Travelling Back

Boa tarde!

The team is travelling back to Manaus right now. They travelled all night and most of the day today but they were going to take some time for a hike in the jungle this afternoon. Hope they got to do that!

The team is doing great, everyone is feeling well, but I'm sure they are somewhat sad to be leaving the jungle behind. The great thing about partnering with the church in Manaus is that the folks they met and shared the gospel with aren't left behind or forgotten about. Their missions team will continue pouring into those villages so they don't need to worry about "who will check in with them"?

I believe one of the hardest things about short-term mission trips is keeping in mind our job and God's job. We, especially those of us from the US, tend to want instant gratification or results. Right? We do something and we want to know/see the results of our work right away, and with trips like this we may never see that. But as long as we're doing our job of planting the seed and sharing the Good News, we can take comfort in the Lord and his job of changing hearts.

The team spent most of the day resting and reflecting, both individually and as a team. Some of the questions they'll think/talk through are:

- How has your perspective changed regarding God, others and yourself?
- What have you learned regarding your needs versus your wants?
- Who is better off, you or the folks living in the Amazon Jungle? Why?

- If you had the choice, would you choose to be born and raised in the US or the jungle? Why?

How can you pray for the team tonight?

- Safe and timely arrival in Manaus to make their flight tonight

- Praise God for the opportunity each of these folks had. Thank him for challenging everyone to get out of their comfort zone and for being right there beside them along the way.

- Pray for all of their bags to make it back to the US and that they'll make their connection in Atlanta tomorrow morning for their flight home to Dallas.

**Return home flight schedule

- 11:25PM Central Time, depart Manaus
- 6:02AM Central Time, arrive Atlanta
- 7:40AM Central Time, depart Atlanta
- 10:10AM Central Time, arrive DFW

- Thank God for changing their perspective and giving them an appreciation for the luxuries and choices and conveniences here in the US, and also pray that through that process they'll have a renewed spirit and desire to serve those in need right here in Dallas, if they aren't already.

- Last, I'll echo the prayer request for team one from last week...Pray for team two's re-entry to the US. They'll be returning to a place so very different from what they've just experienced. Many different thoughts and emotions could surface; humility, confusion, compassion, sadness, rejuvenated spirit for the Lord, changed perspective...and much more. One of the toughest thoughts is "why was I born here in the US with all of these choices, opportunities and luxuries? What is God trying to teach me when I look at those born in the jungle with close to nothing, yet they are happy, content, enjoy their simple life and mostly choose to stay in the jungle their whole life...we, on the other hand, why do we constantly pursue the "next"?

Thanks for checking in and for praying for the team! I've enjoyed keeping you posted and I'm SO looking forward to seeing my husband tomorrow morning :) If I receive any further updates, I'll be sure to share; otherwise, have a great memorial weekend and don't forget to take time to remember our troops and, most importantly, our freedom.

Have a great evening!

Kelli

Be joyful always

1 Thessalonians 5:16