WE ARE HERE!!

It's official. We have arrived in Manaus, Brazil! Thank you to all of you who were praying for us as we traveled. God definitely provided us with one of the best experiences possible. Looking back on yesterday and today and all the "almosts" that happened, it was great to see how your prayers have already helped this trip to go smoothly. A few almosts...

- The keys to the car we were taking ALMOST got locked into the car
- We ALMOST ran out of gas on the way to the airport
-  Kristen's parents ALMOST got a ticket while dropping us off at the airport in Indy
- We ALMOST had to pay for every single one of our 14 checked bags
- Emily ALMOST broke her camera when she dropped it
- Kristen ALMOST didn't make it. A lovely security check had her held up for awhile.

But none of these things happened. So it ended up wonderfully.

Last night we went to the ocean in Miami. Emily has never seen the ocean. If you know Emily, her excitement was beyond words. When she found out there was an opportunity for us to take a shuttle out there, she curled up in the fetal position on the ground in the hotel lobby. It was the perfect night in Miami. Walking out to the beach and swimming in the waves as the sun was setting was the perfect beghinning to this trip.

We were up this morning at 4:15 when Emily posted from the Holiday Inn Express lobby in Miami. We got to the airport, got all our bags checked in, and got onto the plane with no problem at all. A few of us were seated together, but Emily, Jackie, and Daniel were all off in random parts of the plane. They met new people, made new friends, and showed and were shown the love of Christ as we traveled. Then....

WE GOT TO BRAZIL! I've never left the country before and when the plane landed, I'm not gonna lie, I got pretty excited. It was awesome to see that what we have been preparing for finally be here. Brazil is beautiful. I snuck a peek out the window as we were landing and saw the Amazon River RIGHT THERE. It was crazy. We got through immigration and customs so easily and finally arrived at the Wesleyan Seminary where Tom and Grace Ensz and their family welcomed us so warmly. It was hot and we were tired, but we were all so glad to be here.

The rest of the night was filled with planning for the upcoming days. Kristen, Jackie, and Emily worked with Tom to plan out the schedule while the rest of us worked on the crafts we would be doing and practiced our balloon animals. I'm a pro with the giraffe... in case any of you were wondering.

God has been so good these last few days! He has taken care of us in everything and we know He will continue to take care of us as we get our work started here. Thank you again to all of you who have been praying... you are truly a blessing. More to come tomorrow. I can't believe I'm saying this but I'm going to bed... IN BRAZIL! :)

Michelle