A Couple Travelled 5,000 Miles to Adopt Four Brothers, «They Were Begging for Money on the Streets»

In a world where millions of children wait in orphanages, their stories are often untold, and their futures are uncertain. A remarkable tale of love, faith, and resilience emerges from Brazil to America. It’s a story that begins with four brothers, whose lives filled with neglect and adversity, but who ultimately find their way to a loving family in North Liberty, Iowa.

A phone call that changed everything.

Living in a poor orphanage in Paulista, Brazil, these four brothers, the oldest barely six, faced hardships beyond their years. Despite their circumstances, they were remarkably healthy, yet lacked education and familial bonds. For Leandro, the eldest, survival meant navigating the harsh realities of begging on the streets.

Their lives took a miraculous turn when Brandon and Jennifer Pratt, from North Liberty, answered the call to adoption from halfway across the globe. In a whirlwind of bureaucratic hardships spanning three years, they were presented with an opportunity that seemed heaven-sent — a chance to embrace four young brothers who others had overlooked.

The adoption was filled with challenges.

Between the challenges of navigating a foreign country’s healthcare system, Brandon and Jennifer found themselves in a disorienting situation. Unable to communicate with doctors due to language barriers, their frustrations built up as they found themselves with unfamiliar procedures and treatments. The simple act of driving became a daunting task, further isolating the kids from their surroundings. Even the bustling public transportation added to their sense of overwhelm, with crowded buses taunting the family.

Venturing outside their temporary home became an exercise in caution and vigilance. Jennifer vividly recalls the constant fear of her energetic children running off in different directions, adding an extra layer of stress to their already challenging circumstances. For two months, the family found themselves in survival mode, navigating each day with a sense of fear and uncertainty.

But they soon figured things out.

Soon, a glimpse of hope emerged. Through sheer resilience and determination, Brandon and Jennifer found ways to adapt to their new reality. With creativity and patience, they sharpened their skills in communication, resorting to games of charades and makeshift Portuguese to bridge the gap between languages. Despite the initial difficulties, they began to see signs of progress and positivity emerging from their shared experiences.

The arrival of Jennifer’s sister and her husband brought much-needed fresh air to the family’s struggles. With his local knowledge and language fluency, Jennifer’s brother-in-law became a lifeline, offering invaluable assistance in navigating daily life in Brazil. His presence not only eased the practical challenges of transportation and communication but also provided moments of relief and connection as the family ventured out to enjoy simple pleasures like dining at a restaurant together.

How little the boys knew about the world.

With adoption approval papers, visas, and passports secured, the Pratt family embarked on a week of sightseeing in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro. As they explored the bustling streets and iconic landmarks, they couldn’t help but notice the stark contrast between their children’s past and the bustling metropolis before them. It became evident just how underexposed the boys were to the modern world.

The family witnessed their children’s astonishment at everyday conveniences that many take for granted. From the shock of automatic doors opening at their approach to the fascination with hand dryers in public bathrooms, each encounter with modern technology served as a reminder of the world they had left behind. The sight of airplanes up close built a sense of awe and wonderment. As they watched their sons’ eyes light up with curiosity and excitement, Brandon and Jennifer were reminded of the transformative power of love and the boundless potential that awaited their family in the days and years to come.

Their future is now bright and filled with opportunities.

Their return to Iowa marked the beginning of a new chapter filled with both joy and adjustment. From their first encounter with snow to the boys’ first steps into American schools, every experience was a revelation.

Today, as Leandro, Cristiano, Enzo, and William settle into their new lives in Iowa, their journey serves as hope and inspiration. With each passing day, they embrace their newfound identities as sons, brothers, and members of a loving family. And as they learn to navigate the complexities of their double heritage, they carry with them the promise of a brighter future filled with boundless opportunities.