Packing... preparing

Here I am, cleaning my home and planning for a two week absence. I am also planning my daughters schedule and hoping that things will run smoothly while I am gone. Actually, here is where I STOP... remember that I have a loving God just a breath away,.. and say a small prayer.

Ok, back now.
Feeling better. Amazing... every time.
I spent about an hour with my mother on the phone today discussing friends and relatives in Sao Paulo. I am thinking that this may be the beginning of many trips to the area, working with Carolina and basically ripping open a ministry in Brazil. THe thought if it is both inspiring and at the same time... a bit overwhelming. Which takes me back to leaning on God. I have learned this little trick well from one of my best friends and fellow traveler, Tami Firman. God bless Tami Firman, Thank you God for such a great friend.

Here is what I get from my window right now:
Warm breeze
Lots of outside human activity outside
Bird chirping
Cat sitting in window, her fur fluffed
Beautiful lighting on the trees
BBQ smell
Helicopter in the distance
A dream of the future...
Last Thursday the team all met up at ECC to pack up our team bags in addition to praying over the mission trip.
The bags consist of items donated to us for the people of Brazil. I can't speak for the story of most of the items (hopefully another team member can) but I can speak to the story of three wonderful donations from people I know. I have two co-workers at my job that left on their lunch break and when shopping for supplies for the individuals we will be working with. I know that during this lunch break these two individuals just simply enjoined themselves as they thought of the people of Brazil and what their needs might be. This was such a great example of how people participate on a mission without ever stepping foot in the mission field. I just love this... This is one of my personal forms of worship.. serving. Maybe because it's easy for me... or maybe... God simply built me that way. What ever the reason... I am glad that there are many different ways to worship. The third donation I mentioned was from my dentist. Yep... good old Dr dentist. They donated LOTS of tooth paste and LOTS of tooth brushes. I think it's safe to say that the people we encounter will at the very least have clean teeth. Ha!

Prayer... this is the first mission I ever signed up for and the first mission I prayed for in a more formal setting. It was very... interesting. As I stood, holding hands with my new set of friends...actually.. family in Christ, my mind took me on a walk. A mind walk. I traveled as I listened to the words of my family and talked/prayed about what I saw and came across. I shared thoughts and ideas.. almost visions off what I imagine this trip to be like. It was a very good time with God, connecting... just as we prepare to do his more in the mission field.

Packing took about 40 mins. It was quick, easy, and smooth. The team seems to really enjoy each other and I think that if nothing else, Sao Paulo will really be entertained by the love and fellowship they see in this team.

Love to all.
Houston, here we come...

CHA