Psalm 9:18
and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever.
I've spent two weeks traveling with the organization I'm working with. The first place was 5 hours away, the next place was another 7 hours past the first location. There has been so much beauty in these places, and the people are wonderful to work with. I've had some good conversation with many people; speaking the language fluently has been helpful too, as nobody knows I'm not Brazilian. It's been refreshing to see people let their guard down when they talk with me, and I'm encouraged to be interacting with them and building relationship. Our purpose back in Brazil goes beyond just reforesting the land that so desperately cries for good stewardship and restoration, it is also about the silent cries for hope, for reconciliation to God that only Jesus Christ can bring.
Different places in the world have a uniqueness regarding the ecology God has placed there. For instance, here in central Brazil it's the end of dry season. It's basically a savannah type region. It's brown, dry, and dusty. Even still, there is so much life! You just have to have eyes to look for it! Thankfully it rained last night--a light rain--but it helps with the dust in the air. Here are some of the pictures I took this morning early. The birds were out and about, enjoying the cooler air and some of the moisture that stuck around.
The beauty of creation is all around us--unfortunately, the farther we remove ourselves from the outdoors, from being in creation, and instead stay in urban environments, the more disconnected we become from creation, and the less we remember about our role to be good stewards. I hope you take some time to see the beauty in God's creation, even if still in an urban environment.
I'm in Brazil for two weeks--arrived yesterday. I came to spend time with my mom, who's dealing with Alzheimers. It's such a difficult disease to deal with, for the person suffering, and for family and close friends. I'm thankful though that the place she and my dad live have people who are loving, kind, patient, and very understanding. My mom has ceased being able to communicate in Portuguese. Her brain just cannot put the words together for a sentence. It's not as bad in English for her, but some days are harder than others. I've already cried a few times, with her and on my own. It's so important to be able to grieve.