Village Views

I have had the opportunity to visit two small villages within the last month and wanted to share a bit about why my soul continues to be pulled towards the souls here. My love for this country began in the small village of Miguel Leāo that I have referenced previously in my blog, of which about 1,000 people live. I have no clue why God chose this village to capture the heart of a 17-year-old girl just six years ago but am overwhelmingly grateful that He did. This undeniable pull to rural, international populations is one I have trouble describing as it is so multifaceted and manifests itself in various ways but I’m going to take a crack at it anyways.

This pull has led me to choose professions in which serving others is of utmost importance, family nurse practitioner, midwife, and missionary.

It has instilled in me the importance of learning other languages in order to connect relationally and be able to further God’s kingdom.

It makes my heart ache when distance is placed between us.

It has opened my eyes to the perpetuating wealth gap stemming from corruption within the government.

It has left me in awe of the vastness of my Creator through worshipping alongside brothers and sisters in different languages.

It has allowed me to hug and shower love upon countless children of all types of backgrounds and social classes, yet all with the same desire to be chosen.

It has made me sacrifice senses of comfort, such as family, friends, and what I envisioned my future looking like.

It has changed my perspective of what defines a necessity.

It pushed me to do research in college regarding the health disparities in Brazil, specifically as it relates to the rural populations of the northeast.

It has given me new passions, such as writing, teaching, and language learning.

It has taught me the importance of caring for the one.

It shatters my heart when leaving, to the point that recovery seems almost impossible (I’m talking ugly tears where you have a headache for days).

It has caused me to value simplicity over the relentless chase of materials and temporary satisfaction that fades over time and places us in an endless loop of wanting more.  

It has demonstrated that the most effective way of learning from others and building relationships is through being quick to listen and slow to speak.

It has showered me with spiritual, emotional, and physical connection.

And it will bring me back to this beautiful country as long as I live.

My trip to Miguel Leāo consisted of spending time with Zander and his family, seeing the new church that my mom helped build, walking the streets chatting with people, and my personal favorite, kicking the soccer ball around and joining in on a full field 11v11 pick-up game (to say I’m a bit rusty would be an understatement lol). It was really weird being back there as it had been five years, yet in a strange way also completely normal as though nothing had changed. Every house still in walking distance, the local’s main leisure activity still alcohol, the children still lacking opportunity, and the smiles and laughs of the people still warming my being. And I still left with the same passion to return and serve in any capacity God might allow.

The second village I visited in my time here is more considered the countryside of the small city Pedro II. The first time I went was with some of the young adults I know from church. We got to spend four days there for the Carnaval holiday which was one of the best trips of my life.  I loved it so much that I decided to bring my dad during his visit here. Both trips allowed me to sit in awe of the Lord’s creation, cherish time with friends, and have meaningful conversations. The sheer beauty here is something that pictures could never do justice. There is no phone reception or internet, removing distractions and providing the space to more closely connect both to God and others. A couple of my favorite memories were building a connection with this adorable mom and daughter that live next door, listening and singing along to my friend playing guitar, and laying in my hammock reading and looking out at the beautiful mountains.

I wish I could bring every person reading this to these villages because it is so hard to truly understand how special they are without experiencing yourself. Getting to share a little piece of my love for this country with my dad last week was such an incredible opportunity that I am so thankful for. It was as if my two worlds were colliding in a way I can’t quite explain but that was so very cool. We went to a soccer game, played sand volleyball with my friends, visited an orphanage, and so much more. I was able to show him the places and people that are so dear to my heart and will always cherish this time we had here together as it also allowed us the opportunity to grow closer. My grandparents are about to arrive as well and I can’t wait to show them around what has been my home for the last three months. But most of all I am excited to serve alongside them as being on mission together is something I have dreamed about for a long time. I am confident that God is going to use their five days here to work in big ways both in the people we will come in contact with and also in our own hearts.

I could go on for an entire book about all the experiences that have impacted and shaped me but at the crux lies my deep desire to be in close relationship with the people that abide in these areas. This desire stems directly from Jesus’ heart that He has located inside me. I honestly get pretty overwhelmed when I start to think about the grace and provision of my Father in Him allowing me, an incredibly flawed and sinful woman, to be a vessel for His extraordinary kingdom. Furthermore, His unwavering commitment in using His children to share about the true peace that surpasses all understanding leaves me speechless.

Tchau!