Where has the time gone?

13 days left in Brazil. WHAT?! I know, this summer has flown by for me too. I can't believe I have lived and labored in South America for 6 weeks already. The more I have reflected on the past weeks, the more I realize how much God has revealed and grown me. It is unbelievable how much He has taught me so far. Although it has been a very challenging summer, I am very thankful for my experiences here. Here is a little re-cap of the past week and what is to come!


Last weekend our team went to a favela (the area where the very poor of Belo Horizonte live). It was an eye-opening and humbling experience. We went to a school to hang out with children and gave them snacks. It truly convicted me with how selfish I am and how much I am blessed with. After an hour of playing games with all the children, we did a little skit that presented the Gospel. It was a really cool experience to get to love on and minister to a different people group in Brazil.


The campus I have been going to all summer to meet people, PUC, wrapped up there semester a week ago. This week we had the challenge of initiating plans and trying to get all of our contacts to hang out with us. We did fun things each day such as going to historic landmarks, professional soccer games, the movies, and the zoo. God has provided many good friendships for me and is making it easier for me to bring up deep conversation with them. I am confident seeds are being planted for His glory. Another cool thing our team did this week was going up to a huge tower in the middle of the city on my birthday. From the top of the tower we were able to see the entire city as the sun set behind the mountains. One of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. The team then surprised me with a strawberry birthday cake - my favorite!. I definitely felt very loved.


Things you guys can be praying for as our summer is wrapping up:

• The guys I have gotten close to: Mateus, Gustavo, MT, Alex, Lucas, and Caio. Some have already gone home since school is over, but pray God continues opening doors for experiences with them and conversations about His grace. 
• We are about 95% sure we are having a final retreat. Please pray that all gets worked out and that many students come and are exposed the the Gospel.
• We only have one Discussion Group left. Last nights went great as we brought up the subject of the Bible and it's importance and truth. Pray the students continue investigating and that we have a big outcome next week. 
• HEALTH and ENERGY for our team! Many of us have been getting sick and are constantly tired. Great way to learn to depend on God's strength, but it is very challenging. 
• That we would take advantage of every moment we have left. That we would initiate and lead and most importantly, love. Pray God continues to use us to water the seeds and that Brazilian students would be moved further along in their process of knowing Him. 

At Ouro Preto, a historical city in Brazil.

At a Cruzeiro soccer game with some Brazilians.