Sickness, etc

It's been a rough week in Belo this past week. Had subway for dinner Sunday night...bad idea...I was sick for Sunday night, Monday and Tuesday. Turns out, Subway actually isn't that fresh if you live in Brazil. That made the beginning of the week difficult on top of the difficulty of going to campus each day trying to meet random people who probably don't know much English, start building a relationship and then hopefully get them to want to hang out later and further develop the relationship. After I got well on Wednesday, I tried to start regaining my strength and energy. And wouldn't ya know, I got sick again Saturday morning with some kind of sinus infection or something. It has been a trying week indeed. On top of being physically broken, God has really broken me spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. I have been drained in every way possible with what feels like every moment of each day this week. God has really opened my eyes and heart and shown me how much I lack...how much I value control, and how little I can really control my life and be happy. I tend to manage a lot because I enjoy it and am good at it. I found out that whenever there are situations in which I have the choice of where to be or who to be around, it is hard for me to make a commitment of who to be near. Looking past all the complexities, it is evident that I feel I am in control instead of God’s sovereignty. Romans 14:17-23 puts this lie to death and sets me free.

It is becoming more and more difficult to find the time to blog each week. I am trying to keep everyone updated with relevant and vulnerable information, but at the same time, it is hard to express in words, especially in the short frames of time that I am allotted. I hope that you are finding this even the least bit encouraging. It was very nice to get to skype with my parents Sunday, while fighting the weak network we have for the house. It was very refueling, and fulfilled a heart-felt need.

I ask that you pray for the team and I specifically that we would be healed of all the sickness. There are for certain 6 of the team members sick right now with sinus infections, allergies, cold, etc. We can’t exactly quarantine ourselves and the sickness keeps spreading. I have had it twice in the past week and a half now. Thank you for all the continued prayers and support. Hope to update you again soon. There are some pictures posted on my facebook if you wish to see a little of the fun that’s been happening and some of the Brazilian contacts I have made.