Brazil

I have saved this page for last to write about. Brazil holds so many memories for me; some are great; some are good; some are bad. My girls were born in a government hospital within two years of each other. I had such an excellent doctor! Dra. Graca held my hand through every excruciating contraction with Sarah until she was born. Can you say that about your American doctor?? : ) With Sophia she was born in an emergency situation because of preeclampsia. That ordeal is a bad memory but Praise Jesus, He brought both Sophie and I back to health and strength. Dra. Graca and Bob made the right decisions. We had our up times for sure!! I cannot even begin to share the answers to prayer. Two Christmas’ ago, I was so burdened for a family of children that had been coming to our church. There are 10 children in the family.  Through the Internet, I made a request to my friends and acquaintances for charity to help these kids. I could not believe that I received $800 for this family!! Every dime was spent to help these precious children!! I was able to buy them their first pair of sandals and each of them received a large gift bag with presents and games and their first toothbrushes, etc, etc. Jessica ended up having a baby at such a young age but it was a blessing to be able to help her and her baby! The children’s mother accepted Christ this past Spring and is faithful in church!!  I could write on and on about the families who came to Christ while we were in Brazil.  It is not because of who WE are but because of Who He is!!  What precious memories I have!!   Of course there were uncomfortable distractions like endless bouts of lice. I am not sure if we even got rid of the lice EVER until we got back to the States! We had several demonic encounters which we don’t speak freely about. We saw a lot, experienced a lot and I praise Jesus for EVERYTHING because God used those things to form me into the person I am today. Isn’t it wonderful to serve a God that uses unworthy people like ourselves??  I am glad that He continually forms me into what He wants me to be.

My sweet girl, Talita.  This girl is amazing.  Her body may have been broken and she bares many scars but her spirit is beautiful.  Her dad is the boyfriend of the mother of all the kids.  He has accepted Christ, too, and his life is completely changed because of Christ.

Our first VBS.