If at first you don't succeed...

We have encountered some bumps on the road to Brazil, imagine that, who would have thought that would be a bumpy road. We recently found out that we were denied Visas. But all is not lost and we will continue our efforts to get into Brazil. I could expound on my thoughts and feelings about the situation, but Greg has already written a blog sharing that and I know many people are reading both of our blogs, so, if you haven't read his blog, please do so (you will see a link to his blog "Greg's Blog" on the left side of this blog page).
After meeting with Craig and Leslee Altrock, the LST staff members that are helping us, and much fervent prayer, we feel confident that our next step should be applying for a tourist visa to Brazil. Although initially this doesn't allow us a year in the country, there is hope that once we get there, we could get permission to stay a year. We will continue to pray for God to be at work in the situation and that we will be aware of His will for us and submit in obedience.
Meanwhile, we are hanging out in Arlington, TX. It is really a blessing to have so much time with the Gibbons and the LST headquarters are conveniently close-by while we continue on the visa process. Greg is working full-time and I am occupying myself in a large varieties of ways. I am constantly looking for ways to serve those around me and volunteering whenever possible. So, if you know of anything that needs doing, let me know.

Although I try to live my life in the center of God's will, I still have a lot to learn about trusting Him. These verses from James 4 are on my mind a lot lately.
13Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." 14Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." 16As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil.
I think we have been good about saying "If it is the Lord's will" but we can take this experience as a way to grow in our trust in Him!