One Week Left

I have one week to go before I leave for Brazil.  I can't believe it.  I have been visiting with my parents and family here in Massachusetts for the last month and having lots of good rest and relaxation.

I presented at Fellowship Bible Church and was blessed with a love offering to help me with my travel to Brazil.  It was fun presenting at the church I grew up in, and found a love for missions in.  God has been good to keep connections open there.

I may only have a few days left here but lots to do.  I have begun my packing and repacking to fill my suitcases with 70lbs of stuff each and I plan on taking 3.  I also need to sell my car. I have it on Craig's list but have not received any interest.  I am praying I can get some money for it by selling it somewhere.  I still do not have my missionary visa, I do have a tourist visa that I may use instead to get me there and continue the process of waiting for my missionary visa.  Please pray that I will make the right decisions regarding this whole situation.

I am sure to have many funny stories coming soon as I attempt to speak in my new language.  I talked to some Brazilian friends on Skype the other day and struggled through our conversation.  But, with God's help I will understand and be understood.

Thanks everyone for following this blog, I plan on updating much more frequently once I am in Brazil.

~Joy

Home again!

So the last few weeks have been crazy ones for me.  I packed up all my earthly belongings and either sold, stored or gave them away.  I visited ones of God's natural handiworks (the grand canyon) with my family and had a wonderful time.  I then packed my very small car (ford mustang) and drove over 1400 miles to Massachusetts.  I made it in 2 days and then toured New England and New York City for the next 4 days with my good friends and former roomies Shelly and Shelly.  I am now gratefully sitting on the couch at my parents house trying to recuperate from the former fun.

I have finally received all of the letters and forms that I believe I need for my visa and should be able to send them in to the consulate soon.  So with God's grace I may still get my missionary visa in time for my July 6th departure.  Please pray to that end.

My plans for this month are to study Portuguese, buy a few things I think I will need for Brazil, pack and weigh my bags to see what I can take with me to Brazil, and spend time with family and friends here in Massachusetts.

I have only 2 dates left on my list of activities before I leave for Brazil.  I am presenting my mission to Fellowship Bible Church on June 12th, and I leave on July 6th for Brazil.

I praise God for His grace and strength that has gotten me through this crazy time and continue to pray for the strength to do what He is calling me to do.

I included a few pictures from my recent trips!  Enjoy!

Antelope Slot Canyon, Page, AZ

The whole gang at the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon was so much bigger and grander than pictures can show.

NYC with Shelly and Shelly