This morning, I woke up to "My Wish" blaring on my cell phone, and Raquel asking me to go run about 4 kilometers at Parque da Cidade. About 45 minutes later, Raquel and I were making our way around the pavement.
Now, this path isn't like running about White Rock Lake in Dallas, because as you are running, it's not just beautiful, it's entertaining. From Go-Kart tracks to Nicolandia (Brasilia's amusement park), a Sun Dial Clock to massage therapists, workout equipment to SoccerVolleyball (volleyball played without hands), and cyclists to personal trainers with up to 50 people in their classes. And, all throughout the run, you can people watch, which is also rather entertaining.
Picking Avocados in my Neighborhood
I'm definitely not a runner, yet I enjoy exercise. I also enjoy the outdoors. But, I'm also not the first one to finish. Normally, about halfway through, I typically begin to lag behind. So, since today was a typical day, I lagged did. And, as I did, my headphones screamed "Healer" by Kari Jobe.
Cacau had 6 puppies!!!! So cute! But, while I took this picture, 2 pooped.
But, much more than just something. My belief and confidence is in God and His faithfulness. This song really touched me as I ran on that beautiful summer day, even though it still gets me that summer is in January and February. My heart confessed the truth that God "holds my every moment. Heals all of my disease and that I trust in Him."
It is one thing to sing the song in my head while completely agreeing with the lyrics. But, it is a whole other thing to proclaim it in belief. I know that God is King. Yet, to confess that out loud, the belief, the trust that His ways are higher that mine, and that "He is more than enough for me," was liberating. I am sure that I looked like a complete weirdo, especially since, just being white, blonde-headed, blue-eyed, American self, I attract more than enough attention. I was singing out loud with my headphones blaring in my ears. Honestly, I was pretty caught up in the moment to even notice if people were noticing me.
My 3rd & 4th Graders
I remembered that God being my healer is much more than physical. He healed my dead, "contaminated-by-generational-sin-self" (as I tell my 3rd & 4th Graders at BIS) by fulfilling promise after promise, again and again through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.
The song also hit me because since November, when I had my second Brazilian hospital experience with Raquel, I have been battling, off and on, some sort of bacterial infection. The past two weeks have been filled with quite a few doctor's appointments, tests, and biopsies. I am still waiting for the results, but I know that throughout this infection, I can proclaim that "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."
Praises and Prayer Requests:
The Endangered "Blue Macaw" that Jessica's Parents have legally!
1. I am going to another camp this weekend for Carnaval. Next week, most Brazilians celebrate Carnaval, which literally is a Feast of the Flesh. It's like Spring Break, but is mostly made up of people indulging in inappropriate things for a whole week. So, most churches offer alternative things for "Jovens," or youth to do during that week. Funny thing: Youth = Up to age 30! That includes me! So, instead of going as a camp counselor, rec leader, or worship leader, I am going as a camper! Yay! And... even better: The camp is all in Portuguese! Pray for God to move in a mighty way in my life and in the lives of the other "campers" and for me to build friendships this week.
Huge Spider at Jessica's Parent's House
2. Keep praying for my Portuguese to get better! I am starting to pick up the language and hold conversations. Language school starts back in March! Hopefully this next week at camp will help out alot!
3. My health. For the doctors to find whatever it is causing the infection and for healing!
4. My students at BIS. My class is growing. I now have 17 students, and have more Brazilians in my class.
5. An upcoming S.M.A.S.H. retreat. This is a Junior High and High School retreat for the church that I have begun to get involved with here in Brasilia- International Baptist Church. I have been playing guitar and cajon in the youth worship band for their youth services and will be a leader at the retreat.
6. Raquel as she prepares financially to go to Reformed Theological Seminary in June.
I truly am loving it here in Brazil and appreciate your continued support, emails, and prayers.
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