The Brazilian Journey has begun

As the title says, the Brazilian journey has begun. We have made it through our first day of a foreign country. The plane ride of course was very long, but we were able to "sleep" a few hours on the overnight flight. The initial thoughts of Brazil is... you guessed it, hot! However, we are coming from an Indiana winter. We are extremely thankful for the support that we have gotten already in terms of prayer and finances. In only one month we have raised 3/5 of our fund raising goal. It is amazing what God puts on people's hearts and how tremendously gracious He is. We totally feel confirmed by God that this is where He needed us to be in order to best serve Him right now. Like all things, I believe God is really going to work in us and shape us for the future.

People have been very kind to us. Last night we had dinner at Jeff and Lindsey Turners house, took a nap, and was a part of their bible study. Afterward, we were shown our room. We were extremely blessed to have a room that was once Tele's (the Alcanca founder and Pastor) daughters and her husband's room before they went off to additional schooling. We do not have a balcony, however, we actually have a couch and AC!! Here is a picture of our room and the view from the window. Apparently we lucked out in getting the nicest room since the husband and wife had just left. It's interesting to think that someone is using our apartment in Indiana while we are gone and we are using someone else's apartment while they are gone.

So, that brings us to today. We were able to sleep in a bit and then start the day unpacking everything. It was great to begin meeting everyone and having lunch with the students, as well. It is interesting to feel totally vulnerable being that we are the minority in every way. Not everyone speaks English, but since we are native speakers is very welcomed being the fact that the school is big on teaching the language. For those students and parents who want to communicate with us, they must attempt and practice English: difficult I'm sure but great practice. In the afternoon we were able to go to Pastor Tele and his wife's house for coffee and conversation. It was wonderful hearing the history of the hotel building they had bought and is now home to the Alcanca seminary, World Renewal Brazilian Headquarters, the church service, living quarters, and of course the K-8th grade school. Just in the short time that we met with that family it has been confirmed, ten-fold, of their dedication to the Lord's work! God is really working down here and we are amazed of the provision that He is providing: Not to mention the abounding success stories of people coming to Christ. We are excited and feel very blessed to be a part of this. Of course it will be challenging, but when has anything great ever come out of something that was easy!