It has been a while since our last family update, and we have a lot of exciting things to share. If you follow us on social media, you probably already know that Tabitha got engaged a few weeks ago. We are excited for her and Jackson. They are both finishing their current studies and transitioning to the next phase of life. They plan to get married later this year. Tabitha will be taking the NCLEX exam early this summer to obtain her RN license, and she has accepted a position as a pediatric nurse. Please pray for them as they finish their studies and step into the next stage.
Olívia is finishing her senior year of high school and will graduate at the end of May. She will be attending Liberty University in the fall but is undecided on her major. She has a few ideas and options she would like to explore. Her final soccer season is underway, and she has recently returned from her senior trip. She will attend the Spring Formal in May and trade the formal gown for a cap and gown later that month. It is crazy how fast time flies! Patrick (son) is continuing his graduate studies at LU, working toward becoming a clinical counselor. He works on the weekends as a CNA at our local hospital. Please pray for them as they continue their studies.
Pat is in his last season of coaching soccer. It will be bittersweet when Olívia graduates and his coaching career ends. He has really enjoyed investing in the kids, especially coaching Tabitha and Olívia and having Patrick as his assistant coach for multiple seasons. He continues to serve as pastor at Restoration Hill and enjoys preaching and teaching the scriptures with a global perspective. Please pray for him as he continues to serve in various ways in our community and leads LBM.
In December, the kids and I (Bárbara) traveled to Brazil. It was largely a personal trip to visit family and see Mom. Jackson was able to join us and meet the Brazilian side of the family. While there, we met with Pastor Magioli and the leadership team. We were able to visit some of the pastors and attend corporate worship. We were not able to visit the communities in Porto Alegre due to some violent uprisings in those areas. Several months ago, when the massive flooding hit southern Brazil, some of the prisons were forced to release prisoners because of the flood waters. As a result, there has been an increase in crime and violence in the communities we serve. Please pray for me as I work towards completing my dissertation, hoping to graduate in December.
We have entered a new stage of life; all of our children are legal adults and are transitioning into adulthood. We have truly enjoyed every stage of parenthood and find the current one of the most challenging and yet rewarding. It’s the culmination of what we have taught them being put into practice as they make life choices. Please continue to lift us in prayer through all these life transitions. We are deeply grateful for your prayers and support over the years.