We came from Miami, a fast-paced, cosmopolitan city and assumed big-city life had prepared us for anything. But starting over in a new country has its own learning curve. Like many of you, we had to adjust to new customs, a different rhythm of life, a new language, endless paperwork, and perhaps hardest of all has been rebuilding our social world one relationship at a time.

Slowly, through our church and our children’s school, we began meeting people. What struck us immediately was how diverse the Algarve truly is. We’ve met people from all over the world. And as we listened from young adults just starting out to retirees with decades of stories the same theme kept surfacing: no matter our background, we all long for connection.

Out of that shared need, we launched an Alpha Course last spring, something we’ve run many times in the States. Jesus once said, “I have come that you may have life, and life to the full.” Alpha creates space to explore that claim, to ask honest questions about the Christian faith, to reflect on life’s bigger meaning, and to do so in a warm, welcoming environment.

Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Client;

Alpha is a 10-week film series built around conversation, friendship, and good food. Our last group reflected the richness of the Algarve. The group included young adults to retirees, representing Portugal, Colombia, Venezuela, the United States, England, Brazil, South Africa, and the Netherlands. After the second week, attendance dipped and we wondered whether people would stay as ten weeks can seem like a big commitment. But not only did everyone continue, a couple more joined along the way.

Once again, we were reminded how deeply people desire genuine connection and meaningful conversations. Alpha provided a place to explore life’s deeper questions and the connection between life and faith.

In the first half of 2026, we’ll be launching another Alpha Course. Stay tuned, perhaps you’ll be part of the next one. We’d love to connect with you!