The Cold

Unless you have been to Porto Alegre during the winter months (June through early September) you really can't imagine the cold of South Brazil. It can snow in the mountains just a couple of hours away, but it rarely does (and it never sticks!). That may seem normal and not that big of a deal to folks from the northern United States where it gets to sub-zero temperatures during the winter.

Well, we aren't exactly tropical here! As I write this it is 52 degrees outside, but it feels like it is 45. The humidity is 76% which makes it feel much colder since your clothes hold in the dampness. The main cold factor comes from the way buildings and houses are constructed here. Everything is solid concrete with no insulation. The lack of insulation means that when it gets cold outside it slowly gets cold inside, then it stays cold. The weather channel might say that it is 52 degrees outside, but it is more than likely that or cooler inside! We usually keep an oven thermometer around the house just to keep tabs on how cold it gets.

We have some good gas space heaters and a fire place that do a good job of keeping us warm. We use the oven more often and leave the door open when we are done in order to not waste any heat. We also have learned to adapt by wearing extra layers of clothing. It is funny how it works sometimes; you may wake up in the morning, see your breath and think "it is going to be a cold one today." But, once you are outside and in the sun it is completely different. It really makes me wish that Southern Brazil would find a way to introduce central heat and air. A lot of folks could really use it. I went to bed 2 nights ago with a ski cap on and I wore it the whole night. You do what is necessary to stay warm I guess.

Unfortunately, not everyone can stay warm. Last week 2 homeless people died due to the cold night temperatures in this region. One person was here in Porto Alegre. Last winter was the coldest in this area in over 40 years and they are predicting that this year will be about the same. In fact, they are saying that this winter should last until October for us. October should be mid-Spring!

It is hard not to think about and complain about the cold when it is a constant - inside and out. It is even harder to manage when you know that so many people are suffering and dying because of the elements. I pray that the Lord would show us ways to be helpful in times like these - ways to show the warmth and love of Jesus. Thankfully, it looks like we are in store for a little warmer weather soon.