Life’s beauty finds its way into our lives in many unique, amazing ways—sometimes unexpectedly.
To have an eye for the opportunities available to us, we may have to look where we’re not expecting to find them.
But life’s truest experiences and most memorable moments are those that come when we simply possess an eye of hope toward the future and recognize which paths will lead to the most growth.
This is the kind of life Rafael and Livia Melo live. They live for the opportunities that enable them to grow the most. They are one of our married couples on campus this semester, taking full advantage of the life-changing programs Cumorah Academy has to offer.
Everything, from their marriage to their new adventures at Cumorah, has reflected Rafael and Livia’s willingness to embrace opportunities as they arise.
The path, the road they follow, is simple—but it’s what they put into these experiences that pushes them to new heights.
Let’s take a look at how their story continues to blossom and shine here at Cumorah this fall.
Upbringings and Marriage
Rafael grew up in Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil, a beautiful city right on the coast. He was raised in a family of five, and his parents instilled in him from an early age the importance of working hard for an education.
This discipline helped him on his mission and in his studies, allowing him to recognize great opportunities for education and growth when they became available.
Livia is from Tinaguá, Ceará, Brazil. Her parents also inspired her to pursue an education. She served a mission in the São Paulo East Mission.
With both Rafa and Livia growing up with an eye for growth, they recognized the value they could bring into each other’s lives.
Their story begins with Livia working with Rafael’s sister at the Missionary Training Center (MTC) in Brazil. She originally met Rafael when he was at the MTC, preparing to head out for his mission.
After he returned two years later, Rafael’s sister decided to give him a special challenge.
“My sister, knowing I like challenges, challenged me to message Livia on Instagram. I opened her profile and thought, ‘She’s way out of my league,’ but I decided to send the message anyway. We started talking, and later on, I found out she had already liked me. That’s why my sister challenged me to send her a message.”
They began dating, and three months later, they were engaged. The rest is history.
Both Rafael and Livia were ready for the opportunity of meeting each other, and everything fell into place for them to begin building a successful relationship that turned into a marriage.
Journey to Cumorah
Similarly, they were ready to come to Cumorah Academy when the opportunity came knocking. They first heard about it from friends they had over for dinner. As they listened to the information about the program, they both looked at each other with curiosity.
Both were interested in growing and building a stronger foundation for success in their lives. They understood the light that was available to them here. So, once again, with an eye for opportunity, Rafa and Livia made the decision to embark on a life-changing adventure.
Selling almost everything they had and giving up their apartment so they wouldn’t have to pay rent while being here, the couple was soon on their way to the Czech Republic to study sales and business.
“We sold everything. We were posting on WhatsApp and letting people know we were selling things. Most of the people buying our things were just starting their lives, and we were selling everything. The only thing we have left is our car.”
This sacrifice was worth it for Rafa and Livia because they knew the opportunity was not only unexpected but also from God. They recognized the light that would pour into their lives from being at Cumorah.
Because they both live with the ability to recognize opportunities to grow, they knew Cumorah was not something they wanted to pass up. They were ready to make sacrifices, knowing everything would turn out for the better in the end.
Impact, Growth, and Potential at Cumorah
The impact Rafa and Livia have experienced here has been felt from day one.
“After the first week we got here, I thought, ‘If we were to go home today, it would all still be worth it.’ We were looking for growth. We were looking to learn, to change our lives, and to be better.”
This is what our students come to Cumorah to receive. They come here for the light that is present. Rafa and Livia knew what they were looking for—when they were growing up seeking education when they met and started dating, and now as young professionals at Cumorah.
Both of them have lived lives focused on searching for this light and recognizing opportunities when they come. That’s why they are here today.
They are here because they are searching for growth and potential.
It’s reflected in the things they’re learning here. For Livia, creating a life vision has been particularly impactful.
She says, “I love the opportunities to create a life vision. I think it really changed our perspective because, at the end of the day, we would come back to our room and discuss the things that we’re learning. That’s so powerful.”
For Rafa, it has been a profound shift in perspective on what it means to become successful:
“We need failure in order to succeed. You cannot be afraid of failure because success takes time. It’s a process, and you’re definitely going to make mistakes along the way, but the important thing is to learn what you need to from the mistake and then continue to move forward.”
These life-changing lessons and visions are why this couple made the sacrifices to come. It has proven to be worth it because they were committed to growth and making the most of their experience here.
This semester at Cumorah now serves as a starting point for the lives Rafa and Livia will create when they return home.
Some Advice for Starting Your Own Life-Changing Journey at Cumorah
If you’re considering coming to Cumorah because you recognize it as an opportunity to grow and realize your potential—just like Rafa and Livia did—well, they both have advice for you:
Rafa says,
“Just come. If you’re feeling stuck in life, if you feel like you’ve reached the ceiling or you don’t know what to do next, just come. Cumorah will open so many doors for you, and it will definitely change your life.”
Livia’s advice for married couples:
“Please come. This has helped us so much in our relationship because we’re learning how to deal with conflicts, and our relationship has improved a lot. We’re now working together to achieve our goals.”
Today is the day. This may be the opportunity you’ve been looking for—to grow and have an outpouring of light in your life to help you discover your potential.
So, follow the example of this couple, Rafael and Livia Melo. Take a chance on a life-changing journey today. You won’t regret it.
They shared a few words in the clip below:
Written by Weylin Hollister
Photos by Natalia Lopez
Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer
