In two days, I will be boarding a plane with my family of 5 to return to a land where we have each left a piece of our hearts, the fascinating and hospitable country of Brazil. Just 55 months ago, we left that land with our three precious gifts in tow holding 5 passports and wondering when we might be using them again. As we boarded that plane for the US, we could have never dreamed what a spectacular and messy work of redemption would unfold. Yet, day by day and month by month we've had a front row seat to a glorious unfolding that's really still just beginning.
Perhaps the jury is still out on who has had the most significant transformation thus far. Is it the three "not so little anymore" Brazilian Americans who are growing in character and in stature daily right before our eyes? Truth be told, it's probably their parents whom God lured into the furnace with those 6 beautiful little brown eyes. Never could we have dreamed what would be required of us to parent kids from such hard places and what was truly in our hearts that needed to brought into the piercing searchlight of His presence.
The past 55 months on the Potter's wheel have changed each one of us into different vessels than we were before we boarded that plane. There was much in each of us that needed to be refined before we could be used the purposes of this season. Now, after much waiting and praying, He has confirmed to us that it's time for the gospel to poured out of these reformed vessels into the hearts of those who will be waiting for us on the other side of the ocean. We join with Paul's sentiment in 2 Timothy 2:21 hoping to be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepare to do any good work."
This journey's two-fold purpose is to re-introduce our children to the land of their birth, and to prepare the way for other families from our church to join us on mission in Manaus, Brazil when we return together in August of this year, God-willing.
Please pray for safe travels, discerning parents, peaceful children and changed lives as we live out the love that is the gospel of Jesus Christ together.
How exciting! I will pray for you, the family and those God has chosen for the HAFBC family to share His Gospel with. May He direct your steps and give you eyes to see His vision for the people of Manaus, Brazil and how HAFBC fits in to His plan. I pray it will be a very special time for the children. What a precious gift you are giving them, in so many ways. Blessings! ~ continuing in prayer.
ReplyDeletePraying for you all, and anxious to hear any details you can share. I wish I could hear your adoption journey, as I want to understand more. My heart is wondering if too much foreknowledge would make us want to run from the call on our lives. Anyway, will be praying!
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