Português
In the beginning God called Larry and Damiana on a mission to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the Earth. And Larry was called to go to the Brasil São Paulo North Mission; and Damiana was called to the Brasil São Paulo East Mission. And we were both in the Missionary Training Center (MTC) at the same time. We met in the MTC. I liked her, and thought she was attractive, but I also thought she was very serious. Later I learned she initially thought the same thing about me. Many friendships were formed in the MTC but ours lasted with letters through the mission. You must know that she asked me about marriage first, because our friendship turned to love. After years, and years and years of asking I finally said yes. She’ll say I asked first, but now you know the truth. I flew to Recife (amazing that I can fly, right?) and gave her a Jolly Rancher hard candy and we became engaged. More details are sacred to me, and best shared in person if you ask me.
During the process of immigration we witnessed multiple seemingly insurmountable obstacles that indicated we would not be together. It was like God had given us thousands of reasons to be together but allowed one or two big doubts so that we could see if we really wanted it. I admire Damiana's great faith and determination to this day; and I recognize that it was a companion to my own and it completed me. Each and every time that an obstacle was presented, there was shortly an even greater miracle which overcame the obstacle in a way only He could manage; thus also showing how much we needed Him, and confirming that He wanted us to be together. These precious experiences also are sacred to me, and helped to build my faith in God and his value in families.
Our two children and greatest joys are Joshua and Lily. They are so much fun, and so loving. Joshua was in the biggest hurry to come out (he came in May 2006, 5½ weeks early but you can’t tell by looking). He decided to tell us "it [was] time" just after I woke up but also before I left for work. Damiana didn’t tell me anything (she thought she wet herself) and I was getting dressed and ready to go but I had a clear, distinct thought in my head that Damiana was going to tell me her water broke. No sooner had the thought come did I hear her voice, “Larry...”. Needless to say I did not go to work that day. After 19 hours of labor, including two hours of pushing (and watching Damiana’s funny expressions and head almost explode) our first best friend was born. He was a "premie" and we couldn’t hold him, but we loved him. In his baby blessing God told him that he was not alone during those hours, because angels were with him! In January 2008 Lily came two weeks early to be our other best friend. She was so strong, and so healthy it was amazing!
This website is not yet done (so please have patience and allow time) but there is still a lot to see and enjoy.
