Ruth and Rodrigo's Wedding
Karla and Rodrigo's WeddingWe've been back for 10 days and, wow....time flies! It seems longer than that as we have been able to accomplish a lot!
What an awesome send-off we had at the airport! So many of you came to say goodbye and to show your support. We felt so encouraged by it! When we left the USA 5 years ago, my fear was that we would be forgotten! That has NOT been the case, however, and the parting words from a dear friend and pastor were, "You have not been forgotten"! How sweet to hear that!
God has blessed us as we returned home to Rio! We praise Him for our safe travel here, our new religious visas and the warm welcome we have received from our Brazilian brothers- and sisters-in-Christ! I praise Him, too, for the return of my voice, which I had lost the first Sunday we were back!
Upon our return, we find that our house is needing a lot of TLC! It was kept very clean and orderly in our absence, but is badly in need of some maintenance. Pray for our energy and that we are not overwhelmed with these projects. We've discovered 3 leaks in our water line!
When we were in the States these past 8 months, we didn't know how we would feel returning with all three of our children staying there. We were a little concerned that we would want to get right back on the next plane and return. However, we were overcome with peace, that this was the place for us at this time. That this is where God wants us, for whatever reasons, right now---at such a time as this. We know that our children are just a plane ride away.
During these last 10 days of adjusting back to life here, we have celebrated each and every small victory. We remember it was not this easy 5 years ago....
For the first time, we have cell phone service in our names! I know that sounds silly....but it is a BIG DEAL for us here! To finally have our name and address on a bill will make many other business transactions easier!
For the first time, we obtained car insurance on our own and it was effective by the second day after we arrived!
Last Sunday was both exhilerating and exhausting at the same time! We attended church in the morning and church in the evening. We felt like we were drinking from the firehose, so to speak, with the Portuguese language! So many friends to reconnect with! I caught myself laughing those deep belly laughs at least 10 times Sunday night and it felt so good to be reconnecting with the family of God!
While we were in the States, life was continuing on. We celebrated our daughter and new son-in-law's wedding! We stood alongside Jeff's parents as his father was diagnosed with prostate cancer and went through treatment. We supported Hannah as she received her driver's license, a job and selected a college!
And life was continuing on here, too! Our friends Rodrigo and Karla were married! Our friends Ruth and Rodrigo were married! Our friend Claudio passed away.... And so many changes with the preparations for the World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016! A new overpass and added lanes!
Friends, the needs are so great here...so we are taking time to pray, reconnect with our partners and friends, reclaim and work on our house and focus on how He wants us to be working to further His kingdom!
THANK YOU for your love, prayers and support. We couldn't do what God has called us to do without YOU!
Di (for the fam)
What an awesome send-off we had at the airport! So many of you came to say goodbye and to show your support. We felt so encouraged by it! When we left the USA 5 years ago, my fear was that we would be forgotten! That has NOT been the case, however, and the parting words from a dear friend and pastor were, "You have not been forgotten"! How sweet to hear that!
God has blessed us as we returned home to Rio! We praise Him for our safe travel here, our new religious visas and the warm welcome we have received from our Brazilian brothers- and sisters-in-Christ! I praise Him, too, for the return of my voice, which I had lost the first Sunday we were back!
Upon our return, we find that our house is needing a lot of TLC! It was kept very clean and orderly in our absence, but is badly in need of some maintenance. Pray for our energy and that we are not overwhelmed with these projects. We've discovered 3 leaks in our water line!
When we were in the States these past 8 months, we didn't know how we would feel returning with all three of our children staying there. We were a little concerned that we would want to get right back on the next plane and return. However, we were overcome with peace, that this was the place for us at this time. That this is where God wants us, for whatever reasons, right now---at such a time as this. We know that our children are just a plane ride away.
During these last 10 days of adjusting back to life here, we have celebrated each and every small victory. We remember it was not this easy 5 years ago....
For the first time, we have cell phone service in our names! I know that sounds silly....but it is a BIG DEAL for us here! To finally have our name and address on a bill will make many other business transactions easier!
For the first time, we obtained car insurance on our own and it was effective by the second day after we arrived!
Last Sunday was both exhilerating and exhausting at the same time! We attended church in the morning and church in the evening. We felt like we were drinking from the firehose, so to speak, with the Portuguese language! So many friends to reconnect with! I caught myself laughing those deep belly laughs at least 10 times Sunday night and it felt so good to be reconnecting with the family of God!
While we were in the States, life was continuing on. We celebrated our daughter and new son-in-law's wedding! We stood alongside Jeff's parents as his father was diagnosed with prostate cancer and went through treatment. We supported Hannah as she received her driver's license, a job and selected a college!
And life was continuing on here, too! Our friends Rodrigo and Karla were married! Our friends Ruth and Rodrigo were married! Our friend Claudio passed away.... And so many changes with the preparations for the World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016! A new overpass and added lanes!
Friends, the needs are so great here...so we are taking time to pray, reconnect with our partners and friends, reclaim and work on our house and focus on how He wants us to be working to further His kingdom!
THANK YOU for your love, prayers and support. We couldn't do what God has called us to do without YOU!
Di (for the fam)
Hello Jeff and Diane... Sarah here, just letting you know you are in our thoughts and prayers and WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN! We love you and miss you already.
ReplyDeleteTotally awesome dudes! Terri and I love you and have you in our prayers. You are such examples of the Living God and how He works through us. I would encourage you all to Blog as often with your testimonies as possible. It keeps not only your hearts, but our minds in your world.
ReplyDeleteLove you always my dear friends.
Praising Him for the joy He has given you for Brasil and His people there! The reconnections must be oh so sweet! So glad the visa has made things easier for you - Praise God! Love you and love Brasil.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sarah, Carl and Deb! Your words greatly encouraged me!
ReplyDeleteDiane