Tchau Grand Rapids Oi Sao Paulo

Where to start?
Last Monday I handed over the condo keys to Eric and Paula (and their baby Hudson of course!)

Saturday we met at the airport and I was overwhelmed with the support, prayers, and love shown.  It really started to hit me that I would be leaving for 2 years.  Evy and Taylor would change so much, and I won't see most of the people I love so much for a long time.
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The flights went well with just a few glitches.  I went to get on the plane from GR to Chicago and was told it was just taking off and I watched back away from the gate...while I was still a little emotional as I had just left everyone minutes ago.  Fortunately I soon found out that my flight was the next one to

Chicago and I would be fine.  I arrived in Chicago and filled my 2 Camelbak bladders to ensure enough water and was in line to get a sandwich when water started gushing out of my bag...the one with my IPAD, Passport, VISA, instructions for entering the country etc.  Well, I asked them to hold my sandwich and tried to clean up that mess.  Then I ate my sandwich and talked to a couple of nice Brazilian people who would be on my flight.  We boarded on time, but left an hour and a half late.  I was sitting next to two high school boys who were speaking Portuguese.  I asked the one if he spoke English and he looked at my like I was crazy and say "ya!".  I wanted to ask him something and wasn't sure...guess I should have assumed. :)  Anyway, they weren't up for much conversation which was fine because I actually slept a little bit and spent a lot of time journaling.

I made it through customs fine which evidently is a real miracle.  The superintendent and another faculty member both got stopped last week and the principal got stopped an hour or so before I landed.  She had to pay a large fine.  I'm so thankful to have gotten through so easily.  I would not have known what to say.  That night we went to a Brazilian Steakhouse, or Churrascaria, a meat buffet.  It was very nice after the airplane food!!  

I'll post a few photos of my apartment that I will share with the math teacher, Sarah.  She will arrive this weekend.

Today I went into my classroom.  I have a loft!!!  How much fun!!!

The playground- This picture was taken through my classroom window.