Beachfront Afternoon

The Brasilian Saga, #2

 

Grandma Wanda comes over most Wednesdays by bus. For school requirements, I had to take local transportation at least once, so Jordan, Audrie, and I took the bus with Grandma Wanda back to her near-the-beach apartment. Grandma Wanda went to her apartment, but the rest of us went walking along the beach.

 

The ride took quite a while, as the bus continuously stopped and started, letting people on and off as needed. Once we parted ways with Grandma Wanda, we got as close to the ocean as we could and just watched it for a time. Then we walked. We had all afternoon and no plan. We stopped at a stand off the sidewalk and bought açai. Açai is similar to frozen yogurt--maybe a cross between frozen yogurt and a snow cone in texture. It was made right before us, with layers of açai, the staple sweetened condensed milk, granola, and topped with bananas. That first one was the best we had (we had one at a mall later on, but I think eating it in along the beach worked wonders).

 

We wandered through the market, mostly window shopping. We bought a few keychains, and Audrie and I eyed the blankets we were both planning to buy later.

 

Ready for another snack, we had tapioca. This is kind of like a tortilla. It starts off as a flour sprinkled on the griddle and cooks into a tortilla-type base. Then you can choose your filling--anything from bacon and chicken to chocolate and bananas. I don't even remember what I had that first time (yes, this was also the first of many), only that I was pleasantly relieved that it tasted nothing like America's tapioca pudding. And not only that, it was really good.

 

While we were sitting there, a couple of kids came by and tried to sell us wide-brimmed straw hats. "You would look so beautiful!" But we resisted. Neither Audrie or I are hat people, really.

 

Before we left, a weathered man with a guitar came by. He began to sing, and our Portuguese-speaking friend Jordan loosely translated that he was making up rhymes about us, the three American friends. Jordan had to tell him we weren't related; he and so many others who saw a bunch of light-brunette and blonde people together automatically supposed brothers and sisters.

 

Audrie and I at the same beach,
a more windy and colder day

Pastor Roger had said not to bring our phones on the bus, so we were without our photo-taking devices all afternoon, something Audrie and I bemoaned quite often, wishing we had the means to photo-document that wonderful afternoon! Nevertheless, it remains one of my favorite Brazil memories.

A Lover of Words

 

"Sam was a library mouse. If you were to ask him his favorite things, he would surely say reading and writing. Sam was a storyteller, and a dreamer, and a lover of words."

 

 

 

--Daniel Kirk, "Library Mouse: Home Sweet Home"

The Beginning

Three months ago, Audrie and I set off on an adventure. 

 

 

We had over 350 pounds of luggage with us (at least 250 of it was stuff for the missionaries we were visiting), and well...neither us lift weights exactly. I think when we set out our goal was to last the next 24 hours with all our luggage in tow without causing any scenes. 

 

just my luggage...three check bags, a carry-on, and a personal item!
(plus my travel pillow :) )

 

We had ridiculously great flights. We had a whole three seats to ourselves on our international flight. Customs in Rio was no big deal (except that they waved Audrie through and so for a few minutes she didn't know what had happened to me...but it was just for a few minutes). 

 

 

We got to be bussed out to the plane in Rio and walk up the steps (we probably thought that was a little cooler than it really was). 

 

 

And then Pastor Roger, Jordan, and James were waiting on the other side of security in Maceió, ready to relieve us of our multiple pounds of luggage. :) 

James talked non-stop. Juliana talked non-stop. We were shown to the little guest house in the backyard that was to be our home for the next month.

And then it was time to go to Tuesday night Bible study, basic at its core with the idea of it being a good place to bring your unsaved friends. Jordan, Audrie and I loaded up with Pastor Roger, and then we picked up Alessandro--he was my first Brazilian friend!--and went to an apartment building close to the ocean shoreline. It was dark when we got there--it gets dark between 5-6 all year round--but Pastor Roger pointed out their balcony window. "Right out there is the ocean!" I could make out a faint movement of the water lapping the beach, silhouetted by Palm trees. 

I think that's when I first met Camila, and Tarciso was there, too. Audrie shared her testimony, but the rest was in Portuguese and the overnight, not-much-sleep flight was catching up to me. I fought hard for awareness! Well, you try to stay awake after a 20+ hour trip and the talking around you might as well be a lullaby for all you understand. (By the end of the week, it did start to sound more like words, but at first it was just a mumble of something!) 

After Bible study, back at home, Audrie and I settled into the guest house for our first night there. She had the front room and I had the back. The breeze and night noises floated in through the open windows. We met our first lizard friend in the bathroom as we brushed out teeth. And sleep was good. Sunset at 5:30 means sunrise is also at 5:30...and we couldn't sleep much later than that. 

 

 

But then, it's not everyday we wake up in Brazil, is it?!

 

 

Don't Be Cocky

 

 

"Never yet. Do not then stumble at the end of the road."

 

~ The Lord of the Rings;

Gandalf to Aragorn, upon discussing their success so far,

yet realizing the journey wasn't over yet.

 

How I've Proved Him Over and Over...

{This rambling is posted because I need the reminder, not so much because I think everybody else is interested and will really read to the end. But then again, I hope it's more God's story than my story anyway...

Dates reflect when I originally wrote this and I like the stair-steps effect so I'm not changing them to reflect today's numbers. :) }

 

76 days. 74 days. 72 days.

One represents how many days of 2015 have already passed. One represents how many days until I leave for Brazil. One represents how many days I'll be in Brazil. 

Honestly, 2014 was a hard year to let go of. Israel--personal victories--finding out I would graduate soon--seeing God so vividly at work in the various ministries of VBS, Good News Club, Junior Camp, and early Brazil fundraising.  

Israel included intense conviction as well as the incredible joy of just being there.  

Finally giving in to the struggle of wanting God-And, and being okay (and actually more than just okay) with just God Himself as my Friend, Treasure, and Joy. 

Through the tears and frustrations of VBS, God proved His sufficiency. Though Good News Club had a rocky beginning and has been anything but smooth along the way, God declares that His Word will go forth. God showed His willingness to "give good gifts" through many and varied answers to prayer throughout last year's Junior Camp. Though financially not always so successful, God worked through church-related fundraisers and began to teach us flexibility and the need for trust and faithfulness regardless of results. 

2014 definitely had its tears and uncertainties and hurts and frustrations. But through it all, God was there.  

Flying back from Israel, reading the Psalms of David

  

 

My usual optimistic self will look at difficult ministry situations and count down the hours if I have do--"we only have to survive 2 more hours!!" But the Friday of this VBS, I was done. I went back to church that morning because I knew it really wasn't an option not to. There were a few who knew what was going on and were praying, but God unquestionably showed His love through a fellow teacher who didn't know what was going on--it seriously was just a silly thing that she did for me, but it was what put my faltering heart back on course.  I remembered, This was do-able because it was really God's work, and I was just the instrument. 

Good News Club has been a roller coaster ride from the very beginning. From gathering the teaching team together to dealing with some...very interesting kids to just plain learning about ministry hands on, both how to do it, and definitely how not to do it. And when I wanted to question why God put me in charge of this club this year, somebody would email--a fellow teacher, a parent. I would watch the Gospel clearly explained to kindergarteners and first graders and marvel that even those so young could be offered salvation--and possibly watch souls being written in the Book of Life. That day when that thought hit me will be forever engrained in my memory. Why would God choose me to be a part of this?? 

And, oh, Junior Camp. Junior Camp is the Best Week of the Year. I went into last year with the probability that it was my last year--I'll be in Brazil for the Best Week of the Year 2015 and who knows what life holds after that. When I first thought of that, I was saddened, but I can't begin to describe the feeling that overwhelmed me when I stepped on that campsite Sunday night of camp week. The beginning of the end. I didn't want to let go. I had this strange balance of going all out like never before, and yet holding back a little, as if I could hold back the goodbyes that inevitably would come. I was physically and emotionally spent by Wednesday, and God had given me enthusiastic and energetic co-counselors who gave what I did not have to give as well as being my Moses-arm-lifters when I needed it! And so many little answers to prayers all throughout the week. And just love upon love poured out from those all around me.  

As I continue to work on fundraising for Brazil, the end amount with church fundraising ended up being more than I expected, both because of what it seemed like we were making and because our leaders had estimated a much smaller amount per person (although, granted, we originally had a much bigger group).  

I'm amazed at the details God has worked out for me to combine my grad school internship with my church young adult group missions trip. I'm amazed at the little details that are falling into place for my time there. I'm amazed by the people who have sent financial support after I recently sent out support letters. Amazed. Each generous check is a confirmation to me that they see God doing something through me in Brazil this summer--and I need to be reminded of that. Just as I look back at VBS and remember that God was there at my lowest of lows--and that God has been faithful, not just to me personally, but to declare His Word at Good News Club--and that God gave strength when I literally had none to give at Junior Camp--and that He has been providing what I need, even before I knew I needed it, for Brazil.

 

I have so much hesitancy and uncertainly about spending a summer in Brazil. I don't know the people. I don't know the language. I'm going to be hopping around 2 weeks here, 2 weeks there, 2 weeks there, and 4 weeks back again where I started (as it stands right now…"flexibility is key!" so who knows what it will actually be). I love adventure and I love new places and I'm excited to fly again and I can't wait to see Brazilian palm trees and beaches. But a whole summer, and 8 weeks of the 10 without a missions team, essentially on my own...This is unchartered territory that won't be over "in just a few days." We're talking about a whole summer of my life. 

So I remind myself that that is where God will be. He expects me to follow Him--and I plan to. But that doesn't mean it will be smooth sailing until we get there. That is why I am so grateful for 2014 as a whole and the support money and prayers of the past few weeks. Anytime I start to second guess, I can confidently speak truth to my heart: God is going with me to Brazil. He's going before, and I can trustingly follow. I don't know the half of what this summer holds...but I love the truth of the old cliché: I know Who holds this summer. I know Him and have proved Him so much especially recently. I can trust this God who loves me and cares for me so much!

My Prayer Card :)