It's hard to believe I've already been back from Brazil for over a month. I have no idea where the last month went. And I have a feeling December will fly by, just as swiftly. I finally finished writing my prayer/support letter and am hoping to send it out by next week.
These days I find myself striving to redeem the time. To be like Jim Elliot in his statement, "Wherever you are, be all there." I want to be fully present and able to pour myself into my ministries here. Yet at the same time, striving to be prepared mentally and spiritually for moving to Brazil. It's a tricky balance.
Things with the youth group have been going really well. I took six high school girls to the Revolve Tour a few weekends ago (Women of Faith for teen girls) in Portland. It was a really awesome time of getting to know each of them a little better, of being able to challenge them in their faith, and of just being a listening ear. I think it was a springboard for future conversations and challenges. Please pray that I will be able to meet up with each of these girls and that the Lord will use me to speak His truth into their lives.
When I first came back from Brazil, I felt pretty confused and lost in a whirlwind of emotion. But now I find a growing desire each day to serve the Lord in Brazil. It's been neat how many people I've met recently who have been to Brazil, are Brazilian, or are planning to go to Brazil when a few months ago I couldn't name one person.
Please pray for me as I work to get all the logistics taken care of - getting credit cards paid off, getting my Oregon residency back so I can apply for a missionary visa, sending out support letters and having the boldness to talk with people and churches, selling my things (my guitar, my car, my furniture, etc.).
Ultimately, I want God to get the glory. Raising $20,000 a year feels a bit out of my league, which I'm glad about. I don't want there to be an inkling in my mind that I did this on my own. It's hard to see how this will happen - which is so awesome! Because I know that if the Lord wants me to be in Brazil, He's gonna make it possible. $20,000 is chump change to the God of the Universe.
