All the way my Savior leads me (the story of our trip)

 We began our trip bright and early, heading to Breakfast with the Lancaster family. Then we headed to the airport. When we checked in they told us the policy for US Airways has now changed and only 50 pounds are allowed per bag... All of our bags were packed at 70 pounds. They however waived the fees and we were able to take our 70 pound bags with no problem. We are so grateful for God's provision in this area.

After saying goodbyes we went through security, Other then being questioned on if Adam was kidnapping me we were fine :-P lol. As we sat down I heard Portuguese and there we met Glauber, who knew very little English and was so glad to have someone else to help him navigate through Charlotte and Miami. There are no coincidences in the Christian life, he was the seat behind us in both flights, Charlotte to Miami and Miami to Manaus. We had many opportunities to help each other, and he gave us his email and asked for ours when the trek was over.
Adam also was able to talk to the lady sitting next to him on the way to Miami. She opened up about being hurt by being raised in a Catholic home yet wanted to take her kids to church but didn't know what to do. He was able to refer her to some solid churches and talk about Catholicism with her. She also asked for our contact info afterwards. Our long flight from Miami to Manaus we had an extra seat next to us. With Hosanna's back problems this was a hug praise as it meant she could lay down for the long flight.
Once in Manaus our Brazilian friend helped us tote our bags through customs. We were so overjoyed to see all our bags had made it and were neatly in a group together and we didnt even have to wait for them. Customs took all of  30 seconds, after talking briefly with the guy he waived us on through and didn't even bother to check our bags.
When we re-checked in in Manaus, as we feared they did question why Hosanna's last name is Lancaster in the US and Johnson in Brazil. Much to our surprise however after briefly explaining the situation and they accepted it and let us continue. God's provision was so obviously with us each step of the way, we are so grateful for how He blessed us in so many little ways. Manaus to Fortaleza was uneventful.When we arrived all of our bags were there as well, and most of the things in them seem to be in one piece.
                                     
Although we are exhausted but we are so glad to finally be here in Brazil. Thank you so much for all of your prayers, God's peace and protection have surrounded us every step of the journey, thank you for interceding
in our behalf.

When Goodbyes Begin

Goodbye's are a necessary part of ministry. We are so blessed to be in a time in life where we can stay connected better then those who went before us could. Never-the-less Facebook hugs aren't the same as real hugs and goodbye's are still hard.

"Goodbye" means not seeing your church family on Sunday. 

"Goodbye" means not being with family at Christmas. 

"Goodbye" means not being able to hang out with the gang you used to hang out and laugh with till late at night. 

"Goodbye" means your niece probably wont remember you when you return. 

"Goodbye" means we will miss out on watching our friends develop relationships and get married while we are gone. 

"Goodbye" means I can't be around when my best friend has her first child. 

"Goodbye" means we never know who will be around when we return, so we have to treat each goodbye like it may be our last... at least on earth.

We can have great comfort and peace in the midst of all the goodbyes. For many goodbyes, we have the assurance that we will see them again.  There is also a huge comfort in knowing that the same God who is guarding and watching us, will be guarding and watching those we leave behind. He is sovereign and in control of their lives, and all those life changes we may miss out on or catch us off guard are all part of His plan.

I am so excited that one day we wont have to say goodbyes anymore! Until that day however, the goodbyes that are said will be said in the knowledge that He is in complete control.

2 Cor. 3:11
For if what was being brought to an end came with glory, much more will what is permanent have glory.