The simplicity of doing without

About once a quarter we have a leadership training workshop called a TLC.  Leaders from city churches and interior churches all come together and receive training in areas such as small group leadership, leading worship, children's ministry, new membership classes, etc.  What makes this workshop different is the setting.  

Agua Preta is a community where we have had a church for several years.  Throughout that time, we have also developed a crude training center on site.  The structures include a pavilion in which to hang a hammock, a shack for cooking, and a few mango trees which serve as protection from the Amazon sun.  The lack of electricity (except for a generator we brought for showing a film), running water, or any other modern convenience makes this a memorable setting for a workshop.  

Mealtime 

 

 One group meets in an abandoned home.

 

But I am constantly impressed with the Brazilians ability to take what is available and make it work.  Sure, it was a bit inconvenient to walk down to the river in the dark to wash my dishes and the heat was oppressive at times during the day, but nothing a dip in the cool river didn't help.  

I think at times we convince ourselves that we need much more than we really do, leading to attitudes of self-entitlement and privilege.  It would have been nice to enjoy all the amenities of a modern conference center, but there's also something to be said for the simplicity of doing without.