confirmation on the hotel booking and flight arangements ? What is the outstanding cost owing on the Hotel / flight ? Please let us know ASAP.

Thanks
Al

Ok, here is my opinion...gifts for us adults is completely unnecessary. If we would like to do something, we still are thinking of putting together boxes for a family or two here in Gramado. How does that sound to you guys? We could deliver them Christmas morning. We want to go to the school in the neighbourhood and get the names of one or two families, then we can prepare shoeboxes according to the kids ages and sexes. What do you think of that?

Our kids are making a small gift for the cousins and that is all we are doing for presents.

Tres, is the orphanage a must on your list???

OK, let me know your thoughts.

Patsy

Pats,

Looks good. Al & I are both looking forward to going to the orphange so count us in for a ride. We were also wondering about gift exchange. Should we pull names? or are we not doing gifts or are we guying gifts for everyone? I don't feel it's necessary for people to give me gifts. What are your thoughts? Brenda

Pats,

wow it'll all go so fast. I'm wondering about a haircut as well. It seems like we are spending tonnes of money while we are there, but please realize that we are in fact saving money on everything. I also want to buy shoes for the kids at some point.

otherwise it all sounds great. remember we are there to be with people, not be crazy busy. we are all bringing our swimsuits!!

Teresa

Hello family from Hot Hot Brazil...

Yes, summer has finally arrived! Last night we were in the pool until 8pm....so nice! Well, we are desperately trying to prepare a wonderful Christmas for you all.

Dec.13th.....Mom and Dad arrive
Dec.14th-19.....Christmas baking
Dec. 20th.......Schalms arrive
Dec. 21st.........Afternoon Dentist appointments
Dec. 23rd........Pedicures???
Dec. 24th.......Wiebes arrive///Christmas dinner
Dec. 25th.......Klassen Family Christmas morning/Afternoon at Janz Team with our house church group.
Dec. 27th........Churrasco with dance show.
Dec. 30th-Jan.1st......The sitio
Jan. 2nd......Wiebes leave for beach
Jan. 3rd.......Schalms leave for Germany
Jan. 5th......Wiebes return from beach
Jan. 6th......Wiebes leave for Canada.

Is this correct??? The Chain of Love will have to be during the day sometime...26th, 27th, 28th or 29th. We'll get in contact with them? We NEED to know who wants to go to the orphanage in order to rent vehicles if need be. We will need to rent a 15 seater to take us to the churrasqueria (restaurant) and also to the sitio and back. I'll see what I can get for prices. We'll let you know.

If there is anything else that anyone wants to do that will involve transportation, please let us know ASAP. Anything in the city is walkable, the rest is complicated with the large family we have become!

Ok, I would like to hear back from each of you by tomorrow sometime, as I need to book the transportation ASAP.

Love you all...

Patsy

Okay, so that's Milka Bars for 18 people for 2 weeks, how many does that make??!!

Teresa

Dear Family,

The play was great! I had a lot of fun. I am hoping to get an extra copy of the DVD they made from our first performance. That way you can all watch it in Brasil. I can hardly wait until we go!

Niklaas(=

Good Morning!

Patsy I tried sending the fax but a lady answered the phone instead. Who would that be? How do we get around that?

Heys kids! Niklaas, Matthew, Emily, Caleb, Muki, Hannie, Jaden, Jasper - How come we haven't heard from you on the blog? Nik how was opening night of your drama? Jaden, how's Brazil so far?

We had Bev and Steve Solomon over for supper last night. We had a wonderful evening visiting with them. We had gone to their Burmese banquet about one month ago, so Steve and Al had already met. That was nice.

Today we are going to see Donato and Roneche at 2:00 p.m. to see their new baby! Al has never met them. And tonight we curl with Liz and Leroy Plett from our church. Later we're going to their house for cinnamon buns. Yummmmm!

Good Morning everyone!

Listen, I am already trying to organize myself a little for Christmas. Teresa, can you please be in charge of bringing the following things

dill packages
taco seasoning
Christmas napkins
vanilla/chocolate spread
milka

Mom, my dear husband really wants you to bring some Cheerios to make that turtle type bar...can you do that? Also, I am desperately needing shorts for Caleb. He likes to use T-shirt material or sweat shorts...not too long. Can you look at the Thrift Store? Even if you cut some off. Also, Teresa or Mom, Hannie needs a pretty summer jacket...maybe a jean jacket, or a cute hoodie that has a zipper in front, etc. If you would find something , it would save me around $20.00.

Mom, should I wait till you get here to do the shopping for the Christmas baking ? Or do you want to send me a list of what you want to make and I can start looking for sales.

Brenda, we're still waiting for that fax!!!

We are all doing great...waiting to see all of you.

Patsy

We are not really suppose to give this information out, but since we are not buying the school pictures, you can look at them at this website.

www.festivemedia.com\bfa.html

It's pretty user friendly.

Tonight is the opening nihght of Niklaas' drama. Markus will go.

Justina will come to our house for a few minutes late tonight. We are definately not priority - oh well!! She and her friend are staying at the Villa Umbach where we had Pete and Lynda booked in for a few nights.

Teresa

Well, Brenda, you and Al can continue getting excited about Gramado, because once again they have outdone themselves with the decorations. My favourites are 3 huge snowglobes with moving characters inside...they are beautiful! Please send us the article...our fax number is 011 5554 286 1370. Thanks for thinking of us.

Matthew, are you still considered your family's carnevore??? Because Scott has promised to cook you up the best churrasco of your life with great Brazilian meat...hope you'll enjoy it!

Markus, your personal skewer of chicken hearts roasted to perfection is waiting for you!!!

Patsy

Patsy,

I can hardly wait to see Gramado at Christmas! Do you have a fax#? Today Al cut out this article from the Free Press called, "Studying Canada in Brazil's Swiss village?" It's all about a
U of W student who went to Gramado on a study trip! He really loved it. I thought I'd fax it to you if you have a fax. The author said it was hot and maniacal in early Christmas preparations! It made us both excited about our trip. It was an interesting article. Love, Brenda

Hey family...just thought I'd let you know that Natal Luz (Christmas Light) started last night in Gramado. It really is beautiful! Also, the hortensias are starting to bloom, so they should be in full bloom by Christmas week. Our lizards are giving us quite the show here this year, so Tres, don't worry...that means NO SNAKES!!! We are really excited about hosting you all. We hope that all your expectations can be met, so if there are any more, please let us know ASAP! We are thinking that one day you can do the tour of the Chain of Love, one evening we would like to take you all to Garfo e Bombacha (a churrascaria with a gaucho dance performance). For New Year's Eve, we would like to do a big camp out at the sitio...pure family time!!! Should be fun! Have a great day everyone! Dwayne and Scott are back tonight, so back to routine tomorrow!

Love, Patsy

Mom reminded me taht we all need to thank Al for starting the process for us all to be together. THANK YOU AL!!

We've just been through one of those crazy weeks where we all met each other in the driveway promising to catch up at some point. Hopefully next week will be a little more "normal" whatever that is.

Love you all, Teresa

Wow!. . . That's amazing. I can hardly believe it's true. We are blessed. Brenda

OK, the tickets are ordered and paid for. Jack went over and paid with his credit card. He said he would only take 6% off the donations instead of the regular 12%. Mom and Dad, do you need this receipt for your income taxes? Markus said you always had more then you could even use. If you need it, great send it through Janz Team, but if you don't, Jaxck said you shoudl just send the full $2000 to him (as payment towards his credit card). I assume you know what you are doing in all that. Also mom, maybe you should deposit any money that you recieve that does not need to be receipted into our account and we'll just make one payment to Jack with it. The money that needs to go through Janz Team, he'll take the 6% off and then take the rest towards his payment. He's very trusting isn't he!

Right now we have:
2000 Al and Brenda
2000 Dad and Mom
200 Buhlers
300 Dad and Mom for the Christmas money (is this still valid or is it part of the 2000?)
40 Theresa Enns ?
? Our kids
Our income taxz return from last year and child tax benefits (yes we were late again)

Okay, here's our itinerary:
12:00 PM train to Frankfurt
6:15PM Frankfurt to London
10:00PM London to San Paulo
2:25PM San Paulo to Porto arriving at 4:00PM

God has really amazed me in this whole thing. Even though I grumbled to Him about us not being in Brazil He still chose to bless the family to all be together. You know, when the Israelites grumbled, they didn't get to see the promised land! Also, a thought that came to me yesterday was that this is one of the blessings of coming from generations of believers. God is following through on His promises.

Patsy, how much would runners cost in Brazil? How about dental work?

Love, Teresa

Wow! Could it really happen that the Klassen family might be together for Christmas!!? As Markus and I have prayed and talked this through we thought maybe we are being very selfish - thinking only about me. However, my BS group reminded me that this might have nothing to do with me. Maybe it's about Wiebe and Dad & mom sacrificially giving, maybe it's about Niklaas needing the family to love him into adolescence, maybe about Caleb wanting to see Matthew, maybe it's about Matthew getting toplay a real concert for the family, maybe it's about Niklaas beinga ble to show you his drama DVD, maybe it's about being with Dwayne and Shannon at THE 6 week adjustment time, maybe...

The itinerary is for leaving Frankfurt Dec 19th at 6:15 flying via London and arriving in Porto on the 20th at 4:00 PM. Leaving Porto on the 3rd at 4:45 PM (bad timing I know!) flying via Lisbon Portugal (another flag!) and arriving in Frankfurt at 4:00PM.

We need to book tonight. Markus will call Jack to see if he can by any chance wave the 12% thing. Also he'll see if we can get cheap flights to Londona nd from Lisbon, that would coincide with the overseas flights. Then I think we are ready to book. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!!

I'm glad Dwayne figured this out. Let's all use it.

We had a great day yesterday. Dwayne and Shannon had another Portuguese lesson and did well. Then we planned our 5 day themes for summer camp in the afternoon, which was a lot of fun. In the evening, we had our second Bible Study group with Erlo and Ju and we have 1 couple, 1 single mom, and one single lady already participating. God blew us away. Please pray for our little group....church planting??? Then during the study Shannon and I went to see her Doctor here for the first time and all is well with mom and baby...it was a great ending to a good day.

Tres, I'll call you as soon as I get the info today. Ok, have a great day everyone.

Patsy

Hey everyone, WE FIGURED IT OUT!!!!!

So now Patsy and I figured out how to post new messages. We are all doing well. Scott and I will be going to Pelotas this weekend (tomorrow) to a banquet, speak at a youth group and a church. We are also going to look at some potential properties for a new camp and stuff like that. Well, now that we have it figured out we have to go, but we are all praying for things to work out for the Schalms to join us for Christmas. THAT WOULD BE AWESOME! The Buhlers will be giving at least $200 CN towards the trip. The Klassen´s have not talked about a specific amount yet, but we will be giving what we can.

Have a great day,
Dwayne and Patsy

There Patsy,
I did it!!!!!
Now you and I and the whole Klassen family can write to each other!!!!

Hi All,

Niklaas and I are trying to get this up an running so we can all make postings to each other. Patsy gave him the idea and he was pumped. I'll email you each with the information we used so you to can add your postings.

Markus' volleyball team came in third place and Jory got two awards.

Teresa