It was a hot day, about 85 degrees F in the middle of November. No, it wasn´t an Indian Summer (to be politically incorrect), but just a normal day in Brazil. I was sweating on my way to work. As I approached the building I work in, I looked across the street to see a man and a woman sitting on a mattress on the sidewalk. It was obvious that this is where they had slept the night before; their clothes were dirty, their hair was matted and all their belongings were piled next to them. I glanced o… Continue

I arrived in the airport in Brazil, touching ground for the first time in South America. It was a scary yet thrilling experience. With two suitcases, a carry-on and a year ahead of me, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. And my limited vocabulary of “Hello,” “goodbye,” “thank you” and “you’re welcome” in Portuguese didn’t ease any of the nervousness. But, following the crowds, I somehow managed to make it from the plane to the luggage pick-up and, eventually, to my hotel.

My first month in Braz… Continue

Every Sunday the People's Press of Owatonna (the local newspaper) prints a small section written by one of the local clergy members of the town, called "Pastor's Perspective." This week is my week to write something, so here is the scoop - early, to boot!

Pastor’s Perspective

Intern Pastor Lydia Nelson

The Plot Thickens: Our Story and God’s Story


Sometimes I think that my life is one big story, and I have yet to figure out if it’s a comedy, tragedy, drama, fantasy, or all of the abov… Continue

If you could choose just one experience that makes you want to be part of the church (as a young adult) what would it be?