hey guys! well, i gotta start off by praising God for carrying me through another week! As some of you know, I've been getting my scores from my tests back and by the Grace of God im not doing as badly as i thought i would! haha. technically i have not actually gotten a passing grade on any of the tests, but i havent gotten them all back yet and really, im just greatful for my 5's 4's and 2's!
ive told you before that the most important thing the school wants from me is to see me give my best and socialize with the other students so that i learn more about Brasilian culture, so ive been doing just that! after taking a break from basketball last week because of tests, ive started playing during our break time every day wich is a good way for me to intereact with people outside of my class. i also went to the mall to see a movie yesterday with Patrick and some friends from school! (if you would have told when i was down here back in 2007 that in 3 years i'd be goin to the movies on weekends with people from my Brasilian school, i would have feared for your mental health. God is the one with the plans though!!!) we had a good time, and afterwards Bill (who got to come home from his job early!, Erika, Patrick, Douglas, Amanda, and i all went to eat at Pasta ou Pizza which is pretty much THE place to be as far as pizza is concerned down here! especially their CHOCOLATE pizza! (yeah, i know, im really going without down here on the mission field.
Last week i said that i felt like God was going to open up opportunities for me to talk to some of the teens about stuff thats going on in their lives, and He did! Not only here at Grupo CEO, but also a litle bit with one of the guys from school. Im not going to go into detail on all of them, but i will ask you to keep praying for the teens and that they would realize that no matter what is happening in their lives, nothing can take away the Joy that comes with the Holy Spirit that is working in all of us who believe!
Another one of my "socializations" this week was getting involved in this short Good Samaritan skit that me and a few other teens are presenting tonight at Church. I should actually go and practice one it last time right now so thanks for reading, thanks for praying, and thank You LORD for loving me through!!
Until Next Time,
Jo
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Whew!
hey everyone!
well, after a long week of tests, this weekend couldnt have come fast enough! thanks to all of you who prayed me through this week! I can tell you for a fact that God heard those prayers and gave me a better understanding of the material on my tests! that doesnt mean i passed them all with flying color though... the grading scale here is 1-10, 10 being 100 percent and i found out that i got a 2 on my Literature test! hah! but the best part is, i tied with another kid in my class and got higher than one of the girls! dont ask me how that happened, im just greatful that God is getting me through and im gonna keep giving it my best!
I had a cool opportunity this week to talk with some of the girls at my school about why i came to Brasil. They asked why i chose to study at Collegio Batista and i explained how i know Patrick and his family though missions work that i have done here in the past and i told them that i came to Brasil and i have to study because i am a teenager, but the real reason i am here is to do missions work! it wasnt an incredibly in-depth conversation considering that we were talking with no one around to translate, but im glad i had the chance to tell them why i am here and where my heart is. Praise God!
Today was a work day at the Grupo CEO building and it was really encouraging to see many of the teens and pre-teens show up to help mop, sweep, wash chairs, and organize the building. the place looks great now, with the new floor and everything. But the church buidling is nothing without The Church!
I think this week i am gonna have the opportunity to talk with a couple of the teens here about stuff that is going on in their lives, so pray that 1)i can understand what they're saying! 2) i can communicate to them what God Word says about their sittuation and 3) that im sensetive to the Holy Spirit cuz without that, anything that i say is pointless!
well, i have another long week ahead of me but its filled with opportunities! I can so joyfully say that God has been revealing His love to me and its so incredible to open my eyes and realize how ACTIVE He is! When i read His Word, He reminds me that those promises arent just for people who lived 2000 years ago, they're for me, for this very day that i am living! Hallelujah! Father, you are so worthy of all the praise that i have ever recieved or given and soo much more! Nothing compares to knowing Jesus Christ as my Savior!
Until Next Time,
jo
well, after a long week of tests, this weekend couldnt have come fast enough! thanks to all of you who prayed me through this week! I can tell you for a fact that God heard those prayers and gave me a better understanding of the material on my tests! that doesnt mean i passed them all with flying color though... the grading scale here is 1-10, 10 being 100 percent and i found out that i got a 2 on my Literature test! hah! but the best part is, i tied with another kid in my class and got higher than one of the girls! dont ask me how that happened, im just greatful that God is getting me through and im gonna keep giving it my best!
I had a cool opportunity this week to talk with some of the girls at my school about why i came to Brasil. They asked why i chose to study at Collegio Batista and i explained how i know Patrick and his family though missions work that i have done here in the past and i told them that i came to Brasil and i have to study because i am a teenager, but the real reason i am here is to do missions work! it wasnt an incredibly in-depth conversation considering that we were talking with no one around to translate, but im glad i had the chance to tell them why i am here and where my heart is. Praise God!
Today was a work day at the Grupo CEO building and it was really encouraging to see many of the teens and pre-teens show up to help mop, sweep, wash chairs, and organize the building. the place looks great now, with the new floor and everything. But the church buidling is nothing without The Church!
I think this week i am gonna have the opportunity to talk with a couple of the teens here about stuff that is going on in their lives, so pray that 1)i can understand what they're saying! 2) i can communicate to them what God Word says about their sittuation and 3) that im sensetive to the Holy Spirit cuz without that, anything that i say is pointless!
well, i have another long week ahead of me but its filled with opportunities! I can so joyfully say that God has been revealing His love to me and its so incredible to open my eyes and realize how ACTIVE He is! When i read His Word, He reminds me that those promises arent just for people who lived 2000 years ago, they're for me, for this very day that i am living! Hallelujah! Father, you are so worthy of all the praise that i have ever recieved or given and soo much more! Nothing compares to knowing Jesus Christ as my Savior!
Until Next Time,
jo
Sunday, February 28, 2010
One Month Already?
hey guys!
well, its officially been over a month now and I can say that it has prolly been the quickest, the longest, the most challenging, and the most eye-opening month of my life! and i still have 5 more to go! (only 3 more of school though! yay!)
This week has stayed pretty busy. Bill left on sunday for his job, we are getting a new tile floor in the Grupo CEO building, i played basketball for an hour with the pre-teens on friday night, and i had a sleepover at Gessica's house (the one who had the party i danced in) and Leninha was there too. I stayed from friday to 5 on saturday and we had a really good time. i hadnt been forced to speak that much portuguese before! it was a little bit frustrating but it was good for me though. = ) I really have picked up a lot of the language in just this short month and i owe it all to the One who created languages in the first place!
Tomorrow our mid-quarter tests start at school so that means on top of regular homework, we have a test every day. It will be challenging but the school has said that as long as i try my hardest and show an interest in my classes, the tests will not weigh as heavily on my grade. What they really want to see is me interacting with the other students so thats what im gonna try and do! I've started playing 3 on 3 basketball with two of the guys in my class during our break time. Its a lot of fun even though im pretty sure im the only one who actually knows the rules!
I want to thank everyone again for all of the encouragement you give me through facebook messages, comments, and prayers! God really uses them to lift my Spirit! please pray for my sanity this week as i deal with tests and the little day-to-day surprises. I'll write again soon!
Until Next Time,
Jo
well, its officially been over a month now and I can say that it has prolly been the quickest, the longest, the most challenging, and the most eye-opening month of my life! and i still have 5 more to go! (only 3 more of school though! yay!)
This week has stayed pretty busy. Bill left on sunday for his job, we are getting a new tile floor in the Grupo CEO building, i played basketball for an hour with the pre-teens on friday night, and i had a sleepover at Gessica's house (the one who had the party i danced in) and Leninha was there too. I stayed from friday to 5 on saturday and we had a really good time. i hadnt been forced to speak that much portuguese before! it was a little bit frustrating but it was good for me though. = ) I really have picked up a lot of the language in just this short month and i owe it all to the One who created languages in the first place!
Tomorrow our mid-quarter tests start at school so that means on top of regular homework, we have a test every day. It will be challenging but the school has said that as long as i try my hardest and show an interest in my classes, the tests will not weigh as heavily on my grade. What they really want to see is me interacting with the other students so thats what im gonna try and do! I've started playing 3 on 3 basketball with two of the guys in my class during our break time. Its a lot of fun even though im pretty sure im the only one who actually knows the rules!
I want to thank everyone again for all of the encouragement you give me through facebook messages, comments, and prayers! God really uses them to lift my Spirit! please pray for my sanity this week as i deal with tests and the little day-to-day surprises. I'll write again soon!
Until Next Time,
Jo
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Well, hi!
Goodness, i havent blogged in a while, have i? We just got back from a wonderful vacation to the beach for Carnaval! it was beautiful! God really never ceases to amaze me with His creation! It was nice to have a break from school too! my classes are still pretty tough but getting easier. im slowly picking up more of the language and now i have a better understanding of how school is run down here which makes me more comfortable.
This morning we had a baptism and 10 people testified to their faith in Jesus Christ! Stuff like that is just a blessing to wittness, isnt it? Other than that, things in the community have been normal. Keep praying for the passion in the hearts of the people of the church, ESPECIALLY the teens! They are the future leaders of this community and it is so obvious how the younger kids want to look up to them and imitate them! They have soo much potential to serve!
Bill is getting ready to leave tomorrow for another 28 days at his job. Please pray for safety for him while he is away and strenght for Erika and the rest of the family.
Well, i didnt really write much for not blogging in so long, but the main thing is that, even though i still miss home a ton, im so happy to be here. Its great to wake up every morning and be so certain that you are in the will of your Father! And its that kind of peace and joy that i want to share to everyone reading this and everyone i come into contact with here!
I'll try to update you more frequently, but thats all for now!
Until Next Time,
Jordan
This morning we had a baptism and 10 people testified to their faith in Jesus Christ! Stuff like that is just a blessing to wittness, isnt it? Other than that, things in the community have been normal. Keep praying for the passion in the hearts of the people of the church, ESPECIALLY the teens! They are the future leaders of this community and it is so obvious how the younger kids want to look up to them and imitate them! They have soo much potential to serve!
Bill is getting ready to leave tomorrow for another 28 days at his job. Please pray for safety for him while he is away and strenght for Erika and the rest of the family.
Well, i didnt really write much for not blogging in so long, but the main thing is that, even though i still miss home a ton, im so happy to be here. Its great to wake up every morning and be so certain that you are in the will of your Father! And its that kind of peace and joy that i want to share to everyone reading this and everyone i come into contact with here!
I'll try to update you more frequently, but thats all for now!
Until Next Time,
Jordan
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Into Another Week
well, i can tell you for sure that even though i get to have school in a nice, sunny, warm place, i still do not enjoy it one bit. lol the classes are hard enough in enlish so this portuguese thing is just the icing on the cake that i could do without eating. i will say my portuguese is getting better though and i can understand more when i listen to people speak. being taught thing is another story though! please keep praying for my understanding, especially of the math and chemistry!
We had a good service at grupo CEO last night! bill gave a solid message and as we sang at the end he asked for anyone who needed restoration in their life, whether it be through salvation, forgiveness, repentance, or anything like that, to come to the front as a testimony to the change they wanted to make and i praise God in saying that at least 3 women from the community did so! also, one of the teens went up to Bill afterwards and said he wanted to go up, but was embarrased because no other teen did. i hope throught the time i am here i can see God transform this community into a body of believers who is supportive of one another in things like that, and no one will feel ashamed.. apathy is also a problem here, especially with the teens! pray that God lights a fire in their hearts and can not be extinguished and that they can experience the joy that only comes with being in harmony with His will!
i'll keep you updated on the work He is doing! until then, i praise Him for what He has already done!
Until Next Time,
Jordan
We had a good service at grupo CEO last night! bill gave a solid message and as we sang at the end he asked for anyone who needed restoration in their life, whether it be through salvation, forgiveness, repentance, or anything like that, to come to the front as a testimony to the change they wanted to make and i praise God in saying that at least 3 women from the community did so! also, one of the teens went up to Bill afterwards and said he wanted to go up, but was embarrased because no other teen did. i hope throught the time i am here i can see God transform this community into a body of believers who is supportive of one another in things like that, and no one will feel ashamed.. apathy is also a problem here, especially with the teens! pray that God lights a fire in their hearts and can not be extinguished and that they can experience the joy that only comes with being in harmony with His will!
i'll keep you updated on the work He is doing! until then, i praise Him for what He has already done!
Until Next Time,
Jordan
Friday, January 29, 2010
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
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
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
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
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
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