Our First Video

The Cochrans have gone high-tech! :) We've just uploaded our first video to give you a 2-minute glimpse of what God is already doing at CLM. We hope this is a tangible way for you to join us in Brazil!



Please email us or post a comment to let us know if you were able to watch it. If you can't view the video here, cut and paste the following link: http://youtube.com/clmbrazil
(I think I'm going to get Sandra Bullock to play me and Mike has suggested Britney Spears for him in the next one!HA) Thank you again for your prayers and support!

Goodbyes

This has been a difficult week of goodbyes to our friends in Canton. Although our excitement builds each day as we get closer to Brazil, the sadness that grips our hearts with leaving grows as well. Mike and I have been blessed with such wonderful friends (and you guys are making this really tough!) Thank you all for your prayers and support that have encouraged us during the first part of this journey. Please continue to stand with us in faith, believing that the Holy Spirit will restore what the enemy has robbed from these precious children.

"Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep His promise." Hebrews 10:23

Children Helping Children

Last week, Mike and I were invited to share about CLM with a group of first and second graders at St. Louis Elementary School. (I think Maggie and Mocha stole the show, as usual!) Each year, their wonderful teacher, Mrs. Tina Miller enhances their educational experience with a service-learning project. This year WE were it! The students invited their families to Phil's Restaurant where they took the orders, served up the food, wiped down tables...and earned tips to bless the children at CLM! The restaurant was packed from 4-8pm with the students taking turns in half-hour shifts throughout the evening. The kids raised almost $550 in only 4 hours! :) I was especially blessed when several of my precious teacher friends from East Canton dropped in to show their support. Thank you Barb, Linda, Cindy, Yosie, Deb, Molly and Jan for making this night even more special for me! AND a special thanks to Tina, Melissa, Chris (the "pop lady!") and all of the students and parents who made this project such a success!

Countdown

Today, two of my close teacher friends, Chris and Yo, came to church with us and to lunch afterwards. As we ate, we talked about Brazil and the date we are leaving. I thought about the other dates that we have counted toward together: Christmas break, Spring break, summer vacation--even the days until school started! (Are teachers like "Rainman" or what?!) I've known them for almost 14 years and now in only 14 days, I'll be saying goodbye to them, not knowing when I'll see them again. (I know that sounds dramatic...but it's the kind of day I've had, okay?!) Countdowns can be exciting because they usher in a new chapter of our lives. The tricky part is that in the midst of that excitement, we can experience intense grieving for the chapter of our life that is ending. We've been praying about Brazil for over 2 years and know that God has called us there...but that doesn't make the goodbyes any less painful. Life is full of paradox--the Bible says to be first you must be last, to find your life you must lose it, to enter the kingdom of God you must be like a child, to be great you must become a servant. Since my hope and trust is in this Author of paradox, I must embrace the joy and the sorrow as gifts from Him. I love you all and will miss you so much!