LIFE STORMS

I have been struggling with alot of issues since returning from Brazil. Just when it seemed like things were so overwhelming and out of control, along comes an unexpected storm.

One of my closest friends was suddenly diagnosed with Acute Leukemia and air-lifted to a hospital in San Antonio just a few days ago.

I had spent the day with her at work and even though I knew she hadn't been feeling too well, I had no idea what devastating news I would be getting later that evening. The phone call came and as I heard her voice I realized that she was scared. She began to ask me to pray. I couldn't even comprehend the words as she spoke them..."the doctor said I have leukemia and I need you to start praying now, I'm scared". I played this conversation over and over in my head as I tried to wrap my mind around it. I was so scared that I would lose my BFFER. I began to question, "God, what are you doing? I need my girl". I was also filled with fear and anxiety that she would not survive and that I would have to live my life here on this earth, without her. I will also admit that I was angry. I began to ask God "why? As if my life's circumstances weren't already stressful and overwhelming enough, how could you do this to me?" Selfishly, I asked God "really?" How could this be happening.

I cried all weekend. My heart was breaking. I tried to be strong but deep inside my heart, I was hurting. I am not sure I've ever begged God harder for anything. I begged and pleaded for Him to let her be ok. I prayed so intently and as I was in worship that Sunday morning, crying and worhipping my Father, I heard Him say "Now, you say you give me EVERYTHING, what about Kelly?"....I heard these words so clearly and of course, like a child I began to say, "I have given you EVER
YTHING, but.....but.....I don't know if I can give you Kelly"....then as I continued in worship I began to realize, EVERYTHING means EVERYTHING and I prayfully aknowledged that I have to lay EVERYTHING down at His feet, even Kelly. So, yes, God she's yours! I layed her at His feet, and asked for His will, not mine!

12/12/10 Needless to say, He is constantly teaching me and refining me. I have been to visit my BFFER a couple of times and we talk everyday. She has completed 2 rounds of chemo and starts her 3rd next week. She's had some minor bumps in the road and we've prayed continuously for her healing. She has complete faith that God is and will continue to heal her. We all stand in agreement that He is healing her in Jesus name, and that she will be healthy and whole again, it's just a matter of time. She is trusting in God in a new and deeper way than she's ever known. Her relationship with Jesus is evident in her strength and courage as she fights this battle with Leukemia. She is an amazing soldier in the army of God! She's standing strong and courageous! She is studying the word and shining the love of Jesus to all that cross her path. The nurses and doctors there are touched by her every day. She's the sweetest, most precious child of God! I love you, BFFER!

Please add Kelly to your prayers. It is a long road and she needs all of us to lift her up every moment. If she comes to your mind, please just say a quick prayer for her. She feels everyone's prayers. She's feeling God's healing hands upon her! She's gonna have a great story to tell of God's great healing in her life.....can't wait for the next chapter!

Seeking God's face.....
I've got so many dreams and ideas for the future.....what does God want me to do?
I'm praying and seeking His face for His will....what do I do?
I'm so anxious to work for the kingdom, so excited to see God work in the lives of people. To see His spirit draw the lost to His family.

My heart aches for the lost souls wondering this earth with no hope. We have a duty to share the love of Christ to those who don't know Him. We have the greatest gift ever given so why would we not want to shout from the mountain tops about what Christ has done for us. He shed His blood on the cross for our sins and gave us freedom and forgiveness through His sacrifice. He has bought our freedom. He has given us eternal life in heaven with our God.

This world offers no hope and no peace. The only way we can experience true happiness is through the love of God.

TRUST

Learning to trust God in every aspect of our lives can be a difficult lesson. I have tried to always allow Him to be in control of my life but many times, He has had to show me where I still hold onto things that He wants me to let go of. I've prayed for so long for God to be glorified in my life in everything that I say and do. He asks us to lay down our lives for Him, to be crucified as Christ and to die to ourselves. He sometimes requires us to lose the most precious thing that we hold in our hearts. I know this first hand, He has allowed me to lose the most precious things in my life, and through the loss, I have grown to trust Him so much more deeply than ever before. Because, you see, everything is His. Nothing belongs to us. Not our family members, our possessions, our money. It is all His.

There is such sweet freedom in surrender. When we lay all that we have down on the altar, He blesses us with so much more than we could have ever imagined. Maybe not in the ways the world would think would bring happiness but His ways are so much sweeter. He brings us such joy and peace into our hearts that nothing in this world can ever compare to. His ways are not our ways. He tells us to look to the things that are unseen, not to the things that we can see. This world brings such false happiness. Success in the worlds eyes can not even begin to bring happiness. It is such a fleeting thing. The worldly things can never fufill us.

When we truly experience a relationship with the Living God of the universe, we can have a life filled with peace, joy and love. We can taste the love of God and through the blood of Jesus Christ, we can be forgiven. Once we fall in love with Jesus and love Him with our heart, soul and mind then we can love others like He first loved us. Without the love of Christ, we can never love anyone with the kind of love that they deserve and need. Therefore, we must seek to love God with everything we have. Then, we must love our brothers and sisters as He loved us. Sounds so simple, doesn't it? Christ's message was LOVE. When we figure that out, we can learn to live a life pleasing to Him. If we love Christ, we will desire to obey Him. We won't obey out of fear but out of the deepest love for Him. He died on a cross and bore our sins. He sacrificed everything to pardon our sins. How can we not spend our days loving Him and bringing Him glory and honor. We have been given the greatest gift of all and we should want to share that love with everyone we possibly could reach. He is the way to life!

Shine, bright....let His light be seen in your life. He is the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE! Let other's see His love shining through you. When they see the love of Christ in us, they will be drawn to Him. The Holy Spirit will tug on their heart strings until they are hungry for Him. Let us be the one's to lead them to the cross. Everyone needs compassion, everyone needs forgiveness. Help us, Lord to have a heart like Yours. Help us to hurt for your people enough to bring them to You! Help us to love like You love....help us be the hope to the hopeless, the help to the hurting, the peace to the broken. Help us spread your love...You are the author of SALVATION, You conquered the grave. You are RISEN! You offer LIFE EVERLASTING!
You set the captives free! You can move the mountains! You are MIGHTY, HOLY, WORTHY OF ALL OF OUR PRAISE!

FEARLESS

We are called by God to live a life free of fear. In the Word it clearly states over and over "fear not". This is a commandment not just a suggestion.

I am walking through one of the most difficult times in my life and my natural self wants to be afraid. I read the Psalms and am encouraged to cry out to God for his protection, refuge and strength. I know I am more than a conqueror and I walk by faith, not by sight. In my flesh, I am afraid, in my spirit, I know that God has a plan and He will make a way for me. Regardless of the outcome, I know He works all things for my good. He is my DEFENDER, my FORTRESS, my ROCK. I need Him to lead me, to stand up when I can't. I have to show them that I'm willing to fight for them. I am sacrificing it all for them. They are the reason I take on this Goliath in my life. I want to be the spiritual leader to my daughters that they need me to be. Christ has plans for me, plans to prosper me, not to harm me but to give me a future and a hope. He knit me together in my mother's womb for His purpose, to bring honor and glory to His name through my life's song.

I am called to be the light in this dark world. To love others and lay down my life for the cause of Christ. He is the hope to the hopeless, the peace for the brokenhearted. He is the answer.

He has called us to be His love. We need to lead them to His cross....He needs our help. Won't we be His voice calling....His hands healing, His feet walking to a broken world.......Won't we be His chain breaker, His peacemaker.....won't we be His hope and joy....I will be His love.

I cannot walk in fear, He has already overcome. I once was lost, but now I'm found. I was so far away, but I'm home now. I was once dead, but now I live. My life to Him, I give. I once was blind but now, I see.

He is my victory. He has won the battle....My chains are broken. My bondage is no more. He has set me free, and my freedom was bought by His death on a cross. He poured out his blood for my sins. I walk as a spotless lamb without blame. I am His cherished, chosen BRIDE. He is my BELOVED. He has called me His own. My inheritance has already been determined. I am royalty, clothed in a robe of righteousness. I am forgiven. I am set apart for His glory.

Hallelujah, let my life's song sing to YOU........

fearless no more!

CURA

I miss my brother's and sister's in Brasil. They have brought me such joy and warmth in my heart! I have reconnected with many through Facebook and what a blessing! Just yesterday found out that Brandon, one of the ACU students who volunteered with us was the son of fellow Kermit classmates...His mom and I were in flag corp together and his dad lived down the street from my family's home. What a small world. I went all the way to Brasil to meet him! Funny how God brings us little surprises in our lives!

So, CURA: Compassion, Respect and Love...that is what it's all about. We were called to literally be the hands and feet of Christ in Brasil. He called us to show compassion to the 1004 patients that attended through our medical care. He asked us to love them with His love and to respect them individually. We were called to treat them as He would have done. It was easy to love these people. They were receptive to our care, our love and our respect. They were so thankful and grateful for the simple things that we did for them. They called us "angels" from America. I've never felt so appreciated in all of my life! I fell in love with the people of Brasil. They are so loving and affectionate. Not one of the patients left our care without hugging and kissing our cheeks and most crying as they thanked us for coming to their town to bring this much needed medical care. The poor are neglected. They are treated with no respect. They are just shuffled through the system with sometimes no attention to their needs. They suffer unnecessarily for long periods of time because the health care system of Brasil is so far behind and under-funded. Simple problems that are neglected become severe whereas they could have been prevented.

One young woman came to the clinic complaining of a few minor problems. Come to find out she was 15 years old and had been raped. She broke down in tears as she shared this horrifying story. We gave her medical care and asked her to talk to some of our counselors. She and her mother left the exam room with smiles, thankful hearts and hugs and kisses for us Americans!

My most heartfelt patient came to us on the third day of clinic. She was a fifty-something year old who was concerned because her husband had been unfaithful many times and she was worried about what she may have been exposed to. When she came into the room, she was stoic and seemed to be really tough. I asked her a few simple questions and she began to tell me that she was the mother of 15 children. WOW!!!! I gave her a high-5 and told her that she was the first woman I had ever met that had delivered 15 babies. I told her that she was my "hero". She smiled, still seeming to have this tough outer shell. Then, for some reason, Jami (the medical student) and Bea (translator) both had to leave the room. I found myself sitting there with this woman and she began to speak Portuguese to me even though I explained in English that I was sorry but I couldn't understand her languag, she continued to share. She then began to use body language to express her words. She pointed to her bottom teeth where many in the front were missing. She hit her fist in the palm of her other hand and began to point to her forehead where I noticed a scar. It began to become clear to me that she was trying to tell me that someone had beaten her. Was she telling me that her husband beat her? She began to cry and of course, I became very emotional as well. Here we were sitting alone in this room with no understanding of each other's language but sharing each other's pain. I too, had a history of domestic violence in my marriage. I was beaten and abused many times. I began to have a heart of compassion for this woman. I felt her pain. As Jami and Bea both entered the room, I asked Bea to have the patient tell her what she had been telling me while we were alone just so that I would be clear about what I thought she had been trying to communicate. Bea began to tell me that she had told me that her husband had knocked her teeth out and had given her the scar on her forehead. I stopped Bea then and asked her to ask the patient if we could pray. Of course, the patient agreed to let us pray for her. I began to pray for her that God would provide protection for her and her children. I asked God to change her husband's heart and that she would have hope and peace in her life. I prayed for God to help her find some way out of this situation. I pleaded with God to cover her with His arms of love and comfort. Jami, Bea, the patient and I were all crying at this point. After we prayed, the patient asked Bea to have me write my name on a piece of paper for her. I did, but wondered why she would want it. Bea told me that the patients daughter was going to deliver her baby soon and that she wanted to name her grand baby after me....Oh, my!!! I was so deeply touched. Here is a total stranger whom I just met, asking to name her grandchild after me??? I mean, my own family hasn't even ever offered to name their child after me! What a GOD moment. I have never been so greatly touched in my soul! Just to think that a child is going to have my name running around in Brasil makes me smile! God orchestrated this moment in time. For such a time as this! He knew that she and I were going to cross paths and have a bond that only the two of us coul share. This moment had already been ordained in His plan so long ago. He blows my mind all the time. We connected in our hearts without any understanding of each other's language but so deeply that I will continually pray for her every day for the rest of my life. I told her that too as we hugged and cried together. She is constantly on my mind and in my prayers. As Bea led the patient out of our room, Jami and I lost all control of our emotions. We wept with such sorrow and burden for this woman. We felt so helpless. Our hearts were broken for her. How could we send her back home and into the dangerous situation that she lived in. She is in an abusive marriage with a man who has no respect for her. She is basically just his property. He has many other women as she said "all around the town". The culture there is so excepting of women being treated as property and slaves to their husbands. There aren't any battered women's shelter's there in Cidada Nova for her to go to. She just has to survive in this horrific environment. That's when I had to give her to God. To ask Him for His protection and safety for her. I have to trust her into His hands.
As if this wasn't sad enough, the following day, the patients lab results came back and we found out that she was HIV positive. As if she didn't have enough obstacles in her life, now she has a terminal illness that she has probably exposed her children to. We were unable to give the patient the lab results since there were still some pending labs. It was one of the hardest things that I have ever had to try to understand. How can this woman have any hope in her life? The church there in Itu got her name and information to follow up with her and through the love and care of Christ's family, my prayer is that she will feel God's love and come into a relationship with Him. I am praying that she is there when we return next year and that I will be able to hug her neck and pray with her again. My prayer is that God will sustain her and give her strength to endure. That she will be hungry for God and find a deep appreciation for Him in her life. My sister, I will lift you up every day until I see you again. Whether it is in Brasil or in Heaven, we will meet again.

more to come.......

Faith

CURA was more than I could have ever imagined. God touched my heart in so many ways. I am going to share stories soon, I promise.

A lot has happened since I landed in the States. One of my close family friends lost their daughter in a boating accident. I found out as I logged onto my Facebook in Mexico City. I was shocked and panicked as I was out of the country and unable to speak to anyone. I was graciously blessed to use a man's phone who was sitting next to me. He asked me as I was having an emotional breakdown if there was anything he could do. I explained that a close friend had lost her daughter and I had just found out. He offered to let me use his phone and he said it was his pleasure since I had just returned from doing good deeds. I know it was God thing. I called Jeanna and she told me what was going on. Karah had been killed in a boating accident in Austin. I was a mess all the way home from that moment on. I couldn't stop thinking about Karah, what a beautiful child she had always been. So full of life, sweet and kind to everyone. She had the most beautiful spirit. She had grown up to be a wonderful wife and mother. She loved her family more than anything. She loved God and I know that she is with Jesus, sitting at the feet of the Father. It is just so difficult to see those you love hurting so much. I have such wonderful memories of the fun we had, the years of seeing her grow up and sharing her life. We will miss her but I know I will see her again and then we will celebrate and worship our Father, forever in eternity!

Needless to say, the flight home from Brazil was long and I was already exhausted from the week of CURA. I arrived home and immediately headed to Midland to see the Northcutt family. Tears just continued to flow as we mourned the loss of Karah. Her memorial service was beautiful and a special celebration of her life. She blessed so many lives. I cry tears of joy for Karah but tears of sorrow for our loss, especially for her family. They will grieve for a long time to come. It hurts to see them broken hearted. I pray that God, as only He can will comfort them in this time. He is the only source of strength in times like these.

I also found that as I opened my suitcases, mine and Robyn's computers had been stolen. I should have known better than to put it in my suitcase, but I did and can't change that now. I am not concerned about the computer but more than that, I have been writing my story for about 8 months and the rough draft was only saved on my computer and nowhere else. I know, I know....I should have backed it up somewhere but I didn't even think about it. I just pray that who ever has my computer will be touched by the spirit of God, maybe they will read my story and find Jesus. My prayer is that God will bring the words back to me as I start over!

I'm exhausted physically, mentally and extremely drained emotionally. Just the experience of CURA is an emotional journey. I am going to start to share the CURA stories in the next few days. I am so anxious to tell all of the great things God has done but I need rest. I'm praying that God will give me rest and that He will renew my strength. The enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy and especially after an experience like CURA where God has been glorified, the enemy is hot on my tail. He's been after me for years and I'm not afraid! I claim that no weapon formed against me shall prosper! Satan has no power in my life, not today or ever! God WINS!!!!!!

God bless!

Shirl

Day 4

First of all, I apologize for not blogging much this week but there has been NO time! We have been up at 5:30 and not in bed until midnight after a long day of seeing patients. We've seen almost 800 patient's and only one more day to go. Our goal is to see 1000 and I know God will bring it to pass. The day's have been so blessed. The people that we are ministering to are the most grateful, appreciative people I have ever seen. They are amazed and shocked that we would come here to serve and provide medical care for free and all of them say that we treat them like kings and queens. The socialized medicine system here seems to be one that just herds them through like cattle according to the stories they tell. They "are just a number" and are not respected or genuinely cared for. Some patients wait 6-8 months for an appointment for a problem and just have to suffer. It breaks my heart. I will be blogging about individual stories later as I get time and rest up from the week. I am sorry but my brain is overwhelmed...mostly because I am hearing two languages all day and one that I can't even speak...by the end of the day, my brain is mush...I can't even speak English! I am blonde, remember!!! ha ha

I want to thank all of my friends and family for their prayer support and for lifting up the team during this campaign. God has blown us all away with His amazing miracles. I look forward to sharing the stories so that you can hear what mighty things He has done!

There is not much more I can share except BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD, FOR HE HAS DONE GREAT THINGS!

Tomorrow is our last day of CURA, please pray that as things wrap up, God will continue His work. We will have a celebration party tomorrow night with all of the team and Brazilian volunteer's! I can't wait to celebrate with our brother's and sister's as we end this amazing adventure!

Robyn and I will be traveling alone on saturday and have a 10 hr layover in Mexico City. We also will have a 7 hr layover in Los Angeles. Please pray for safety as we make this journey together, unable to speak Spanish and that we make it home safely to see our families. By the way, I miss my girls sooooooooo much. I've gotten to SKYPE otherwise, I could'nt have been away from them for so long....I LOVE YOU, NAY, KARLEE AND KOURTZ!

Home soon, love to all of you,

Fique Com Deus (God bless)

Shirl

Fique com Deus!

God's presence was so obvious in the church Ignacio De Cristo as they celebrated the first anniversary of the new building. They welcomed us with open arms, hugs, kisses and warm smiles. Worship was amazing. Hearing the sound of just voices singing to the Lord in such beautiful harmony and in Portuguese, touched the deepest part of my soul. I felt the angels and saints singing with us as we lifted our praises to the King of Kings with kindred spirits even though I didn't understand the language, i felt the amazing presence of the Living God. The church members prayed over us in the service for CURA Brazil and we felt honored as they lifted us up to the Father. Brazilian people are so affectionate and loving. They greet you with a kiss on the cheek and a hug. They have been so kind to us.

After church, Robyn, Kent, Jean and I went home with Phyllis and Antenor for a wonderful meal along with a few couples from the church. It was fun visiting and trying to get to know them. A few of them didn't speak English so it was a challenge but we figured out that smiles are universal. I've tried to learn some Portuguese words so that I am able to communicate at some level but it is difficult. Thankfully alot of Brazilian's also speak English. We had a wonderful meal as always. Brazilian's believe in feeding their guests ALOT! Seems like all we've done here is eat! I am going to gain so much weight...UGH! They serve desert with every meal and of course I can't resist, especially with a cup of coffee. Robyn's favorite part of breakfast is CAKE!!! She loves eating it every morning! I'm just enjoying the super fantastic hospitality. The people of Itu have graciously welcomed us to their city and made us feel so comfortable.

Tonight we set up the clinic in Ciudad de Jova and had lots of kiddo's volunteering to help. We set up a triage area, gynecology, ultrasound/sonogram, dentistry, opthamology, a lab, and a room for EKG's. It is all coming together. I am looking so forward to seeing the people who need this medical care that we have come to offer. I beleive they will be willing to receive care in a way that they may have never seen. We are going to LOVE them with our hands and allow the healing to come from God. It's so exciting....can't wait to get to share in this amazing work that God is allowing us to do...it is HIS love that we are called to show to them. He has commanded us to love others. That is our goal in this campaign. We are praying that God will go before us and that we will be His hands and feet to the world. He has called us to this mission and now, it is our responsibility to respond to that call..

Here am I Lord, it is I Lord, i have heard you calling in the night, i will Go Lord, If you lead me, I will hold your people in my heart.

Please pray for CURA Brazil....the work begans in less than 7 hours, pray that the people come, that the team can bless them and that they will encounter Christ.

Fique com Deus (God bless you)!

Blink of an Eye

I was spending some time alone praying and listening to my Zune and immediately after I turned it on...MercyMe's song "In the Blink of an Eye" began to play. The word's were perfect for the way I'm feeling as we prepare for this medical campaign. "You put me here for a reason...You have a mission for me....you knew my name and You called it, long before I learned to breathe..."

My heart is open. I am willing to do whatever He calls me to do here in Brasil and anywhere else He leads...we are only here for a blink of an eye, that's the reason we're alive and what we do big or small could change the eternity of others. In the big scheme of life, all that matter's is the way we've spent our time loving other's and furthering the Kingdom of God. I just pray that my life will be me, giving the best of me to His purpose. That is why I was created, to bring Him glory and Honor.

Today was a fun day. We had breakfast at the hotel and then loaded a bus for Campinas to the open "Hippie Fair" which was just an open flea market with booths of anything you can imagine. It was fun walking around shopping and seeing the native people of Brazil. They are so friendly and warm. The language barrier is a struggle for me because if you know me, I'm a talker. I never meet a stranger and not being able to commnicate with people is really bothersome. I want to visit!!! Portuguese is such a beautiful language and I love to hear the people speaking it. I am going to do my best to try to pick up some of it. I have learned a few words and it's fun to use them! It really is a struggle for me to be unable to communicate.

We had lunch at a really nice restaurant called "Baby Beef". We tasted some new things but my favorite was desert! Warm, sweet bananas and vanilla ice cream! Yummy! I think I can make that at home and I'm sure my girls will love it as well. They served us ALOT of beef....must be why they named it that, right? No diet dr. pepper here so I'm having to suck it up and drink Coca-Cola Light(zero). The water is carbonated so you have to specifically ask for "sem gas" which means no carbonation. The fruit is so delicious and they serve alot of fresh lettuces and vegetables. I do miss my Ranch dressing but so far, the salad dressing has been tasty!

Now, we are having some quiet time to do whatever we want. Robyn and I are just enjoying some time in our room. A few of the others have gone to see if they can find some chocolate...can't wait for them to bring some back to us. I've enjoyed Brazilian coffee. It is VERY strong! They boil it and strain it through what appears to be a knee high panty hose.Funny, but it works! It is probably the strongest coffee I've ever tasted...even more stout than espresso or my dad's famous Navy coffee but, if you put enough creamer (I brought my sugar free french vanilla from home) it tastes pretty good. Who needs Starbucks?

Tonight we will be having dinner with Phyllis and Antenor at their home. They are the pastor and his wife (missionaries)of the church here in Itu. This church will celebrate their 1st anniversary in their new building tomorrow morning. They held a kids camp last week and all of the volunteers are here also. They will be heading home tomorrow evening. They came from many different places including several students from ACU in Abilene as well as lots of Brazilians. It's been fun being with all of the younger ones. I'm excited about church. The service will be in Portuguese so I'm not sure how much I will understand. However, I know God will speak to me regardless if I understand the words. His spirit moves. I'm looking forward to the blessings He will bring to us...

The medical campaign set up will be tomorrow evening. I'm ready to see the building and get an idea of what my job is going to be. The reality of what we've been called to do is coming to life. I can't wait! The work begins soon.....more later!

Blessings to all

Wonderfully and Beautifully knit together.....

Oh, my! What an adventure! Robyn, and I got checked in to the airport in Dallas and the only issue I had was that they confiscated my jar of peanut butter from my carry on----UGH!

The flight from Dallas to Mexico City was good and we got a little bit of a nap. When we arrived, however, I realized that I had left my boarding pass on the plane and they wouldn't allow me to go back on to retrieve it. So, the circus began. They sent me on a wild goose chase and after consulting with several associates, I finally got to immigration. However, none of the others had their passports and immigration forms with them so they had to leave me there and go back to the group to get them. I was alone, in Mexico City in immigration with no real ability to communicate with the agents. Note to self: LEARN SPANISH!! I tried to stay calm but I will admit, I was a little nervous. However, after about 30 minutes, the others showed up and we got through all of the red tape. Finally, I had a new boarding pass in hand!

We met up with several others who had flown in from Colorado and Abilene. Amazing to see how God has orchestrated this team. We all have a kindred spirit about us and it feels like we have all known each other forever! Isn't our God amazing? He knit this team together so delicately considering how many invitations were sent out over a year ago. He hand picked the exact ones He wanted here at this designated time. I love to see how His hand is at work!

The flight to Sao Paulo was about 12 hours. I tried to sleep as much as possible but the chairs were not too comfortable and I will say, I got a little grumpy. I tried to remind myself of the reason that I am here.

We arrived safely and Dr. Dunham greeted us with open arms at the airport. We traveled from Sau Paulo to Itu in a bus that was donated by the government. It was great! It had air conditioning and we all got to have 2 seats to ourselves!!! I took alot of pictures and tried to take in all of the sights along the road. The drive took about an hour and a half. I was just humbled by some of the sights. I saw homeless people under bridges along the canal. I saw children flying paper kites, a farmer tending to his crop with a hoe, and homes that look like shanty's on the sides of the hills. I thought about how lucky I am to have been born in a country that is so blessed.

We arrived at our hotel and were greeted by Phyllis (the pastor's wife) and several others. They had lunch ready for us and after getting my tummy full, I was ready for a shower and nap. The hotel is very comfortable and we have hot water!!! The shower felt amazing! I rested for a bit and then we all met in the lobby and walked to the bank to get some Brazilian cash. Of course, my card wouldn't work. I have American money but I am going to have to wait until Monday for the bank to open to try to exchange it. Don't worry, the team will take care of me until then! Seem's like there is always an obstacle thrown at me....sorry, enemy....you shold figure out....I'm not falling for it!

We walked around the plaza and saw some of the city. We had dinner at "Toni Lius" and it was very strange trying to read a menu with no ability to understand the language. Trying to communicate with the waiter was very difficult! Thankfully, Dr. Dunham can speak pretty good Portuguese. I didn't like the feeling...I was definately out of my comfort zone! The food was pretty good. I was safe with a burger and fries but some of the other's ventured out and got other things. Everything was very tasty!

After dinner, we wandered around a little bit and onto a group of men and children doing Brazilian fighting. It involves music made with bamboo sticks, string, drums and shakers. The players sing together and the rythm was unbelieveable. It made us want to move our feet! The dance/fighting was also awesome. They were in a big circle and two of them would go into the middle and do their dance/fight. Families were all around. It was cool to see a little bit of the culture.

We had a meeting after we returned to the hotel where we shared and talked about the next few days. We prayed as a group and some shared their thoughts on how God has brought us all together as a team. It was a very sweet time.

We are prepared to do what God has called us to do. Now, it is just a matter of time until His hands and feet are at work showing love to the people of Brazil. May God be glorified and His name be honored as we love on His people.....

off to bed....long day ahead, more to come! Continue to lift Cura Brazil in prayer, please!

I've waited a year for this!

Wow, I'm sort of in shock that the time is really here.....I've planned to go to Brazil for a year now, and in a little more than 24 hours, I will be boarding the plane. I'm a little nervous, anxious and extremely excited! I am frantically packing last minute things and praying that I haven't forgotten anything.

My heart is full because of all of the well wishes and gifts of love that friends and family have given. THANK YOU, SO MUCH! The awesome thing about giving is that God will bless you for your generosity. It's His work, and He will give back pressed down and shaken together, more than we can ever ask or imagine! He will prove His faithfulness. So many people have given financial gifts, medical equipment, supplies, donated transportation in Brazil, food, and so much more. It's amazing to see God's people come together for the furthering of the Kingdom. God will be honored and glorified. We are His hands and feet.....

Please pray for safety as the team travels, for the hearts of the team to be open and ready for service, and that the people that we will care for will be blessed and their eyes open to the love of Christ. May God's family be added to greatly in the next 11 days....

His will, not ours be done!
God bless,

Shirl

Well, it's been a crazy few days....the enemy is definitely on a mission to discourage me, but he's not gonna win! I am more determined then ever that God has called me to this adventure in Brazil! First, my car a/c goes out and the cost to repair it is close to $400.00. Definitely not good timing since I'm on a tight budget and the trip is only a week away. Then, I wake up yesterday morning with the stomach bug. UGH! Tried not to let it get me down. I have learned to recognize the antics of the one who is out to steal, kill and destroy. After many prayers and wishes for a speedy recovery, I was back to work and off to bible study tonight!

I'm leading a small group of women as we study the book of Ruth....what a wonderful story of God's redeeming love. Of course, it's also one of the most romantic love stories in the Bible which makes it so appealing to me since I am such a sucker for that romance stuff! We had 2 new ladies join our group tonight and WOW!! They brought such joy and encouragement to our group. They have such wisdom. They reminded me of just how good our God is and how I need to stay strong in the Word and not receive the negative things the devil tries to throw our way. I love it when God sends me little kisses on my cheek to reveal just how important I am to Him. He gently reminds me to focus on His amazing love for me....even in the times when it looks as if the whole world is crumbling down around me!

It is a fact that this world brings trouble but I am reminded to "count it all joy in my sufferings for the name of Christ". If I am being targeted by the enemy, it can only mean one thing; I must be making a difference. He wants to quiet my witness. Well, I hope he realizes that no matter what comes against me, I will never stop sharing what Christ has done for me and how He can bring joy and freedom through His death on the cross for my sins to anyone who believes on His name.

I will shout it from the mountain tops.....MY GOD IS STRONGER, MY GOD IS GREATER, THERE IS NONE LIKE HIM! Greater is He that is in ME than he that is in the world!

I am a child of the LIVING GOD....an heir to the throne! I've been invited to the table of the feast for the righteous! Praise His name.....

I am telling you, we had CHURCH tonight!

Only 7 days until I leave for Brazil....but I'm getting so excited and anxious to see how God is going to move. He has prepared a way for us. He's gone before us.....now it's just a matter of our obedience to the call.....Here I am, Lord...send ME!!!

More to come as the days get closer!

God bless!

the beginning

Ok, I'm trying to figure this "blog" thing out, so be patient with me! I've decided to blog as I continue my journey with Jesus....

I'm soon to be embarking on a trip to Brazil which is a long time dream come true for me. I have always felt a calling on my life to spread the Word and felt led in missions a long time ago. Due to life circumstances and a few wrong turns, I had some obstacles that postponed that dream. Now, God has allowed everything to fall into place for this trip and I am getting so excited!

We are traveling to Itu, Brazil to conduct a medical campaign for a week. We will be setting up a medical clinic in a school building. Our campaign has been named "Cura Brazil". This mission was a dream of Dr. Greg Dunham and other's from Johnson Street Church of Christ and became reality last year. This will be the 2nd year for the campaign and is expected to be even bigger than the last. They saw over 775 patients in 5 days last summer. Patients ranged in age and severeity of medical care needed. We will triage and treat men, women and children.

There will be several provider's including an OB/GYN, women's health nurse practicioner, an opthamalogist, cardiac physician, dentist, 15 or so medical students (actually studying in Brazil), nurses and lots of other volunteer's. There will be translator's that have volunteered from the community. The church there in Itu has done alot to assist this mission. Many people have donated money, medical supplies, transportation in Itu, food and so much more. God has worked all of this for His good.....It is amazing to see his Hand has been at work behind the scenes as everyone has been preparing. The preparation for this trip began as soon as the team returned home from last year's trip. That is when God layed it upon my heart to go and serve. I am really excited because one of my closest friends with be sharing this journey with me! We have dreamed of a mission trip together and we are just ecstatic because it is a reality!

God is good! He expects us to be His hands and feet to the world! I am honored to be chosen as one to be an instrument for His work. I ask that you will be praying for this group and all of the people that will be involved, in any way, in this campaign. Let God go before us and prepare the way!

the journey begins July 7th as we travel to Dallas....our flight leaves on the 8th.....

be watching for future blogs as the days get closer!

God bless

Shirl