When it comes to learning languages, I am not exceptionally gifted, but I would say I am usually better than average. I took French for seven years, and I am not extraordinarily fluent, but I am reasonably proficient. Sometimes I translate things into French in my head or even use a few French words or phrases here or there without realizing it. And this, combined with the fact I am in a foreign country, is probably what led to this somewhat embarrassing and totally hilarious situation.

It seems like every time I try to learn this new language, the part of my brain responsible for foreign language activates and somehow French spills out—even when everyone else is speaking Portuguese. So, learning this new language has been quite the adventure. But, I am going to keep learning it—or at least trying to.

All throughout this trip, I’ve been making a point to write down, snap a photo of, and remember all the things that remind me of home. Except, recently, I’ve been feeling restless and my heart feels homeless yet also at home everywhere. So, whatever reminds me of Rochester, Kenya, Seattle, Togo, Brazil, and everywhere else– all the places I call home or feel I could someday call home. Sunday, it was the Tim Horton’s in the Toronto airport and the discomfort of a long plane ride. Yesterday, it was a coconut, the landscape, and the McDonald’s I passed on the road. Today, it was a Harry Potter mug, a Portuguese Bible, a beautiful Methodist chapel, and a French word spoken at the wrong time. It reminded me of my last experience in a foreign country, a country I someday hope to visit, my hometown, my school, and all the hilarious and awkward situations I always manage to get myself into.

So, as I struggle to learn this wonderful new language and grow to be more at home  in this place that has already begun to steal a part of my homeless, wandering heart, I remind myself to find joy in the hardships, embarrassing situations, and happy moments alike. Because no matter where my home is or what language I’m speaking, those moments remain constant, and they are what make a place home. 

-Rebekah Distaffen

Speaking of adventure, after our ten hour flight, we made it through Brazilian customs with no issues: one more major way that God provided for this trip. I immediately noticed how many of the signs and advertisements had both Portuguese and English, making our first exposure to Brazil seem a little less foreign after all. From there, we met Vanessa, our contact from the Universidade Metodista de São Paulo (UMESP), who made us feel welcomed immediately!

It took over an hour to get from the airport to UMESP, which gave us a lot of time to look out the window at this country in which we are first-time appreciators. I have never seen so many people working outside! The traffic was like D.C. traffic but with more public transportation and a lot of motorcycles driving between lanes. It was not a boring drive, to say the least.

But more than the drive itself, the colors in the city stood out to me. They are representative of the culture itself. The oranges and yellows and reds are ubiquitous and are as warm as the people we have met!

Once we got to UMESP, we got to meet our host families! My roommate and I are staying with a woman and her 13-year-old daughter. We had a relaxing afternoon unpacking and resting and got to visit a supermarket later at night. I am so excited for the rest of the trip: to learn more Portuguese, to get to know the Brazilian culture, and to see how God works in our hearts as he introduces us to His people here!

The God of Rochester, NY is the same God who creates the colors, warmth and excitement we have already experienced in Brazil. What’s next?!