For the past two years, the son of our dear friends, Joe and Lisa Rich, has been serving an LDS Mission in Salvador Brazil. When Alex received his mission call back in 2007 Paul and I decided that we would like to accompany Joe and Lisa to Brazil to bring Alex home upon the completion of his mission! At that time we were not planning to build a new home or anything. Well, when April 2009 rolled around we were knee deep in home building...and had just committed to having our home be in the Parade of Homes! We almost decided not to go to Brazil. However, after much discussion we decided that this would be a once in a lifetime experience for us. Yes, we could travel to Brazil at a later time, but we would never be able to experience Brazil with Alex. So, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work making some last minute decorating decisions, and placing furniture orders...and then we jumped on a plane and flew to Rio. From Rio we flew to Salvador...and there we met up with Elder Alex Rich. Along with Joe and Lisa, we spent a week traveling to some of the cities where Alex had served. We met some of the people whom were important to him... We ate authentic food... We were dinner guests in the home of Mario and Marcia. They welcomed us into their home with open arms and kind smiles. Although we spoke no Portuguese, and they spoke little English (Alex interpreted for us), we felt the love and kindness in their home. And the food was delicious! We were able to accompany Alex to the Mission Home for his last dinner with the Mission President, President Silva (and Sister Silva)...along with six other Elders who were heading home. I was touched and impressed by the love these Elders had for each other and their Mission President...and for the Lord. It was a wonderful night.
I will always remember Brazil and the people I met there. But I will cherish even more the way my spirit was uplifted during that trip. It seems funny to think that a trip can bring you closer to your Heavenly Father, but I can say that about this trip to Brazil. Paul and I are very grateful to Joe and Lisa for inviting us to come along with them and sharing their experience with us.
