Yes, we have arrived in Anapolis, Brazil! The flights were uneventful and the kids were troopers over the 36 hours of traveling. We can honestly say that they have all had great attitudes, and have not complained or said they wish we were "back home" (in TN). 

Despite the many challenges of moving a family of 6 to another country, there have been so many more blessings. We were able to sell our little commuter car to a Mexican pastor whose church has started praying for us. We found special homes for all of our animals and were able to stay in a friend's home for two weeks while finishing downsizing and packing. Many friends helped us load our suitcases and take us to the airport and one special friend even stayed to help with the kids while we checked in our luggage (each of which was unfortunatley overweight by 1.5 lbs and had to be adjusted). We met another missionary in the security line that encouraged us all and had friends in Brazil who cleaned and prepared our rental home and others waiting at the airport to pick us up. We have been so thankful and blessed.



Over the last three weeks we have been able to get the essentials that we need like internet, a car, beds, kitchen appliances and a washing machine. Daily life in Brazil is much harder not having a dishwasher or dryer but we are all adjusting to the extra chores. Ben even had to climb up into the attic to clean our water tank and our strong Samuel was his ladder. Samuel's fingers are healing well and we are thankful that the hand specialist here said he won't need any skin grafts.



Despite the house we are renting needing some work, it is in a great location. The kids have been playing on the soccer field daily and already know the neighborhood kids' names and are slowly learning Portuguese. They are excited to go out every afternoon and have already transitioned to playing barefoot! We also have a wonderful open air market close by that we can walk to every week to get fresh fruit and veggies.




Last week we were able to get two puppies and two kittens. Though more work for everyone, having something to cuddle has helped the kids adjust to life here. Becky is getting all the school books organized and will be starting school with the kids on Monday. Caleb is in 8th grade, Samuel in 6th, David in 4th and Lilianna in 2nd. Part of school this year will also be learning Portuguese and Brazilian culture. 

Though it will take a while to call Brazil "home", we are thankful for the friends we have here who have made our transition as a family so much easier. We have had to borrow furniture, cars, ask for help with getting certain items for the house, and struggle some with Portuguese, but we are making it through. However, as of last week, we found out that Ben has to go on a two week trip to the bush with the Eden Reforestation team. There is a group of staff coming to visit from the US to train the Brazilian Eden team, which will require that Ben be gone August 12th through August 26th. It is not ideal timing for us having just arrived in Brazil and not being completely settled but we are trusting in God's plan. We ask specifically for prayer for Becky caring for the kids, and running the home by herself during these two weeks. Doing things in another language takes so much more effort, and driving in Brazil can be a bit nerve-wracking. Please pray for safety for Becky and the kids, as well as Ben while traveling. We will send another update in two weeks explaining all that Ben is doing with Eden and the ministry opportunities that God has already provided for us. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement.