the brazilian way

Hi Friends!
Recently I was given the opportunity to join about 9 of my peers on a missions trip to Brazil! What an opportunity, no? There are so many wonderful things about this. I'm not going to lie though. I'm worried. My fundraising hasn't gone so hott... at all. I need to trust God and see what His will is. This may end up coming from my own pocket. $2,500 from my pocket? I don't know what pocket that IS exactly. ha.
Well, here's exciting stuff about the place. We'd be on an island on the South East coast of the country called Florianópolis. It's the surfing capitol of the WORLD! We'd play soccer with the local, surf, help build up the local church, love on the peeps, etc. It sounds awesome, scary, intense, and ultimately a wonderful growing experience and opportunity. ;) Carly (pictured with me) and Chels are going to be living in Brazil all next year, and I'd really love to visit them/send them off. <3
The scary stuff: money. It would be nice to not spend that money. I could use it tons of other ways. Honestly, if I didn't use it on Brazil I'd save it to help me go to Europe in the next few months. I'm going to visit Mols in France this Christmas. Ideally Jen and I want to travel around in Spring Break. I wouldn't mind staying home from the trip and blessing the church in Flora with money they're trying to raise for a van to pick up kids around the city.
At the end of the day the Lord is bigger than everything. I was talking with Chelsea Foss today. She was telling me how she was in my shoes last year. Each day she changed her mind on whether she should go or not. However, throughout all the worries of our day God isn't worried. He's at peace with everything. Good word, Chels! I need to pray more about it. Big time.
Regardless of what goes down.... No matter where I am.... God can/will use me =) and that brings me SO much peace. NO JOKE. Jen reminded me of that truth today. Any time or place God can use you. HE WANTS TO TOO!!
Bless