Hello-Goodbye

Rachel here, just back from a family road trip with blow pops. these happen to be flavored pink lemonade.

I have really enjoyed my time back in Indiana. I returned from Brasil right before Christmas, mostly because my Dad’s health was poor, and my sister got married. Or that is what i said. truly, i came back because some things needed to change in me and different situations, and i didn’t know how to do it. But God has done it.

My father had a heart attack during my time at home, but is doing much better with a stint in his heart. My sister celebrated her wedding with a reception that couldn’t have gone better, and things that needed to change have. I am returning to Brasil next week with a new desire and outlook.

While i have loved teaching English at the International school, i am now going to be focusing on working with the Living Stones program–a program to serve the poorest children in the community, working with the church and government. I am going to learn and watch and love and play and learn some more. And then maybe i will know the next step.

I will (Lord willing) be returning this Christmas, and then praying about direction from there. During my stay in Brasil, i will be working with Living stones from 7am-4pm for four days a week, and then teaching English at the school the other day. Evenings from 6-10 i attend class at a local university. Because of this busy schedule, you probably won’t see many posts from me until next year.

I have enjoyed writing/posting for Servant Senders, mostly because it has been a good excuse to get to know the other missionaries. I encourage you to do the same (mostly through facebook).

And one last note…thank you, everyone from Horizon Central. A couple years ago i was in Brasil and received a phone call that our pastor had left our church. While no one was at fault, i felt orphaned. Coming home to the USA without a church wasn’t coming home to the same home at all. My family struggled in the “church search” mode for awhile, and then i received another phone call while in Brasil, saying they found it…they found home. While i was only in the USA a couple months last year, you guys adopted me and accepted me. And i will never forget that. I have enjoyed getting to know you all better this year, and will miss you while i am gone.

I have found, through experience, that you cannot truely leave until you truely belong. now that i have somewhere i really belong, i feel ready and equipped to leave. and that is a great gift: thank you.

God bless you all, and feel free to check out my weblog: www.xanga.com/rwinzeler