Always in my Heart

I kept a journal during my recent trip to Rio Branco, Brazil. The following are excerpts from that journal.

August 10, 2009. Noonish; Location: Somewhere over the jungle on a plane from Sao Paulo to Brasilia/Rio Branco.

"I was lucky enough to get a window seat on this stretch, and find myself mesmerized by the landscape. This country is so incredible. I must admit, I somewhat expected an 'Indiana Jones-esque' jungle everywhere- unfortunately I was wrong- it is only ALMOST everywhere. So beautiful from this altitude!

Ironically, as I see this beautiful sight, my heart and mind are with the men and women who serve in my country's military overseas. I feel a bit jealous of them and the sacrifices the get to make for the rest of us. What an honor it is to serve one's country in such a way.

In some ways I feel as though it is the same honor I feel to give up this week in service to God's Kingdom. Indeed, sacrifice is not a burden, but a badge of honor! What a privilege to spend an entire week completely laced with meaning and eternal purpose. This fact will haunt me when I am home, as it has so many times before. It is so hard to live everyday with meaning, so hard to stay focused on purpose in the midst of routine, but I get the feeling that finding the way to do that is truly the secret to happiness."

August 11, 2009 6:30pm; Location: Hotel room in Rio Branco, following a day of hard work, and powerful ministry.

"Imagine a world where time is NOT of the essence; where it is no waste to sit for hours on end in aimless interaction. Some perhaps imagine a nightmare, I imagine a dream come true. I love this place! From the shouting of children playing to the laughter in a look stemming from a puzzled mind trying to comprehend words. I swear few things have ever brought me joy like that! I miss community. Scratch that, I never knew community- not like this.

I love simplicity; a carefree spirit, the freedom to be content. America can't offer THAT freedom; there is no room for contentment in the land of opportunity. The more I think the more I begin to realize that contentment and community are linked somehow. I'm going to look into that.
.I truly believe that some of these kids will always remember the time they spent with the "loco Americano," God knows in my heart, I will always remember them. I could never forget their smiles, their laughter, their innocence. They are not the same as kids in the states- they're happier. Why is it that we have to pursue happiness, and these people just have it?"

August 14, 2009 2:30pm; Location: Somewhere between Rio Branco and Brasilia.

"Last night (dedication ceremony) was incredible! When we arrived at the church, they were still trying to finish the wiring for the lights......kind of tough since it was already basically dark. As some of our team lit candles in the windows, and out front, I was just admiring the beauty of the moment. The power of a church is not in the lights or the speakers; it's not in the performance of the band, or the showmanship of the preacher. The power in a church is in the simplicity of an embrace by a stranger who genuinely loves you and cares for you. It's in the greatness of serving; playing with children, teaching them the power of the love of Christ- with your life first, then with your words. The power of the gospel is found or lost in what you, the hands and feet of Christ, choose to do.
Last night my heart broke with agony that I have never felt. Indeed, a part of my heart will stay with my friends in Rio Branco until I see them again in the future, or until we are together in eternity.
I plan to see my friends again someday- and if it is not until eternity, I plan to show up with many more! God just guide my path and light my steps!"