My last days in Brazil

Right now, I'm sitting in a comfortable lazy chair in the Dallas/ Fort-Worth Airport not know what to think. I have so many emotions going through my mind. I just left a place where there are many people that I have come to love and may not see them again on this earth. On the other hand, all of my family is waiting for me at the airport in Minneapolis. Plus, my girlfriend Becky is coming next Wednesday! There is so much going on in between the ears! I cannot give a reflection on the entire trip yet. That will take a bit of thought and time. What I can do is tell you about this past weekend. There were so many goodbyes. I hate them. Too many tears... I'll tell you about some highlights from last weekend.

On Friday the 29th, we hosted about 15 girls at Tom and Penny's house for a sleep over. At first I was thinking, "Get me out of here". Way to much noise. But Penny asked me if I was willing to do an interview in front of the girls about Biblical womanhood and manhood. I love the subject so I immediately said yes. Just before I was about go downstairs I was talking to Becky on Skype. I had the idea of Becky being involved in the interview as well over Skype for a woman's perspective. I went downstairs, called Becky up and Penny interview her on her faith, her relationship with me and advice she had for the girls. I did the same thing from my perspective. It was an amazing experience. I feel so blessed to be able to give that to the young girls in the church. It was an amazing bonding experience for Becky and I as well. We really want to do that again.

On Sunday, I had the amazing opportunity to preach for the first time to the church I have been attending during my stay in Brazil. I chose to speak about the blind beggar from John 9. It is my favorite chapter in the whole Bible. I wonder how many pastors preached their first sermon through an interpreter. It is really interesting. I pray that the message that God wanted came through the translating. After I was finished, one of the deacons and his wife came up and washed my feet. I have never felt so humbled. I felt so undeserving of such a service. I will always remember that gift Paulo and Nubia! There was many tears after the service as I said goodbye to the congregation for the last time. I truly love every person in that church. I am overwhelmed with the love that they have shown me. I will miss them so much!

Finally, yesterday we made our way to the airport to send me off. I rode with Tom and Penny and their son's family came to send me off as well. They have been such an amazing blessing! Their names are Shane and Erin Latham. They are missionaries in Gravatia as well and are in need of support! Pray for them. They are doing so many wonderful things for the Lord. I'm getting a little of topic. Sorry. We ate at the airport and relaxed for a while and slowly but surely made our way down to the gate. My great friend Martin arrived just before I was to leave. It was such a blessing to meet him and get to know him. I'm so glad he came. 

A few thoughts:

-It's crazy being able to understand everyone's conversations going on around me. 

-I never knew what it was like for the security guard in the airport to say "Welcome home". Amazing phrase! Made my day so far!

-I don't know how I'm going to react to getting back in with American culture. Please pray for my transition.

-Please pray for my heart. My desire is to stay committed to the Lord as I plug back in to daily life in America. I have been taught so much and my heart for the Lord has grown fonder and fonder for Him and His glory. I still want more. Please pray for growth. 

The girls from the church listening to my beautiful girlfriend Becky speak about womanhood.

My great friend Gabriel. He was a great help in basketball. Amazing guy!

Paulo and Nubia washing my feet after I preached.

My great friend Samuel. He told me and showed me everything I needed to see and know about Brazilian culture. He was such a great blessing!

From left to right: Gabe, Martin, Me, Penny, Tom, Camilla, Shane, Erin. This is in the airport right before I left.