It’s been a year and a half since our family last visited Brazil after moving to the US at the end of 2022. This has been the longest we’ve been away from Brazil, a time of adjusting to new things and missing what we once knew as home.

When Livia became pregnant, her cravings began, and we quickly realized they were all pointing to Brazil. So, we decided to take off during the kids’ summer break for a season of visiting our friends and family, indulging in our favorite foods, and seeing the sights we once saw every day.

Livia and the kids had the chance to spend quality time with grandparents and friends from church, but one of the most memorable moments was when Theo reunited with one of his old pre-school friends. I managed to catch her reaction on tape, and you can watch it here.

A personal highlight for me was witnessing the growth of ministries I had helped start or lead. It was heartening to see the School of the Bible expanding its reach across Recife, offering several classes filled with students eager to learn God’s word. The Youth Group and Teen Camp continue to bless young people from Recife and beyond.

As we continue to pray for the work in Recife, it’s clear that God is leading the way. We’re deeply grateful for the faithfulness of our brothers and sisters there, and we look forward to seeing how God will continue to use these ministries for His glory. This trip has not only reconnected us with our roots but also reaffirmed our commitment to supporting the work God is doing in Brazil from wherever we are.