I really had no idea what I was getting into when I married Mike! Visiting another country was always something I wanted to do, but living in another one is a completely different story.

I grew up in city where there was running water, electricity, and telephone service 24 hours, paved roads, (cars, of course) and plenty of grocery stores. Even way back then there was a variety of products.

Mike and Beverly Creiglow have served the Lord in Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre, Brazil together for 40 years. In addition to pastoring First Baptist of Cruzeiro do Sul, Mike builds his own boats and frequently travels up and down rivers to share the Gospel with those who have never heard.

When I arrived in Cruzeiro do Sul in 1971, there was a huge difference. Just for starters, electricity was only from 6–10 pm and there was no running water. Drinking water had to be carried in by a man who had pole across his shoulders, balancing two 5 gallon cans of well water. Rain water was caught off the roof for baths, etc. At that time I think there were only two or three bricked roads, dust in the dry season and mud in the rainy season. Only two seasons here.

It took me a while to adjust to this very different kind of life. There were many ups and downs. Insects galore! I never knew ants or caterpillars could be so harmful. Ever touch a fuzzy caterpillar that releases its “fuzz” in to your hand? It can be so painful and then itch for days. Then there are tarantulas, roaches and stink bugs that release oil that can burn you like a third degree burn. I finally did learn (and am still learning) what is hands off!

It can be depressing when you see everyone talking with their biological families; Dad, Mom, sisters and brothers. Mine were a few thousand miles away. I only get to see them every few years. Church became my family. Thank the Lord for them! I now have many “adopted” sisters, brothers and daughters. I’ve been asked if I’d ever want to return to the USA to live. I answer; ONLY if I can take my whole church family with me!! There is no church I have ever visited that comes close to First Baptist Church of Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre. I love my church.

My four children were born here. I am glad I raised them here without people breathing down my neck about how I could discipline them. I home schooled all of them through high school and then they took the GED. They learned two languages and two different cultures, besides many other advantages. Mike and I “adopted” a few sons, one of them being Odali Barros. Jader and Carlos are orphaned brothers who came to live with us as teens. They spent five years in our home and became brothers to my own children. My grandchildren call all of them uncle. Today Odaliis a missionary and ran a children’s home for years. Adam is the IT manager for a court house in CA. Monica is an office manager for a law firm in KY. Andrew owns River Craft that builds aluminum canoes and boats. Crissy, besides being a pastor’s wife, manages an English school. Jader graduated from law school and Carlos is a pilot. These last four still live in Brazil. They all make their mother (and Dad) proud.

All the Creiglows’ Children
Top Row (Left to Right): Adam, Monica, Andrew, Cristina
Bottom Row (Left to Right): Odali, Carlos, Jader

I don’t know where or what I would be doing today if I had not come to Brazil. The Lord knew though and wanted me here with Mike. I do my best to support him in all he does. I’m his full-time wife and part-time secretary. Brazil is my home for now and probably will be until I die.

Thank you for your support and prayers,
Beverly Creiglow

You can visit the Creiglows’ website at www.creiglowsinbrazil.com.

Mike and Beverly Creiglow
Caixa Postal 24
Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre, Brazil 69980
mdcreig [at] hotmail.com

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