Last Sunday we flew down to Brazil to begin our year long stint in Atibaia Brazil. The commute down was even super sweet in that all six of us were together (last summer due to work commitments, Aaron was not able to travel with the kids and I). All our baggage was accepted without overweight fees. The kids were stellar little travelers helping when help was needed and sleeping when we needed them to! Customs, immigration and retrieving of our luggage was also super smooth. It seemed like a matter of minutes and we were out of the airport meeting our friends who had come to pick us up. It was truly best case scenario on all fronts of travel. Well....except for our peanut butter that was taken at security. Live and learn. Don't take peanut butter on your carry on!!!
This will be our fourth time in our married life living in Brazil. For those of you that know us well, you know that Aaron and I met because of a summer mission trip to Brazil. After getting married, we spent two years in Fortaleza Brazil as missionaries with what was then Campus Crusade for Christ (2004-2005). In 2012-2013 we spent another year in São Paulo, Brazil where Aaron got a Masters Degree at a Brazilian university. Last summer (2019) we became acquainted with suburban Brazil for the first time. Atibaia was our home.We all loved it. It was time to return. We hope to share in a later post an explanation of what our role is in Brazil this time around. But for now, I needed to "shake off the dust" on this ole blog in hopes to do a better job chronicling our adventures here!
Our first week has been filled with joy. We returned to the same city, same neighborhood, same house. The familiarity was more of a blessing than we realized it would be. Throughout the week, I've heard the kids express how this "feels like home" and they are "glad to be back" and "I like Brazil". When following God's call on your life means lots of transition and arduous moves, one always prays and hopes the little ones being dragged along for the ride will enjoy the adventure not resent it. Of course, we're only a week in! But so far, we are filled with gratitude and eager for the coming adventures.
Here's a few snapshots of the week!
 |
| On city streets taking care of some to dos! |
 |
| First Açai trip! Certainly there are many more of these outings to come! |
 |
| Celebrating friend's birthday |
 |
| Kiddos at birthday party. This is most of our CC community. It has doubled since we left! |
 |
| Walking our neighborhood and finding eatable treasures! |
 |
| Nicholas watching a momma duck sitting on her Eggs. He's pondering names for her! Photocred: Austin |
 |
| Kiddos at at our favorite lake in the neighborhood. That little house behind them is a duck house. |
 |
| Watching momma ducks with her growing chicks! |
 |
| Swimming with friends in OUR pool. We've loved having a pool! |
 |
| Resting after much exertion in the pool, but ready to jump back in upon waking! |
 |
| Ladies tea with CC moms! Being with these women is my happy place! |
