TheoTrek — A Journey with God in Discipleship
The following are MS Powerpoint files on various aspects of missionary work in Brasil among the Traditionalist Gaśchos
Beauty in Rio Grande do Sul
Orchids and many other flowers grow in profusion, especially in the highlands are of the state near Gramado.
Bananas grow in the relatively mild climate, but you will notice that they hang with the ends pointing upwards.
Some friends keep parrots, which are native to parts of Brasil.
The farmer's market of Porto Alegre is still very dependent on manual labor, though it is a very large operation.
The coati is a relative of the racoon. These are on hotel grounds near Iguassu Falls.
Iguassu carries six times the water volume of Niagra Falls.
Hortensias are the trademark flower of Gramado, about two hours north of Porto Alegre.
One can easily see the German influences on architecture in portions of the state of Rio Grando do Sul.
Roses bloom in Porto Alegre, as do many other flowers.
The capybara is the worlds largest rodent, and these live in marsh and river areas of Brasil.
Coffee is actually a fruit, the seed of which we roast for brewing.
This is the Grand Canyon of Rio Grande do Sul. Rather than arid, it is luxuriant throughout the year.
Sunflowers grow as well in Rio Grande as here.
"Everybody's got a water buffalo!"—well, according to Veggie Tales, anyway. Some are raised like beef cattle.
Azaleas bloom all year long in Porto Alegre, as the weather does not force them into a specific blooming season.
Daylillies are at least as common there as here.
One can still take rides on wood-burning trains in some parts of the country.
The "Quero-Quero," the state bird of Rio Grande do Sul, makes its nest on the ground.
Ducks adorn ponds in the state.
These ducks do not migrate, but stay year round.
The Gaścho is known for the traditional garb of the Pampas and drinking chimarrão from a gourd.
Horses adorn the countryside.
Horseback riding on a eco-tourism farm.
Our riders start young!
The state fair in Porto Alegre is the largest agricultural fair in Latin America.
The Brahma is kin to the Zebu, and is a very common cattle variety in the country.
Most of Brasil's sheep are raised in Rio Grande do Sul, both for meat and wool.
Religions in Rio Grande do Sul
Theotrek —updated: 07 February 2008
While most Brasilians claim catholicism, many are actively participating in Afro-Brasiliam Spiritism. There are various forms of spiritism, but the most obvious branch deals in various forms of astrology, tarot and palmistry, as well as animal sacrifices. For the most part, people claim religion as a means to providing for a better life. Religious symbols are used as good luck charms, often both catholic and spiritist charms used side-by-side.
...More to be added.