Top Tens - Northern Brazil

Ten Eighteen Things I Loved/Appreciated

1. Blue-black butterflies - there was always one flying around wherever we were, so beautiful, but we could never capture it on camera.

2. Mangoes!!

3. Mascachera with margarine - I don't know how to spell it but it is pronounced that way, a root vegetable like yam, yummy!

4. Fresh coconut juice!

5. Acai drink, pure, no sugar or farina added

6. Acai and tapioca ice cream, aka parasense

7. Tapioca pancake

8. The way Brazilians boiled/served their rice, with carrots.

9. Clean water to shower/wash with and electric fans to dry my hair.

10. Rain

11. Jumping and running into the river, and swimming against the current.

12. Hammock with a mosquito net

13. Socks and long-sleeve shirts

14. Finding strength to persevere in love for God :-).

15. Brazilian friends - kind, funny, fun, generous, loving.

16. Milk

17. Seeing God's presence in the communities.

18. Learning to walk daily/constantly sensitive to the promptings and wisdom of the Holy Spirit.

** Hahah, noticed that almost half of these listed are edible!! ;-)

  

Ten Eleven Things I Missed/Disliked
1. I missed milk - after not having access to a glass of milk for breakfast most times during the two months, I surprisingly noticed a huge change in me. I was always sluggish, at times cranky. Milk as a drink or part of my meal fires me up as much as coffee drinkers need theirs.
2. Disliked the mosquitoes - relentless, plentiful and painful there than most places I've visited.
3. Disliked the wasp sting I had on my left ankle.
4. Disliked the injection I received on my butt because of complications from the wasp sting.
5. Hated the way my body/skin/immunity reacted strongly to the environment and climate there. I went to Brazil thinking I'd finish my topical and oral medications there, but instead left with more than double the amount to take with me to Hawaii. :-(((
6. Disliked the unfashionable "cover-up" I had to wear just to protect myself from insects that bit/itched, DAY AND NIGHT, but at the same time I saw the funny side while I tried to stay impossibly sweat-free inside them!
7. Missed swimming in clean and warm saltwater.
8. Missed wearing comfortably less clothes.
9. Missed family and friends.
10. Missed clean, soft, tucked, minimum 1000 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets.
11. Missed a nice long bath.
** Noticed that if not for the health concerns, I would have had a more restful and fun time. Thankfully the adventures learning from God made this trip unforgettable and awesome.

Ten Wishes/Prayers
1. For God's armour to always cover me and family, with hedge of protection with the blood of Jesus (not literal for those who don't understand!).
2. For my team (seasonal and longterm) that will grow/shepherd/mentor me to pursue (our) God ordained visions and keep me accountable.
3. To apply God's love and loving discipline in my daily life and interactions. Always focused on God, getting to know His character more.
4. For my family to each have a personal relationship with Christ.
5. To always be obedient and dependent to God as His little child. 
6. Clarity in directions for my training - praying into where God wants me to be located for long-term/continuous mission, which organisation to connect with, which skills/courses to learn in preparation, theological foundation, etc.
7. God's blessing for me to have my own family and children.
8. To be a better swimmer... or singer.... or both. ;-)
9. Thank you God for healing and strength.
10. For wisdom and discernment, so (ad)ventures will be successful. That opportunities keeps coming and presenting itself; and that I respond rightly/appropriately, by taking them on, or saying no.

Ten Material/Resources Wish List  (with mission to unreach nations in mind)
1. Osprey 75L travelpack, customised to my back.
2. Ipad or tablet - for ease during short-term travels.
3. Dual-sim phablet/phoblet.... you know which one I'm talking about.
4. Big Agnes(?) lightweight 3-4 seasons tent.
5. Lightweight and waterproof winter jacket and hiking pants.
6. Northface waterproof duffel bag that can turn into a backpack.
7. 
8. 
9. GoPro or similar, to capture moments to share with people, and for however God wants me to use it (I was strongly prompted to buy it before outreach to Brazil, but did not obey thinking others in my team had one, we didn't have one, so I don't know still how I'm meant to use it....)
10. Canon DSLR lenses, tripod, and equipment for lighting and studio photography (a whim).

Days of Nothing

As part of my steps into becoming a full-time missionary, God sent me to Big Island Hawaii, and confirmed it by giving the same scripture to my spiritual mentor. Logically there were a lot of reasons why I should have gone elsewhere and done something else. But obedience meant following God's plans and promptings, with trust and faith, instead of my own.

So I left, open to being away for 6 months or more, but still convinced I was going home after. Then during the second month I felt God's Holy Spirit reveal to me that I was meant to stay. Jesus was very clear in sending me into Kona, He will be very clear in sending me out!

I continued to immerse myself in the lessons, from the school and from the Triune God. There was a lot of faithful walk, obedience and wisdom teachings I had to go through. In retrospect, much of my growth I could pinpoint to walking/responding in His Spirit. A HUGE lesson!

I graduated from the discipleship training Friday last week. As of Saturday, I had been living without any plan from myself (except being open to leaving after one month if I did not get a clear direction from God). My days of "nothing" started. Living life open to God's plans, surrendering control to Him.

Used to specifically scheduling a meeting with myself to rest, a life of nothing felt idle and unnatural. I wavered slightly by losing my peace a couple of times. I wished for "fruitful work", usually when I discussed my lack of plan with others whom were trying to help or encourage me, ack!! But during those times I also declared my choice to trust and believe Him. God's love is so great He kept comforting me that He is faithful in His promises and reminded me:

• to lean hard on Jesus (Song of Solomon 8:5a)
• to partake in His plans for us (2 Peter 1:4)
• that He will give me shepherds after His own heart, who will lead me with knowledge and understanding (Jeremiah 3:15)
• that He will provide for me (2 Kings 25:28-30)

... I did not have to wait long for hope. Less than a day ago I had a conversation with someone where the tugs in my heart and my longterm interests are coinciding. What we discussed were still in thought process stage, so nothing was concrete. I'm content, happily being with God, my friends, fruitful in my rest, enjoying life and each day of nothing.

Get Comfortable

I feel refreshed. I want to share a story on how God thankfully made sure of that last night.

I arrived back in Kona four nights ago (Thursday) - tired from outreach, and fuzzy-headed from the flights. Aside from changes in diet, climate and lifestyle while in the Amazon region, I dealt with a lot of health issues and used most of my mental strength to power through two months of dealing with constant itches and insects that painfully bit.

Last night I attended our usual Monday ministry night. This time it was optional. As soon as I got there I felt God tell me, "get comfortable". I replied, "okay", sat down and leaned back with arms spread out. God then said, "get more comfortable", so I grabbed a free pillow and moved up next to the centre wall where there was space for me to lie down.

Worship started. I noticed my friend sitting next to me. She's in the midst of mourning for our friend we lost at sea. I assumed and asked God, "you want me to minister to her tonight?". He quickly replied, "no, I want you to get comfortable". God had both of our welfare in His hand. Last night He wanted me to spend quality time with Him, let him take care of me. So I laid back and settled into my time with God - praying, reflecting and singing; while sitting, kneeling, lying down or jumping on the spot.

Two hours passed. It felt less. I stepped out feeling relaxed, softly rejuvenated.

My friend offered a ride back to base, but I joined a group that wanted to walk and passed by a store where another friend treated me a nice acai, raspberries and mixed berries smoothie with tapioca pearls. Yum! As we chatted, walking, looking at the stars, enjoying the cool breeze, sharing some plans; I noticed a difference in my inward behaviour. I was refilled. Thank you God.

***************

This morning I woke up softly strong. I conversed with God, thanked Him for my restoration. I knew He did it because He is kickstarting me for something again. He knew I was willing and ready. I've been sitting quietly waiting on God to give me a plan after this week. Praising inwardly while having breakfast, I asked Him for more specifics today. I was still patient, understanding His timing, I just wanted some direction... or guidance... or confirmation... that I am still in His path for me.

I reached for my bible, read what my eyes laid on, and laughed happily, surprised! I read:

"But as for the cups we are entrusting to you for the service of the Temple of your God, deliver them all to the God of Jerusalem. If you need anything else for your God's Temple or for any similar needs, you may take it from the royal treasury." (Ezra 7:19-20 NLT).

I love God's comfort and assurances. I love that He provides all I need - people, resources, talents, refuge, abilities, etc. I know God is growing me into the responsibilities He will give me (what and where are those cups??). He will also be faithful, so I can trust my future in Him (where and how is the royal treasury??).