“I decided to take this trip with my daughter, Celeste, because she’s still willing to listen to me (most of the time), and I truly delight in her presence. I wanted to share something with her that we’ll both remember for the rest of our lives. So this trip was Christmas and spring break rolled into one for us. She loved it, start to finish. I loved the time!

“We drew closer because the cruise was just us (without the rest of the family), and it was all about gathering on a boat to praise Jesus! There were none of the usual issues facing us such as job, school and relationships. So our focus was with each other and with God.

“During the worship times, we discovered that we’re both the same before His throne — whatever conflicts we might have between us — in front of Jesus we’re the same and the problems fade away in the face of His love. For both of us, it was powerful to gather with sisters in Christ and worship.

“I have to add that Susie’s miracle story about God multiplying the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on one of the Brio missions trips radically changed my perception of God. It has transformed my understanding of Him and His ability to show himself. It still gives me goose bumps thinking about it. We serve an awesome God!” —Liz Rotholz

“My daughter is 20 and living in California on her own. She had received the Lord two years ago. A few months later after talking with her pastor and studying her Bible, she was baptized. I thought my prayers were answered. I was wrong.

“Tiffany stopped going to church about a year ago and stopped talking to me about the little things. This was tough, because we’ve always been able to talk about everything — even the things I didn’t want to hear. I was worried she might be on drugs or perhaps be depressed.

“But the very first night on the cruise, she just kept talking! It wasn’t drugs or depression; it was guilt! She confessed she was sleeping with her boyfriend. We both prayed about it and talked for several hours. I told her that she can turn to God in times of temptation instead of giving into it. She’s decided to join a young women’s Christian group.

“We have talked each day and every night on the phone since we returned from the cruise. Her voice and attitude is so sweet again. The cruise more than restored my relationship with my daughter!

“Thanks, Brio, for helping me get my daughter back and strengthening our relationship with God.” —Petra Hawkins

“My mom is absolutely amazing! She’s my best friend, and I tell her everything. We were already close before we went on the cruise; the cruise simply enhanced our relationship.

“Sometimes it’s hard to spend quality time together at home because I have two younger brothers and a busy schedule. I loved having my mom all to myself! Another part of the cruise that made it special was worshiping together. Yes, we’re together at church, but so is the rest of the family. On the cruise, God simply blessed me with great quality time with my mom. I don’t think I could have asked for more. Now that we’re back home we’re trying to fit reading our new book Closer. into our crazy schedules. I can’t wait until the 2008 Mother/Daughter cruise! —Kathy Vignola