Time in the States

My time in the states was a time of refreshment and reconnecting with so many people.  It was nice to spend an unexpected trip back in such a nice way. I got to do so much in a short period of time and even saw friends that I have not seen in many months.  I made it to Minnesota and in that weekend managed to go to the State fair, a church picnic, church, and visited with my former nanny kids! At my parents house I was able to attend my younger sister's baby shower,  saw most of my extended family, vacationed at my family's lake house, and got in some much needed rest.

It was a profitable trip as well, because I did receive my missionary visa in my passport.  It came none too soon as I got it into my hands about 2 hours before I was to leave my house for the airport.  Praise God it came in though and I was able to make my flights!

I am now at the airport in Boston waiting for the first leg of my journey to Brazil.  If all goes well and I am not delayed on any of my flights I will make it to my final destination in less than 24 hours. Which will be a new record for me for sure.  I am praying that God blesses me with such a journey but am prepared for complications along the way.  When I first began the journey of going to Brazil as a missionary over 3 years ago I had many friends encourage me that God uses the journey not always the destination.  I can say that God has used many journeys in my life to change me and convict me of sin.  I am still on the bigger journey even if I have begun the term of my life that will be marked by being a missionary in Brazil.  And I can certainly say that God continues to convict of sin and to change me.

Just in the past few days I re-questioned everything about my call to go to Brazil when it did not look hopeful that my passport would make it back to me in time. I questioned why God has to make things so hard.  I still don't have the answers but I continue to cling to the promise He gives that He loves His children, and works out all things for His glory and our good.  So I am happy to say that I have not given up and I will continue this life, in God's service, and will do my best, with His help, to go where He sends me, and do what He calls me to do.

Please pray for me to do this as I pray for the same for you.  Feel free to share with me any journeys you are on that you would appreciate prayer for and we can lift each other up as we bear one another's burdens in our co-journey towards Christlikeness and Heaven!