- That I haven't really talked about my experiences here (what I do and what I've done)
- That I probably should (referring to #1)
- That I don't know where to start (referring to all of the above)
Everyday I discover more and more how AMAZING middle school and upper elementary teachers are. YOU ALL ARE THE BOMB! I had a good idea of what I would be getting into, but I'll say there have been a few days where the struggle was real (that's for you Chandler ;)).
A diet really needs to consist of more than meat, rice, beans, bread, sugar, and coffee. All of which are found in abundance in Brasil. It is also kind of a shame, because there are some wonderful fruits and vegetables natively grown here which a lot of Brazilians do not eat. I would give you the names of said fruits and veggies if I knew how to spell and or say them.... but I don't so.... come visit and you can try some. See what I did there?!
I will say the one most Americans would be somewhat familiar with is açai (ah-sigh-ee). It is native to the Amazon. No, I am not close to the Amazon, but I am closer here in the northeast than Rio or São Paulo. Regardless, açai is awesome!!!! I have probably eaten my weight in it.
Mosquitos will probably be the death of me...... The only creature I'm confused to what their purpose on earth is. Good news though, I've started to build up an immunity. Which means, I don't swell up like a balloon with every bite.... Yes, it did happen NUMEROUS times, and no, I did not take pictures.
Working with Shores of Grace, it is evident that LOVE is the master tool. During my time here, I have willingly shared my time with numerous people who get overlooked everyday: the poor, homeless, and prostitutes. I have shared many smiles and hugs, drawn and colored pictures with them, painted finger and toe nails, attempted conversations with them (still working on Portuguese), and prayed with them.
Missions does not have to be extravagant. Love does not have to be extravagant. All you have to do is be willing to share what you have with those around you. You may only have a smile or a head nod to share or a 5 minute conversation while waiting in a line. I have heard from so many people, "I wish I could do what you are doing," and "I've always wanted to do that but don't have the time or opportunity." The truth is you can do what I am doing everyday. No one is stopping you from sharing a little bit of you with everyone you meet other than you. Limiting yourself by believing you have nothing to offer or share is the only obstacle to overcome. We all have something to share, and again it doesn't have to be extravagant. There is no way to know how sharing will affect those you share with. We tend to think towards the negative, but why would an act of kindness have a negative effect?
I'll leave you to ponder that....
On top of all of that, I have come to know and love the people here: the volunteers who come and go, the other missionaries (from Brazil, USA, and other countries), the staff of Shores of Grace, and the people of Brazil. I am incredibly blessed to have been given the opportunity to come and serve a family who gives it all and give it their all. I am blessed to be living out the calling God has placed on my life over 14 years ago. With that being said, I have decided to pursue a volunteer visa which will allow me to serve in Brazil for a longer period of time. I am excited for what God has in store during this next season, and I ask for lots of prayers. The volunteer visa can be and typically is a tricky and lengthy task, so any prayers and encouragement will be accepted with open arms. :D
Mosquitos will probably be the death of me...... The only creature I'm confused to what their purpose on earth is. Good news though, I've started to build up an immunity. Which means, I don't swell up like a balloon with every bite.... Yes, it did happen NUMEROUS times, and no, I did not take pictures.
Working with Shores of Grace, it is evident that LOVE is the master tool. During my time here, I have willingly shared my time with numerous people who get overlooked everyday: the poor, homeless, and prostitutes. I have shared many smiles and hugs, drawn and colored pictures with them, painted finger and toe nails, attempted conversations with them (still working on Portuguese), and prayed with them.
Missions does not have to be extravagant. Love does not have to be extravagant. All you have to do is be willing to share what you have with those around you. You may only have a smile or a head nod to share or a 5 minute conversation while waiting in a line. I have heard from so many people, "I wish I could do what you are doing," and "I've always wanted to do that but don't have the time or opportunity." The truth is you can do what I am doing everyday. No one is stopping you from sharing a little bit of you with everyone you meet other than you. Limiting yourself by believing you have nothing to offer or share is the only obstacle to overcome. We all have something to share, and again it doesn't have to be extravagant. There is no way to know how sharing will affect those you share with. We tend to think towards the negative, but why would an act of kindness have a negative effect?
I'll leave you to ponder that....
On top of all of that, I have come to know and love the people here: the volunteers who come and go, the other missionaries (from Brazil, USA, and other countries), the staff of Shores of Grace, and the people of Brazil. I am incredibly blessed to have been given the opportunity to come and serve a family who gives it all and give it their all. I am blessed to be living out the calling God has placed on my life over 14 years ago. With that being said, I have decided to pursue a volunteer visa which will allow me to serve in Brazil for a longer period of time. I am excited for what God has in store during this next season, and I ask for lots of prayers. The volunteer visa can be and typically is a tricky and lengthy task, so any prayers and encouragement will be accepted with open arms. :D
