Dear Church, God gave me a family...

One word defined my time in Goiás: family.

It’s wild how in just one month, strangers can become more than community… they become home. I found people who didn’t just welcome me—they embraced me, brought me in, and made me part of something real. On a journey where I’ve deeply missed my own family from far away, this meant more than I can put into words.

During my time here, I had the privilege of visiting six IPI churches in Luziânia, along with several rural churches scattered throughout the region. The difference in pace of life was tangible—going from asphalt roads to dirt paths, from city noise to the quiet stretch of cornfields. It felt like stepping into a completely different rhythm of life.

I even tried running in the countryside… which meant watching out for wildcats, owls, and snakes (safe to say, not exactly my comfort zone). But one night, everything changed. The lights went out completely, and I suddenly couldn’t see the ground beneath me. I felt a wave of fear—but in that moment, I sensed the Lord say, “Look up.”

And when I did… I saw one of the most magnificent skies I’ve ever seen. Every star, perfectly placed. It felt like heaven was speaking without words.

I was also part of the youth congress for the rural churches—and it was an absolute blast. The hunger, the joy, the boldness in these young people is something I’ll never forget. I heard story after story of the Holy Spirit moving—young people preaching the gospel on buses, in banks while people wait in line, and out on the streets. They aren’t just talking about Jesus… they’re walking with Him, experiencing His presence in their everyday lives. It stirred something deep in me to keep saying, “Lord, use me however You want.”

One of the highlights of my time here was making music alongside two incredibly gifted musicians. Together, we created something so special—and I even wrote my first song in Portuguese here! Luziânia will always be the place where that inspiration was born… where something lit up inside of me.

On my final day, I spent time with a dear friend who pastors the First IPI church in the city. We went to the hospital to share the love of Jesus, and later met with a group of men he walks with weekly—men who are battling addiction. We gathered under an avocado tree… literally. And as I sat there, I couldn’t stop thinking about the days of Jesus. The simplicity, the nearness, the realness of it all. I saw Jesus in him so clearly—it marked me deeply.

During my month here, God surprised me in the most personal way.

There were small things in my heart—simple things, honestly—that reminded me of home. I had been craving açaí, a campfire, and pasta (yes… I miss NY/NJ Italian food so much ). But we were out in the countryside, and none of that seemed possible.

Then God did what He does best.

At the retreat that Saturday, one of the women said, “Hey, come with me!” We ended up in a tiny corner store, and there—randomly—was a brand new addition to the freezer: açaí popsicles. She looked at me and said, “Quer um açaí?” (want an acai?)

YES. I DO.

Later that evening, guess what was for dinner? Pasta.

And that night, when I got picked up… we went to someone’s house nearby and ended the day with a campfire.

It may seem small—but to me, it was deeply personal. These were things tucked quietly in my heart, little reminders of home—and God met me right there. It was like He was gently saying, “I see you. I’m here.”

His miracles are everywhere.

Through it all—sharing in churches, gathering around tables, writing songs, hiking, laughing, and living life in the in-between moments (like trying to convince people to like CrossFit )—I experienced something deeper. I experienced the love of Jesus through His people in a way that spoke straight to my heart.

Something shifted here. A spark was lit.

I saw Jesus here and I know He was moving in powerful, beautiful ways in the lives of His people… because He started with me.

Now I’m heading to Dourados, in Mato Grosso do Sul to serve at one of the largest churches in the denomination. I’ll be stepping even deeper into the culture of Brazil where I'll be able to participate in some mission projects that reach out to indigenous populations as well as a lot of local outreach efforts.

Thank you for praying. Thank you for standing with me. I love you and miss you more than you know.

For King and Kingdom,

Audrey