Parabéns Rodrigo & Katie!

This picture has been taken from one of the Harrison's facebook pages. Today is their wedding day and I, along with the rest of our team, are incredibly excited about this and wish we could be with them for this celebration. I have never met Katie, although I do hope to meet her in the future whether it is on earth or heaven. Rodrigo was our translator from the Brazil trip and he is an awesome friend. I am incredibly excited to see where God will take these two adventurers in their lifetime. I'm praying for y'all! Congratulations! Parabéns!

Floating around in my Mind

I really like youth ministry... maybe too much?
I am not the biggest fan of summer school, but it will soon be over.
I am incredibly behind on photography. Never fear, Stephamiah is next!
I want to blog about a myriad of subjects, but I don't seem to have the time.
Time budgeting will be a huge part of my life over the next few weeks.

I believe humans get a lot done,
not because we're smart,
but because we have thumbs so we can make coffee.
- Flash Rosenberg

Poetry Makes Me Gloomy

I'm currently writing part of a paper about the following poem. Although, I want to strangle poetry in general and set it ablaze, this is the first poem that I have written about that I haven't completely hated in every aspect. Yes, I have a very gloomy outlook on summer school. No, I don't think that's going to change much. However, this poem states why perfectly. (Also, when I came downstairs this morning, Barney was singing about obligations versus fun on TV. Isn't that a great way to start your day?)

Stopping by Woods on a Snow Evening
by Robert Frost

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village, though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sounds the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

Oh golly, what fun!

I've got a lot to say about Brazil, but before I can spill about the trip I've got to study. Of course after some transit time, I need to unwind by finding great videos sent to me via twitter. Oh golly, what fun!

Exhausted and Excited

I'm back from Brazil. There is so much to say, that I can't even narrow down what to share first. I love and miss my new friends and family in São Paulo. I'm extremely tired and I don't want that to water down my experiences or those of my teammates on the trip. Instead, I would like to invite you to look at Brian Coats' blog as he blogged two of the days we were in Brazil. Here is Obrigado and God of this city.

Even though we're not in Brazil any longer, our hearts and prayers will forever be with them. I'm personally incredibly excited to see what greater things God has in store for São Paulo, Brazil.

Heading To Brazil

This past week and a half has been filled full of adventure. It all started with a text message about an open spot on a mission trip with my home church to Brazil. I really wish I had the time to go in and explain everything that has gone on, however, it is 9:35 the night before I leave and I have a lot of summer school, picture editing and packing to get done before I go. I'm hoping to find some time to type it out, but I'm not sure when that will be. (My goal, which I know isn't feasible, is to not pull an all-nighter. Ha!)

Just know, that it's a bit crazy how everything came together in just 8ish days.
And with that, I'll be leaving on a plane to Brazil tomorrow!

Want to pray? Splendid! Here's how you can be praying:
I'm going to attach the list of what the team needs prayer for, but to pray for me personally it would be great for y'all to be praying for no stress as I will still be doing summer school stuff, just from Brazil; an open mind/heart receptive to whatever God has in store; my heart to not be complacent (hope that makes sense!)

Now on to how to pray for the entire team!
Sunday, June 13: Pray for God to prepare each team member to be a vessel for Him to use this week; pray for rest before traveling.

Monday, June 14: Pray for safe flights and for unity between the youth and adults; pray for the team’s rest and energy after a long flight; pray for an outpouring of God’s spirit on the team and those we will serve.

Tuesday, June 15: Pray for open doors and relationship with the families we will be serving; pray that we will be light in the darkness and the presence of God in people’s lives.

Wednesday, June 16: Pray for attitudes to be Christ-like and for God’s favor with the local people.

Thursday, June 17: Pray for the lost in Sao Paulo to hear God’s word; pray for the Holy Spirit to move in the evening outreaches.

Friday, June 18: Pray for God to open new doors and give us boldness and confidence to share His message.

Saturday, June 19: Pray for our team to bless our host families and the church, to help meet their needs.

Sunday, June 20: Pray for powerful worship and for some of the new families to come to church; pray for safe travel to Rio.

Monday, June 21: Pray for a fun day of sightseeing and time together; pray for great closing worship and a plan to bring what we have learned back home.

Tuesday, June 22: Pray for safe travel to Sao Paulo and a safe flight home.

Single Ladies

I know I said I'd let you in on what's going on soon. Soon isn't in this post either though. There's something about Beyonce's "Single Ladies" video that I love. What's better than a Christian parody to it?