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Brazil was special because it was totally unexpected.

My brother and his girlfriend were students at a YWAM base in Recife and I had the privilege of staying on base with them, and sitting in sometimes on their lessons about global missions particularly within the Amazon. 

When I think back on those 2.5 weeks in Brazil, I am just flooded with gratitude. One of my life-long dreams was to visit all 6 continents (I have zero interest in visiting Antarctica) before I turn 30, and by God’s grace, it happened! I was hoping to do some research work in the state archives of Pernambuco while I was in Brazil, and although I did get to visit the gorgeous archive, my research hopes for the trip simply did not pan out (I guess it’s helpful to know Portuguese?). 

So instead of flipping through colonial records, I got to swim in the south Atlantic Ocean with Graeme and Katherine at Porto de Galinhas, visit historic garrisons, beautiful museums, and consume as much açai as possible every single day. This trip came at a really beautiful season in my life: I had just finished my first semester of my Ph.D. in History and my summer was wide open to refine my dissertation project and work part-time for one of my supervisors. 

Being able to stay on a YWAM base as a guest with other believers was such a beautiful experience. I have been involved with YWAM on and off since 2014, and recently participated in a Bible Core Course school for several months in the Middle East during the fall of 2022. Every time I have the privilege of going to a YWAM base as a student or guest it’s like a homecoming of sorts. The spiritual and relational community that YWAM fosters around the world is so special, and after living independently for a few months on the opposite coast from my family for my studies, getting to spend some quality time with my brother in (literally) a tropical paradise was the best. 

As I look back on past experiences and seasons, some carry more weight and purpose than others. My time in Brazil was short but so, so sweet. It provided me with the joy, rest, and newness I craved after a tough semester and refreshed my love for fun. For me, one of life’s greatest pleasures is exploring a new place, a new country, or a new continent, and eating the delightful things of that place and meeting the beautiful souls of those who call it home. There’s always something to love about anywhere, everywhere.

I am so deeply moved by God’s loving kindness in providing me with space and time to go on a South American adventure with Him. Since I began my studies, I have been studying the travels of Portuguese traders and circumnavigators and it was so special to be in places that I had read about in journal articles. I think that’s one of the things I love most about history, travel and Jesus; each testify about the other and call me to explore them ever deeper.

Brazil was a gift, and one year later, as I anticipate my upcoming summer nuptials, I am very appreciative of the meaningfulness of each season, and the promises that God perennially provides.