Exactly three years ago today, we were in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, changing the lives of those around us. Without even knowing, our lives were forever changed from that trip. The people we met and the children we helped will forever have an impact on our lives. From just a simple smile to a friendly game of basketball, these kids loved every second that we spent with them.

Embarking on our first mission trip to Rio de Janeiro in 2015, our anxiety levels were through the roof. We didn’t know what to expect and we were afraid of the unknown. Being able to have a sister embarking on the same life-changing experience helped to alleviate some of the anxieties during that trip. We leaned on each other through times that we were scared and times when we didn’t know what was going to happen. But what was even better was that we had God on our side through it all to help completely remove the fear that was among us. We thought that this was once in a lifetime trip- however, as we write this, we are blessed to be in Rio once again.

Today, we landed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, embarking on our second mission trip together as teammates and as sisters. Blessed would be an understatement describing what it feels like to be here once again. Having another opportunity to change the lives of others is truly an indescribable feeling. For the next six days, we will be going out and spreading the good news of the Gospel. And while we still have fears about this mission trip, we feel a little more confident about the task at hand. We also feel more confident because of our faith in the Lord and knowing that he will never leave us. A verse that we lean on quite often is:
Deuteronomy 31:6

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Looking ahead to this week, there will be times that we will have to step outside of our comfort zone. We may be put in situations that we have never been in before and may not know how to handle them. However, thinking back to our first Rio trip and knowing how God never left our side, we have faith that God will do the exact same thing these next six days.

Being able to go through this with a sister is a blessing and a comfort. Taking these life changing trips will be memories that we will have forever.