Consider it pure joy when you face trials of various kinds

The past few weeks have been very hard - and I feel as though no one else wants to admit it. 

The bugs... Oh my heavens. They ate us all. (Guess who's allergic to deet? This girl! Guess it was one of those developing allergies that had to pop out in the middle of the mosquito ridden jungle.) I'm sure I have well over 40 bug bites, a rash from an allergic reaction, and a sting... From who knows what. My ankles are swollen and my hip hurts slightly... As well as dealing with that thorn in my flesh that I know so well - endometriosis.

On top of that, the heat was exhausting. It was very hard to keep our focus on why we were there - and I'll be the first to admit I haven't been the best at that this trip. It was really hard to do so without that... Vital team unity - which I'm learning is sort of hard to come by. 

Kinda rough, right? Seems like every time we turned a corner, there was at least one thing we could be discouraged by.... And the trials keep coming, even though our trip is at it's closing days. 

In the book of James it says that we are to have joy in trials. This is because good will come out of it. We are to remain under the pressure of these trials until we are perfect & complete - a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. 

It's not easy. The encouragement? God is in control of all things, and works all things together for the good of those who are called according to his purpose. Now this does not mean that everything is about us - it's all about Him - and this process helps us learn to trust Him more, to know Him more, and to glorify Him more. 

Pray on this my brothers & sisters. 

More tomorrow. ;)

Tchau

What we're doing.

6/14/14

So in the last update I didn't say much of what we have been doing here. Oops. 

Last week we walked a ton in the jungle to make visits to different houses. I would tell the creation story though a translator, and then a Brazilian would re-tell the story and then share the Gospel. Repeat... Times a zillion. Sometimes in the afternoon we would have games for the kids at the church or building where we'd meet. We'd also have a health professional come and talk to the people. It is impossible to get good healthcare without going to the city - these people - the Quilos- are out in the bush. 

It is SO hot - and we sleep out here too. If you're by the river (Amazon) it gets cold at night. It still gets a little cooler here but not by much! We've had a few days to rest in the city -- getting spoiled by air conditioning.... I miss air conditioning, but what we're doing here is worth more than that. 

The first village we went to had no electricity and the houses were very far apart. This one has electricity - meaning we have working lightbulbs and a toilet!! A real toilet. (I'm so excited about this. Not a fan of squatty potties.) There's an inside shower too. (Again, not a fan of the outdoor shower.)

Here soon we're going to visit some more people and tell the creation story - until sundown. We're waiting for the heat of the day to pass. 

So, I totally forgot about drinking a ton of water - and got dehydrated. As soon as I realized what happened, I could hear Scotty in my head demanding that I drink a ton of water. Others caught on quickly and did so as well. Thankfully I'm feeling better - but that was a bit rough!!

Watching the first game of the World Cup here in Brasil was amazing. Everyone was so energized. It was like watching an Alabama vs Auburn game in Alabama. Lol. But instead of football... It was football (soccer). 

Another tid bit, is that I've been adopted. I have Brazilian parents now. ;) How exciting! I also found a lady who reminds me very much of Jo mama (hope you're reading this!). She's a very sweet lady & has patience with me when I don't have a translator with me. :)

Each of us has our own translator & Brazilian partner. My translator's name is Elaine - and my Brazilian partner's name is Job. (Job is also by Brazilian dad.)

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I totally just rode on a cart behind a water buffalo! So fun! Haha. Yay for new experiences. 

.... So, that's what we've been doing. :)

Back home in Brasil

Most of you know it was in Brasil on the Amazon river when I first realized that I was called to be a missionary. I remember the moment like it was yesterday - after a very long week at one of the churches in Brasil, we headed out on the river towards Marimarituba. As I meditated on God's word and looked out as we passed by different islands, God spoke to my heart saying that this is what He wants me to do with my life - and even though there had been times I questioned it, God always reaffirmed it. Although, I've always been afraid that one day He would take that away... And He hasn't... And I don't believe He ever will take this precious burden away from me. 

Honestly, I wasn't sure what this trip would be like. While Belém is in the north.... It isn't Santarém. While we still go out to villages - they are not the same. This is my first trip to Brazil with a team that isn't from my hometown church - and while I miss going with them and seeing Scotty & Jan, it has been a good couple of days. 

I read some of the other team members blogs. They commented on how different it is here - and how blessed we are, talked about firsts and such. I could talk about that... But that train left a good 8 years ago. (Haha). 

God amazes me. He amazes me by working though - and in spite of - my weaknesses. 

God amazes me by working though me even though I'm not as physically strong as the other members in my group. 

God amazes me by using the very people I came to share with to teach me something. 

God amazes me with his wonderful creation. 

God amazes me when he seeks and saves the lost. His sheep hear His voice. 

It amazes me that God would choose a small town girl who was doomed to have a life filled with sadness and headache, to go all over the world and tell of the good news He has given us. 

We are never too insignificant for God to use us, even if someone else thinks otherwise. 

I love Brazil with all my heart. I'm starting to believe that God actually gave me this desire and longing in my heart for Brazil - and it wasn't just me. These people need to hear about God's wrath, Christ's sacrifice, and God's love - just like I did. 

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Please keep our team in your prayers. We're heading back out to the jungle. 

The walks are very challenging for me. Pray that I may endure. 

Pray that Quilos and Brazilians will understand the message we bring. 

Pray for team unity and willingness to understand this brand new culture.

Pray that God might speak to the hearts of those who are lost. 

I met man in a village, and he had surgery and is still not yet very well. From my understanding, this sort of thing happens often. Pray for the health of the village.

Thank you! I'll try to post the next time I get internet! (No electricity out in the villages!!)