The Art of Coming Home

I've been home for 2 weeks now.  It seems like much longer than that!  There have already been different stages that I've gone through in my return:
Stage 1:  Wonderment
As I got off the airplane, I was amazed at the American-ness of everything.  It was a shock to be able to understand and be understood.  (No more horribly broken Portuguese!  I'll miss it, I think)  In the first couple of days back, I marveled at the conveniences that America has built into its fast-paced, super-sized lifestyle.  I realized how different my life really was in the last 5 months; at least in the little things. 
Stage 2: Homesick Ointment
Hugging.  In abundance.  It was so good to hug my mom, to get a backrub from my dad, tease and get teased by my brother (the only one who can affectionately call me "Shorty") and to snuggle with my sister before sleeping in my own bed.  Home cooked meals, cereal, and lattes were indulgently consumed!  Home is so good for the soul, and as the saying goes, there's no place like it!
Stage 3: Hometown Tourist
After 5 months in a different country, you get accustomed to having an outsider's observant eye.  When I got back, I felt like I saw Iowa with a fresh perspective-- almost as if I was a tourist.  I had a new appreciation for the quaint Iowa farm houses, the sparkling winterwonderland, and the quiet beauty that I call home.  Iowa is a lovely place to grow up-- and even though there were few Brazilians who could point out where it is on the map-- I may have convinced a couple of people that they really should come and visit the "heartland" someday!  Even with the 80 degree temperature drop, I am appreciating the place that I find myself right now.
Stage 4:  Broken Record
Now that I've returned, I have similar sounding conversations several times a day.

So, how was Brazil?
Good!  It was an amazing experience.
Cool!  I'll bet it was warmer there.
Yes, it was about 89 degrees when I left.
Wow!  So, why did you come back?

Like good (and predictable) Iowans, the most common question I get is about the weather.  It can be difficult and somewhat overwhelming to try and sum up an experience like Brazil in the context of a small talk conversation.  There are so many things that went into everything that the last 5 months was for me, that I haven't begun to process.  And I never know how much to share.  I've learned that there are few people that ACTUALLY want to know about all the different layers of a travelling experience.  Most people want a reader's digest version-- satisfied with a couple highlights and a weather report.  I knew this would be the case, so I let others lead the conversation.  (I've always had a hard time opening up to people that are only half listening)
There is still so much that I want to process, but I'm not sure how to.  It's something I don't want to force, but I feel that there is so much that still needs to be pondered. 

Stage 5:  Treading Water
There's been a momentum leading me down a somewhat laid-out plan for my life up to this point.  Always a clear next step.  Until now.  I'm back.  And now, what?  Phrases like "real world", "beginning my career" and "graduate" seem unreal and foreign on my tongue.  Yet, this is where I find myself.  Graduating in December gives me a certain amount of time to figure out where I want to go next.  I've had a couple of moments of feeling like Wiley Coyote when he realizes there's no cliff beneath him.  What am I going to do?  Where will I live?  Who will I be with?  When will I know?  There's a certain loneliness that is surfacing that I was anticipating as I got back; caused by multiple factors.  I've been trying to wake up each day and choose to be content with where I am.  Not to focus on what I'm going to be with my life (macro)  but to focus on what I'm called to that day.  Each day, this gets a little harder-- and yet I'm hopeful.  I knew it would be challenging, and the process of readjusting to a new season will take time. 
In a way, it's a very exciting time.  I feel a bit like I'm reinventing my life-- this season is an "incubation period" for forming who I want to be. (Does that make sense?)  Lots of grace, many deep breaths, and an occasional bubble bath are all needed to get through this season of waiting.

Breathing in the Brazilian Air

My good friend Marsha told me before I left for Brazil that this season was going to be one of freedom and release-- that I would come here and just breathe in the Brazilian air, so I could come back and share that with my loved ones here. 
In these last two weeks, I have been trying to do just that.  After finishing up with student teaching, we (Crystal, Jana, Natalia, and I) packed up our backpacks and headed on another Brazilian adventure.  This time we went to the northeast, to the state of Bahia.  I almost can't even adequately describe the depth and breadth of the beauty I beheld.  It left my heart feeling so full that I almost felt anxious-- like I had to strain to take it all in.  But then I remembered Marsha's advice.  I came back to the moment and took deep breaths of the warm Brazilian air.
Our first couple of days were spent in Chapada Diamontina (google it--- the pictures do a better job of describing the beauty than I can).  After a long day of traveling, a long winding dusty path led us to a remote pousada in the middle of... the most beautiful nature I have ever witnessed.  Imagine the Grand Canyon, with giant plateaus all around, covered in lush greenery and exotic plants that look like they're out of a Dr. Seuss book.  We spent three days hiking along these trails, each day very different and yet unspeakably beautiful.  Wide ravines with butterflies soaring throughout.  Swimming at the base of a remote mountain waterfall.  Watching the sunset on the top of a plateau with a 360 view of the Chapada.  It was so refreshing to my spirit to be out in this untouched wilderness.  (I can't wait to share my pictures with you!)
After that, we returned to Salvador, a coastal city with lots of beautiful old buildings.  We toured the city with some friends that we made at the bus station-- Ryan from L.A. and Dan from Australia.  Natalia and Crystal had to part ways shortly after, and Jana and I continued our vacation on the beaches near Salvador!  (We decided this was our "commencement ceremony"!!!!  Congratulations on graduating!  Let's swim in the ocean and lay on the beach!!)  We went to several beaches, and even spent a couple days on this quaint island called Morro de Sao Paulo (By the way, I think I want to repeat this vacation for my honeymoon!  It was that perfect!) The beaches were gorgeous, the weather was perfect, and the people we met along the way were very memorable.  As we were navagating through this state with very limited knowledge of the place or the language, we were continually blessed by goodhearted strangers who lent a hand when we needed it. I continue to be blessed and amazed by the generous hearted people of Brazil and their hospitality! 
I have officially hit the **Transition Stage**.  Getting back to Brasilia, I definitely felt mixed emotions.  Part of me is very much ready to come home-- to see all my loved ones, to hug my mom and dad, cuddle with my sister, and play nintendo with my brother :) But on the other hand, I am realizing how much I'll miss all of this-- the amazing experiences I've had, the beautiful people I've met: the students, my friends, the grocery store workers...  I haven't been able to fully grasp what this experience has been, nor do I think I'm capable of doing so... I will be processing it in the months to come.  I need to have patience, give myself room to laugh, cry, grieve the season passing, and look forward to what is in store (which is a whole other ball of wax on my "To think about" list!!! But that's another story for another blog). 
For now, I'll keep picking away at the packing that needs to happen, eat my daily acai, and joyously celebrate that I have LIVED in Brazil!

Brilliantly Blue Brazilian Skies

The other day, while running an errand in school I looked up at the brilliantly blue Brazilian sky and it seemed to be even more vibrant than normal, as if to say "Don't go Allie! Stay here in this beauty." In the back of my head, and ever creeping towards the front, I'm thinking about the inevitable end of this experience. I'm trying to intentionally dwell on the positives of the upcoming change. Right now I'm here, in Brazil, surrounded by wonderful people and a beautiful country. I want to embrace every moment that I have while I'm here. I am also getting excited to see family and loved ones in Iowa. I'm looking forward to the embraces, home-cooked meals, comforting evenings, and laughter that awaits me in December. The timing is perfect, because I'll be coming just in time for the peak Christmas celebrations! (Right now it's a bit unfathomable to think of snow and claymation TV specials, Christmas Lights and Deck the Halls playing on the radio!)


Each day is chalk full of lesson planning, grading papers, hanging out with roommates, adventures around the city, and experiencing the culture. I apologize for not keeping you up to date on all the adventures, but here are some highlights since I last wrote:

-Dancing to live music at "Gates Pub" with my roommates

-Going to a small group prayer meeting from a Vineyard church with my friend Leda

-A weekend trip to the nearby colonial city of Pirenopolis with sweet friend Mariana, Natalia and Jana. We shopped and explored the quaint cobble-stoned city, hiked to some amazing waterfalls, and enjoyed the hospitality of Mariana's aunt and uncle as we stayed in their cabin

-Taking full control of the fifth grade classroom-- becoming more familiar and confident with the rhythm and art that is teaching. I especially enjoyed teaching a poetry unit and leading literature circle discussions.

-A mustache-themed good-bye celebration with friends from school-- (that's right, everyone was required to wear a mustache!!)



Each day here remains an adventure- full of self-discovery and experiencing the rich culture that is Brasilia! We have a short week before the Thanksgiving Break. This means a couple of exciting things! 1) I only have 3 days left of working at EAB, student teaching, and ultimately college! I'll be done with my college education in 3 days!!!! 2) We will be travelling to Northern Brazil for the break-- to the beaches of Salvador and a hiking trek in the picturesque Chapada Diamontina. Because Jana and I will be done with our student teaching, we will be spending a couple extra days in Salvador for some relaxation, reflection, and soaking up the Brazilian sun. 3) My time here is coming to an end!!!!

Oh Rio!

The salty sea air was on my lips. The wind whipped my hair. Dark grey clouds covered the blunt mountains in the horizon. As my feet were planted firmly in the sand, I stretched out my arms and embraced the moment, and once again marveled at my life. I’m in Rio de Janeiro for the weekend.




It was a fun, adventurous, whirlwind of a weekend. A couple things stick out that I wanted to share with you:

The ocean was magnificent. The waves were more powerful than I had ever experienced. We couldn’t go past knee deep without being literally swept off our feet! It was awesome seeing the surfers catch huge waves! Unfortunately it was stormy for most of the weekend, but my heart just loved being near the ocean. There is this unspoken piece of my soul that feels satisfied only when I am near the sound of crashing waves and staring into the expanse that is the ocean.



Also, I stayed in my first hostel. It was a quaint house, complete with brightly colored walls, a spiral staircase, mismatched dishes, and rooms full of free spirits from all over the world. We got to chill out with people from England, Germany, Argentina, Australia, and Sweden. There was definitely a contagious desire to travel and experience the world. I love the mentality of young people from European cultures-- They were out to explore and discover the world—vagabonds and good people. I really enjoyed hearing their stories and spending time with them.



We went sightseeing on Tuesday and saw many beautiful parts of Rio—the famous Christ the Redeemer statue, a birds eye view of the city (including the football stadium where the world cup will be) and these famous stairs with colorful tiles from all around the world (and, of course, the artist was just chillin’ on his masterpiece stairs, about half way up—although at first I thought he was a homeless man). We also learned about the favelas that surround the city. One sad reality of Brazil is the extreme difference between the wealth and poverty juxtaposed everywhere. Huge colonies of these shanty towns line the mountain, while across the street, fancy gated communities and restaurants exist.



I was sad to leave Rio. I hope to go back someday—and hopefully I’ll pick a sunnier weekend! Now I’m back in structured, central Brasilia. It’s funny how it felt like home when we got back. What’s even more strange is the reality of how limited my time here really is! I am torn, because I’m anticipating how much I’m going to miss this already! I’m really trying to remain fully present. I’m here now, and I’m meant to be here. Soon enough, I will be home, and that is exactly as it should be.



Well, sadly, it is way past my bedtime, and I still have a children’s novel to read. I’d better get started on that. Oh, the life of a student teacher in Brazil!

Yesterday, my roommates and I walked to an art exhibit in this museum that was shaped like like a planet.  The art exhibit was beautiful- it had work from Joan Miro-- a famous artist, according to Jana.  Standing in front of these beautiful pieces, I was reminded how much my soul needs to drink in beauty in regular doses.  Poetry, nature, art, laughter.  This should be in my diet like fruits and vegetables.

Another thing that feeds my soul is creating art.  But when I'm at art exhibits, I always ask the same question.  What is it about this artist, this piece of work that makes it worthy of hanging here in this art exhibit?  Is there some undefinable quality that this artist has that makes it "good"?  Do I have possess this "goodness factor" as an artist?  Is that a question I should even ask? 

Maybe no one should doubt their own art.  The students that Jana had in elementary art created beautiful pieces of art-- and I think it was because it wasn't self-edited.  There was no self-doubt-- just unfettered creation coming from the soul. 

It can be so easy to get "too busy" to create.  But again, I think it should be a necessity in my life.

I realized the other day that I am living a much more simple lifestlyle here-- and much more environmentally friendly.  I walk everywhere, we air dry our clothes, don't have an air conditioner, and we eat mostly fresh food bought at locally owned stores.  We live like this because that's what we have to do, but it's nice.  It's nice to not have a cell phone or a car for awhile.  To live in a small apartment here in the middle of South America with some sweet friends.  Life is good. 

Later today, we are going to go hunting for fruit around the city-- hopefully the mangoes have had some more time to ripen.  Then there's an international film festival close by that we might check out tonight.  I hope all is well in Iowa.  Soak up the autumn-ness for me! 

Muito Bom!

Another beautiful night here in Brazil.  It's so strange to think that back in Iowa, the days are getting shorter, the air is crisper, and the trees are shedding their leaves.  Here, the spring has sprung.  With the rainy season starting a couple of weeks ago, things are turning green.  The mango trees are starting to produce some promising surprises (I can honestly say I've never been able to pick fruit from mango trees on my way home from school before).  The only downside to this season is the frequent downpours (often right at the time that school gets out- the sky opens up) and the heat.  But I really can't complain! 
My parents came two weekends ago, which was such a fun time!  They came Friday morning and we spent the long weekend seeing the sights of the city, enjoying delicious food, and just being together.  We rented a car, which was an adventure.  Mom and Dad quickly found out that everything is an adventure in Brazil!  But getting lost just became a part of the adventure.  As the only one of the group who knew any Portuguese, I had lots of opportunities to attempt the language.  It was good because I think I grew a lot in the language!  I'm really developing a passion to learn the language!  I really loved that they got to see where I'm living- and meet the people I'm sharing life with here.  It meant so much to have a refreshing weekend together with them-- to have meaningful conversations, to laugh, and show them this place that I love.  It meant so much that they were willing to travel half way across the world to see me!
Right now my world is filled with portfolios!  We are doing student-led conferences tomorrow and on Friday.  This is a very neat way to do conferences, as the students really take ownership of their learning, but I'm telling you, it's a lot of work!  Our days are filled with trying to get their portfolios ready.  In the end, I think it will be rewarding, but Im looking forward to next week when we'll get back to the normal routine! 
Last week we had a neat opportunity.  The fifth graders go to a local orphanage every year to help celebrate Children's Day with the children there.  It was so touching to see these students (who are from very affluent families) interacting with the children there.  While they were hesitant at first, they quickly realized that there were far more similarities than differences.  They discovered that these kids liked the same things and needed the same things as them.  Soon they were laughing, playing soccer, holding hands, and enjoying each others' company.  I was struck at how much the orphans desired affection.  So many kids came up and wanted to be held, wanted to sit in my lap, to touch my hair, or just to be close to me.  While it was clear that they were hungry for love, they were still very joyful children.  It was heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time. 

The question is... am I smarter than a 5th grader?

This is my first week of my second placement.  I have said goodbye to first grade, with bittersweet feelings.  Now I am across the courtyard in fifth grade.  It is very different!
1.  They sit still!  They can sit quietly and read independantly for 20+ minutes.
2.  They (for the most part) follow directions the first time.
3.  No one has asked me to tie their shoes.
4.  I don't have to bend down as far to give hugs.
5.  I went from teaching short vowel sounds and defining what a community is to talking about exponents, how to structure a paragraph, and science inquiry methods! 
6.  The role of the teacher is very different-- it's much more of a facilitator and encouraging critical thinking rather than providing guidance and direct instruction.

I am excited for the higher level of content, especially with the literature-- my secret and somewhat nerdy love for young adult literature is now being put to good use!  I'm really looking forward to getting to know the kids more and having more meaningful conversations with them.  However, I am going to have to do my homework!  The content knowledge doesn't come as easily in this grade, and I'm going to have to study up!! 

Things outside of school are good.  I'm trying to stay healthy and try to stay centered and at peace, even though life is pretty busy.  I'm itching to get out of the city and experience some of the nature close by.  Part of the reason that people decided to locate the capitol where it is was that there are several waterfalls close to the city.  I haven't seen a waterfall yet, but I'm hoping to get out and do some hiking this weekend!

It hasn't rained here for 125 days now, so the environment has taken a hit.  The sky has looked threatening a couple of days, but still no rain.  I'm excited for the rainy season to begin, so that things will be green again!  I also am in the mood for a good thunderstorm!

I can't believe my time here is almost half done.  It feels like it has gone so quickly, and yet, it feels like the day I arrived is so distant!  I'm really excited for my parents to come next week! 

Surreality

Sometimes I still look around me and think-- Wow.  I live in Brazil!  I woke up this morning, chatted with my roommate, ate some cream cheese and jam on a piece of bread, checked my facebook (pretty routine right?) and looked out the window.  Another cloudless day, exotic birds chirping, and the guy that sells corn husk things announcing his presence in our block.  And it hits me-- I am in Brazil.  Living here.  And I've been here for about two months.  Craziness!

Besides those moments where the surrealness hits, I'm definitely in the groove of a routine.  I only have one week left of my first placement with Erin Hayes in first grade.  I have bittersweet feelings about this.  On the one hand, I am really going to miss these kids!  They are so sweet and the little hugs and the funny things they say and the sweet moments of seeing the lightbulb come on (or seeing them actually applying a strategy YOU taught them!) melts my heart.  I really enjoy working with Erin and I really appreciate our open communication and continuing conversation about teaching and life.  It has been a great experience!  On the other hand, first grade is a HANDFUL!  Classroom management is definitely a large part of a teacher's role in first grade.  It was overwhelming when I took over the full control of the classroom to try to rein them in (constantly!)  I'm looking forward to working with fifth grade-- to have students that can stay in their seats, have more adult conversations, and covering content that is more advanced.  There are things that I really love about both ends of the spectrum as far as grade level, so I am hoping that I can discover my "sweet spot" through being in both a lower and upper elementary classroom.

Outside of the classroom, life is good-- and busy!  So many Brazilians from the school have been very gracious in inviting us to do stuff on the evenings and weekends.  I'm still trying to figure out the balance between doing stuff with people and having time to recharge.  Here are some of the fun things I've done in the last couple of weeks:
-Danced the night away at a salsa dance club
-Experienced acupunture
-Joined a parade going down the road by our apartment
-Tried my skills on stilts at a puppet festival
-Went to a very swanky restaurant with my roommates and some diplomats from the American Embassy
-Sampled sushi at a famous a sushi restaurant
-Went to a Japanese festival at a Bhuddist temple

We'll see what adventures the next few weeks hold!

Vibrancy

It’s a Friday evening. I am sitting on my bed, listening to classical music and trying to muster up enough energy to go hang out with the drama teacher. The sad truth is that, for the life of a teacher, Friday evenings often consist of doing not much more than putting on your pjs and watching a movie. Or at least that’s what sounds appealing, because you’re just plain exhausted at the end of the week.


I shouldn’t be complaining though, because this was only a three day week. Tuesday was Brazil’s independence day. We (the new teachers) spent the long weekend at a hot springs resort called Caldas Novas. It was a weekend of a lot of relaxing by the pool and shopping the very touristy town. Unfortunately there wasn’t much to do in the way of hiking or nature, which is what I was kind of hoping for. Because there was so much time with such a little agenda (something that hasn’t occurred since I moved here!) I got a bit homesick. But, all in all, it was a fun weekend and a good chance to connect with the new friends I’ve made here.

I was talking with Crystal, one of my roommates on the bus ride back, about how everything is going. I told her that for me transitions are hard. It can take up to two months of feeling funky emotionally while I adjust to a new setting, routine, culture, etc. I feel like I’ve been in transition mode for a long time. Transitioning out of Lampost and out of “college student” mode. One month periods of being at home and then nannying in Cedar Falls. Then moving to another continent and starting to teach full time. I have tried to be more graceful with myself, because I know that it takes awhile, and these have been big changes. But, I’m sick of being in transition mode. To be more specific, I feel like I haven’t quite been myself, especially the last few weeks. I think a big factor is being around people that don’t know me very well, and as a result, not fully being 100% myself (this is a life long struggle for me—attempting to live up to my perceptions of others’ expectations). I told Crystal that I feel like I’ve been live in pale shades, and that I want to be more vibrant. I want to fully live each moment to the fullest, in brave honesty and with eyes wide open. Life is too short (my time in Brazil is too short) to be living half way. You can keep me accountable for that!

You are what you think

It's late (well, for a tired elementary teacher), but I really wanted to share what I've been learning over the last week. 
One thing I feel like I've been struggling with while being here in Brazil is feeling very tense and anxious-- between balancing all the newness, trying to be on top of my game for teaching, and transitioning into this new stage of my life.  I was feeling uptight, and it has been affecting my health-- back pain, headaches, stomachaches, mentally and physically not being able to relax.

I joined a bible study from some people from at school.  We're going through this book called "Battlefield of the Mind."  The premise of the book is that a lot of spiritual battles occur and begin in the mind.  Our thoughts produce the fruits of our actions-- the thoughts that are circling in our heads will affect our outlook on life.  There is so much power in choosing to think things that are the truth and things that are positive.  Choosing to praise, be thankful, focus on His beauty, and believe to see ourselves as HE sees us.  This is the task of each moment.  And because he exists in the present moment, our only obligation is to be present in the present and to seek His truth for that moment.  And the next moment, and the next moment (Victorious lives are made up of victorious moments).  It's choosing to believe that the lies we are tempted to live in are a weak and pale comparison to the vibrant life he is offering. 

I can't believe how much of a difference this shift in my mindset has helped me be able to have a sense of peace in my day.  The difficulties are still present, but I feel much more joyful and able to breathe.

Please pray for the grace to be able to continue to walk in this mindset.  To constantly renew my mind in the truth and to choose to dwell in the light.

Sunday- Funday!

Hello-
So it's a Sunday afternoon, and I'm sitting in the living room with my two roommates!  That's right-- it's officially all three of us-- Crystal arrived this Wednesday.  I can remember last winter when we were all collaborating and talking about the possibility of coming here to Brazil.  6 months later, here we are!  It still hits me sometimes with how surreal it is!

On Friday I had my first day of teaching all day without the cooperating teacher there.  Erin was doing literacy testing all day.  It was... good, but exhausting.  I'm still trying to figure out the whole classroom management situation.

This will be a short blog, because I'm headed out to a Japanese festival with some friends.  there is a large population of Japanese in Brazil.  It should be fun! 

I'm doing well, but still trying to find a balance in it all-- learning that I don't need to be perfect, finding out what I need to be mentally, physically, and spiritually healthy, and discovering what I need to do to meet those needs.  It's a challenge everyday, but it's met with victories and learning opportunities.

More soon!

One month

I have officially been here for one month.  Wow-- it's crazy-- and I'm not sure if it feels like it's flown by or that I've been here for a long time--- I suppose it's a little bit of both. 
I'm sorry that I haven't written in awhile.  I will catch you up.
I am starting to teach in the classroom bit by bit.  I have two guided reading groups (small groups that meet each day for 20 minutes), and I am teaching social studies-- which I will use as my big unit plan that I turn in to the university.  I am doing the unit on communities. 
The students are absolutely adorable, and a handful!  The stories they tell, the things they do when they think no one is looking, and the little hugs I get make me love this job!  I feel as though this is the right career for me because it is so easy to come to school and throw my heart into what I'm doing there!  Which, needless to say, means I am EXHAUSTED by the time school is done.  A highlight of my week was being in bed by 9 one night!  It is very easy to let school consume your life.  Several teachers have given me the wise advice to do your best and commit to excellence, but to set boundaries and have a balanced life, so as to keep your sanity!  I think this is a good thing to keep in mind, because this is a job that is never done-- there's always something else to get done. 
I got to go to church with Erin, my cooperating teacher last week, and it was so refreshing to go-- I hadn't been able to go for several weeks.  The corporate worship was very refreshing.  While it was very nice to go to an English speaking church, I wasn't sure if it was a church that I would necessarily go to if there were other options.  I am currently praying about what I should do about that. 
I think above all, my heart is longing for fellowship.  While I feel that I'm adjusting well, there is such a shock of newness to everything: new country, new language, new career, new schedule, new group of friends, new climate, new lifestyle, new things to do on the weekends, new choices that need to be made-- new EVERYTHING!  On the one hand, I feel like everything is going so smoothly-- there's just a "rightness" about being here right now.  And yet, there is also a degree of chaos- inside of me.  I feel just a little bit out of whack from the transitions. 
As the first month has past, and I'm settling into a routine, I want to be able to find a sense of balance.  Here's what I'm working on and learning:
-I need to take time to re center-- time for solitude, rest, and not having to "be on" on a regular basis
-Being fully present in the moment (and not being anxious about what the next season will hold)
-Letting God be in control of situations, my future, relationships etc.
-Being unapologetic about who I am and what I need
-Failing with grace- learning from my mistakes and claiming the victories as they come
-Seeking His face each day with joy and grace

One Week down!

I have officially completed my first week of school.  It was intense!  I don't know if you've ever been in a first grade classroom during the first week of school, but it is a high maintainence bunch of six year olds! 

I quickly fell in love with the kids-- they are so adorable!  A majority of them are from Brazil, three do not speak English, while the others have varying degrees.  We also have a couple of American students, as well as a Sweedish and German students.  I love, love, love having little hands on my arm asking "Miss Allie, Miss Allie, can you help me spell this word?"  They are really sweet!

But, they are also really tiring!  When they come into first grade, they are not really used to a full day of structured learning, so by the time the afternoon rolls around, they are much more squirrley!  I get a bit flustered when they are out of control, but Erin seems to stay pretty calm (maybe that comes with years of experience!) 

I have definitely been sleeping well at night.  I'm very glad that Friday came-- I need  a weekend of rest and recooperation!

Weekend

It's been a very relaxing weekend here in Brasila!

Friday night:  Sabrina, a very sweet Portuguese teacher from school, invited Natalia, Jana, and I to go to the Brazilian cinema.  So we went to Salt (it was in English, with Portuguese subtitles).  Sabrina taught us how to ask for a ticket in Portuguese, but when I got up to the counter, I got flustered and I think I sputtered in broken Portuguese "I want Salt"... but they understood.  (Most people have this smirk on their face, when I say "Nao fallo Portugues" and laugh as they get me what I'm attempting to ask for)

Saturday:  Dival, the human resources guy at EAB had a huge party at his house.  He lives in a very nice neighborhood and has this beautiful house.  Once again, I was astounded at the amount and scale of hospitality that we were showed.  Imagine a beautiful, cloudless day, a georgeous patio, with tables set up with food and drinks, a full staff of chefs grilling meat and other appetizers, a DJ playing all sorts of music, and about 50 Brazilians laughing and enjoying life.  It was surreal, amazing, relaxing, and well... Brazil!  I left around 4:30 and enjoyed a quiet evening at home.

Sunday:  I woke up and had a "date with God" (I haven't been able to find anyone to go to church with yet, and it's too far to walk, so I had some time alone with God by myself.  I went to this cute little shop called Confectaria Francesa.  I sipped on a Cafe con Leiche (comparable to a cappuccino-- very strong) and listened to some live saxophone music while I read and journaled.  I had some time just to pray and listen and read the word.  It was very refreshing.  Tonight, we are going to a musical put on by a local high school-- called "Bom Dia Boltimore"  It is Hairspray, but in Portuguese!  I'm very excited, because hopefully I will be able to follow along because I've seen the Broadway version when it came to UNI a couple of years ago. 

I'm excited for the first day of school tomorrow!  I had an opportunity to meet some of my students at the Open house they had at school on Friday, and they are very adorable.  I think that it will be great to get the school year started!!!

And so it begins...

Hello!
This week has been a whirlwind-- of new faces, teaching lingo, bulletin boards, and staff development.  AKA- it's teacher training time.  It's so great to be experiencing the beginning of the school year, as so much happens at this time for schools.  As student teachers, we are welcomed and treated as if we were new teachers. 
I met my cooperating teachers:
Erin Hayes:  She will be my first cooperating teacher.  She is enthusiastic, always smiling, and everybody's friend, from teachers to parents to students to maintainence.  She has a big heart and I think I'm really going to like working with her.
Kristy Ngyuen: She teaches second grade.  She is a very graceful, soft-spoken, beautiful teacher.  Originally from Korea, she has lived in several places around the world and loves to travel.  She took me out to dinner on Sunday night and I got to know her a bit.  I think she has quite a different teaching style to Erin, so it will be good to get two different looks at ways to run a classroom.
I've been able to put my creativity to use this week by putting up bulletin boards.  I'm quite proud of the display on our front door.  It says "Soaring to new heights in first grade" and it has each child's name on a hot air balloon.  Cute.
Tomorrow, all the parents and students will come in the afternoon for an open house.  This is exciting, because I'm ready for the school year to start and I'm really excited to meet the students.  I'm also a bit nervous, because of all the parents (many of them are wealthy, influencial diplomats, or staff members of the school!) I'm sure it will be fine. 
My time here has been so rich with opportunities to grow personally.  There is so much new!  Every aspect of my life is so completely different than it was two weeks ago.  Right now, I'm still trying to find my balance (and not trip on the broken sidewalks on my way to school!)  It's good.  It's crazy.  It's exactly where I need to be right now.

Generosity

I don't think I really knew what generosity was until I moved down here.  In describing the people here, the adjective that keeps coming up is generous.  I really wish you all could come down and visit, because experiencing this culture, for me, has been truly amazing so far.
The principals from EAB (the school) have been so generous with their time-- they have taken us to so many amazing restaurants, going out of their way to take us on errands, and taking time out of their crazy schedules to make sure that our transition is going smoothly.  Andrea, the Lower Elementary Principal-- offered to give us some essentials for our apartment to borrow while we are down here.  She came by with a large basket full of stuff that is so great to have in the apartment, but we couldn't justify buying for the short amount of time we would have been here.  It's almost humbling to be constantly receiving this kindness, when we don't have much to offer in return.
Andrea was telling me that the families of EAB students might invite me to dinner, and its in their nature to be very warm and compassionate and giving.  "You might wonder, what's the catch?  But their is no catch.  Brazilians just love to be generous." 
It has been such a gift to receive this generousity this past week.  Knowing how much it has blessed me, I hope that I can foster this generous spirit.  They love to give, and they give extravagantly without hidden motives.  To them people are the important thing and they love enjoying life together.  How beautiful.

In the Swing of things

This morning the new teachers met with all staff that is here.  We had a delicious breakfast and had a short session to talk about the broad picture mission statement of the school.  I'm really excited because I feel that the school's philosophy really aligns with what I believe is important.  Also, time and again I am seeing how much the school really values investing in their staff.  This is such a supportive environment in which to student teach!  Everyone has been so incredibly warm and welcoming.

This weekend, the administration showed us the meaning of hospitality as they showed us around, gave us tips on living in Brasilia, took us to the Brazilian version of Walmart called "Extra", and took us to the most amazing restaurants!  Now this week we are starting to be introduced to the school.  I feel so lucky to be a part of this orientation process, and as we don't have our own classrooms, Jana and I have a bit more down time.  We are hoping to be able to help the other teachers get settled into their classrooms and maybe help make some bulletin boards. 

Thank you all for all your support and thoughts!  Talk to you soon.

Here I am! In Brazil!

Hello from Brazil! That’s right! I made it safely to the beautiful city of Brasilia this morning at 8 in the morning. I keep on thinking-- is this real??  Am I actually sitting in my apartment in Brazil, catching up on email and settling in to live here for 5 months??  Someone pinch me!!! 

Once Jana and I got through customs (a surprisingly easy process!) all of the administrative staff was there to greet us—many hugs and warm introductions were given. We felt so welcome and so well taken care of! They really helped us feel at ease right away in this new home of ours! While we had a quick tour of the school and breakfast, someone whisked away our luggage and later, when we were shown to apartment—there it was waiting for us!



The city is very unique—an engineer must have designed it—because it’s very logically laid out. Our apartment is about a 15 minute walk away from the school. It’s a very cute apartment, including a kitchenette, 2 bedrooms, a living room area, and maid’s quarters (!) Although the people from the school keep apologizing for the weather, it being the dry season, I can’t figure out what there is to apologize about—clear skies, perfect temperatures, and NOT humid!


As of right now, I’m feeling great! I feel at peace about this and I am very excited about the prospect of getting to spend 5 months in this beautiful city! (Granted, right now it seems a bit like a vacation, but I’m rollin’ with this good feeling!)


After walking around our neighborhood just a bit, Jana and I came back to rest before we meet up with the other teachers for dinner. I think we’ll be headed to bed early tonight!!!

24 Days and Counting!

It's nearly 3 weeks until I leave for Brazil!  The reality of it is starting to set in... I have lots of opportunities to think about it, as it comes up almost daily.  Someone asks me where I am at in life.  The conversation, without much variation, goes something like this:

So are you in college?
Yes, I just finished my fourth year at UNI, in elementary education.  I will be student teaching in the fall, then I'll be done.
Oh, so what grades do you do?
Well, I'm certified to teach K-6, but I'll be working with first and second grade students.
Oh fun! And where are you doing that?
Brazil, actually.
OH!  Wow!  (Eyebrows shoot up)  Well, what will be fun!
Yeah, I'm really excited!
How did you get signed up for that?
I've really wanted to live in an international setting for awhile, and originally I was thinking of going to England, but when some visa complications came up, I found out about this school in Brazil, and all these doors opened up.  I'm really excited to see what God does!
Wow.  So do you know Spanish?
Well, actually they speak Portugese, and no, I don't.

I really am getting excited, although I'm not sure it will feel real til either a)I board the plane b)I arrive in Brazil with all the other teachers c)I'm settling into my apartment d)I'm in my classroom... I don't know! 
I've been battling some anxious thoughts along with this excitement.  I'm realizing I need to trust in the one who has so clearly orchestrated this from the beginning.  Trust him to provide all my needs and to prepare me for this adventure!
I'm so blessed by all the people who have been so supportive and excited for me as I share about this trip.  I'm glad that I will not be going alone.  Thanks for reading, and praying!