The first leg of my trip is complete. What I mean is, I’ve finally arrived in Recife.

It’s been quite the adventure: from considering a trip to Brazil, to my acceptance to the Shores School, to attaining the necessary travel documents, to the actual flight itself. Oh, and did I mention the weather? It’s gone from warm, to freezing with a good dose of sleet, to warm again, all within a 48hr period. Mind you, this last turn of events was the result of my leaving Texas; nevertheless, the changes were there.

Brazil.

Warm, beautiful, and free. I’m not sure what to call the place that I’m staying other than the Shores School- I don’t believe it’s SoG’s main base. It reminds me of Costa Rica and the Deming’s. The doors and windows of the house are open during the day, though some close at night, and it’s surrounded by lots of vegetation, blooming flowers, and fences lined with palm trees. They even have a lime green pool that accentuates their grass quite nicely! And in similar fashion, there’s no A/C here; just fans and open windows. The climate is warm, almost hot at times, very humid, and slightly infested with mosquitoes.

For those curious, I arrived in Recife at 10:30 last night and was met in the airport by two ladies I’d neither previously met nor heard of before. They were my entourage from SoG and they are hilarious! Plus they speak some english- thank God for my first “real conversation in a full day.” We arrived at the base late (due to a stop for food) and I prepared for bed. Having quickly discovered the mosquitoes and the fact that I neither had readily usable bug spray or a fan- that’s right, I don’t have a fan- I protected myself the only way I knew how. A.k.a. I bundled up for the night…

I find it easy to overlook the lack of certain conveniences. This place is wonderful and I feel right at home- no culture shock to report. All I have to do now is learn how things work. That said, I’m a bit scared of just how much I’m going to be stretched. For instance, today’s my first day at Shores School and we’ll be going out for street evangelism tonight! I hardly know any Portuguese yet! My flesh says to be afraid, that I made the wrong choice in coming here, that I’ll be pushed too far out of my comfort zone and too quickly at that. But my spirit and my heart know that I need this, so I press forward.

And with that I shall close.

Please keep me in your prayers. God bless you and keep you. 🙂

I want to become that person who is approachable no matter the time of day or night, no matter the circumstances, no matter the things I’m doing.

As I thought about this tonight, I was reminded of how people related with Jesus. NO ONE felt like He was too far off or too holy to approach. Instead, they loved being around Him- granted, not always for the right reasons- because, among other things, He had humbled Himself to the point that EVERYONE knew He was approachable. There wasn’t a single one whom He rejected, nor did He disappoint when someone overcame their fears in order to gain His attention. They may have made a massive commotion or a dramatic scene, yet He was quick to defend them and pour out love to those who had stepped out in faith- yes, He called it faith.

And another thing: When Jesus needed to be alone, the Father made a way. In extreme cases, He even hid Him from others. This is an assuring thought, as alone time is something I greatly need. That’s not to say that I need to be in a distant place- rather, I’ve found that I can get this need met whether I’m by myself or in a crowded room- but that I just need to have my needs met and the Father is faithful to provide it.

This is one of my dreams: that no matter my success or lack thereof, I want to be that one whom people feel comfortable coming up to and saying hi to or hugging or whatever. Can I say it again? This is a very dear dream and desire of mine that I’ve never recognized till now.

That said, please know that you can come up to me anytime- more likely than not, I’d love to see you and hear whatever it is you have to say. (I’m being general, I know, but I mean it.)