Brazil BBQ Fundraiser = MAJOR success!!!

Last Saturday, June 2nd, was my Brazil BBQ Fundraiser, 
and it went amazingly! It was super encouraging to see the variety of people who took the time out of their busy schedules to come hang out with me in support for my trip! We not only ate some good BBQ food (which was not totally figured out until late the night before/that morning), we were able to sample tons of delicious desserts from killer pies (Greg, you were right, people do like your pies) to Deanie's to die for Caramel Brownies, to some unique Brazilian gooey ball things that Diana made. 


Marvin had the place all squeaky clean, and right away he was ready to get it all set up with tables and chairs everywhere with the help of Austin.  Erin and Lord Gabriel (haha) were SUCH awesome decorators! Couldn't have done it better myself (: 


My friends are awesome. Period. 

{Me with some of my favorite men from The Corner House <3
Matt, Trevor, Greg, Luke, Aaron, & Peter}

 It was really great to have my mama and sibs down for the afternoon too! They were a great help, once Garrett decided he was maybe going to miss me while I am gone...I really appreciated all of their hard work during the prep and set up!

{from left: Garrett, Haley, Mom (Trina), Me, Gavin}

{Gavin and I being silly...these boys are growing up too fast!}

Having my mom's support means a lot to me. We have definitely had many challenges in our relationship, but God has really taught me how to love her more like Him, for who she is, not who she isn't. For a long time, I have had expectations of who and what my mom should be like. If there is one thing this past year has taught me, God puts people in my life just as they are for a purpose. He has a plan. I have been able to look back at the terrible times of our relationship and learn from it. I can see where I came from to where I am. And especially where she has come from to where she is. 

This song plays in my head as people ask me why I feel called to
pursue this ministry in Brazil:

"All this pain
I wonder if I’ll ever find my way

I wonder if my life could really change at all
All this earth

Could all that is lost ever be found

Could a garden come up from this ground at all

You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of us

All around
Hope is springing up from this old ground

Out of chaos life is being found in You"

Gungor, "Beautiful Things"

He without a doubt has taken the home that I grew up in and has used it for such good. When I was in a dark place, hating where I was, feeling hopeless, broken, used, undeserving, He stepped in and swept me off my feet. 

I Praise My God for intervening in my life. 

What is even cooler, is He is sending me to Brazil to share the Hope and Peace that He has placed in my life. 

Sunday I drove to Eugene to meet with Berean Baptist Church's missions board after sending them a support letter (thanks to Dan Euhus who was my connection!). I was able to share briefly about my Walk with the Lord, what the ministry is in Brazil, what my planned project is about, and what I hope to use this experience for later on in my life. I had mentioned not growing up in a Christian home, how God kinda just plucked me out like an apple off a tree. After they asked a few questions they offered to pray for me. Let's just say, I was crying when I stood and asked to hug each of them. To have people who hardly know me, just 20 minutes after meeting me, show so much support and love, it made my heart overflow into tears. Thinking about it now gets me teary eyed. (': I left Berean and got into my car. As I tried to drive out of the parking lot I just lost it, I was balling. I had no idea why, so of course I called Jade who couldn't understand a word I was saying, haha.

Needless to say, it was an amazing weekend.  I have been so overwhelmed with excitement, anticipation, and now the reality that I am going to Brazil for an entire summer to build relationships, love on the children and teens I will have the honor of meeting, and work alongside a team of people whose sole purpose is to bring Glory to God. This is my future. This is my life. I am going to Brazil in 18 days. 

Oh, I forgot to mention, my financial needs have been met. I get to book my ticket by the end of this week/beginning of next! EEEEEK!!! :D

** I want to thank each and everyone one of you who have supported me not only financially (which has been super important obviously) but with the kind words of encouragement, with time spent asking me about the ministry, and especially with prayers. I'm blessed to have each of you in my life and along side me through this journey!!!

<3