Hoot! Dinosaurs not Owls

Tonight was another typical Wednesday of Youth Ministry, except the students played Dino Ball!  Basically each kid plays the part of a different Dinosaur and they can only do certain things as they attempt to work together as a team to score goals.  So the T Rexes had to keep their arms tucked in like T Rexes do, Stegasauruses could only kick the ball when they tried to score, etc...it was funny and the kids really seemed to get into it, and I thought they were a hoot to watch!!  Hoot! now I'm my grandma! :) 

On a more serious note, as a group we have less than $4,000 to raise!  Praise The Lord!  What an answer to prayer! :)  It's been amazing to see how God has opened doors and paved the way for this trip in many different ways, including financially.

I continue to develop relationships and get to know our students on a more personal level, which is huge for me; I feel more prepared for the trip.  I've enjoyed being able to laugh with them, (and at aka Dino Ball) as they experience youth ministry.  I'm reminded of what a truly unique time of life it is and how fulfilling the time spent with the other students can really be; it's neat to be a fly on the wall of it all. :)

Pray for: More open doors with our students.  Calm hearts and clear minds.  Full weeks of camp!  Continued financial blessing.  Health.  And overall continued blessing on the trip.

Trusted

Do you know that feeling when you know something, and then it happens?

The other day I was feeling....frazzled shall we say, and I knew I needed to hand things over to God to work things out.  So I asked a few friends to simply pray for wisdom for me.  The prayers of righteous women were definitely heard!  Over the course of the next few days I had clarity on the subject, and have felt oh so calm about it.  AND not only did God answer our prayers, he also brought it to my mind, so I was able to see his answers, be encouraged, and thank him too!

How Great is our God! :)

Spread Out Your Tents

The other night at Bible study, Trish our teaching leader, pointed out that in the book of Isaiah Israel is told to spread out their tents or act in faith and plan for God to bless them with numerous descendants.  Then she challenged us to think about where God might be calling us to spread out our tents or take steps of faith to prepare for what he has in store for us.  

I immediately thought about going to Brazil!  In so many ways it was a step of faith to commit to this trip, and leave some of life's other details in the hands of God to work out.  So far I havent regretted it (duh!), and I cant wait to see what else is in store!  

Spread out your tent -yo!

:)

So here's the story -

Or at least some stats on Brazil:

It's the largest country in South America and the world's 5th largest.

It has a population of over 190 million.

The people speak Portuguese because it was originally a colony of Portugal.

Brazil's GDP is the world's 8th largest economy, with the 7th largest purchasing power; and it's growing at the fastest rate anywhere!

Brazil boasts the world's largest Roman Catholic population, however there's been a decline in the last 10 years in favor of Protestantism.

More info coming soon!  Stay tuned!

Happy Weekend!

Let me Just say...

I'm so enjoying our students and it's been great to see a renewed energy in them that I think is due in large part to the trip.  With all the preparation of those going on the trip and those sending, they seem to be pulling together.  

What a great blessing!  

Glory to God!

Late Breaking News

We have a late joiner!  

Meet Grace! 

I'm so glad she'll be making the trip with us.  With her addition we've got 10 students, 4 adults, 2 missionaries, and 1 great adventure!

We had a Brazil meeting today during our FLOCK hour.  Our attention was turned to Philippians 2.1-11 where we looked at what makes us 'great' in the kingdom of Heaven?  Humility.

My prayer this week is to humble myself before the Lord, draw close, and listen for his still small voice.

Also be in prayer for Megan.  She's on another trip to Guatemala serving in an orphanage.  Another great opportunity to experience God's hand working in and around her.

20 weeks

In Prego world that would mean half way until baby time.  In Brazil world, it means 20 WEEKS UNTIL WE LEAVE!!!!!!!!!  And really, it was 20 weeks from Monday...so let's call it an even 19.5! :)

The Countdown is ON!