(click picture to enlarge and see Hava's expression)
Home, Sweet, Home

Almost exactly 3 months later, and we are finally back at the house.  We're trying to unpack and get back to normal after our mission trip to the Amazon basin of Brazil.  Al is still a bit sick, but at least now we can rest in our own bed.

At the same time that it is so good to be back, it is sad at the same time.  For those of us who have lives in more than one place, it is always hard to leave one place for the other.  Our hearts are constantly aching.  Technology, though, has made it so much easier.  I remember the days when there was no internet on the Amazon and calling home was $2 a minute.  I used to write letters to my friends and hope and pray they would get them.  I would anxiously await the arrival of their response which usually took anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months.

Now that we can maintain contact in both places, we feel much more connected to each other.  We long for the salvation of our family and friends and do not intend to rest until each and every one has surrendered their lives to the One True and Living G-d through His Son, the Messiah.  We know that we have clearly presented the gospel to them all, and now we wait anxiously, as a mother in labor, for their rebirths.  In the meantime, we are continuing bible studies via the internet with friends and family who have asked us in Brazil and we maintain our family, friends and supporters updated with our lives and ministry progress through this blog.  We are also more than happy to report that at least 3 people professed their acceptance of the Savior in our presence while we were in Brazil.  We were also blessed to make and maintain contact with some Jewish families in the region.

We would like to ask a very special prayer request.  Please pray for us as we try to raise funds to continue our family ministry.  We have dedicated ourselves to full-time ministry which requires us to raise support for our everyday needs as well as ministry needs.  The LORD has once again proven Himself faithful as He laid this burden on the hearts of those who supported us to go to Brazil for these past two months as well as the support that maintained our bills here paid.  However, we are once more at the point where we need to ask for support in order to continue.  Our plans now include Al's continued studies (both in English and in theology) here, continued support to the Amazon as well as trips in the making for Kenya, Egypt and Italy.  If you feel led to give to our ministry, email us at leitefam@yahoo.com.

Last, but MOST DEFINITELY NOT LEAST, we would like to thank all of those who supported us on this trip both financially, through prayer and through special needs.  We would like to especially thank those who so kindly housed us on our way to and from Florida as we made our way in and out of Brazil: Chip & Alicia, Michael & Karrie, Bobby & Joanna, Marcos & Viviane, Julio & Ana, and Ben & Bonnie.  Our time with all of you and your families was so special to us and we hold you in our hearts.  May you be doubly blessed for blessing us!!!

We will continue to update this blog, but you are also invited to send your email address to leitefam@yahoo.com for email updates on our ministry.