Here at last

I've almost been in Brazil for two weeks... I can't believe it. Everything has been going really well. I'm living with Steve and Shannon Mersinger and their kids Naomi and Caleb. 

the street we live on

me and the kids

they're a little crazy sometimes...

Things have been really chill so far because Shannon has been waiting on the birth of her third child, Jordan, who was born yesterday :) 

me, Caleb, and baby Jordan

It's been really nice to have lots of relaxing time. I've realized how overwhelming it would have been to move here and jump right into a busy schedule, so I'm really thankful for some downtime. I've met a lot of the Mersinger's Brazilian friends which has been great. I'm slowly picking up more Portuguese and hoping to learn lots this first month while we're in Curitiba. We've gone to the favela where they have been helping out with a church. 

the favela

the church in the favela

We have about one month until we move to Morretes and then we'll have some Brazilian foster children moving in the home with us in January. So, there are lots of changes coming up... looking forward to all the new adventures. 

Countdown begins

So the countdown is on. I have four more days until I get on the plane to Brazil! These past few weeks have been pretty crazy as I've been preparing to go and trying to see lots of friends and family. It's starting to hit me that I will be sitting in another country in less than a week. And not just any country... Brazil!! I have talked about this for years and now it's finally happening. The Lord definitely gave me a desire to be there for a reason. I know He wants me there. He has completely blown me away with His faithfulness in providing for my trip. Now, it's just trusting Him in this adventure. I really have no picture in my mind of what this next year will have in store. I think that's a good thing, though, because I don't really have any expectations. He's in control and knows why He is sending me there and who He wants me love on. I just pray that I would be willing to listen and follow His guidance.

Anyway, this summer has been amazing and I've really enjoyed spending time with so many great friends. Here's some pictures of some of the adventures I've had this summer. I look forward to writing and posting pictures as I'm in Brazil... that will all be here soon.

 Sarah and I took a trip to the World of Coke :)

We finally went around Athens to take pictures with the bulldogs! So glad we did this before we moved

 

Mel and I took a trip to Wilmington with my parents to see where One Tree Hill was filmed. So awesome!

I also got to see Kyndra, Lauren, and Catherine(sweet friends I served with last summer at the Mission Centers of Houston)