Soccer is the one thing that seems to unify everyone in this country. That is, when they're playing against another country. But soccer played within the country is a great divider. Figure that one out! But it is interesting to see how everything (that's "every", as in, EVERYthing) is geared to this sport at a time like this. Businesses, commercials, decorations, streets, clothes, food items...yes, food! You should see how they manage to work in the soccer theme into all of these. After while you think that yellow, green and blue are the only colors that exist. OK, I'm being slightly facetious but...not too much.
Does this have anything to do with our work as missionaries? Ah, yes. We have to change gears, so to speak. We try not to change anything like church schedules but we have to remember that, if we don't do that when an important game is going on, we might have to deal with minds that are elsewhere...as in, the game on TV which they aren't able to watch!
But this is part of Brazil's culture. We have to accept it, work around it, try to teach about priorities (!) and...join them in cheering their team on to victory! With that said, excuse me, I need to go check the scores of the game that's being played right now...
For those of you who love soccer, here's a handy calendar of the World Cup games:
http://www.marca.com/deporte/futbol/mundial/sudafrica-2010/calendario-english.html