Brazil has been having some challenging weeks but in some ways these difficulties are lessening. For instance, the strike that caused the nation to come to a complete stand-still, finally subsided and it seems as though life is normalizing. However, there are still various acts of rebellion happening. Recently, 60 or more buses were set on fire in Belo Horizonte (empty buses), there are continued protests, and even a break-in to a government building. The glorious part of all of this is that Jesus is still the king of our lives and this nation.
Yet, I quote Paul: “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
Yes, when God is for us, whom shall we fear?
I ask for continued prayer as this nation is facing these current difficulties but also that you would rejoice with me because God is doing a new thing even in these moments of hardship!
The other day at church, Jesus was so clearly in our midst. People were crying on the floor, weeping as they felt His heart. As we worshipped Him, it felt like He was playing the instruments and singing with us. It was like a spring of water to souls that had been walking through the desert. How glorious to know God will never abandon us and is here! The pastor spoke recently that often we pray and feel nothing, but God hears us, whether we feel Him or not. Let us rejoice in this! Let us praise Him not because He answers our prayers but because He hears us and is with us.
Also friends, on another topic, I’ve completely procrastinated in sharing some exciting events happening in my life. Here are some updates:
- My album has officially been released! From age 13 I have been composing piano pieces, and it’s unbelievable that years later this dream has been realized — I am still pinching myself! For the longest, I was absolutely terrified to record these compositions; I doubted anyone would want to listen to it. Though they are without words, these pieces are personal, intimate, telling of my journey I’ve been on with God. To me, sharing this with the world, is equivalent to taking my soul into my hands and allowing others to see what I hold within my palms. It’s true, a part of your soul goes into things you create. However, the Lord told me these songs were not given to me to keep to myself, but to share with others.
Friends, here I am in vulnerability, sharing this music and praying it would inspire you and allow you to dream, imagine, and walk in a deeper intimacy with God.
Here’s the link to the album: katyarichter.hearnow.com
- As you know, these past six months I’ve been teaching English to children in Brazil and absolutely loving it. It’s always been my dream to live abroad as a missionary, and through God’s grace I have, but surprisingly this fulfilled desire has birthed a new dream/vision within me. I want to continue to work with children, teaching them English. I’ve decided to return to school to get a Masters in Teaching International Languages, with an emphasis in teaching English as a second language. The school I’ve applied for has accepted me and I begin my first semester in August! It’s been a whirlwind of change, yet as unexpected as it is to me, I know God was not caught unaware. He knew all these things would take place during this time in Brazil. I believe in some way He was setting me up! Of course, this means a big hug and kiss good-bye to the country and people I’ve fallen in love with. Sometimes, life is bittersweet in this way.
My dream is to teach English to women and children in foreign lands and in my own country. I especially desire to help those who are seeking a better opportunities in life, but need to speak English as a way to open the door for their future. We’ll see where God takes me, but this is a dream of mine! - Lastly, following the decision to return to school was the decision to return home sooner than originally planned. If you can believe it, I am writing this post at the airport in Texas. I’ve been feeling for about a month it was time for me to go home, but I dismissed the idea as nothing more than a case of homesickness. It wasn’t until speaking with some close people in my life that God confirmed with me it was time to return.
This week, I’ve said tearful good-byes, been prayed for by my wonderful Brazilian friends and family, and have been continuously blessed with love and kindness. Gratitude doesn’t begin to describe the state of my heart — I’m utterly overwhelmed with the goodness of God. What began as a mission to learn Portuguese has become a mission of following Jesus to places I’ve not ventured before. It was a mission of, at times, giving unconditional love and receiving love unrequited, learning the hardships of life as a foreigner (a topic which I’d like to expand upon), and discovering faith is not a feeling nor a heightened experience but a daily choice to trust God despite all that we see, feel and are experiencing. It has also been a mission of understanding the transforming love of God, remembering obedience to God is the pathway to freedom, and learning that sharing life with others can be the most wonderful, fun, challenging, sometimes hurtful but often healing, surprising experience. I would be lying if I said I enjoyed every minute, but I can definitely say God was with me and I learned through all of it.This is not really good-bye, just a “see you later”.
Thank you again for all your prayers and support. Often, especially the hard days, I would remember you all are praying for me and it would give me such comfort to know you all were, in a sense, with me on my journey. I hope to see some of you soon!
May God give you grace to run this race, strength when days are grey, courage to face all things, fire from the Holy Spirit, faith in Christ Jesus, and absolute peace as you rest in the Father’s hands.
God bless you!
Till the next adventure,
Katya
