Waking up this morning, our first full day in the Amazon, we were amazed at the creation around us. It is utterly indescribable, the beauty of our surroundings. It is amazing to think that in such an environment, though very different from our home, God is the same here as he is in Texas. "And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed." (Daniel 7:14)
The beauty we woke up to made the long journey here so worth it. After 4 airports, 3 flights, and a bus ride, we boarded the Amor e Esperanca in the middle of a Brazilian rain shower. After so much travel, showering on the back of the boat was a refreshment. We settled into our hammocks, ate a great meal, caught up on sleep, and ended the night with some hilarous "silent football" (an Amazon mission trip tradition). We - Hope, Rachael, and Ashley, are currently sitting at the front of the boat overlooking the water. For as far as we can see, river, trees, clouds, and an occasional hut (where Chandler, Billy, Eric S, and Brennan threw little kids soccer balls, yelling "Jesus te Ama") amaze us. This morning after devotion, led by Michael, we organized VBS materials, toys, and hygiene products for delivering to the villages starting tomorrow. Each of us got to sign up for our ministry of choice, such as: VBS, dental, medical, optometry, well-digging, and evangelism.
Today is a restful day, as we prepare for tomorrow's work. We are all eager and excited to start our mission tomorrow. We know the Lord will move in amazing ways, and can't wait to get back to y'all with our stories :) Please continue to pray for our team, the villagers we will see, and all our health. We would like to leave you will a verse that's been on our hearts.. "May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known on earth, your saving power, among all nations. Let the people praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you!" (Psalm 67:1-3)
-H, R, & A
So excited to hear from you. I am praying for all of you... Tell Mike and Brennan that I LOVE THEM!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI love the quality of the writing! The descriptions are great, the emotions are real... it gives us (ok...me for sure!) a real feeling of what you all must be experiencing. So good, too, when you can see your baby's name and what they are up to in the mission. How is Theresa doing? Did Billy do well digging? What a precious birthday for Chandler!
ReplyDeleteAnd, Ashley - what a blessing to hear that others still desire what I consider to be the greatest job! I pray daily that He will use you all to be His hands and feet. May His blessing flow!! - Elaine McGehee