The End of our Time at AVA

The Final Month

Our last month in Brasil was packed with LOTS of activities - Parties, Gatherings, Sorting, Packing, Graduation, & More!
Our emotions road a roller coaster as we began another major transition in our lives - Laughter & Joy, Tears & Sadness!
God sustained us during a very stressful month, bringing joy & good memories out of the sadness!

Lizzy's 15th Birthday


We had a big birthday bash for Lizzy!

Food, Fotos, & Fun for ALL!!

Spaghetti!!!

Foto Scavenger Hunt

Spell LIZZY

...Two Ways...

Jump!!

Jumping photos are always fun!

Everyone off the ground...

...in Jail...

...the other team in jail...

...Everyone with a "Fruit"...

...Create a 3-D object...and MORE!

It was an afternoon of laughter & fun, making memories that will last a lifetime!
~~~
Great Kids in Great Classes

Dennis with his Upper Class

9th & 10th Graders with their FAVE Bible teacher

Junior High!!

Precious Moments & People

Ultimate Frisbee Fun

Rachel & Lizzy

Aunt Karen & her Juni-Bug
This precious baby brought a smile to our lives. Any time I needed a lift, all I had to do was borrow Juni from the neighbors.

Nate & Esau
Nate's friend from the Word of Life Camp near Belem.
Nate worked out there for several camp seasons.

Lizzy & Bethany

Two Monkeys in a Tree

Caleb & Joey

Hannah & Leah

Dora helped me keep my sanity while living in Brasil. She came in once a week and took care of making sure the house was clean. She also cooked us Brasilian food on that day. YUM!

Dora & the Kids

Hershey & Tapioca

We had to find a home for our dogs. Not an easy thing since we wanted to keep them together and make sure they would be well taken care of. We did find a home through a friend of a friend. So with a ride in the Kombi they arrived at their new home, and with a barrage of unexpected tears, we left our protective guard dogs who we loved with a new family.

Hershey - the giant lap dog

Tapioca telling Caleb how much she'll miss us.
Tapi did "talk" a lot...it was pretty funny.

A good-bye kiss for Nate!

Hugs for Hershey!

We hope they learned Portuguese quickly, and have settled into their new home well.
~~~

Graduation 2011

A night of joy & memories!
We graduated two students - Jessica Horton & Caleb Patton.

The 11th grade sang a few of the Senior's favorite songs.

Yugo & Rina with Dennis after graduation.

Christie Bagley & Karen
We loved getting to know the single gals that came to work at AVA. Christie quickly became a part of our family.

Nater gets caught up in Brasil's flag!

With Jenn & Junior Baia
Jenn was another single gal we got to know well. She got married a couple years ago and is now working full time at AVA.

Great memories made with great friends!

Sweet Hannah

Caleb & his favorite teacher


Living & Working in Brasil at AVA was one of the greatest privileges the LORD could ever have given us! We were truly blessed during our five years there!!

May the bonds that were formed last both now and into eternity!