Godfather Sergio:

“After two years in the hospital following an accident, I decided to relate to life differently. It was during Christmas 2007 when I looked for a long-distance sponsorship program and found AVSI. Shortly after, I received Eliza’s profile (with her name and photo), and since then I’ve received photos, her first scribbles, drawings, and letters. And of course, I’ve kept them all until today… It’s like having watched her grow up…

Now, in 2023, we arranged to travel to Brazil, with more time, to be able to meet Eliza and get to know the Obras’ other units. It was wonderful! During the visit we were able to grasp the scale and complexity of this place. It’s impressive to see the work done with the children. A beautiful experience. We are grateful for everything you do.

The children’s hugs were so freely given that we were speechless. They were so affectionate, and we wanted to give something back, like grandparents welcoming grandchildren with a cake for breakfast. Eliza explained to us that it’s an exchange: in the hug, a very genuine, very unique love is passed on.

Marisa, my wife, says it was ‘a positive and wonderful experience. We truly saw what’s inside, not just appearances. The staff feel like a family. The children have everything here, they have affection. I invite everyone to have this experience.’”

Goddaughter Eliza:

“I was 3 years old when I came to the Obras and had no idea about any of this. I have great affection for the educators who welcomed me. I lived only with my mother and my sister when I was sponsored.

I wasn’t used to a father-daughter relationship. I grew up with an armor that slowly cracked open thanks to the affection of my godfather, his family, and my mother’s family. I grew up, and today I recognize that if I hadn’t said ‘yes’ to this whole story, I would be a completely different person. It’s been 16 years since we began this relationship.

Today I fully understand what it means to be a godfather, what he can do and what he has done for me. (…) It’s not about the money, it’s about the affection.

Ever since I was little, I’ve received updates, and I still look at the photo of Sergio’s whole family. I remember the exact day, in 2019, when I found out they were coming to Brazil. It was two intense days, spent together with me, and it was truly magical! I felt truly blessed by God.

Today I fully understand what it means to be a godfather, what he can do and what he has done for me. And because I experienced this family love, I decided to become a godmother myself as soon as I found a job. It’s not about the money, it’s about the affection. I want to carry forward what they did for me; I want to do the same for my godchild: it’s a wish of my heart, and I love doing it.

Welcoming Sergio and Marisa now in 2023, listening to them talk about their tour of the Obras, about their week’s program here in Belo Horizonte, about this meeting of ours, confirms my feelings. Even though I don’t show it and don’t say much, I like them knowing my reality.

When Sergio talks about the children’s affection toward them, I believe there is a mutual exchange. In a hug, a very genuine love is passed on. I felt an inner peace, and I believe the children felt it too. I feel the love you have for us! This family affection is unique, and I wish everyone could experience it, because it’s something magical, wonderful, and transformative. It has transformed my life and keeps transforming with every exchange of messages, letters, and visits from them.”