Brazil week 3

We had a special "Agape feast" on Friday night.  I cried.  Holding hands after we lit our candle for the country we are going to serve in and singing "Go light your world", I cried.  Looking around at the families and the teachers I've gotten to know over the last three weeks whom we've come to love, I wondered if next time we get to see each other will be in heaven.  We would love to see them before that, but we are literally going all over the world.  Not just that, but also knowing the personal stories behind each families and thinking about their mission field, my heart was overwhelemed with emotions.  After three weeks of sharing, discussing, praying and growing together, they have become our families.  

I cried seeing the tears in my friend's eyes knowing that she was thinking about the hardship of having to say good-bye to her loved ones to serve in a foreign country.  I cried knowing the fear some of the missionary families will face for their physical safety.  I cried thinking about all the hugs and kisses Megumi received from each one of them.  But I also cried because of the joyous hope we have in Jesus! I know that someday we can hold hands again and sing praises with the angels and when that time comes, we won't have to say good-bye.  What a glorious day that will be!  

Megumi loves her coconut water!

All the colorful and tasty fruits.

A Family Portrait - Feb. 5, 2013

I think we've all gained a few pounds from eating buffet style at the cafeteria!

The local store by the entrance of the University campus.

Orange groves surrouding the campus.

The dorm where we've stayed for the last three weeks.

Our "Agape feast" - a night to remember.

"Celebrate what's right with the world".  That is a quote from a National Geographic photographer in the video we saw in class.  What a great attitude!  I know that this past three weeks in Brazil has refueled my energy as a missionary.  I can't say enough how blessed we were to attend the Mission Institute.  For us, it truly came at a perfect time.  I grew spiritually, academically and socially.  The classes gave me a lot to think about (Growing Spiritually, Thinking Biblically, Reasoning Missiologically, Serving Incarnationally and Living Whollistically).  I feel like they've planted a giant seed for me to cultivate and to grow.  

Oh the places I dream of going are countless!  I want to dream big.  I don't want to limit God.  With all the connections we made here, organizing a mission trip to my "Bucket list of countries" (Kenya, the Amazon...etc.) is a real possibility.  But for now, we will serve where God has placed us.  I'm going to "celebrate what's right with the world" in St. Kitts.  

"And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you.  He will be with you.  

He will not leave you nor forsake you, do not fear nor be dismayed."  

Deuteronomy 31:8