Relationships, Reminders, and Rocky Roads

So much has happened in the last two weeks since I posted about Rio, from helping build a church to my first week of work and everything in between. To be honest, there is no good starting point because everything seems so intertwined. However, after brainstorming, I decided to split my experiences into a few chronological categories that conclude with the main thing the Lord has shown me through each. There are lots of highs but also many lows through this adjustment, and I think it is important and talk about both. I am truly beyond blessed to have the opportunity to be here, but life is not all candy and sugarplums, or whatever that phrase is. Anyways, getting on with it…

Church Build in Bacabal (January 22^nd-26^th)

Bacabal is a city about 5 hours away in the nearby state of Maranhāo. Lauren and I went with a team of missionaries (one being my mom) for a week to bring encouragement and labor to the congregation. This new place of worship is something that had been prayed for years in advance and getting to play the tiniest part in God fulfilling His promises to His children was so empowering. The preacher and his wife were a prime example of what it looks like to walk in obedience trusting that the Lord will provide, and that He did. Of all the things that are variable in this crazy world, it is so freeing to know that God’s plan will always come to pass. I had the privilege of being touched by so many hearts of which I could go on and on about, but at the crux lies the sheer beauty of worshiping with each one. Though different cultures and primary languages, the ability to praise the same God alongside these brothers and sisters was such a joy.

Weekend with Zander (January 27^th-29^th)

Oh my sweet Zander, where do I even begin? I met Zander on my first trip to Miguel Leāo, Brazil in 2017 when he was 8 years old. He would walk the streets with me every day and though we did not share the same spoken language, his smile spoke more than words ever could. When we left, he gave us a live chicken which for his family was a sacrifice; and this same respectful, kind, and gentle heart has rung true ever since. Leaving him in Miguel Leāo the first time broke my heart more than any stupid boy ever could. From that point on, my mom and I have stayed in touch with his family, which consists of his parents and five older sisters of whom three have a child. Due to Miguel Leāo being the smallest, most rural city in the state, maintaining a job is nearly impossible. Additionally, all the money lies in the hands of the politicians, leaving healthcare and school programs gravely underfunded. All this to say that Zander does not have the same opportunities that many people reading this, myself included, take for granted every day. Anytime mom or I are in Brazil, Zander’s mom brings him on the bus to spend the weekend in Teresina with us. I have always enjoyed our time together, but this weekend without the language barrier that once stood between us especially strengthened our bond. I was able to communicate to him that he was the main reason I decided to learn Portuguese which was a pretty full circle moment of which I will never forget. The weekend was packed with special memories, a few highlights being sand volleyball, going to the movie theater, and getting late-night milkshakes with some of my closest friends here. I plan to visit Zander and his family in Miguel Leāo soon and will be looking forward to that moment every day up until then. I am praying and trusting in the Lord to provide a way for him to learn English because that would open up so many opportunities for him. God has reminded me that what I could never dream of accomplishing, He will do perfectly if I just relinquish control. That’s what is so cool about God-sized assignments. This term, coined by the author Henry Blackaby, refers to things that are impossible apart from divine intervention. No matter your belief system or worldview, just think for a second. A little boy from one of the smallest villages in all of Brazil meeting a girl from small-town Kentucky. And even further this connection leading to a boy who could not even read his own language to learn English. I do not know if that is the Lord’s plan, but wow, would that be amazing. I have learned that the things God desires to do through His people are things only He can do, and once accomplished provide a powerful witness to His presence and guidance.

First Week of Work (January 30^th– February 3^rd)

What a stark contrast Zander’s story is from each kid I taught this week. The school we are teaching at, Bright Bee, is the nicest, most expensive bilingual school in the city. The first few days I felt so defeated because the way I had become accustomed to serving here did not translate. Part of me felt as though all the kids I had previously come into contact with would have given anything for the opportunity to learn English, yet the children there have been served the opportunity on a silver platter and many do not even realize it. I was quickly reminded to take a look at the plank of wood in my own eye before looking at the speck in other people’s as I daily take for granted all I have been given. As the days went on, I began to enjoy it more and more due to all the amazing teachers that have shown us so much kindness and all the bonds I have already made with my students. I can’t wait to build relationships with and learn from the people there about their culture and experiences as well as share my own.

Okay side note regarding the adjustment of moving to another country, or honestly just stepping out of your comfort zone, period. I have come to realize that homesickness and the feeling of missing someone or something in general comes in waves of overwhelming emotion. One minute I am laughing with my friends and the next I am slipping off to a different room to wipe my tears and collect myself. There is no warning, just an instant urge to cry and scream and disappear and be held all at the same time. Sorry to get deep but in all seriousness change, though necessary for growth, is freaking hard.

To conclude, some interesting facts about my new home:

1. If the start time for something is 7:00, you can guarantee it will not begin until at least 7:30, “on time” is not a concept in the Brazilian dictionary
2. Clorox wipes, good paper towels, peanut butter, and safety are hard to come by here
3. The coffee and açai are to die for
4. Every decision goes through an 8-step process
5. It is a crime to slam a car door shut, you must close it gently and if you don’t you will be reprimanded
6. You risk your life every time you get into a car because of the 4-foot potholes every 5 feet and 5 motorcycles per lane on the streets of Teresina
7. Brazilians are such a warm people and so willing to help out their neighbors no matter the cost or time commitment, I cherish this greatly and wish to emulate this quality no matter where I am in the world

Tchau!!<3