I am Yours

"Who am i, that the bright morning star would choose to light the way for my ever-wandering heart? Who am i, that the voice that calmed the sea would call out through the rain and calm the storm in me? Not because of who i am, but because of what You've done, not because of what i've done, but because of Who You Are! I am a flower quickly fading; here today and gone tomorrow; a wave tossed in the ocean; a vapor in the wind. Still, YOU HEAR ME WHEN IM CALLING. LORD, YOU CATCH ME WHEN IM FALLING, AND YOU SHOWED ME WHO I AM. I AM YOURS!"

Im sure most of you have heard this song. Well last night, i was having a hard time. i was missing home, thinking about how hard school was gonna get, wondering how i was ever gonna learn enough Portuguese to get by, let alone grasp the whole language. Then this song came to mind and it was kind of like a spiritual bucket of cold water was dumped on me and a comforting reasurrance hit me: i am not in this position because of anything i can do, any way i have proven myself, or to prove that i can succeede. i am not here just to have a "good experience" or to be able to come out of it sayin, "i did it." Its not about anything that i have done or can do!
The truth is, this first few days that i've been here have been pretty self-focused. i was constantly worrying in the back of my mind about all kinds of me stuff. i thought, "how am i gonna do this?" And then i started singing that song and God's power and love exploded in my heart! The Holy Spirit reminded me that i am HIS! He WILL NOT leave me or let me fail because He is doing His work! it was such an awesome an comforting feeling that i couldnt help but praise Him! Gloria Deus! I love serving My Father who has so much love for me and never leaves me, even for a second!
I know this doesnt mean that everything will go perfectly. im gonna start to worry and the devil knows i miss home, so hes gonna try to pull me down with that. But GREATER is He that is in me than he that is in the world! He will lift me up and i will always praise Him! if you serve the same loving, powerful, and unchanging God, leave an "amen" down there in the comment box or write it on my wall on facebook so that everyone can see that we are His!!

Until Next Time,
Jo

Into the Swing of Things

Hello, hello! well today was my second day of school and i must say my favorite class is ENGLISH! it wasnt really much of the class though. the prof. spent most of the time just talking to me. lol last night was the first time i got to see most of the people i know. we had a bible study and i got to hang out and "talk" with the kids which was so great to do again! oh, and guess what i found out. im going to be in another quinceanerra type thing! what are the odds? lol the pastors daughter jessica is turning 15 and i will most likely be paired with Patrick (the son of the missionaries i am staying with) for the dance at her party on the 6th of Feb. it should be fun!.
Back to school, i havent had too much trouble so far....then again we have done nothing but take notes. i have made friends with the people patrick hangs out with. i think a group of us may be going to a movie on friday. The kids here act pretty much the same as the kids back home, although theres a little more PDA tollerated at school. lol
hmm... what else has happened.. Im not sure what else to say right now other than i miss everyone more than i thought i would! i am very happy to be here though, and as i spend more time with the kids, i am starting to recognize what work God wants done in their lives. As far as things you can pray about go, please keep praying for my understanding of the portuguese language and my sensetivity to the Holy Spirit. Also, Bill will be getting back from his business trip tonight so please pray for his safety. sorry for this blog being kind of choppy but there has been a lot to take in in only two days. i will write again soon. miss you all!

Until Next Time,
Jo

I'm Back!

Well, after several delays and a long plane ride, i am once again safe and sound in the moore household! My plane didnt land until 11 this morning so i didnt make it to my first day of school. i start tomorrow morning so keep me in your prayers! today wasnt too eventful. i came home and got all my stuff sittuated in amandas room and then took a much needed nap. i'll keep you all updated on whats goin on. thanks for all your love and support!

Until Next Time,
Jo