Laughter Restored: A Reflection on My Time in Brazil
Psalm 40:3 – He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.
My final insight from this mission trip doesn’t just come from the work we did or the ways we served—it comes from the moments shared with the women I traveled with, from the deep conversations, the prayers lifted, and the ways God revealed His purpose in each of our lives.
For one week, we shared our stories, our struggles, and our faith. We bore witness to each other’s wounds and victories. We reflected on all the ways God is writing something beautiful in our lives, even in the midst of pain.
But the thing that stands out the most to me? Laughter.
Several of the women on this trip told me that I brought laughter to our experience. They probably had no idea how deeply that statement impacted me. Because for all of 2024, I don’t remember laughing at all. I remember pain. I remember sadness. I remember anger. And I remember the crushing weight of depression and suicidal thoughts.
It took everything in me to make it through those days. And I made a decision that in 2025 and beyond, no matter what I face, laughter, joy, and worship will be a part of my life.
David’s words in the Psalms ring so true:
“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.” – Psalm 30:11-12
This trip was a marker in my life—one of those defining moments where I realized I am forever changed. God is restoring the best parts of me, and I am finally ready to accept the next lessons He has for me.
Laughter in the Waiting
I’m reminded of Sarah, the wife of Abraham. When the angel of the Lord told her she would bear a son, she laughed. But it wasn’t a laugh of joy—it was a laugh of disbelief, of cynicism.
Genesis 18:12 tells us that Sarah laughed because she couldn’t see how God could fulfill His promise. She had waited so long. She had endured so much disappointment. She knew God was able, but was He still willing? Had she run out of time?
Maybe you’ve been there—where waiting has worn you down, where unanswered prayers weigh so heavy that all you can do is laugh, not in faith, but in frustration.
I’ve been there too.
But then, Genesis 21:6 tells a different story. Sarah laughs again—but this time, it’s the laughter of fulfillment. The laughter of joy. The laughter of a woman who is now holding the very thing she once thought was impossible.
Sometimes it feels unbearable to wait for our Genesis 21 moment—the moment when the desires of our heart are finally answered. But we don’t wait alone. God is with us. And alongside us, there are others—fellow believers, sisters and brothers in Christ—who are waiting too, holding onto the promises of God.
And what I love most about Sarah’s story? God told Abraham and Sarah to name their son Isaac—which means he will laugh.
It was as if God was saying, Not only will you laugh with joy, but the very thing you longed for will carry laughter in its name.
God is intentional. He is loving. And He answers.
I don’t know what you are waiting for. I don’t know what prayers feel like they are lingering too long. But I do know this—God is faithful. He is still writing your story. He is still turning sorrow into joy, mourning into laughter, and weariness into worship.
And as for me? My laughter has a new meaning. My worship has a new meaning. My smile has a new meaning. My life has a new meaning.
I am so grateful that God stopped me from giving up.
Because there is still so much more He has for me.
And there is still so much more He has for you.
Trust Him—because He never fails.
