Stories from Lar Feliz

Bella

We were two women from different worlds, seeking after the same God.  Bella, from the Assembly of God church in Brazil and I, with my American roots and missionary experience in the freedom based city of Amsterdam, where purple hair and piercings were vogue.  She came to work everyday with her dress and long plain hair, never a touch of makeup on her skin.  I tried growing my hair long, the approved style of the church, but it is so hot here in the summer.

We worked together at the project.  She worked for me, I was her boss.  We took care of the children of Lar Feliz, even with our differences, love for the children kept us working together.  Sometimes, I caught her glance at me.  It must have been strange for her to imagine me being a Christian without long hair and a dress, but I felt her acceptance grow.  I watched her work.  She was a good disciplinarian, and the children also adored her.

 She has stopped working for the project sometime now, in order for her to take better care of her own little family at home, but I will always remember our differences and how love for God and for others caused those differences to disappear.