My heart is breaking wide open as I share this news with you. After 5 years of fighting brain cancer, our friend Mauro passed from this world on January 1st around midnight...holding his sweet Rebecca's hand as she nursed baby Isabel.

Quietly confident and deeply spiritual...he was loved by friends around the world. He and Rebecca taught capoeira in Des Moines...and it was always such a joy to watch him completely immersed in his passion.

He was known in the capoeira world as "Professor Xara"...here is a beautiful montage of his skill and grace. http://youtu.be/cQtxCgxJbkA

We will be leaving here on Thursday to head to Iowa for the memorial service and gathering. Please continue to pray for Rebecca, Bianca, and Isabel in the coming weeks and months.

Thank you all so much for your prayers and love over the years. I have so much more to say, but not the right words. Love to you all. xo