Back to School!
Hello Everybody!
I hope you are all doing well, even though it is the middle of February, and I know how miserable it can be in Ohio this time of year. But I give you this reminder from the Song of Solomon.
See! The winter is past,
the rains are over and gone.
Flowers appear on the earth,
the season of singing has come.
2:11-12
I know it feels like it will last forever–but it won’t. Hang in there! Of course, you probably have little pity for me being that I live in a year-round summer….Sorry. One of the perks of Brazilian missionary life.
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| Two of my favorite little girls, Sophia and Samille |
Anyways, on to business. I have some great news! I will be visiting the States for the month of July! I am so excited to go back and see all of you again. For the first week, I will be attending the Vineyard International Conference. After that, I will be free to meet with all of you and caught up. When my time gets closer, I will try to start scheduling lunches and dinners so that I can hopefully get a chance to see everybody. Unfortunately, my trip back will be a short one because the English classes will be starting again in August. Also, I would like to know if anyone has a car they would be willing to let me borrow while I am there. If so, please send me an email. Thanks
Well, I am now 2 weeks into our first semester for CDR Marajó, and things are going great. The students are doing well and really seem to be enjoying the classes. It has been wonderful to be teaching again and to feel more connected with the community. Already, I have made some new friends.
Fabrício, a Brazilian English teacher who lives and works in Portel, has been my right hand and a huge part of the success of the school so far. It is clear how much favor God has given to this project. I feel a great sense that God will use our church and the projects we are doing to have a profound impact on the people of Portel. I feel humbled and grateful that God is using me to do his work here on the Earth. I find it amazing how my gifts and abilities can be used to do so much good for the people around me, even despite myself!
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| Fabrício helping a student |
I have also had the privilege of making a new American friend here. It is quite the coincidence actually because she is a doctorate student doing research here from OSU! She has been working here on and off since 2009. It has been great spending time with her and having another Westerner to talk to. This weekend was her birthday, so we went to the river to celebrate.
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| Donna Julia and Jennifer |
Starting this school has been a mile marker for me. When I started as a missionary, I really had no idea what I was going to be doing. I only knew that God had called me here. As I have walked, God has revealed more and more about how I can serve him and the people here. I thank each and everyone of you for walking along side of me into the unknown. In a way, we have all been called here together. We all have a part to play, no matter how small. I bless you all as God walks you into the unknown of your journey with him. Though our paths look very different, we are all going to the same place. We are all walking towards the light of our friend, Jesus.
Please, pray for my students, that they will persevere in their studies. Pray that God will give them a special anointing to learn and comprehend. Pray that God gives me fruitfulness among them. Thank you and love you!
Below is a link of my photos. I included some photos of my neighborhood so you can get an idea of what it looks like where I live.
Love, Allison