Hello loved ones!!!!!
I am sure
you all have missed me very much! This past month has been an experience and a half. There is a lot to say, but Im going to try to keep it short.
We started off with a 28 hour bus ride to Rio Grande do Sul. It’s in the south of Brasil. We arrived at a little Mennonite colony called Colonial Nova. From the first moment I stepped off the bus I feel in love with it. It was in the country, there were cows grazing, open fields and beautiful skies.
We started training with 70 other Brasilians. The language barrier was a huge difficulty at first. Not knowing the language, but being in 9 to 12 hours of training in Portuguese was
very stressful. We each had a translator which was amazing, but it was still very difficult. We had 10 days of training in Colonial Nova, then the group of 70 was split up in 5 groups and sent out to different churches within about an hour from each other. I was paced in a group all by my self in Colonial Nova. At first, I was really disappointed to be staying and not going to another place. I didn’t really know my team mates very well besides my translator Priscila. She was amazing to me. We became really great friends, and I don’t know what I would have done without her. The time that I spend in Colonial Nova was one of the best times I have had in Brasil. My team was so amazing to me; the people in Colonial Nova were so sweet and kind. During the days in Colonial Nova we evangelised around the town. It was a bit hard because we were in a total German Mennonite little town, where homes were about a mile apart. My group was great; we led a few people to Christ which was a moment I will never forget. We had night services where we would sing worship songs, do plays and have a sermon. I really got to know people from Colonial Nova, I will never forget them.
That time ended sadly, and the other groups came back. Then we were once again split up, this time in only two groups. I was with Andre and Matt. Yup, me and the two boys for 10 days. Let me tell you the Lord heard many prayers from me in that time, actually the Lord heard many prayers from me the whole month. I will get more into that later. So, we were sent to a city 6 hours away called Veamoa. This was a lot different then Colonial Nova let me tell you. We were right smack dab in the middle of the city. Dogs barking, horns blowing, kids yelling, and a huge cry for Jesus. We were once again split into evangelism groups where we would go out to people’s homes and parks and share the gospel. We then had night services at night, where about 10 people would show up. Many parts of our time in Veamoa were really discouraging. But Gods presence was always there. I learned so much about the Brasilian culture in this past month. There was many times where I just asked “WHY”! It was hard to be totally submersed into the culture, but I know it was the best thing for us. We have come back with a much great knowledge of Portuguese. I can actually hold a little conversation with people!
When we were finished our time there, we made our way home back to the great city of Sao Paulo.
God took me through an obstacle course this last month. Up, down, around, thought the hard times and the good times. I can tell you that there were many tears this past month. Being totally immersed in a new culture, hearing Portuguese every way you looked and only knowing a few people was hard. But God was always there and always faithful to me. The one thing I really loved about this mission trip was that we had a set aside hour of time with God. I loved this time, because it was just me and God and we only spoke English to each other. Faith was the topic he wanted me to seek. The Lord is so good, even when you have little faith. He is always there, even when you don’t feel him. I rested in him so many times this past month, because I did not have the strength to stand up by my self. My heart is so broken for the people that don’t know him. My prayer is not only for Brasil, but that our nations will one day see how Great our God is.
Our time with internet in very short in the city and our phone and internet is not working at the camp. Im sorry I can’t go into more detail now, but when I get another chance I will.
I will keep you posted as best as I can with all that God is taking me through.
Thank you for all the prayers, love, e mails and support you have given me this past month.
I miss you all and am thinking of you often.
Much love
Corryn
I am sure
you all have missed me very much! This past month has been an experience and a half. There is a lot to say, but Im going to try to keep it short.We started off with a 28 hour bus ride to Rio Grande do Sul. It’s in the south of Brasil. We arrived at a little Mennonite colony called Colonial Nova. From the first moment I stepped off the bus I feel in love with it. It was in the country, there were cows grazing, open fields and beautiful skies.
We started training with 70 other Brasilians. The language barrier was a huge difficulty at first. Not knowing the language, but being in 9 to 12 hours of training in Portuguese was
very stressful. We each had a translator which was amazing, but it was still very difficult. We had 10 days of training in Colonial Nova, then the group of 70 was split up in 5 groups and sent out to different churches within about an hour from each other. I was paced in a group all by my self in Colonial Nova. At first, I was really disappointed to be staying and not going to another place. I didn’t really know my team mates very well besides my translator Priscila. She was amazing to me. We became really great friends, and I don’t know what I would have done without her. The time that I spend in Colonial Nova was one of the best times I have had in Brasil. My team was so amazing to me; the people in Colonial Nova were so sweet and kind. During the days in Colonial Nova we evangelised around the town. It was a bit hard because we were in a total German Mennonite little town, where homes were about a mile apart. My group was great; we led a few people to Christ which was a moment I will never forget. We had night services where we would sing worship songs, do plays and have a sermon. I really got to know people from Colonial Nova, I will never forget them.That time ended sadly, and the other groups came back. Then we were once again split up, this time in only two groups. I was with Andre and Matt. Yup, me and the two boys for 10 days. Let me tell you the Lord heard many prayers from me in that time, actually the Lord heard many prayers from me the whole month. I will get more into that later. So, we were sent to a city 6 hours away called Veamoa. This was a lot different then Colonial Nova let me tell you. We were right smack dab in the middle of the city. Dogs barking, horns blowing, kids yelling, and a huge cry for Jesus. We were once again split into evangelism groups where we would go out to people’s homes and parks and share the gospel. We then had night services at night, where about 10 people would show up. Many parts of our time in Veamoa were really discouraging. But Gods presence was always there. I learned so much about the Brasilian culture in this past month. There was many times where I just asked “WHY”! It was hard to be totally submersed into the culture, but I know it was the best thing for us. We have come back with a much great knowledge of Portuguese. I can actually hold a little conversation with people!
When we were finished our time there, we made our way home back to the great city of Sao Paulo.
God took me through an obstacle course this last month. Up, down, around, thought the hard times and the good times. I can tell you that there were many tears this past month. Being totally immersed in a new culture, hearing Portuguese every way you looked and only knowing a few people was hard. But God was always there and always faithful to me. The one thing I really loved about this mission trip was that we had a set aside hour of time with God. I loved this time, because it was just me and God and we only spoke English to each other. Faith was the topic he wanted me to seek. The Lord is so good, even when you have little faith. He is always there, even when you don’t feel him. I rested in him so many times this past month, because I did not have the strength to stand up by my self. My heart is so broken for the people that don’t know him. My prayer is not only for Brasil, but that our nations will one day see how Great our God is.
Our time with internet in very short in the city and our phone and internet is not working at the camp. Im sorry I can’t go into more detail now, but when I get another chance I will.
I will keep you posted as best as I can with all that God is taking me through.
Thank you for all the prayers, love, e mails and support you have given me this past month.
I miss you all and am thinking of you often.
Much love
Corryn
6 comments:
I love you, I pray for you and I miss you.
Corryn!!!! I'VE MISSED YOU!!
It is so great knowing that you stayed safe on your travels around the country. Your stories are so fascinating to me and I can't wait to hear more from you when you get back home. Can you believe it's already February!! There must be days when the days literally fly by for you but others that must seem to just drag. But either way, God is there with you and using you for His work.
Gav & Dyl say hi, they miss you and love you and can't wait until you come back (direct from their mouths). Jenna's at school but I'm sure she would say the same thing.
Big hugs to you and say hi to the team. Can't wait to hear about your time just with the guys! It sounds interesting :)
Love A. Wendy
Corryn,
It's so great to finally check out your blog and see something new and exciting. I know that your internet is so tough but just being in touch even for a few words is fabulous. Your time on your missions trip sounds like a life changing experience. So many changes and so many wonderful people, places and friends. They were probably just as sad to see you go as you were to leave them.
God is so good and he is seeing his girl "Corryn" grow into this amazing woman of God. There are always the good and bad days but he is so amazing and we can't wait to hear more stories. Love you so much and boy do these other kids miss you. Kisses and Hugs from Mom and the rest.
PS I can't believe how long your hair has gotten.
I am so glad to hear what is happeNing in your life...finally! Are you back earlyier than expected? Time is flying by,before you know it, you will be on your way home, take your time there, look around, don't forget why your there, never forget about all your experiences, good or bad.
LOVE YOU your Big Sis, Tamara
By the way, its called BARE-BACK riding, not BARE-FOOT riding! Geesh, I have to teach you somethings.
It looked beautiful there!
So glad to see a blog again, Corryn. Thanks so much for including photos. Sure looks like you've had some fun. Sounds like your month was full of different experiences even if some were difficult. Those experiences will make you grow as a person and as a Christian. I really look forward to hearing about all your adventures. We miss you a lot!!
Love, Auntie Carol
What you´re doing is amazing!
Thinking of you and praying for you!
Love, Valeria.
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