So - Brazil trip. Y'all know the overview of what we did, so here are my final thoughts and reflections on this third trip.
1. I miss Brazil. Badly.
So maybe that's not really news, but visiting makes me miss it more. 2 weeks goes by before I can even blink. The trip served as a huge reminder of why I love Brazil & the people so much. At this point, I feel that my sole calling is to Brazil - not anywhere else. I thought it might be somewhere else, just because before - Brazil was the only country I managed to go to.... But, as it turns out - that's not the case. Brazil has captured my heart - and I'm sure God has a lot to do with that one. Honestly, I'd be more than miserable anywhere else. I'll still venture to go other places.... But my home is Brazil - specifically Northern Brazil. Now I just really need to focus in on the whole Portuguese thing.
2. This trip was different than any other trip I've been on - both good and bad.
For one, even though we didn't stay in Belém - Belém is huge.... It's slightly smaller than Chicago... And I'm more used to Santarém - which is about the size of Birmingham, Alabama. (Which, both are huge compared to my little Ellettsville, Indiana with a whopping 6 thousand people. Haha) However, we went out to small villages. I've never worked with Q's before - and that was very different too. I can't say I've really ever seen an African Brazilian until this trip.
Secondly, There were communication issues - between everybody. This wasn't a kill-all for me, but it was a bit of a let down and a struggle for me personally.... And it really hurt the group. Looking back, I expected more because it was a seminary trip. It goes to show that good theological training isn't everything.... While it's important, communication skills & being FLEXIBLE are necessary.... I also can't stress enough how important a prayer & devotional time as a group is.
That being said, it didn't feel like the typical group to me... It wasn't too diverse.... Mostly newbies - very athletic. Although, watching the newbies is really fun. I love to watch their reactions to different things. Even though I've only been 3 times (maybe it's because I was introduced very young?) - there are some things in Brazilian culture that don't really phase me anymore - and they pick up on every little thing. It's super interesting to see.... Especially first reactions to squatty potties. (It never gets old. Rofl.)
I realize I didn't really fit in that well with the group I came with - mostly just personality differences, but, maybe it was a needed experience. I need to keep in mind who I'm working with when I speak - even if I'm speaking out of prior experience. Personality differences can impact communication greatly. I think I learned just how important communication is on trips like these. - please don't get me wrong - the group was great - just different. Different isn't necessarily bad!
3. Just because things were different, the ultimate goal was the same.
Reaching the Q's. Engaging with them and providing groundwork. While groundwork isn't the most exciting thing, the work has to start somewhere - and our ultimate goal isn't numbers of saved souls anyway. The goal is God being glorified.
4. The Q's feel that they are a "forgotten people".
That's something they assign to themselves. They are so deep in the Amazon that they rarely get visitors - let alone good health care.... And I'm sure you can imagine why the Gospel hasn't gotten that far quite yet. The Q's haven't been reached because they are hard to reach. From what I understand, some of their religious backgrounds remind of of that of Songhai people - just with a Catholic mixing pot of religions instead of a Muslim one. They'll take everything good and believe all of it of every religion - so you have to be careful how you present things. Also - they're an oral people - so just handing out tracks and Bibles doesn't cover it. (Not that it really ever covers it all. Discipleship is important.)
Because the Q's feel forgotten, a visit is worth more than you could imagine - especially if you bring doctors. Their gratitude was overwhelming.
The Q's are the biggest UPG in Brazil - and not all of the Q's communities have been found yet - Because they are so deep within the jungle. Pray for them, please - and the missionaries working with them. There is one Q church. Pray for the leaders - for the Holy Spirit's guidance.
5. Personally, the last time I went abroad, I was in a committed relationship - and this reminded me of it. Just the constant feeling of being alone... Reminds me how much we need to pray for our missionaries.
I'm not sure how I can expand on this - but being out there, away from close family and friends isn't easy, and trials constantly hit - both single and married missionaries. To be a missionary (cross-culturally) is give up every last right to comfort and family... So that comfort zone is gone pretty quickly... Even if you are more or less "used to" the culture.
6. Part of the goal of short term trips need to be encouraging the long term missionaries.
Kingdom work is important - and this counts. It's so easy to be discouraged. I think I'm seeing this more and more as I keep going. Again, not quite sure how to explain.... Just realize it's extremely important for any trips you go on.
7. Did I mention I really miss Brazil? Because I really do, with my whole heart.
I'm seriously hoping and praying about doing my journeyman term in Brazil... And maybe beyond that. I also miss guaraná soda... But that one is a little less heart felt. Haha.
8. I think God was teaching me multiple things on this trip.
For starters, how important personal relationship time with Him is.... It will shape your whole day - your whole trip - your whole life... And realizing that it's ultimately all for His glory makes things a thousand times easier.
If you're not active in your prayer life and ministry at home - you probably won't be in the field. Don't wait until a better time comes... Just do it... Seriously, a better time will never come.
Patience. Is. Extremely. Important. Especially when you're interacting with people with extremely different personalities that are new to a culture... before you've had your coffee - around 6am. (Funny, but super true. Probably not the best thing to stare blankly.) God gives patience... And grace when we fail.
9. I am constantly amazed at God's grace... I mean really.
In the lives of Brazilians, Q's, and Americans alike. God saves sinners for His glory... And the stories of His greatness never stop... And they never should.
God gives grace for error... Especially when it comes to patience. (Maybe that's why God made the coffee bean. Pure grace. Haha) The mere fact that God can be so holy and still love me (us) a sinner condemned un-holy - is so amazing.
10. God is sovereign.
This isn't new, but is so comforting. All His sheep - those who He has called to salvation - will here his voice. One day every tribe, every tounge, and every nation will bow before the sovereign Lord and they will confess that He is Lord. What a beautiful and fearful day that will be.
One more thing. I am continually glad for God's provision...
Praise God I can run off for a few weeks and come back able to still pay the bills and not be late on a payment.... Even when I had to take days off before I went because of a sprained hip... (Because I tried to be athletic. Ha!) God is good, all the time - and all the time, God is good.
I'm sorry this has been so round a bout, but, I hope y'all take something away from these little reflections.
As far as more trips go - it looks like Niger is possible in April - and maybe Brazil again next summer? We'll see how it works out with the missionaries (who will all (The Foxes and the P's) be stateside in a few weeks - so pray for them! I've heard reverse culture shock can be a nightmare! - especially after being away for several years.
Please keep praying for the Q's and the Songhai people for salvation. Also for me... Just 2 more years and I'll be heading out myself. Such a long road ahead... So easy to get discouraged (and there aren't very many resources for missionaries on that kind of thing). Also pray for more spiritual growth.
Pray for the team members that were with me - for guidance in their lives, for growth, to be encouraged, and to ultimately give God all the glory.
Pray for Bethany's VBS week (next week?) as well as the World Cup finals (Lets go Brasil!) and the IMB missionaries there at the games witnessing to this attending.
Thank you for your continued support. Love y'all! I will try to do at least one update during the semester for y'all.
Em
P.S. Pictures will be posted on Facebook eventually... I promise. Sorry I haven't gotten to it. I don't have as many this time, but I do have around 200. I hope that's okay! ;)
