{August 11}

The Brasilian Saga #4

Austin, Janie, Audrey, Stephanie, me, Cameron, Valerie, Mike, Marilyn, Cordell

 

It was a crazy day. Of the 10 of us part of the "YAC team," two were taken to the airport in the morning and would make it to the US ahead of everyone else. It was a mad scramble to get all the luggage out front, make sure they were under the weight limit, and then fit at least 9 large suitcases (I went down with three and came home with 2; most everyone else went down with 2 and came back with 1) as well as 8 carry-ons and whatever miscellaneous stuff we had.

 

I don't remember how many cars were actually in our entourage, but I and two other girls took a taxi. :)

 

We arrived, checked in, grabbed some lunch. This was at least my fourth time in the Maceio airport already that summer and had tried a variety of lunch and snack items. The only way to go out, though, was a pacequita shake--a popular peanut butter candy blended into a shake.

 

The other seven boarded; I would catch a flight a few hours later and meet them in Rio. I remember boarding my flight on the tarmac and being concerned that I would accidently board the wrong plane. Boarding on the tarmac was fun when Audrie and I did it back in June…but the world looks a lot different when you're by yourself. :)

 

I landed in Rio after a short flight, and found the rest of the team. I think by the time I got there, it was only a four-hour layover, but lines take a while, so it wasn't much downtime at all. We boarded the overnight flight and I held my breath. I'd bought my ticket with Audrie, and then the team found my flight when they bought theirs. I had went on to change my seat to match theirs, but didn't know if it had been accepted--until that moment when I sat in my window seat and one by one the team filed in down the row.

 

I picked a movie, or maybe two, before taking Benedryl and enjoying some good (plane-ride) sleep.

 

I remember waking up in Houston, seeing the sunrise and remembering nearly three months earlier when Audrie and I were boarding a plane in Houston at sunset, and thinking about the full circle of this Brazil journey.

 

Houston was a blur of grogginess. It feels like you ride the train for forever--how can the airport possibly be that big?! Then the long wait for the luggage, the whole time we were questioning whether we had to pick them up or not. We were pretty sure we would have to walk them through customs ourselves, but the longer we waited, the more we doubted. Then, finally, the first bag. The rest slowly staggered up the ramp. Another long line through customs, then on the plane to Kansas City.

 

last Sunday in Maceio with the youth group

Kansas City welcomed us at 10 or 11, all our luggage was accounted for, and my Brazilian summer was finished.

 

 

Fortaleza Ocean

Six months ago, and Brazil was winding down. I have a lot of favorite times and memories over those ten weeks, but July 18 (six months ago) is one of the over-all days I count as one of my favorites.

It started early, and I handed Lily a pencil and a piece of paper and she was quiet enough that I got a decent start on my devotions. Eventually the rest of the family woke up, and eventually we began our drive out to the beach. It really wasn’t far away, but I felt like any driving in Brazil added a lot of time to any trip. We stopped to get sub sandwiches—we were planning on buying a snack from the beach vendors, but didn’t want to buy a whole lunch.

Julie and I were chatting away as we round a corner, and there it was. Palm trees lined up on a sandy beach, with the promise of water and sky meeting on the horizon just beyond the trees. 

Suddenly I knew why Pastor Roger had apologized every time we went to the beach in Maceió—it had always been cloudy or even rainy. The ocean does have a certain beauty even under cloudy skies; but now I understood the apologies, for even the beauty of the gray and green ocean can’t hold up to the beauty of the blue and green ocean (remember Sarah, Plain and Tall’s love for the colors of the sea, blue and gray and green?). I was mesmerized.

The sun reflected off the sand, and the tide gently lapped the shore and glittered in the sunlight like a million diamonds gathered up and strung together. 

I gathered a handful of shells and gem-colored rocks, ran to my bag and then went back for more. I remembered to scoop up a cupful of sand to bring home.

 

We ate our sandwiches. We ate the vendor’s fries with toothpicks. We bought ice cream bars and ate them quickly before they melted. I made a sand castle with Lily.

Lily and Levi fell asleep on the short ride home. I hung my laundry to dry quickly in the hot sun, and we ate tapioca with cheese and linguesa (sausage) then Julie and I headed off to shop at the nighttime market by the beach.

Just getting there was an adventure, driving in downtown Fortaleza in a stick-shift and trying to find a parking spot. We finally found one just across the street. I don’t normally label shopping as a favorite hobby, although there are certain times of the year I particularly enjoy it. The Volta has a reputation, however, and it was easy to see why. We walked for hours and only saw a portion of the booths set up. I was looking for a few specific things, such as the sand bottles labeled Fortaleza I was planning to bring home as thank you’s to those who had given me money for the trip. And I also found my turtle box that I immediately fell in love with, the one that almost caused trouble on my flight out of Fortaleza a week later.

When we made it home and into bed late that night, it was with a contented heart. It had been the perfect pre-birthday day.

first video I've posted, so I apologize if it doesn't work,
and because I think it's sideways...

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.

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?!

 

 

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 :)

 

Reflection

A Look Behind :: 2014 ::

Thinking back on this last year, two major things come to mind—the depth of my own sin, and the greatness of God’s goodness in His blessings to His children. And I’m amazed that those two things can be in the same sentence!

The Biblical counseling conference in Lafayette, IN, in February was an awesome time of hanging out with people from my church I don’t normally hang out with as well as spending hours upon hours per day in God’s Word. Of course, you can’t really be in God’s Word 8 hours a day for a whole week and not come home utterly rebuked (that sin problem) and encouraged (the blessing)!

I finished out a grad class in May and long-story-short, was basically told that I now have enough credits to graduate and so all I needed to do was my internship. However, another long-story-short, I actually will be working on a research paper this spring semester to complete my grad school requirements, and I will do my own unofficial internship in Brazil next summer. These details have been in process for most of 2014 and although it’s not really coming out the way I’d planned, I’m glad to have a plan in place. J

I did indeed leave for Israel on June 7^th. Dream of a lifetime, people, believe me. It did not disappoint, and in fact, it far exceeded my expectations (expectations I had built for nearly 20 years, if you must know J). Again—as I sat in front of the symbol of what was one of Israel’s greatest sins and rebellion against God (the altar built by Jeroboam as the kingdom split), I was struck with the realization that this was me. The sin, the idols, the rebellion that was in my heart was just as horrendous as the sin Israel committed. But at the same time I despaired in my sin, the hope of Jesus Christ shone brightly. I am grateful for the cleansing He gives! How much of a blessing Israel was every single day, as we sat on the Mount of Beatitudes, as we sailed on the Sea of Galilee, as we walked the streets of Jerusalem over and over. I was overwhelmed as I stood in Caiaphas’ house, knowing Jesus was here 2000 years ago, suffering deep humility for my sin. I marveled as I stood looking at what could possibly be the Place of the Skull—where Jesus was crucified. I marveled as I looked into an empty tomb and knew that Jesus is alive!

The contrast of my sin to God’s blessings have continued in the months since…as I taught the 5 year olds in VBS, as I have coordinated the Good News Club (after school Bible program at a local elementary school) I began helping with last semester, as I have said more goodbyes than I ever dreamed I would this year, as I have met new friends and built up friendships, as I said goodbye to two dearly loved nanny children and said hello to six (!) new ones, as I have spent hours fundraising for my combined “internship”/church missions trip to Brazil, and as I spent hours in Journey to Judea, my church’s Christmas outreach.

Man is sinful—in ourselves, we are hopeless and lost. But praise God that although He is the Almighty, Holy, Righteous One, He humbled Himself and left the glories of heaven to become our Redeemer. Because of His shed blood on the cross, we have forgiveness! Because of the empty tomb, we have hope! How precious is this salvation…and what do I do with it every day? Am I grateful? Is Jesus my ultimate treasure? Does it affect all my decisions and thoughts and actions? Does it affect yours?

My heart still hurts in many areas. I still have years-old prayer requests that I’m praying. But I am learning to walk through life, radiant with joy that Jesus walks beside me and is working each detail of life for His glory and my good. And how can those two things live together in the same sentence? Praise God that they do!

 

 

A Look Ahead :: 2015 ::

Spring: Research paper writing…fun, fun! Another semester of Good News Club, Bible studies, children’s ministries.

Summer: Brazil! Plans are still in the works, but at this point I plan to spend time with three different families in the north of Brazil, ending with the family supported by my church (and where the missions trip will be). Right now it looks like I will be there all of June and July through August 11.

Fall/Winter: what I have dubbed “the great void.” After 10 years of post-secondary education is finished, and two once-in-a-lifetime trips accomplished (Israel and Brazil), I’m not sure what’s next. But as I said last year (and was right), things always have a way of coming up. J

A phrase that kept coming to mind this past year was “and underneath are the Everlasting Arms” from Deuteronomy 33:27. As I have learned to make God my Dwelling Place, He has indeed revealed that “underneath are the Everlasting Arms.”  I am incredibly grateful and look forward to 2015 in His care!

By the grace of God,
Laura

 

1. Grateful I get to do life with these girls. I’ve known them since they were 1 and can’t believe they just turned 4! 2, Performing at our Dinner Theatre fundraiser just a few weeks ago! 3, Summer selfie! 4. My co-counselors at jr. camp this year—I have always been so blessed! 5. Being a nanny is never dull J 6. Helping guide tours at our own Journey to Judea! 7. My little guy Henry before he moved 8. My youngest charge right now, Baby Brystol 9. Hiking in En Gedi (Dead Sea in the background) 10. I helped two different families paint inside their houses this summer 11. Teaching at Good News Club 12. Zoo with Henry and Annabelle! 13. My little Annabelle playing in her empty house before they moved 14. Oh yes, my broken toe…that was a fun 6 weeks, haha 15. First look at Jerusalem! 16. My friend Alison took a break from teaching in China! 17. I get entertained by many “shows” these days J 18. With a friend at a wedding 19. With Stephanie—exploring our first ruins in Israel! 20. Hello to Twin Set #2! 21. VBS 5-year-olds class 22. In front of a model of Jerusalem 23. In front of a stone similar to the one rolled in front of Jesus’ tomb 24. At the place that is possibly Calvary

 

Moments, part 3

That moment when I'm sitting in a missions trip meeting and realize that I'm going to help execute a fundraiser in one week.

That moment when I realized that I just returned from a life-long dream trip to Israel and now I'm baking cookies for my Brazil trip fundraiser.

That is a moment of wonder, of feeling so blessed that I felt  like I might explode. A moment when I stood in awe of God for His care for a little girl's dream of Israel, and a high school girl's dream of Brazil (and a college girl's desire to be done with grad school!!).

A moment when I'm thankful that, for all the time God allowed me to struggle in the dark, He gave clear, tangible proof of His goodness and compassion and faithfulness--and undeniable love for His children. How kind is my Heavenly Father!

 

 

Some days are long. Many days are far from easy. And sometimes I have to search for the evidence of His work around me. But honestly...when did God ever call us to live passive lives? We are called to seek after wisdom (Proverbs 2:1-5, Proverbs 4:7). Jesus commands us to seek first His kingdom (Matthew 6:33). We are to be seeking after God (Hebrews 11:6, and how many times were the Israelites reminded to seek God?). Peter reminds us to seek peace (1 Peter 3:11). That's not the end of the list--but get the idea? Thanks to the Fall, life is not a walk in the park. One day, we will regain what Adam and Eve lost in the garden--the fellowship of literally walking with God.

"Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. … Behold, I am making all things new" (Revelation 21:3, 5). This is my hope. Praise God the dark days are not forever (no matter what our feelings tell us at times!), and we don't even have to live for those "might explode" kind of awesome moments. Those moments are great. But honestly, a lot of tough moments have happened since that missions trips meeting. Israel was a long time ago, it seems like.

Moments come and moments go. But my God is sure and steadfast, and never changes. I have always loved James 5:13, because it reminds me that God walks beside me no matter what.

"Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise."

We don't walk through life alone, and my heart clings to that. And one day, that will be fully realized in the physical presence of God--and my heart really clings to that!

So yes, I'm grateful that in a quick turn of events, the only thing left to have grad school accomplished is my internship next summer. I'm grateful that it is working out to coincide with my church young adult group missions trip to the same place (I'll just be there longer). I'm grateful Israel happened.

And I'm grateful of the reminders that while God was answering these "smaller" requests, He is still working on the "bigger" requests in my life that are still unanswered.

Seek the Giver more than the gifts. He does indeed give incredible gifts...but His greatest gift is Himself. Follow hard after Him.

 

p.s. Please know that I'm preaching as much to myself than anyone else, if not more so! :)