My first newsletter!

I just created and sent out my first newsletter, if you did not get it check it out here - July Newsletter. If you want to receive it in an email let me know.

A world of I'm sorry's and I don't understand

I wish I could say God gave me the gift of tongues, but He has not.  I still understand some and speak a little but I often find myself asking people to repeat what they are saying or to just say I am sorry I don't understand.  I have been here over a week and I have learned many new words and learned key phrases but I have not begun my intentional study of Portuguese with a native speaker.  I will start that soon and then I soon hope to be understanding and speaking more.  But I really can't complain, those who speak to me are quite patient and I really have not be suffering.  I also have Native English speakers with which to talk which gives me a nice mental break.

It has been lovely weather here, hot in the sun but nice in the shade.  I am continually reminded that the sun is much stronger here and that I need to stay out of it, so I spend most of my time in the shade or indoors.  My only complaint so far has been the mosquitos and fire ants. They seem to really enjoy feasting on me.  I am sure I will soon learn the art of avoiding them.

I have had many firsts here, I played the piano at Zion, I introduced my self in Portuguese and English (Roque translated) to the church,  I bought my first oven and refrigerator, and I drove in Brazil for the first time.  I am sure there are many other things I cannot think of yet.

Classes at the Seminary do not begin until the first of August and so my time is spent much more relaxed and accomplishing errands of establishing myself here.  I will start keeping a schedule and being involved in many things come August so I am trying to enjoy my extra time now.

I am in the process of trying to locate and buy a car.  My friend João works at a Fiat dealership and he is looking for me.  Due to the decline of the American dollar the exchange rate is not so much in my favor. And so the car will cost me more than I had planned.  Please pray that God provides me the money or a cheaper car.  I have seen God providing for my needs so I know He can and will.

I however am not looking forward to owning and driving a car here in Brazil.  They drive differently here and it will require nerves of steel to deal with what I have seen so far.  Road rules are simply guidelines that you may chose or not chose to follow and so I am sure I will have many stories to share once I do begin to drive the streets of Brazil.

Please keep me in your prayers, and I shall do the same for you.  I would love to hear from you, please email or leave me a comment!

Thanks!  Joy

Living in Brazil

I made it!!!!  It was a long and tiring trip but I am here now!  It cost a little more for a few things but I have begun my adventure for Christ in Brazil.  I have been blessed to be able to stay with friends for these first few days.  I will eventually live at the Seminary but they were having a conference for music and were over filled. So I had no place to go.  João and Mary and their children took me in have been more than hospitable, feeding and driving me around as well!  I am so glad to have them as friends, they visited me in the States and I am so glad to be with them again.

I am also glad to be together with Roque and Adriana, and their sons.  I missed them while I was visiting my family.  I have been working on my portuguese speaking with Brazilians who don't know English, and enjoying the few conversations I have with the English speaking people that I find!

Today I was able to get into my new apartment and began to clean.  I also bought a stove/oven and a refrigerator.  I hope to one day unpack my suitcases (I have 5 and have been living out of 1) soon but for now I am still sleeping at João and Mary's house for at least one more night.

God has been good in teaching me to rely on Him.  Leaving my family, friends, and country that I love hit me really hard on Wednesday when I left.  I still find it hard to think about those I left behind without crying, but with God's help and strength I will attempt to fulfill what He has called me to.  Please pray for me  and I will pray for you that we all may trust in the strength of our Lord.   I know for sure I am not strong enough on my own and I want to be honest with you all to encourage you to do things that may seem impossible for you but is more than possible for God!

I am currently here on my tourist visa as my Missionary residency visa did not go through yet,  with Pastor Roque's help I hope to figure out what I need to do next to secure my visa.  I am so glad to have a Brazilian fluent in Portuguese that can help me because I have not been doing well on my own!

Well, that is all for now.  I will begin a more extensive and purposeful study of Portuguese with a lady here, I will set up my apartment, and I will try to share my Lord and Saviour with all I meet!