Officially Driving in Brazil

I have finished my driving classes and I am now officially driving here in Brazil!  During the month of January I have spent about an hour almost every weekday doing driving lessons - driving a manual car (stick-shift) and learning my way around in the crazy traffic and hilly city of Belo Horizonte.
It has been an adventure!
  

Yesterday, I did a YWAM driving test, with a very experienced driver who is also a missionary here at YWAM Belo Horizonte.  He officially approved me to drive the Kombi (A VolksWagon van), which is owned by the ministry.  I can now officially drive on my own here in Brazil with the YWAM Kombi!  I never thought this day would come...

Really as I reflect on this, I see God at work in my life.  God equipped me.  He gave me the courage and confidence that I never thought I would have to be able to drive in Brazil.  This is amazing to me!  I can do all things through Christ!

It is a simple thing really, driving, but I see that God has given me this ability and I want to drive for His glory. Now I can officially serve the ministry of the Lighthouse Community Center through driving.  I am also excited as we, the Matias Family, are allowed to use the Kombi to do a few personal things as well.  This is a huge blessing to us!

 

This Sunday we are excited about driving to church!   Normally, in order to get to church we walk about 25 minutes to get to the bus-stop, and then we take a 45 minute to 1 hour bus trip.  We leave home at 8:30 am in order to get to church by 10:00 am.   Then after church we made the same long trip home.  It can be exhausting...  Now, we are able to drive to church which saves a lot of time! YAY!

Please pray for me as I begin this adventure of driving here in Belo Horizonte.  Pray for protection and wisdom as I continue to learn my way around and get used to driving the Kombi.  Now I want to practice, practice, practice to be a good driver!

I am thankful and rejoicing to be officially driving in Brazil!