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Our First House

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In our almost 18 years of marriage, we have had several abodes—apartments, a house, rentals and ministry housing. We made each of them into a home for our family, no matter how long or short our stay was. And now we have wonderful news to share! We are days away from closing on our very first house as property owners. 

The reality of our journey is too much to include in an update. In summary, what we imagined would be a process that would fit neatly into our first year of transition to the US ended up not so "neatly" and came with challenges and the need to walk by faith. 

The market is not currently kind to buyers; we visited 30 properties and made a total of 6 offers over 8 months and were overbid on all of them. Our commitment to keeping the kids in the same schools (they have thrived!) and Birmingham's confusing mesh of incorporated municipalities with their own school systems limited our search area. Tathiana and I were constantly challenged to think about giving up on the idea of finding a house in the "sweet spot" - where we needed to stay because of schools, what we wanted in a home and how much we could afford. We began to look almost exclusively at rentals within the same school zone over the past 2 months - really feeling that a move to a rental would be disappointing. 

We were confused. We believed that God had His hand in our first year with the ministry housing that was arranged, the schools that we loved, the churches we visited and the friends we made—to then have to think about leaving it all for another region of Birmingham after moving cross-culturally just one year before. I did not struggle in doubting God's sovereignty, but I wavered when considering His goodness and wisdom. "What are you doing, God?" I said over and over in my prayers.

Then, almost in an anti-climatic manner, we visited one last house on the last week that we could wait before committing to a rental. The house has all the "wants", is in an area that we need and is within the price range we can afford. Our agents were wonderful in assisting us, and we put in a good offer and it was ACCEPTED! We are now just days away from closing and excited about what year 2 of our new phase of life and ministry will be like as we plant roots with our first house.

We are amazed at the Lord's provision. We are thankful for everyone who prayed, listened, encouraged and bore our heavy burdens as we waited for His provision to become reality. Thank you for celebrating with us, also! Amém. 

Praise and Prayer: Housing and Support

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I am happy to share with you that our 1-time goal of $20,000 to cover our support account from the transition expenses has been raised! I praise God for His provision and for the generosity of our financial partners. The vast majority of the $20k was donated by current monthly partners, and some partners even gave multiple 1-time gifts over several months.

This is an amazing confirmation that the Lord will provide for our ministry and our new season of life and ministry in Birmingham with Campus Outreach SERVE. We, also, share with you two very specific prayer requests.

First, we continue to labor in support raising for our new monthly budget based in the US. I am contacting current supporters to make sure we are well connected and also networking out into new relationships in Chattanooga and Birmingham. I want to be faithful and dedicated to doing the groundwork work as God connects us to new churches and individuals eager to partner. Until we are able to raise 100% of our monthly budget (we are currently around 72%), all 1-time gifts are greatly appreciated.

Second, we are in need of more permanent housing as we come to the end of our first year in the US. Our current housing situation in Birmingham has been such a blessing, this is a big reason for praise! However, we have a deadline for how long we can stay at our current missionary housing, which is June 15th, 2024. Our desire was to be able to use this first year to settle and take a good look at the market here in Hoover, AL (southern metro Birmingham). The market has shifted a bit, but not enough that we have found a property in the "sweet spot" that combines WHERE - so the kids can stay in the same school system, WHAT - our desires and needs for a house, and HOW MUCH we can afford.

I do believe that God answers prayers, so I earnestly ask that you pray with us for a property that fits into that sweet spot, or a rental option that allows us to prepare for a near-future purchase.

Thank you for your partnership and care.

Tathiana's First 6 months

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Hey everyone, this is Tathiana writing today.

I don't even know how to begin this update; so much has happened in the last 6 months. Moving to the USA has been challenging for our family, each of us has coped in different ways. We've faced days of exhaustion, confusion, feeling misunderstood, frustration, and mourning the distance from family…from the familiar.

I've heard from missionary friends who've also gone through similar transitions that, after a while, it's normal for people to assume you’ve adapted and are adjusted to the new phase. I think the 'honeymoon phase', that new season where there is always something new and intriguing, has passed. The longing to return home is stronger—missing the food, the people, the climate. The seasonal dreariness is real and I have felt down more than usual.

Amidst this, we are raising support. We need a much larger amount than ever before due to the cost of living here. Donations have not come in yet as we imagined, adding to my disbelief and lack of perspective. My faith has wavered based on circumstances. I've prayed to God to allow me to be emotionally and spiritually stable. My faith has faltered, much like the apostle Peter's when walking on the water toward Jesus. Peter needed help trusting, even though Jesus was right in front of him with outstretched hands. I need help believing that He will provide once again and that He didn't bring us to this country to not be able to make ends meet.

Isaac and Sara are, in general, more adapted. Isaac recently had his Individualized Education Program (IEP) developed to help him with his auditory processing disorder and ESL assistance. Sara is doing very well in English reading and writing and making new friends. We really like the school; the teachers, administrators and assistance professionals are helpful and sensitive people who spare no effort to assist our children. 

What I prayed for the most from God in the last days in Brazil was real friendships, people who cared about us. I see God's care in this area, providing sweet individuals. God has truly provided good friendships for the kids and for me and Jon. I thank each of you, dear friends, for every word of encouragement and acts of service you've rendered to us.

I've been meditating on the term 'pilgrim' in the Bible. May God show me that my ultimate homeland is not Brazil or the USA, but the celestial homeland I long for.

"Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household" - Ephesians 2:19

Thank you to all our friends, family and partners.
- Tathiana

Four Months in the US

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The whirlwind of the past 4 months is much too much to include in an update. From a "here we go - nope, not yet" departure from Brazil in June to a car accident (nothing serious) in Atlanta in August and now to the joys of Fall in October. This update will focus on us as a family in this first stage of transition to the US. The next updates will enter into detail to my transition to the Campus Outreach Serve Center here in Birmingham, AL and our fundraising season.

Departure: June 2023

We attempted to leave Belo Horizonte on June 13th - four family members, 11 checked bags, 5 carry-ons and our 14-year-old cat, Bell. The short version is that we didn't have the correct documentation for our cat to board our first flight out of Belo Horizonte, so we had to regroup and fly out two days later. The longer version includes the vet we hired to prepare the documentation who didn't do a very good job, Delta Airlines calling me from the US AFTER the first attempt informing they had made a mistake (3 individual ticketing agents) allowing me to include our cat as an cabin-boarded pet and that we could not fly with her. Had we boarded that first flight on a Brazilian domestic carrier, we would have been stuck in São Paulo, Brazil with no way to board, our 11 bags likely flying to the USA without us and finding a hotel that accepts cats at 11pm with no litter box. The next 24 hours were spent on the phone and online. God, in his mercy, reimbursed all charges from Delta, and worked out a flight with United and another domestic carrier to fly out on June 15th with no pet limitations. After 30 hours of travel time later (after 2 other delayed flights) we landed in Chattanooga very tired and ready for some showers because we were covered in cat hair and bad moods. 

Chattanooga: June 2023

We spent almost 3 weeks in Chattanooga visiting family, unpacking some of our stuff, enjoying summer and resting after the whirlwind last month in Brazil. Since we were waiting on Tathiana's immigration process to be approved, we could not plan too far ahead. So, when her process was approved at the Consulate in mid-May, we quickly had to close-out our house, pack all our belongings, sell the rest, move to an AirBnB for 10 days then fly-out of the country. 

Birmingham: July-October 2023

We moved to Birmingham the first week of July. We had two missionary houses lined up in Birmingham, one for July-August then another one from August until the end of the school year - such a blessing! We landed still in the summer and stickiness of an Alabama summer, and it was nice to reconnect with friends here, make new friends and begin to meet more of my future co-workers at the Campus Outreach Serve office. 

We took a mini-vacation to Atlanta the first week of August before school started to give the kids some fun memories in the US before the march of the school year began. It was fun. It was a good memory-builder with some activities the kids really wanted to do like Lego discovery Center, The Georgia Aquarium, Jurassic Park Experience, etc. On our way home we had an accident on the Interstate in downtown Atlanta, so now I am amply versed in US Insurance ins-and-outs.

The kids began school in the Hoover City School district, and have really enjoyed it. We decided for both to repeat the grade they just finished in Brazil, and that has been confirmed over and over as a great decision as they transition to English as their primary language. The teachers have been great, the administration even more helpful and the overall feel of the school has been a welcome reality for both kids and parents. We've made some friends at the school, including a young Brazilian family who are still adjusting to the US reality.

The Big rocks:

As we reflect over the past months, we have to rejoice in the fact that the "BIG ROCKS" variables that so many others deal with in this transition have been very smooth for us. Housing has been very pleasant overall, school is a blessing, personal finances have not caused us undue stress and relationships have begun and rekindled in sweet ways. We do thank God for this. It has given us the opportunity to focus on our internal and emotional transition. We continue to walk with our counselors and help from Campus Outreach, as we try to help our children process what they are going through in this big transition.

What's Next?

In the next week, I will send an update more about specifics of our phase in ministry and contribution to the Campus Outreach ministries with CO Serve and the fundraising season I am embarking on as we transition from a field-contextualized budget to a US-reality budget. 

Thank you all for your support, prayers and partnership!

We're in the USA

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Dinner at the airport in Belo Horizonte before our first flight.

After more hiccups than we wanted with our flights, we finally arrived in the USA on Friday, June 16th after 30 hours of flights and two days of delays. All 4 humans, 1 cat, 11 checked bags and 5 carry-ons made it!

We are a bit more rested and are already trying to get out and about and give the kids some vacation activities. 

Our housing in Birmingham is almost closed out, just some details to nail down for an amazing temporary housing option for the next year, with a missionary house that is furnished, very easy on our finances allowing us to save and zoned for a school system we like. 

We will take the next few weeks to enjoy Chattanooga and then make an initial move to Birmingham before school starts in August. Our time will be spent adjusting, investing in some transition exercises, making the move to two temporary houses and getting the kids registered for school in Birmingham.

Thank you for praying for our trip. It wasn't what we expected, but it was seasoned with God's protection and grace. 

Enjoy some pics of the trip!

The Day is Almost Here...

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The day is almost here. We fly out of Brazil on Tuesday, June 13th - only a few days away. The day is almost here. We fly out of Brazil on Tuesday, June 13th - only a few days away. 

There is a lot to process emotionally and spiritually. There are a lot of logistics to closing out house, finances, packing, selling things, donating what didn't sell, etc. But, my friend and our church pastor sent me this today,

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day…So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:16,18

I wanted to inform everyone of our time line. We fly our on June 13th, will spend a few weeks in Chattanooga, TN then ventura to Birmingham in July and the kids will start school (still TBD) in August. 

The next chapter of life and ministry are upon us, and there is excitement and mourning. That the Lord would be the desire of our hearts as in Psalm 73:25-26,

Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.

Lots of people have asked how they can pray, here are some specifics:

  • For all that is involved in the flight to the US to be smooth. With 3 flights, 2 kids, 1 cat, and 10+ checked bags (including some oversized items) - there are lots of hiccups that could occur. And we honestly do not have the margin to deal with a lot of stress as parents right now.

  • There is a cold moving through our family these last days, and we would love to not have to fly sick - pray for healing and protection.

  • For our housing and school situation in Birmingham to finalize in time for registration in August. There are options; however, they are not finalized.  

  • For no issues to arise as we still close out financial liabilities in Brazil even after we leave.

How can you help? Several people have asked me this, and I will be candid in my response:

  • Pray for the things above. 

  • For any current or former supporters, extra 1-time gifts are much needed in these first months of moving from a Brazil-contextualized salary, taxes and benefits reality to a US-based reality. 

  • Or, if anyone wants to help in a personal way, Gifts Cards are an excellent option. We will be purchasing basic things for us and kids these next months, and these gift cards are very helpful. A few suggestions of store options: Amazon, Walmart, Target, TJ Maxx/Marshalls. 

    • My personal email for any electronic Gift cards is: jme.spambox@gmail.com

    • For physical address, please use my parent's Chattanooga address: 5778 N. Morgan Ln, Chattanooga, TN 37415

Thank you for your partnership, your care and your prayers!

Our attempt at being a Drink Offering

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We ended 2022 as the de facto closing to many of our ministry responsibilities with the Campus Outreach team here in Belo Horizonte. Our time has been dedicated to the lengthy and slow immigration process for Tathiana, closing up our life in Brazil, selling our possessions and still continuing to invest as much as possible in relationships and personal ministry.

Beyond the ins and outs of personal ministry, still engaged in evangelism and church leadership, we have dedicated a lot of energy to the emotional swings that ebb and flow around us as we attempt to prepare well for this transition.

I want to update about a few highlights over the past months so you, our supporters who make this possible, can rejoice in God's continued hand on us and ministry through us. 

Church Leadership:

Jon continues to be dedicated to the church leadership elder board for our local church, Comunidade Horizonte. Each month there are many meetings and lots of discussion for our church as we decide on direction and strategy post-pandemic for our growing community. Pastoral needs are constant, and we are trying to shepherd well those who God has called to our community. In February, Jon organized a three-day elder retreat for the first time since our church officially organized 15 years ago. It was a great time for our elders and pastors to pray for one another, pray for members, and get away from the urgency to spend time and energy to look forward to where God is directing our church. 

Investing in the Next Generation:

In March, Jon had the absolute privilege to take two new Brazilian staff to a support-raising bootcamp in Curitiba, Brazil. It was a great jump start for Vitor and Lorrayne's practical support-raising process. We are praying that these two national staff can begin to pave the way for increased support raising in Brazil. It was extremely encouraging to spend time with dedicated Brazilian missionaries and ministers who have labored for years and to see them embrace biblical principles for missionary funding.

Continuing to the Spiritual Friendships:

Both Tathiana and Jon continue to engage in specific relationships that are efforts to be the light of Christ to those who do not believe or in the midst of a personal battle for belief. We want to pour ourselves out as a drink offering, as Paul mentioned in Philippians 2:17, as much as possible before we end this chapter of our life and ministry.

Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Philippians 2:17 ESV