She said yes!

As soon as I flew in from Portland yesterday I headed straight for College Station, 4 hours away, to ask Cori's parents for their blessing. In talking to my friends up north and them trying to get me ready to talk to her parents I was set up to face the worst. However, when I got to College Station, her parents already basically knew what was coming but we sat down and i gave them my shpeel and the said i had their blessing. It was so much easier and not as stressful as I had expected. I expected a lot. They gave me a Dr. Pepper and I hit the road for another 4 hours.

Tonight we went to The Cheesecake Factory for dinner had a great meal and some killer cheese cake. She asked what else I had planned but I really didn't let her know. We went to downtown Ft. Worth to a parking garage that I always used to visit her on her lunches where we always parked for dates and one for one date that gave us hope when we hit a bump in our relationship and I thought it would make for a good setting for the picture. It was extremely cold but we took our jackets off for the pictures. I took a few with the timer and played around till I got it around where I wanted it. For this picture, I had the ring already in my back pocket, I waited for the timer light to get to the last 2 seconds I said "oh wait" and looked at the camera to distract her. knelt down and asked her as the flash went off. She was so surprised and she said yes.

I know early early on in this relationship that this was the girl that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. I thank God for putting such a beautiful, strong, loving, Godly woman in my life. I'm blessed more than any man on this world and cant wait for the wedding. Thanks to everyone who has supported and loved us through these past wonderful 3 years.

Day 10

Today was AMAZING!!! For one reason and one reason only but I will get to that in a second so hold on. I woke up on time, got out of the house on time and arrived on time. We loaded the bus and said our good-byes and I was very sad. Me and my host mom had a very good talk about relationships, she is so great. The bus ride to the beach was extremely long but beautiful. After 3 hours we finally arrived at the grey cloudy beautiful playa. We checked in had lunch on the beach with some friends under some palm trees with sand in our toes. I went with Lance and Taylor to by some speedos. The best thing about today was the three of us swam in the Freakin Atlantic Ocean in our speedos. We hung out for hours in nothing but speedos. I felt so Liberated and free. Kind of like a child.  It was so awesome. Cole took a ton of pictures with my camera and they will be on face book with in a matter of days. Some of the day was spent shopping. I almost spent all my money but that's besides the point we ended up back on the beach in our speedos and hung out for two more hours waiting for our meeting time. We all met in the restaurant in the hotel and shared some encouraging words shared our experiences and prayed. Now I'm sitting in the lobby with Cole hanging out. we are planning to get up early and go to the beach. We'll see how that goes.

Everything went very well, better then I could have asked for. Pray for safe travels tomorrow and I'll be glad to share more in depth my time here with anyone just give me a call or lets go spend some time together. Open Invitation.

Love you all.

Day 9

Today i had the chance to sleep in. It was great. I intended on sleeping until 10:30 but I woke up at 11:30 with just enough time to get ready and get to the chuhasqueria. I ate so much red meat it wasn't funny. If you have never been to one I recomend it. The only one I know of is Texas de Brazil and I've never eatin it, but go now. Afterwards we went to the mall to go shoopping. I bought a speedo. I'm pretty excited. Afterwards we went to an old book store and I bought three old books in portugese for my book collection im trying to start. We headed to some street vendors but they were closing up so we just went back to my host families house from last year. Ben was feeling like crap the whole time when we got back from shopping he was running a 102 degree temperature so we left for the party and he left for the hospital. From what I know he is doing good. The Brazilians through us a party at the salooaehdffn(aojk). they food was from an arabian place... it was ok. we played some games shared some encouraging words and i got to tell the tale of "The Green Mountain Killer" it was hilarious. later we said our good byes and headed home. that really it. today was long but at the same time it wasnt packed. It was very nice. We are headed off to the beach tomorrow. Keep praying for us.

Day 8

Once again, late. It wasn't bad though. Today was the second and final day of VBS. There was an intense drama about Jesus and his final days. After we went out for our group time made bracelets and had some heart to hearts the best we could with 6-11 year olds.  Our group headed in for the largest game of musical chairs I had ever seen in my life. We all danced some crazy american dances and played some fun games. Later we had a lunch for everyone in the yard.

After the VBS was finished we said our good-byes and told them to come back at 6 with their families for a service. In between the time after the VBS and practice for the service at 4 we went out for ice cream. Oh it was so good.

... I'll update later tonight is tough. everything went good though. Had a lot of fun.

Day 7

15 minutes late in Brazil isn't late at all. I'm doing better. Today was the first day of VBS we had a ton of the kids from Sao Camillo. We started off with breakfast and had a lesson afterwards on Adam and Eve. Later we got into groups and had a coloring time, we talked to the kids told them about America, and I took a ton of pictures. Then came the best part of the day, Soccer time. we played a ton of soccer on a muddy soccer field. Those kids are incredible at soccer and the will definitely teach you humility. The rest of the time with the kids was spent eating and playing Simon says and a huge relay race. One of the stations of the relay race was to get your picture taken making a funny face so I got the privilege of taking all those pictures. I got some that are hilarious.

After the VBS ended it came time to take the kiddos home. My group had about 6 kids and headed to Sao Camillo. The slum was busy with people today. We past by a group of younger guys smoking some weed again, it wasnt the only time today.  We pass by them quickly and headed to the houses of the kids. As we dropped them off we talked to the parents to let them know about tomorrow and the dinner we are having and told them how good of kids they had, and for the most part they all were. after we dropped off our last kid we started to head out we where getting around one of the last corners and on the corner adjacent to us there where some big booms. They lit about 6 big fire crackers, not directed to us. Our translator was telling us that when they do that its for either of two reasons. One, the police where coming, two, drugs had just been brought into the slum. When I asked which was better for us she said neither one really, so we walked a little faster.

Once we got back we all headed off to our host homes to get ready for the house churches. We had plenty of time to kill so my host mom asked if I wanted to go with her to see her music school and also to get her cello from her moms. Her music school is so awesome. It's for little kids and adults. There are separate rooms specifically for drums, piano, cello, guitar and other things. She's been doing it for over 10 years now. Afterwards we went to her moms right across the street and i got to meet here mom dad sister and niece. They are a very sweet family.

We were supposed to go to our families house church but mine had theirs on Thursday so I went to another. They met up at the new Burger King. That place was bumpin and really nice. It was funny to think of the Burger King in Weatherford and compare it to this one. I got the triple and had some good fellowship. Afterwards we headed out to Alexendra's house were the college age group meets. We had some awesome conversation about what it takes to change the world. Our results afterwards turned out so simple. So much was said that I really took to heart.

I'm about done typing its getting late and we have another early morning. Keep praying, tomorrow is our last day in Sao Camillo and really the last day of going out to witness. Please pray we use our time wisely tomorrow.

God is good.

Day 6

ON TIME! It's hard to believe I know and I did it all myself. I had time for a shower and breakfast and showed up to the salon right on time. I'm loving the big gap in between arriving and waiting to leave after lunch. It's a time basically for fellowship and preparing our hearts and minds for when we hit the streets and witness. Today went a whole lot different then the others. We spent a lot more time reading and in prayer we goofed around a little while the brazilians were teaching us some dance moves that go to a son but other than that it was a lot of studying. Randy shared an awesome verse today that really stuck with me today because we were going in to the rough part of Sao Camillo to tell the kids about tomorrow and Sunday's VBS. It was Psalm 31 and in it David is asking for protection. Asking the Lord to be his rock of protection to be a fortress where he'll be safe and it goes on it's pretty long. You should read it, it's a good chapter.

So Sao Camillo. Where exactly do I start... Maybe I'll start at the point when we where beginning our walk to the hill when we didn't even get 100 yards from the salon. As we started up the road a few police men drove by and got out of their car in front of a house and told us to turn around and head back in. We were all so confused, turns out the the police were making an arrest in Sao Camillo and when they do everyone there spread like ants so they block the streets to make sure no one gets out. Ma and Cathy I know ya'll are loving this already, but wait it gets better. so we headed back to the salon and we got into a huge circle and began to pray. For Sao Camillo and the Brazilians they mentioned how they don't do as much outreach as they should with that neighborhood and we prayed like crazy. all this prayer really got us going and ready to get back out when the police gave us the ok. Ya we went in still, told you you'd love it. we had a list of kids who we went to talk to. These kids are part of the churches project where they come every Saturday to eat and play and be in a nice safe environment. We found the first house and they invited us in. We sat with them and told them about tomorrow and asked if we could pray with them. They were a very sweet and kind family. As we went to find the next house we past by a group of guys in a little corner in the steps one guy had a walkie talkie and was talking to someone about us it was kinda scary. We later passed by another group of guys very closely and the were smoking some weed. The smell filled the area we were in so we kept walking we didn't really want to catch a contact high on a mission trip. We ended up only talking to three families because we ran out of time we did get the chance to pray with them all so that was good and all their kids are going to be at the salon tomorrow.

After all this we headed back to the salon had a snack and heard a message from the head pastor. He spoke about the church and how it's suposed to be. a great message for Cole and I considering we want to start a house church in Denton. I would be more elaberate but it would take a lot of typing, I'll save it for another day. Right after all us guys Americans and Brazilians were ready to go play soccer. We finally got to actually play. We hadn't had a chance yet becasue it's been so wet and rainy.

We went to the court by my host home from last year. We didn't play America vs. Brazil this time we just mixed people up two teams of 5  and we played till 7 minutes or the first team to get 2 goals. Let's just say my team played four games in a row. It was such a blast. later on during another game I was blocking Taylor and my toe made contact with his shin mid kick. It might be broken but it may also just be really sore, I'm hoping for sore. We ended up playing for an hour and a half and it was funny because the neighborhood watch remembered us from last year.

Victor dropped me off at my condo and I had a nice light lunch with the folks. They are so awesome they honestly make me so jealous. I want what they have so stinkin bad. Just the contentment that they have and love that they have in their voice when they talk to each other. One day.  Anyways I'm blessed to be here and thank the Lord we were kept safe today. I don't believe we are going to Sao Camillo tomorrow but we are Sunday. Things are always changing though so we will see. Keep praying for us and if you're reading these thanks for reading I hope I'm capturing my experiences here well enough for you.

Anyone want to put money on wether I'll be late or on time tomorrow morning?

Love the Lord, all you godly ones! For the Lord protects those who are loyal to him, but he harshly punishes the arrogant. So be strong and corageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord.

Psalm 31:23-24

Day 5

Wouldn't you know it, another late start for Cash and me. I woke up to our host families 2 year old yelling something in Portuguese. I looked at my watch and it was 9:30 the time we needed to be at the salon. I'm not gonna lie I actually closed my eyes and went back to sleep. I woke up a few minutes later, headed to the living room where Cash was sleeping and he was dead asleep I shook him like crazy he finally woke up. Cash was feeling like crap last night and this morning he was feeling even worse. He had a fever and sounded horrible. To be safe they called Caleb and one of the church leaders and they wanted Cash to go to the hospital and get checked out, considering that swine flu is kind of a big deal right now. We didn't see Cash till a while after lunch. 

My host mom dropped me off at the salon at about 10:30 and we all spent a few hours hanging out reading our bibles and praying. Lunch again was incredible, especially because non of us ate breakfast because of the fasting. We all had been praying for safety and our time came to head off to Sao Camillo. We piled into the cars and went up the road a ways. On the way there they told us that we weren't headed to the slum part of Sao Camillo, that is the hill side that is extremely poor and ran by the drug lord, we were headed to the neighborhood below that was a lot more safe to walk around. So my crew and I started walking down the street ready to tell the world.

The first house we came to we talked to a man who believed in God but couldnt really grasp the idea of having a relationship with Jesus. He gave us his time so we gave him all we could we really left him thinking, which to me is a whole lot better then him completely blowing us off. we had so many groups in that neighborhood it was kinda hard to find people that haven't been talked to yet. We saw some kids down the road so we went and talked to them. It started with one and ended up being 6 once we started handing out bracelets, it's funny how that always seems to happen. I was telling them the story of Jesus and how it started with God and man and they were happy man sinned Jesus came you know the rest. It held there attention and some of them fully got it some didn't but since we were in the neighborhood below the drug lord I felt like I had to leave them with something more. It was a thing where I knew I was never gonna see them again so you try to tell them so much at once. Everything about making good decisions keeping away from drugs and making something of their life's. I'm really hoping that it would be one of those memories as a kid you just don't forget. We also gave them some really sour candy and watched them eat it, if anything when they eat something sour it will hopefully remind them of us.

We talked to another man and he gave us all his attention which was crazy, he also was one of the first people we have talked to that wasn't standing behind their gate. We told him the story of Jesus gave him a bracelet and a lot to think about. Lance really knows how to leave people with a lot to chew on. I'm very happy and blessed to have Lance in my group. He is so on fire for God and always has the right thing to say, when I get into a bind with my words he is always there to help. We managed to talk to one more guy. It basically went the same as the other man, we left him a lot to think about. We managed to only talk to a group of kids and three men. Today was strange though all three of those men gave us the time of day, listened intently and when we left they weren't glad we were walking away the stood there thinking hard and you could tell. I pray that they saw the love that we had in our wards and our concerns and I pray they saw a part of Jesus in us. At 4 we had a production thing in a near by park. We did our drum line, a few of our skits and witnessed to the people that came and watched. It went very well.

I have eaten so much tonight. Let me rephrase that, I've been eating so much these past 5 days. We don not stop eating here. When we got back from Sao Camillo they had a ton of corn on the cob waiting for us at the salon. when I saw it I was excited, until I took a bite out of it. It was tough and dry and I'm not sure it was cooked all the way but I ate it anyways because I didn't want to be rude. My host family picked me up and took me to get some more food. We went to this cafe in the mall that had a huge menu of sandwiches soups desserts and a ton of different coffees. I got a chicken pesto sandwich on a baget and it filled me up. I wasn't even really hungry but I of course finished it. I can't let food go to waste. After wards we picked up Kaylan, Paula and our translator Gabriella and headed to this little ladies house named Maria Jose. She does all the cooking at the salon for us. Wouldn't you know it we ate more at her house. She made the weird hot dogs and mashed potatoes I talked about a few days ago. 

at her house she invited her neighbors there friends and her family. We all sat around and the three of us Americans had a chance to share with them about whatever we felt like. I talked about how I try to show the love of Christ in all I do and how we all should. they asked me questions about me and my life. Kaylan and Paula had the chance to do the same. It was a lot of fun.

Thats really about it. Today was very eventful. However, tomorrow should be extremely interesting. we are walking kids home after a vbs we are doing to the rough part of Sao Camillo. We are all going to wear our Brazil Mission shirts so they know we are all together and don't panic when the see a bunch of strange Americans. Keep us in your prayers please. I'll update tomorrow.

God is Love and Love is REAL.

Day 4

It stormed all last night, you really hear the thunder when your on the 15th floor of an apartment complex. This morning we woke up on time took our showers on time and got out of the house on time. We started off a whole lot different then we have the past 2 days.  We spent a lot of time at the salom playing soccer reading praying having a good time. After lunch we headed of to the same neighborhood we were in yesterday to invite some kids to the meeting house because we were putting on another production but for kids. Lance our translator and I only had one hour to invite some kids but we spent a lot of it witnessing to people.
5 o' clock rolled around and we started our thing for the kids we ended up getting some where around 25 to 30 kids to come, it was awesome. The Brazilians did some funny skits we did some fun dances and in doing so we were all sharing the word of Jesus and mainly just loving on these kids. at the end we were handing out bracelets, doing face paint. all those kids were having a blast.
There was a man that lance and I talked to today that was really stand offish and plainly said he was catholic and stood aside as we wold some others about Christ, well later on he showed up and stood across the street the during our little production. Afterwards one of the pastors went over and was talking to him. I'm not sure of the outcome but I was happy to see him there looking for something.
We headed back to the salom afterwards had dinner played some more soccer and had a little service. They had one of the elders speak and he had a good message. How we don't need to worry about little things, if we used all our mind and soul and were concerned of the kingdom of God then the rest will be given.
This made me think of the things that I'm worried about especially some recent things that kind of bog me down but if I stop worrying about those things and concentrate on the spreading the word of God and furthering his Kingdom things will work out. It's gonna be tough but it's possible. Prayer is key. I wish a lot of people close to me were here with me to witness the things that i have been and also learn some good lessons that I have. More reason for me to share fully when I get back.
Please pray for us tomorrow we are going to Sao Camillo, this is the slum watched by a drug lord. we shouldn't have problems because they know we are coming with their kids and that we aren't just a bunch of strangers wondering there territory (so chill Ma, and Cathy if your reading this we will be ok). We are all fasting tomorrow morning and we will all be definitely praying about Sao Camillo. Thank you for all your prayers.

Also my host mom was telling me just a little bit ago that a man we lead to Christ last summer has been doing really good. He changed his whole life relized the work he was doing wasn't glorifying God so he started doing something else. Him and his wife had a baby and they are doing really good. something exciting thought i would share.

Day 3

Today like the others so far has flown by so quick even though they have been packed. Cash woke me up at 8:55 when we meant to wake up at 8 so we could both shower and eat and be at the salon at 9:30. We ended up just eating breakfast at 9:30 and got to the salon at 10:10. Something I learned last year is that when they give you a time it's really just to say be here somewhere around this time, so when we woke up late I know we should be ok.
When we got to the salon all the Americans and Brazilians where there we practiced our skits and stomp routines. After we finished up we separated and went on a prayer walk. This was my first time to do one and who better to be with then Lance, Cash, Hannah, and Kaylen We walked a few blocks praying to our selves and then all together once we reached a corner with some room. I never really never knew what I thought of prayer walking until today and to be honest I really enjoyed it. It's a great way to publicly display that we are here and doing something (sounds vague but I think it makes sense).
We left for a neighborhood, I wouldn't necessarily call it a slum mainly because it had some nicer houses and a lot of construction. We gathered at the church home that they was being started in that neighborhood prayed, got together with our translators and headed off to tell some Brazilians some Good News. Lance, Paula, our translator, 2 Brazilians and I went door to door and began to witness to people. we ran into a lot of kids we gave them some candy soccer ball key chains and some little bracelets that told the story of Christ by colors. we ran into a lot of adults to some who knew Christ as their savior some that knew of him but weren't to sure. we took our time with all of them and lead some to Christ gave some hope and others something as simple as a smile and candy. I'm glad I had the team we did.
we had an interesting dinner strange looking hot dogs with mash potatoes and thin crunchy french fries, it was good but extremely different. after dinner we sat around taking goodfy pictures waiting for 7 o'clock. At 7 we were putting on a little show where we did some dramas stomp routines and shared some testomonies. this was very good even though it rained for part of it. Some more people where led to Christ tonight.
I realized a few things today 1, We need to be bold when sharing the word of God. This my be the only chance for the people we contact to see any kind of Jesus and if we are to embarrassed to go say something then why are we here. Secondly I realized this host family I have are the perfect example of what I want to be someday as a married couple. They are so God loving and are prime examples of what it means to share the love Christ. Everything that they do is for the lord. The way they talk to each other the way the talk about the other when they aren't around even they way they look at each other. For being married to each other for over 15 years and from when I met them yesterday thinking they were somewhat newlyweds It's exactly what I want someday.
I feel like i have writen a lot tonight. Keep praying for the hearts of the people here and for safety for all of us. Also pray that Someday I can share a love like these 2 people. It's a beautiful thing.

As I was waiting for cahs to get down on the interent so I could put up my post he started choking. He couldn't breath I told him to drink some jusice he took a sip and shot it out of his mouth. It was funny and he is still alive.

Day 2

We got off the plane and headed for immigration and costums. Everyone got through and all our bags made it no problem. We met up with Diarson, one of the translators and main guys of the church, changed our money and got on a bus for a good hour and a half ride. Yay for more sitting. When we arrived at Jundiai we unloaded and the bus at one of the host homes and we waited for our families to get there. I got to see a lot of the people from last year as they came to pick up some of us. A nice man named Edwardo came to pick up me and Cash. Diarson made a joke that he only spoke Japenese and I was kinda worried because he did look Japanese. He worned us that his english wasnt very good but praise the Lord he spoke spanish. I have been talking Spanish non-stop since we have been here.
Cash and I got to our Apartment and met Edwardo's wife and house keeper. we had some strogenough and salad, it was stinking incredible. there 2 and half woke up and we played fifteen races in Wii Marion Cart. I was passing out on the couch and they asked if we wanted to take a nap. Cash and I laid down and were out.
We woke up late and headed to the Saloon, that's what they call their meeting building considering they have house churches, and we gathered shared some things that have been happening since last time and headed home.
At dinner we had fondu and Cash and I shared with our host family what are home lifes were like growing up. They got a lot more from the both of us then they intended I think. I enjoyed sharing though.
Keep us in your prayers and please pray that we will reach the lost and not only that we can give them hope but that we can show them Christ love and how to live life to glorify God. Also, for me specificly please pray for some comfort in my heart and for some situations back home to be resolved for the glory of God.
Praise the Lord for showing me how to trust him whole heartedly.