We are winding down our time here in Brazil. Today was the last day to visit schools. We went to one school this morning and Stefan, Brittney E., and Andy did a spectacular job sharing about their Christian walk with the children. It was sad to leave knowing it was our last school to visit, but at the same time it was rewarding to think about the hundreds of people we were able to interact with this week!
There are no words that I can write to summarize the experience that we have had over this past week. We have interacted with so many children and young adults over the course of our trip. There is no way for us to know how many lives were actually impacted after our departure, but if one life was won for the Lord than our trip was more than worth it! And I know that this experience has changed the hearts of each member of this group. If nothing else was accomplished throughout the week, I still feel like God called each of us on this trip for a purpose and that our lives are forever changed. It has been great to watch each person grow in their faith throughout the week as we visited different areas of Rio and as they each had the courage to share their testimonies with a group of children. I have truly enjoyed getting to know each person on a new level. I am so grateful for the opportunity that B-dub presented me with to be a part of this wonderful group of people. Our trip to Rio has been incredibly rewarding and humbling. My hopes and prayers are that we are able to carry this experience over into our everyday lives after arriving home. My challenge for myself, as well as my teammates is to continue to know how very blessed we are and to not take anything for granted.
Being here in Brazil with B-dub, Tony, and all of the other team members brings me back to one of my first visits to Belmont and a meeting I had with B-dub. After meeting with her and discussing the possibility of me being able to be a part of one of the mission trips someday helped make my decision to choose Belmont so much easier. I knew then that God had planned for me to attend Belmont and that this was the place I wanted to be. Once again, I thank God for a wonderful college experience and for bringing me to Belmont. I cannot think of a more positive way to conclude my four years at Belmont University.
Thanks again for the many thoughts and prayers. I just ask that you all remember us as we travel home tomorrow and we will see you all soon!!
Brooke