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!