Beans, Rice & Jesus Christ

Day 1
Hi all,

I arrived safely in Brazil this morning. I was lucky enough to get a row to myself and even got to try some cool food on Korean Air. I was a little nervous about how the service would be due to them being unreachable for some questions but overall I was happily surprised by the professionalism and the care for all people on the flight.

After the flight I made it through security quickly but the second check point I was stopped. I got asked questions from the police and he only spoke Portuguese. I couldn't answer anything, finally he looked at my passport and said in Portuguese oh 2nd time to Brazil, go head. Thank the LORD!

I was able to get all my luggage and my ride from the ministry showed up 10 minutes later. When I got to the center I unloaded all my crafts, and American goodies for the crew.

I will be staying with friends for part of the visit and then probably moving houses when Jeff gets here. Tomorrow is my first visit back to the favellas.

Day 2
Today we went to one of the favella's, I spent part of the morning helping teach an English class and then the other part with a women's bible study.  It was fun to see how the lessons work and see what I can add to them when I start teaching the classes. Today I defiantly felt the jet lag though, I am in need of some good rest and energy for tomorrow.  Tomorrow we head to another favella with more classes and a small group young women bible study. I have been asked to share a story or my testimony...I am still asking God what he want me to share. One event keeps coming in my head about a time where I was trying so hard to control every little aspect of my life. This was the time where I was going through my credential program, doing everything I can to finish...however there was a state test I had to pass before I could go on with my student teaching. The test has 4 sections, I passed everyone the first time except the science and math. I had gone to tutoring, I had taken seminiars, read all the books, studied for hours upon hours and was not passing. I finally prayed to God, I said I can't do this anymore. I can't keep taking this test, I am giving this up to you, if you want me to be a teacher then I will pass this test but if this is NOT in your plan I will fail it and move on. BUT I am leaving you in charge because I am tired, defeated, and over controlling everything. I have to say once I did that I was able to sleep better and even dare I say no worry? I ended up passing the test that last time and was able to finally student teach. It is very easy for us all to want to control and worry but when you give up the worrying and trust he will take care of you. You just have to...for lack of a better phrase...LET IT GO!!!!

Here are some pictures today from today, the faces on the kids always stay in my heart.

Ok, off to eat dinner, plan, and prepare for tomorrow.