It's nearly 3 weeks until I leave for Brazil! The reality of it is starting to set in... I have lots of opportunities to think about it, as it comes up almost daily. Someone asks me where I am at in life. The conversation, without much variation, goes something like this:
So are you in college?
Yes, I just finished my fourth year at UNI, in elementary education. I will be student teaching in the fall, then I'll be done.
Oh, so what grades do you do?
Well, I'm certified to teach K-6, but I'll be working with first and second grade students.
Oh fun! And where are you doing that?
Brazil, actually.
OH! Wow! (Eyebrows shoot up) Well, what will be fun!
Yeah, I'm really excited!
How did you get signed up for that?
I've really wanted to live in an international setting for awhile, and originally I was thinking of going to England, but when some visa complications came up, I found out about this school in Brazil, and all these doors opened up. I'm really excited to see what God does!
Wow. So do you know Spanish?
Well, actually they speak Portugese, and no, I don't.
I really am getting excited, although I'm not sure it will feel real til either a)I board the plane b)I arrive in Brazil with all the other teachers c)I'm settling into my apartment d)I'm in my classroom... I don't know!
I've been battling some anxious thoughts along with this excitement. I'm realizing I need to trust in the one who has so clearly orchestrated this from the beginning. Trust him to provide all my needs and to prepare me for this adventure!
I'm so blessed by all the people who have been so supportive and excited for me as I share about this trip. I'm glad that I will not be going alone. Thanks for reading, and praying!
