Today is the beginning of Andrea's mission. We say goodbye to our baby girl for 18 months where the only communication with us will be an email every week and a call/Skype call on Christmas Day and Mother's Day. This has been the most difficult event we have experienced as parents, but we know she will be helping many people and will grow in ways that she will only be able to while there. We are EXTREMELY PROUD OF HER!!!

We are completely convinced that she will have a great mission. Also, we are certain that she will change many people's lives, including her own, the same way she has changed ours with her goofy personality, her charisma and her extremely contagious happiness. 

We as parents know and understand that this is the beginning of her independence and a full exposure to the world on her own. But it is evident that we will miss her dearly, and we will be thinking of her every second of this marvelous journey. 

We love her so very much and are excited that she has chosen to serve a mission, leave her family, friends, work, study, and her daily routine, to spread God's word for the next 18 months and serve the people of Lisbon, Portugal and the Azores Islands. 

All we ask for our Father in Heaven is to bless her and uplift her during times of difficulties, to know and feel she is not alone. We pray for her safe return home. 

MAY GOD BLESS YOU HIJITA, TE AMAMOS DEMASIADO!!!