Over half way there!

Not only is the time running away very quickly, but I am actually accomplishing somethings as well.

Nothing is finished but things are progressing.  First of all I sent in my papers for my Visa and I heard back from them as to what I am to do next.  So I am working on all of those and hope to send it off early next week after I accumulate everything I need. Please pray that this next phase of sending forms in will be the last and that my Visa will be approved quickly.

Second,  I have been receiving support and I am happy to report I am over half way there!!! Praise the Lord!  Each time I have been discouraged or worried that I may not be doing enough God has provided the encouragement and support to correct my unbelief and trust Him to provide again.

Third, I have gone through at least half of my stuff making 3 piles: 1)Go to Brazil, 2) Go to my parents (storage) 3) Get rid of (donate or give away).    It is quite a chore for me to get rid of so much, my frugalness and sentimentality get in the way. But, I am enjoying seeing the get rid of piles get bigger and bigger!

Here is my updated calendar for Events leading up to my departure for Brazil:

May 1st - presenting my mission at PLBC during the evening service
May 7th - Going Away party for me at my house (you are all invited!!!)
May 15 - Last Sunday at PLBC
May 16-23 - Vacation with part of my family to the Grand Canyon
May 25 - Leave MN drive to MA
June 12 - Present at FBC (Fellowship Bible Church) during evening service
July 6 - Fly to Brazil

Please continue to pray for me as I finalize my plans and prepare for my new ministries in Brazil.  Also, please let me know how I can best pray for you.  Thank you for being a part of my ministry and May God Bless You!

Out of my hands

That phrase "out of my hands" describes just about everything coming up for my trip to Brazil.  The next steps are out of my hands and in God's very capable hands.  Which I am so glad that they are!  I sent off my visa application to the Brazilian Consulate and am now waiting to hear back from them.  I bought my ticket to get to be Brazil and I leave from JKF on July 6th.  Once I get my visa back I can focus on my studies and my packing!

I just got back from a trip home to Massachusetts last weekend. I got to bring Roque, Adriana and a couple from Brazil (João and Mary).  It was a very fun trip, and also very exhausting. I do not think that these Brazilians like sleep as much as I do! = )  We had a whirlwind trip including visiting Boston, NYC, Maine and the bowling alley (for candlepin bowling, a New England specialty). There were many pictures taken and lots of laughs had, and best of all my immediate family got to meet some of the people I will be spending lots of time with in Brazil.