Hi, this is Ed Dalbello,
In the beginning:
I was born in Brazil, descendent of Italian immigrants. I had a great childhood, ridding a bike, skate, motorcycle and playing ninja in a small town surrounded by farms.
My parents Eduardo and Ernesta (everyone in my family starts with “E”) are great parents, hard working, loving and were firm to correct me when needed.
The Giants:
The reason I love missions is because when I was 12 year old I met these wonderful missionaries, who introduced me to Christ. They were with the Lutheran Church-AFLC, and I was catholic (not active, as we say in Brazil). I want to mention their names because they are the giants whose shoulders I stand to do what I do: Rev. John Abel, Rev. Connely Dyrud and Rev. George Knapp.
The undeserved blessing:
So when I was 19 I met this 17 years old blond, Cecilia Lipinski (polish descendant). She was all I had dreamed for a girlfriend, she really looked like an angel and the most amazing thing happened: she liked me.
Cecilia is a “peace maker” she is a great wife, friend and companion. She is also a great mom. Our home is always a peaceful place, or as I say: an Oasis.
More blessings:
We have two amazing daughters, Julie-Marie and Louise-Marie; they are pretty, intelligent, caring and lovely girls. If I weren’t their father, I would adopt them.
Transition:
We came to US in 93 for a visit and end up staying. My daughters were born in Tampa-FL, we became US citizens, built a business, returned to university and got more degrees. Worked as children’s pastors and then felt the call to missions.
Undeserved job:
For me to work for God is an undeserved job; imagine how great God is, He saved when I didn’t deserve and even allowed me to work for Him. What a merciful God!
Working for Lea to marry Rachel:
My call to missions was in Brazil, but through the directions of a great and godly leadership I spent almost 10 years working in Argentina, where God prepared, matured and trained me to finally go to my first call, Brazil.
Ed Dalbello
(still asking “why me” with so many great people He could choose from.)