BRAZIL BOUND ONCE AGAIN

Brazil Bound Once Again

To get ready to start blogging again I read through my blogs from last year and two things hit me- I was reminded just how bad I was at keeping up with them and I realized my grandpa was my number one follower! He passed away not long after I returned in December and I will absolutely miss the guaranteed comments that came from him. Thinking of and missing you in a special way, Grandpa. I think from the moment I left Brazil I knew I would be returning again but to appease my parents I gave college a long glance. After many college visits that left me with a sickening feeling of confusion, and long conversations with my parents, I decided I really needed to pray more about where God was calling me. A week of discernment felt more like an eternity but I finally came to the conclusion that I was being called to another extended stay in Brazil. Soon after, Katie came to this same realization and so now tomorrow the both of us leave for another 6 months! The excitement the second time around is a more relaxed, informed excitement as I think I have somewhat of an idea of what I am getting myself into although I know that with Brazil comes so many unexpected experiences that I can't wait to have! Different scares me so I am a little nervous about what this second round may bring as last year is hard to top so if I have a prayer request it would be that I may not compare the years and instead live in the moment and embrace whatever new things this year brings trusting that God is in control of it all! I think what I am most excited about is returning with a good feel for the language. Last year I spent the first 4 months studying all the time before finally feeling comfortable enough to open my mouth. Now that I have that base, I am ready to expand while still being able to communicate as soon as I step off the plane! With a few more letters to write, a few more things to stuff in my suitcases and a few more goodbyes to say, I am headed to dinner with the family as a final farewell. I am thinking Italian as it is something I will rarely eat in Brazil but as my dad keeps reminding me, I need to keep it cheap! :) One last thank you for all the support we have received from family and friends since returning, it has been a beautiful thing to realize how blessed I am. May God bless all of you for your kindness towards the work we do, none of it would be possible without generous people like you!

GOD GRANT ME THE SERENITY TO ACCEPT THE THINGS I CANNOT CHANGE, THE COURAGE TO CHANGE THE THINGS I CAN AND THE WISDOM TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE.