Brazil 2010

perana

So I was in to Brazil from May 7^th until the 25^th ( something like that), back out in the Amazon river, the Arapiunes (a tributary river) and out to the Planalto (in the woods or AKA “middle of now where”). While waiting in airports, I have slept in more places and positions than I thought possible ( two day travel time). Still, I made it back to the US only to go out again to the Dominican Republic. As a result of my travel to Brazil, I keep speaking Portuguese to people. I tried speaking to a kid on the plane in Spanish. I must have said something odd because he said, "You're crazy and I am leaving". I guess he didn't understand my Portañol :) It’s okay I understood his Spanish :)

My time there was so great. I got to aid and entertain kids at the health clinic. The entertaining part is ministering to little kids who get anxious from waiting for treatment. I was invited to speak three different times while there. First, to a small church cell group (in where I like to affectionately refer to “the middle of nowhere”). Second, I spoke to a friends youth group (which I enjoyed, youth have such potentail). Finally, I spoke to a cell group. Each time I thought, "Why do I have to speak? Shouldn't some one else? What do I have to say?" Each time I spoke I was reminded that it doesn't matter what I think or say. God is the one with things to say and He will give the words. He did!

I got to swim (or bathe) in a beautiful creek ( clear water), visit with friends, work in small communities, go to church and sing in portuguses, sleep in my hammock, enjoy the beautiful night sky out on the river, use an array of latrines and outhouses (for some reason I find that adventurous) , have some relax time with good old friends, and eat some rare new fruits! I loved all of it and I was soooooo blessed. It is an amazing place and one where the Word and presence of God is needed in many areas. As a praise, His presence IS growing in areas.

I am also excited to have been able to visit and help my friend Silvia (main reason for going) prepare for her upcoming wedding. She is Brazilian and a close friend who is very dear to me. She is marring John a new missionary there in Brazil. I was encouraged to spend time with them and hear their hearts for the lost. They both have hearts for the nations and will be missionaries together. I was also to help her get a dress and photograph her while there. Can't show those yet cause the wedding hasn't happened. But I love to photograph the Bride alone to show the splendor and it always reminds me of the Bride in the Bible. It is a beautiful picture and I love the live visual of a bride anxiously awaiting her wedding day!