Leaving behind the vibrant community of Portland wasn't easy. Our hearts were entwined with the people we hugged, danced, and sang with at Favela Brazilian cafe.
Closing the doors of our beloved establishment meant bidding farewell to a chapter of our lives that had become inseparable from our identities.
Yet, amidst the sorrow of parting ways, a glimmer of hope illuminated our path forward. For years, we had harbored a dream – a dream of expanding our community, our family, through adoption. With each passing day, that dream grew stronger, until it became an irresistible call to action.
Our journey to parenthood took us on a winding road, one that led us to explore adoption options in Brazil. However, the complexities of the process left us grappling for alternatives. And so, Plan B took shape – a plan that beckoned us towards Portugal, where the prospect of international adoption felt more attainable.
A year ago, we set foot on Portuguese soil for the first time. Instantly, we were enchanted by the country's rich history, delectable cuisine, and warm hospitality. It was as if we had found a piece of our souls in this quaint corner of the world. And when the time came to make the monumental decision of relocation, there was no hesitation – Portugal had already woven its way into our hearts.
When we arrived here, to our joy and surprise, we were received with open arms by one of Rodrigo's oldest friends and his family - Daniel, Gina, Dona Cleuza, and their lovely kids Guilherme and Gabriel. It was as if a little Favela community was already here, waiting to embrace us.
Leaving Portland meant leaving behind cherished memories and cherished faces. Yet, it also meant carrying those memories with us, as we embarked on a new chapter of our lives. Here in Portugal, as we eagerly await the arrival of our precious child, we find solace in the promise of new beginnings.
But our journey doesn't end with adoption. Inspired by the spirit of Favela, we envision creating a new project – a beacon of community and camaraderie, much like the cafe we left behind. Whether it takes the form of a cafe, a Favela tour, or a Bed & Breakfast, one thing is certain: it will be imbued with the same magic that made Favela in Portland so special.
As we navigate the joys and challenges of adapting to life in a new country, we invite you to join us on this adventure. Through Instagram updates (@FavelaBrazilianCafe and @LongLifeLocals) and blog posts, we'll share our triumphs, our setbacks, and everything in between. And when the time comes, we'll eagerly open our doors to welcome you, our extended family, to Portugal – where our hearts now reside, alongside the promise of a brighter future.
Thank you for being a part of our journey. We can't wait to share what lies ahead – including the expansion of our family, and the creation of a new Favela, right here in Portugal
Love,
Rodrigo & Dunya