As promised, I write this update from the Amazon Basin of Brazil! I can’t begin to express the extreme joy and undeserved sense of contentment that has come over my soul in the past week that I have been here. I am speechless from God’s faithfulness in my journey and His extension of grace in my life that has allowed this transition to take place. I say that and it sounds like I just experienced the grand finale, but The Journey has really just begun! Here’s a few notes from my last couple weeks in the states and my first week “on the job.”
As I wrapped up my time in the states, I was blessed by numerous farewell parties and time with family. I took one trip to Florida with my mom, aunt, grandma, and grandpa to visit some relatives. We were able to relax and enjoy a mini vacation, and I was blessed to spend that time with my grandparents and mom. My brother and sister-in-law hosted a party for me in Morton to say goodbye to all my central Illinois friends, and then I wrapped up my goodbyes with a little party for close family back at my mom’s house. All in all, it was a very positive experience, where I received much encouragement and many blessings.
The week before I flew out, I was back in Morton to pack up all my stuff and moved back to Cissna Park. Then I had the arduous task of sorting out all my mounds of stuff that I’ve accumulated over the past eight years. That was no small task, but with a little help from my mom, it all got sorted; some to store, some to sell in a garage sale, and some to take with me. I think I did a pretty good job of lightening the load! Special thanks to Mom for letting me use her closet space to store it!
Praise God for the perfect timing of the sale of my car! The buyer was able too come pick it up the exact day I had planned to leave to head back to Cissna Park! And to think I was worried….
On September 9, I loaded my suitcases in my parents car and we all headed to O’Hare Airport. Thirty-eight hours later I arrived in Santarém to a small welcoming party of four friends (not bad reception since I got there at 2 AM!). By noon the next day I was moved in with my host family with no Americanos in sight! Since then, I’ve started language lessons and have been spending most of my time with my host family and studying Portuguese. I’m completely immersed in the culture and loving it so far. Let me tell you, you haven’t experienced transportation until you ride on the back of a motorcycle taxi in this city!
I am grateful for the ongoing prayer and financial support that has come my way! I rejoice in the Lord for His faithfulness and continued blessing on this adventure. I thank you all for your interest in the Lord’s work in Brazil and how He is using PAZ as a means to His end.
Praises
- My car sold and was picked up on the PERFECT day!
- Smooth travels from the states to Brazil!
- Continued prayer support offerings and the provision of 95% of my financial support!
Prayer Requests
- For the smooth passing of my visa application through the
approval process.
- For wisdom in establishing myself on the field and learning the Portuguese language.
- For continued realization of the source of my strength, namely, God the Father.
- For new PAZ missionaries Katie A. and Paul C. as they make departure preparations.
For His Glory,
JAE
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