Claudio and Rute Wed!

On August 5, 2005 Claudio and Rute made some public commitments that have been life altering. On that day they gave their lives to Jesus and to each other! After living together for approximately 15 years they decided to be baptized and to be married on the same day!



A little more than 3 years later, on September 5th, they were able to have their wedding ceremony before the state. Due to various drawbacks they had not been able to take this step until now. They showed a lot of determination and persistence to get to this point! We are so happy for them that they were finally able to be married legally - on paper! This date will forever be special to their family not just because of their wedding, but September 5th is Claudio's birthday! I bet they would have had the ceremony at mid-night if possible since September 6th is Rute's birthday! I think that is just great!

Claudio and Rute with the Justice of the Peace after the ceremony.

Jennifer and I were asked to be their witnesses. This meant a lot to us because of the relationship that we have with them. We will, of course, miss everyone when we return to the US. However, I think of all the Brazilians we will miss Claudio and Rute's family a little more.

Sascha signing the marriage certificate as one of the witnesses.

Jennifer and Elisa with Claudio, Rute and their youngest daughter, Lhaumar.