They say you should do one thing every day that scares you. Well… I’ve been living that motto on repeat for the last 1,033 days and counting — not by choice, mind you, but because life decided to take that advice very seriously. No, I’m not a thrill-seeking person nor crazy. I, along with my husband and 3 out 4 children decided in the beginning of 2022 to move to Hong Kong from Brasil. 

I thought I was ready. I had lived abroad before — as a child, a university student, and as a young adult. I thought, “I’ve got this.”

Spoiler alert: I did not “got this.” Turns out, moving to a new country with your whole family is a completely different rollercoaster. But here’s the twist — it’s been one of the most rewarding, confusing, growth-filled, magical, frustrating, and liberating experiences of my life.

My kids? Thriving. Hong Kong has given them freedom and independence they didn’t even know they were missing. They’ve made life-long friends from every corner of the world, and gained a world-class education even outside of the classroom. 

Me? I’ve had a chance to rediscover myself — who I am, who I want to be, and what I actually enjoy doing. The Hong Kong community welcomed us with open arms and full hearts. I made lifelong friends, people who became my local family, and my support system. And in that space of comfort and connection, I found the courage to chase an old dream: going back to school.  

And while Hong Kong may not be my forever home, it’s given me so much. I want to give something back — something lasting, meaningful, and joyful.

I’m celebrating a big birthday this year. Instead of throwing a big party or collecting a pile of gifts, I’d love to mark this occasion by doing something different: helping build a playground that will serve hundreds of children for years to come.

So here’s where you come in.

I’m raising funds to help build a playground for the 250+ children at HKSPC (Hong Kong Society for the Protection of Children). These kids deserve laughter, fun, and a space that feels like theirs — a place to just be kids. This playground will be a thank-you gift to the city that gave me and my family so much.

So please — instead of birthday gifts, help me turn swings, slides, and jungle gyms into joy, freedom, and magic for kids. 

Let’s build something beautiful — together.