Everyone always asks, "did you know when you first saw each other?" No, not really. We were all wearing masks so it was a pretty anonymized affair. Kinda like a masquerade ball. I think most think that this story starts off with something like: There I was, a young bull prowling around the party, and the young doe Karyne caught in my range....

Anyways, we met at Lucas and Carol's wedding with my now good friend Gabriel in the back video taping the ceremony for the folks back in America at Ebenezer.

P.S. If you look close, notice that Karyne is the only one looking directly at the camera. This woman never takes a bad photo. Maravilhosa!

In the beginning of our relationship, we spent a lot of time with each other hanging out in the condo downtown Sao Paulo and walking the city center. Karyne even took pictures!

Georgia Tech has held a lot of memories for me so I was excited to share some of my favorites with my girlfriend Kacau. We went to a game back when I still knew a ton of people on campus so it was a beautiful homecoming season. This was Ka's first experience at an American Football game so we had to make it a great one! Tailgating with friends and family (my line borther Micheal was on the scene). Eating burgers made by the alumni and fraternities. Well, I ate the burgers for sure, Karyne may have tried a hotdog. Cheering on the Jackets to victory! (I strategically left out the other team name so no fact checking!)

Thank GOD I was not born during the pay per minute era. I would have burned through those minutes in a week! Kacau and I spent a long time chatting on the phone using WhatsApp. This is when I truly understood the value of facetime and videocalling. Beforehand, I had really only videocalled my Dad on Skype while he was overseas using the desktop computer when I was young and a little bit while I was overseas in England using wifi.

Alexander loves matching! (Almost) Everyone had matching PJs (Karyne's did not come on time) for Christmas back in 2022. This was the first time Karyne felt this type of cold out in the Bayou of Lousiana with Mama Pegues.

Don't mind Dad's offguard look, our photographer forgot to say smile.

This was one of many family dinners that Karyne and I experienced during my trips to Brazil. We often have my favorite COUVE (collard greens)!

From left to right is cousin, Mom, cousin, Sister-Bia, Ka, Me, Aunt-Simone, Grandma, and Pai. Fluent! We ate very well and told stories all night.

In true fashion, since my Dad was not there, I had to put on my best offguard look. It's a good thing that I cannot take a bad photo!

Wearing my classic green pants, we trotted around Rio de Janeiro to serve communities and do some sightseeing along the way. Karyne served as translator along with Lucas and Carol here. Note that it was raining when we were at the top and COVID was still affecting numerous people aside from Kelly and Nelson. They stayed masked up.

Also note that the view from Christ the Redeemer is amazing. This is definitely one of the most beautiful and awe inspiring sights I have seen. Yes the tribute to Jesus is beautiful and moving but the surrounding mountains are breathtaking as well.

Well I would tell you that I dressed up but this is pretty much how I look everyday. Karyne was Ms. Brasil this day with as much participation as her 5 foot self could handle. This was an awesome time not only for the parties and friends but for the family connections and stories that coame out of this experience as well. So much fun. So much Caipirinha.

When I graduated from college for my Masters in Miami, my parents and cousin Tony came to enjoy!

We did it again!

Off to Rio we went to enjoy some time in the sun and serve the community again. Karyne was a translating pro by now and enjoyed the time going to some tourist spots in between social justice speeches, teaching, and ideological exhanges.

And we got married at Christ the Redeemer! Just kidding. Our family friend and my fraternity brother Bronson said a prayer to bless our union during the mission trip to Rio de Janeiro but EVERYONE around thought we had just gotten married so we received a standing ovation! This was cool. It speaks to the language barrier of having people from around the world because no one knew what was happening. I was happy that everyone was happy though. This place also has one of the best views in the world to me. Looking out over the sea is one of the most tranquil feelings in the world.

I proposed in front of the most magical place in the land: Holiday Lights at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens!

I have been here almost every year that the Botanical Gradens has had the program.

The lights! The Ambience! The Cold! We took these photos and went to eat dinner to celebrate but also to warm up because it was freezing.