A day in Manaus

Hey family and friends! We have had a terrific day in Manaus. We woke up this morning to a good breakfast at the hotel we stayed at, and then we made our way to the airport so that we could fly from Sao Paulo to Manaus. This is Sao Paulo:

We then went to Manaus and spent the day touring it because our final flight doesn't leave till tomorrow.

Some of us on the flight to Manaus:

The mission house we stayed at in Manaus:

We went touring Manaus and found incredible bananas at the market (the boys also bought machetes that came in hand with some coconuts later):

After the market we have Brazilian BBQ at Rei Do Churrasco, but we had to pile into taxis to get there:

We saw a very famous opera house while we were downtown, too. Then, we ate and went back to the mission house for a comfy nights rests. Thank you for your prayers. Please continue to pray that we make our flight tomorrow and can get to our final destination: Cruzeiro de Sol.

Day 3 Adventures

We arrived in Sao Paulo to find out:


While here, the Lord was used a couple of us to help one of His lost children:


We thank all of you for your prayers. Although this hasn't been the ideal way of getting to our destination, we have had fun! We were able to see and experience new things, and we have also got to be a part of a sinner repenting. God is so good.

The newest plan is that we will fly out of Sao Paulo to Manaus at ten Monday morning. Once we arrive in Manaus, we will have to wait there for our flight to Cruzeiro that is at ten Tuesday morning. Please be praying we get there soon! As of now, we should be in our final destination Tuesday afternoon.

Day 1 cont.

At dinner Coach Troop explained our travel plans! Crazy fun!



We also found ways to occupy our time while in the airport

Travel Days Continued

Travel Days

Success!  We have now all made it out of Oklahoma!  However, we are further from our destination then when we started.  Oh well, small steps.

Group one, consisting of the sponsors (minus Lacey) and the boys (minus Ryan), left OKC this morning at 9:15 and are currently enjoying a twelve hour layover in Salt Lake City.  We've already visited the Temple Square and the Mormon Tabernacle.  People keep asking us why we have our pillows.  : )

We're now relaxing at Starbucks, catching up on some sleep, loading up on caffeine and waiting on group two to arrive.

Group two, consisting of all the girls, Lacey, and Ryan, left OKC at 2:00 this afternoon and will arrive in Salt Lake City at 3:30 (SLC time).  As soon as they arrive, we will join up and spend even more time enjoying the city before our flight leaves tonight.

In a round about kind of way, we will eventually end up in Brazil sometime tomorrow.  Our current flight schedule is as follows:

May 29 - Salt Lake City to NYC Kennedy - DL 1002  11:45 pm - 6:11 am
May 30 - NYC Kennedy to Sao Paulo - JJ 8083  9:25 am - 8:25 pm
May 30 - Sao Paulo to Manaus - G3 1704  9:10 pm - 11:59 pm

From Manaus, we will fly to Cruzeiro.  However, right now we have not been able to reschedule that flight.  We may have to spend a little longer in Manaus than we planned.  But so far nothing has gone as planned, so we're not worried!

*As soon as group two arrives in Salt Lake City, we'll have pictures of their adventures to share here too.

The Saga Continues

Well, we signed up for an adventure!  And we sure are getting one!  Although, probably not in the form we had hoped.

Here's the flight updates:
We've been split into two groups.  One leaves OKC at 9:00 this morning and the other at 2:00.  We'll fly through Salt Lake City, JFK, Sao Paulo, Manaus, and Cruzeiro.  We've got about a day and half of flights ahead of us.  But hopefully, we'll eventually get there!

Here's what you can pray:

• that our flights all work!  
• that the two groups meet up at our destination
• that those making decisions (Troop Bullard) have wisdom and insight
• that the team shows flexibility and patience
• that we have many opportunities to share God's goodness during this journey

Last night, Troop said that Mr. Holmes always prays that things go wrong on mission trips.  Because it's when we're placed in sticky, uncomfortable situation that true character and the greatest growth is revealed.  Thanks for your prayers, Mr. Holmes!  They've been answered so far!

We do pray that we grow in this time when it seems to our earthly eyes that things are not going as they should.  Please Father, give us an eternal perspective.  

Thank you for your prayers!

Trying Again

As of now, the team will be leaving OKC at 6:00 tomorrow morning. We will fly through Atlanta, New York, Sao Paulo, Manaus and finally Cruzeiro.

Keep praying this flight will go through and we will reach our destination. But above that, pray that we will learn from the journey along the way. Already, we've been provided valuable team bonding time during our seven hour wait at the airport today.

God has a plan and we trust His perfect timing!

Hello family and friends!

     Just a quick update! Our flight actually got cancelled because the pilot became ill while taking his break before our flight , so we have all headed home for the night. As of right now we aren't sure if we will fly out tomorrow morning or afternoon. Please pray that God's will would be done and that we would be able to get to Brazil soon.

Thanks so much!
Keep checking back for updates!
We are so thankful for your support!

-The Brazil team

The Mission Begins!

The Brazil Mission Trip Team

Mr. Ralph Bullard sent them off with prayer.

Departure Day

After months of planning, praying and preparation, departure day has finally arrived!  The Brazil team would like to take this opportunity to thank you, friends and family, for your support and encouragement during these past few months.  You have shown yourself faithful, coming alongside us both financially and spiritually.  Thank you for your generosity!  It is greatly appreciated and we pray we are found worthy of your sacrifice.

As all the members of our team finalize last minute details and travel to the airport, please continue your prayers.  Would you pray specifically today for:

• safety as we travel
• our way to be made smooth without any unexpected delays
• the team to be flexible 
• unity within our team
• opportunities to be a witness during our times of travel

Throughout the next two weeks, please also be praying for each team member specifically.  God has hand chosen each of us and we are confident that He will be using this time to teach us many things.  Pray that we will grow in our understanding of our Father, in our love for one another, and our desire to serve.

To assist in your prayers, below is a list of team members:

• Troop Bullard - sponsor
• Glory Yocum - sponsor
• Tony Merrell - sponsor
• Tara Rehrig - sponsor
• Lacey Hendrickson - sponsor
• Jordan Bowen - graduate
• Madison Baste - graduate
• Ethan Rehrig - senior
• Ryan Morrisett - senior
• Marci Newman - senior
• Candace Robinson - junior
• Kristen Copeland - junior
• Jessica Woodie - junior
• Jordan Crosslin - junior
• Karch Bullard - sophomore
• Lauren Winslow - sophomore
• Tate Bullard - freshman

Please, also, be in prayer for our families that remain behind.  Pray for peace and encouragement for them as we are away.

Thank you!  We will talk to you again after we have arrived!

Flight Schedules

Friday, May 28 - DL 5216 OKC - ATL 5:43p-8:55p
Friday, May 28 - DL 521 ATL - Manaus 10:55p-5:14a
Saturday, May 29 - G3 1939 Manaus - Cruzeiro 10:10a-2:35p
...............
Friday, June 11 - G3 1939 Cruzeiro - Manaus 3:15p-7:25p
Saturday, June 12 - DL 558 Manaus - ATL 12:45a-7:27p
Saturday, June 12 - DL5383 ATL - OKC 10:50a-12:05p

The Specs

Destination:  Cruzeiro do Sul, Brazil

Purpose: To help New Tribes Missionaries, Duane and Nadine Howe, host Bible clubs for children and minister to Brazilians living in the jungle.  The trip will consist of a week of Bible clubs and then a 4 to 5 day trip into the jungle.

Dates: Friday, May 28^th to Saturday, June 12^th