Brazil Preparation.

Thursday & Friday's Trip

Last Thursday and Friday, my mom and I went from Dallas to Austin, Austin to College Station, College Station to Houston, and Houston to Dallas.  First of all, it was really nice of her to take off work to go with me, but more than that, I really enjoyed her company.  Apparently, as I have learned over the past month, the work VISA for Brazil is a pretty time consuming and demanding process.  I had to get all of my documents notarized here in Dallas (Thanks Dana & Ian), take them to  the Secretary of State in Austin to be "Authenticated" (prove that Dana & Ian really are notaries), and then take them to the Brazilian Consulate in Houston to be "Legalized" (to prove that the documents really were authenticated).  Well, the prayers and preparation payed off because today I received all of my documents in the mail from the Brazilian Consulate and they were all legalized.  I also received my contract on Tuesday and can now send them all tomorrow to BIS (Brasília International School) to begin the official VISA application process.

www.timothyrobertarmstrong.com

I also got some photos done a few weeks by a great friend and photographer.  He currently serves with SEGUE at Sabine Creek Ranch. Check out their ministry with Nepali refugees in Dallas. Thanks Tim!

I also got to knock something off of my Bucket List for my friend Matt's 24th birthday on April 30th.  Skydiving!  It was amazing! Honestly, the free fall was unreal, but I don't really remember much of the parachute ride on the way down because I think I passed out...

One minute we were falling at 120 mph, the next we were pulling our chute, and then about 5 minutes later. my tandem instructor told me we were landing... I literally passed out for alot of the parachute part.  :) Watch my skydive video here by clicking DAWNA DUKE (2).

After watching that video and Stewy volunteering to help comb my dreads out, I had a "revelation" to CUT MY HAIR!  I guess my new camp name will have to be BOB.... jk :)

As I prepare to leave on August 1st, pending the VISA and the plane ticket availability, I want get rid of alot of my STUFF.  After going through all of it, I realized that it isn't really stuff that I can sell in a garage sale because it's mostly instruments.  I will be selling my Blue Epiphone Les Paul, Yamaha Stage Custom Standard Drumset w/ Cymbals & Hardware, Casio CDP-100, 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser Trail Teams Edition, other random stuff.  Pretty much, I don't use the music equipment like I used to, mostly just acoustic, and I want to do my part for the financial end of Brazil.  I also won't use the car for 2 years, so why continue to invest in it!  Email me if you are interested.

I am learning that my possessions are of no use to me if I don't use them.  Therefore, why cling to them, especially since I will be thousands of miles away.  I would rather someone else put them to good use.  For example, my drums are sitting in a corner of my apartment, and have been for a year.  I feel like the guy in the parable of the talents who buried the bag of gold in the ground, for no use, no investment, and no return.  Maybe I am exaggerating a little, but I would prefer that someone else get some good use of these things while I am gone.  Matthew 25:14-30

Here are some things that you can pray for:
1.  Obtaining my Work VISA.  (I am mailing all of my documents 5/20/11)
2.  Finding a great, godly Brazilian family to live with for the next 2 years.
3.  Raising Support - Prayer & Financial
4.  Selling my car, instruments, and other stuff
5.  My Summer Camp Schedule
6.  Using my free time wisely to spend quality time with friends & family
7.  That the Lord would reveal the church to which he is calling me to attend and to serve in Brazil
8.  For Ridgeview Church to find a new Children's Worship Leader (where I currently serve)

In closing, I have really connected with this song for the past couple of weeks.  It isn't that I am necessarily currently in a storm, feeling lonely or pain, but that I can expect these feelings throughout the upcoming transition.  However, I know that his word says in John 6:33, "I have told you these things, so that in me, you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble, but take heart!  I have overcome the world."

Check out the song: My Hope Is Christ (8): The Village Church
Even in the pain, you have brought me here
To see your love sustain and know that you are near
My hope is Christ alone, you alone

Jesus, you hold all things together
Only by your power Lord we come
Jesus, You will rule the world forever
Only by your grace we come to sing Your name

Until you return, we are waiting
Come Lord Jesus Come