Early Christmas with Family

December 23, 2021December 23, 2021Benjamin Family, Food, Life Experience, Missions Leave a comment

We celebrated Christmas early with our immediate family this year. We woke up to the gifts having been delivered the night before by Santa. Each family member had a specific place where Santa left their presents and stocking. We enjoyed a wonderful breakfast of homemade cinnamon rolls (thanks Joy). For lunch we had a nibbles area. For dinner we smoked tri-tip and salmon with greek rice that Tati made.

We actually opened the gifts in 4 stages due to hunger and nap schedules. The first time was one package the night before. James and Cora got stuffed rabbits from Brazil. They both love their rabbits very much. The second round was stockings and Santa gifts. During this round Cora helped everyone open their gifts. The third round came as all of the kiddos were sleeping and the adults could open gifts in peace. We all enjoyed giving and receiving gifts during this time. The fourth time was a final opening of gifts for the kids.

Smoked Turkey

December 22, 2021December 22, 2021Benjamin Family, Food, Life Experience Leave a comment

We were given an opportunity to smoke a 22 lb turkey this past week. We were so excited to have this opportunity to make a wonderful meal for the family. We first brined the turkey in a citrus mixture for a day and followed it with a nice 5-6 hour smoke. The outside of the bird was seasoned with herb butter which accented the citrus fruit that we stuffed in the cavity. The turkey turned out wonderful and we had enough for fritters and a turkey soup after.

Travel for Furlough

December 21, 2021December 13, 2021Benjamin Brazil, Church, Life Experience, Missions Leave a comment

We had a wonderful time this visiting various Bible Studies, families, and churches to sharing what the Lord has done in Brazil. We have been driving all around to do this. Our travels have taken us to the states of California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, and Utah. We are not done with our travels yet but are thankful for having a vehicle that travels well and fits all of our stuff. We began our travels with a packed out car and learned to pack it better as our travels have progressed. We are not done with our travels yet so we will continue to work towards being able to pack better. We are very thankful that during all of these travels James has been doing very well.

Delayed Construction

December 20, 2021December 13, 2021Benjamin California, Church, Friends, Life Experience, Uncategorized Leave a comment

New PBC (1st 4 pictures) vs. Old PBC (2nd 4 pictures)

I remember back in or 2005-2006 when the elders at PBC began talking about remodeling or building a new church building. I can specifically remember the announcement that it would take 3 years of giving a specific amount more than our normal offering. I decided to give faithfully beyond my normal offering but not knowing where this extra money was going to come from. However I do remember that my giving statement at the end of each of the next 3 years indicated that the amount extra was reached. Due to various complications the remodel was not done by the time I left as a missionary in 2015. When I finally came back in 2021 the building remodel was completed. We were very pleased with the remodel of the church. I do have to say that this delayed construction did give me cause to think if it will ever be completed. However, in the end the remodel was well done and I am thankful for great facilities which will be used to Glorify Christ.

Christmas Decorations!

December 17, 2021December 13, 2021Benjamin California, Family 1 Comment

It was a blessing to be decorating my parents Christmas tree and house this past weekend. We had lots and fun putting up the tree, placing the lights and filling it with decorations. It was nice to have other tall people around to put decorations up. What a blessing to be able to spend this precious time with my entire family.

Visiting Friends and Family

December 16, 2021Benjamin Brazil, Church, Family, Food, Friends, Life Experience, Missions Leave a comment

Last week we had the privilege of visiting friends and family on our journey. We met with various couples and singles on our journey. We are so thankful for each of them who was able to take the time to host us, meet with us, and eat with us. Each and every one is special to us and we left each wanting to work re time.

Visiting One Church Sacramento

December 15, 2021December 15, 2021Benjamin Bible, Brazil, California, Church, Church Planting, Food, Friends, Life Experience, Missions Leave a comment

What a blessing to be able to visit a supporting church this past Sunday. We got to visit One Church Sacramento. We have special friends who are a part of One Church and were thankful to see them and to also talk with various church members before and after church. We were blessed to be able to share what the Lord is doing in Brazil and to also challenge/encourage the church to evangelize and prioritize the person infront of you. We even had lunch and a great conversation after

Birthday Party with Family

December 14, 2021December 14, 2021Benjamin Family, Food, Life Experience 1 Comment

James turned 1 on December 1st but we arrived in Sacramento on December 10 and celebrated his birthday with family. It was wonderful to see my son eating refined sugar for the first time. He loved the meatloaf and mac and cheese. It made it even better when he was able to destroy the mini cupcake.

Cousins Meeting

December 13, 2021December 13, 2021Benjamin Family, Food, Life Experience, Missions 1 Comment

We finally were able to connect in person with my sister, brother in law, and niece. We loved being able to hug each other and talk without an electronic device between us. Each of the grandkids enjoyed being next to their grandfather during lunch.

Visiting Families from Cornerstone

December 9, 2021December 7, 2021Benjamin Brazil, Church, Food, Friends, Missions Leave a comment

It is so cool to have families praying for you. We had a few wonderful meals with families from Cornerstone. We enjoyed bragging about the different things that the Lord has done in Brazil over the past 5 years. We were so thankful to even meet with families that we don’t know who came up and said that they were praying for us and recognized James. The entire church has been a HUGE blessing and encouragement to us.