THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU.
First, I will express my gratitude to all of those who sent their monetary support to my GoFundMe campaign as well as those who continually send me support. I was in awe of how quickly the money came and from people I did not expect.
The excitement of being here long term is overwhelming. I continually think about all the things I can do and be a part of; since, I will be here. And, there are so many exciting things happening here at Shores of Grace.
The base itself is now reflecting the life and excitement we at Shores of Grace share for the people of Brasil. The past several weeks two extremely talented artists have been fervently working on painting the walls of the mission base. Even in the incomplete stage, we caught people just stopping to admire the artwork.
Also, the new Vila Betânia (Bethany Village) is now open to receive girls from 0 - 18 years old needing a home and a safe place. The inauguration night was beautiful. The judge over children services and her team for our city came and shared publicly their support for the work of Shores of Grace. It was an emotional night for everyone as more and more people shared their hearts for the new home and welcomed in the new staff. After a traumatic closing of the first Betânia just over a year ago, it was a night of healing broken hearts and mending shattered dreams. It is a testimony of how God can turn the dark into light and morning into gladness if we keep our focus on him.
We now have 14 girls and 3 babies at Vila Betânia. The first of our babies is in the processof being adopted. We are all very excited for her to have a loving family but cannot help being saddened by her leaving our care. It is amazing how quickly a connection is made when your heart is open. Please be in prayer for a smooth and peaceful adoption process and transition not only of the baby and family but for the Betânia staff as well.
Nic and Rachael Billman, founders and directors of Shores of Grace, have recorded a new CD, Kiss the Dawn. The CD will be released during their Kiss the Dawn tour in the States next month. The CD is INCREDIBLE! It has a classic folk rock sound. It also features two songs with Steffany Grezinger from Bethel music.
I had the opportunity to spend some time with Nic and Rachael and the team during the recording process, and I guarantee you will not be disappointed. All of the songs came out of a time of hardship where complete abandonment to God was the only way to survive.
Along with the new CD, Nic and Rachael have released a music video of one of the songs, Blackbird, featuring their eldest daughter Leila. It is a gripping video produced by our own media team at Shores of Grace in association with a professional team from São Paulo.
If you would like to view some behind the scenes clips of the production of the CD as well as other Shores of Grace work, visit the Shores of Grace YouTube channel or the Shores of Grace Facebook page.
There are so many changes and new things happening here at Shores of Grace as well as in my own life. If you would like to continue hearing more from me, please follow this blog or send me your email address. I would love to share my stories with you.
It has been a month; since, I returned to my home here in Brasil. I have been reflecting on my transition back to the normal chaos of my life, and the strange thing is it feels as if I never left in the first place.
I don't know if it is due to the welcoming arms of the family I have here with Shores of Grace, or if it is just a confirmation of this being where I belong. Regardless, I am blessed and overjoyed to be home again.
I will admit I catch myself thinking about not having to prepare to leave again in another month or so.... and it is a strange sensation. For most people, having to pack up the majority of your belongings every three months to travel to a different hemisphere is unfamiliar. But I have created the habit for about two years now, the lack of it is an unusual state of rest. I am definitely enjoying the rest; however, I don't believe the true peace of situation will hit me until my three month mark comes and I remain here.
The base itself is now reflecting the life and excitement we at Shores of Grace share for the people of Brasil. The past several weeks two extremely talented artists have been fervently working on painting the walls of the mission base. Even in the incomplete stage, we caught people just stopping to admire the artwork.
We now have 14 girls and 3 babies at Vila Betânia. The first of our babies is in the processof being adopted. We are all very excited for her to have a loving family but cannot help being saddened by her leaving our care. It is amazing how quickly a connection is made when your heart is open. Please be in prayer for a smooth and peaceful adoption process and transition not only of the baby and family but for the Betânia staff as well.
Nic and Rachael Billman, founders and directors of Shores of Grace, have recorded a new CD, Kiss the Dawn. The CD will be released during their Kiss the Dawn tour in the States next month. The CD is INCREDIBLE! It has a classic folk rock sound. It also features two songs with Steffany Grezinger from Bethel music.I had the opportunity to spend some time with Nic and Rachael and the team during the recording process, and I guarantee you will not be disappointed. All of the songs came out of a time of hardship where complete abandonment to God was the only way to survive.
Along with the new CD, Nic and Rachael have released a music video of one of the songs, Blackbird, featuring their eldest daughter Leila. It is a gripping video produced by our own media team at Shores of Grace in association with a professional team from São Paulo.
If you would like to view some behind the scenes clips of the production of the CD as well as other Shores of Grace work, visit the Shores of Grace YouTube channel or the Shores of Grace Facebook page.
There are so many changes and new things happening here at Shores of Grace as well as in my own life. If you would like to continue hearing more from me, please follow this blog or send me your email address. I would love to share my stories with you.
