08/06/2026
We returned from Brazil a few weeks ago. Our first time there was 2 years ago. There are 1,000’s of villages along the Amazon River basin, so the chances of us returning to one we’ve been before are slim….BUT GOD….
Two years ago we went this first village. Lane helped build these steps to the river that you see in the second picture. We were thrilled to see how well they’ve held up. Paige, Letney and myself all made a connection with a sweet little girl, all in separate ways throughout the day. It was only after the day was over and we were talking about how our worksites went that we learned we each made a new “bestie.” We were SO excited to see we were back in her village and prayed we would get a chance to see her again.
We have to get government permission to enter each village. Brazil has a boundary in the river that we aren’t alllowed to cross, so any villages past that, don’t get assistance or hear the gospel. 😞 BUT, they can come to us. On day 1, 7 neighboring villages brought boats over and joined this community for the day. It was utterly amazing, busy, and overwhelming. Never before have we had a group so large. Because so many had traveled to be there and couldn’t return home for lunch like the locals, the boat crew prepared the biggest pot of beans, sausage and rice I’ve ever seen and we were able to serve the families who came.
Throughout the day we visited homes, prayed with families, provided medical care, loved on babies while mommas did crafts or played games with the women, entertained and taught VBS, gave reading glasses and sunglasses to those in need, and at the end of the day passed out over 200 food packs. These food packs will feed a family there for a month. At $35 each, it’s a huge blessing to these people. If you’re ever looking for a cause to donate to, I’ve seen first hand how much these people need it and appreciate it. Each worksite presents the gospel and so many are lead to salvation. Villages are being changed!
Luckily, in the sea of almost 200 children, we were able to locate Sofia!! Our little friend had grown so much in those two short years. She remembered Paige and we were able to recreate their picture together. They may not speak the same language, but love is universal. Later in the day, her mother found Paige so she could meet all of her children. Such a precious moment for my girl. I pray their story doesn’t end there.
We visited 3 other villages as the week went on, but more on that later.