A Casa De Tijolos

Since our announcement, we've been able to talk to several of you about it and we're so glad you're as excited as we are! So, it's been a couple weeks since we last posted about our move, so we wanted to get some more information out there so you all can have a better idea of what we'll be doing in Recife.

First, let's talk finances. This is one of the biggest areas we're having to grow our faith in because as it stands right now, we have about 2.5% of our monthly funding goal being given. As Shores of Grace staff, we will be required to raise our own support to allow us to live in Recife and work with the people there. This is something that ALL of the other missionaries do, from the founders to the newest staff, so we are not alone in this, but it is a huge undertaking. With the visas we will have when we move down, we will not be allowed to work to earn money while in Brasil. This means we cannot provide our own funding after we move, which means we are totally dependent on the generosity and giving of others who believe in and want to give towards our work there.

Our fundraising/support goal is $2000 per month. That comes out to $24,000 per year which may sound like a lot, but is honestly what we need to live. The cost of living in Brasil is no less (or more expensive) than the cost of living in the US. Let's break down a bit of where the money is going so you can see what we mean:

• We have been gifted the lease to and furnishings for a home (by some amazing friends) that is a wonderful long-term place for us to live. It is a BEAUTIFUL, five-bedroom, all-brick home in short walking distance to the Shores base, the Bethany house, grocery stores, markets, açaí, and more.
• You may be thinking to yourself, "Now, why would Brittni and JD need a five-bedroom home? Isn't it just the two of them?" We completely understand, and you are right! It is just the two of us. But, we are trying to think about the future and not just our needs currently. We envision the home being a place of community for short-term missions teams, community members, friends, students of the Shores' schools, our own out-of-town guests (family and any of you!), our own future kiddos (😉😍), and more, and we can't imagine that taking place in a small, two-bedroom apartment. 
• In Recife, a small, two-bedroom apartment (approximately 300 square feet for the entire thing) will cost about $300USD per month. An upgraded, two-bedroom apartment (a little bigger, partially furnished) will cost around $600USD per month. Further, a nice two-bedroom apartment (close to the beach, fully furnished, etc) can cost about $1000USD per month! When we compare these costs to the cost for the beautiful home that God has provided us with, we feel extremely blessed and like He has really given us a great gift! The five-bedroom home will cost the same as the fancy two-bedroom apartment near the beach - approximately $1000USD per month. We really feel like this is the place God wants us to be and we have faith that He will provide the funds we need to pay for it. He has already been giving us some great dreams and ideas for things we can do with the amount of space we'll have in our home.
• Now, you may be wondering why we are trying to push this fundraising thing so hard when we aren't planning to move for another 6 months! Well, here's the thing. The amazing friends that are giving us the opportunity to move in to their home are moving to Philadelphia to start a Shores of Grace there (visit their Facebook page for updates here)! The kicker is that they are moving in June and as you know, we aren't moving down to Brasil until September. When they move out of their home, we will be taking over the lease payments at $1000USD a month. That means that we will be paying rent for both our Casa de Tijolos (Brick House) and our rental home in Missouri at the same time. That will be approximately $1500 per month from June until September.

Here's where you come in: we are looking for people to sponsor us and partner with us in our journey to and in Brasil. Our overall goal is to have $2000USD in support to be fully funded, but our main goal right now is to have $1000USD in support by June in order to at least cover our housing expenses. JD and I are both working full-time to save money in addition to the support we receive, but we need your help! Any amount of support is helpful, so please do not feel like a small amount is not worth it! It all adds up! If we have 20 partners at $100 per month or 40 partners at $50 per month, that would fully fund us! If you have the ability to support us in any amount, click here to donate to us. Modern Day will be handling all of our giving, so give them a visit when you have a moment!

Again, there is no way we could do this without you, so please know that you are so appreciated and valued and loved for your support! And if you can't support us monetarily at the moment, add us to your prayer list and share this link with your friends. If you (or anyone you know) have questions, please get in contact with us through this blog, FB, IG, or email! We'd love to chat with you!  

A sneak peek of our new front door... it's so unique! 😍 (photo credit: Alisan Billman)

A MEDIUM bowl of açaí! JD and I like to order it with fresh, local pineapple, strawberries, and kiwi. It's a delicious way to cool off in the heat of the summer (or winter for that matter)!