New milestone today -- Tess and I bought bus passes and took a bus to a new neighborhood, wandered, witnessed an almost dog fight, and attended a Brazilian church service. This might not sound difficult, BUT we don't know the language,... Continue Reading →
The thing about teaching is that every week holds its own mysteries and moments of joy. The job changes every day, because you can't count on kids for anything. They are unpredictable monsters that you want to squeeze in either... Continue Reading →
I have met people before who have never seen an ocean. Never heard waves crashing on the beach, never heard seagulls fighting over sandy hot dogs, never experienced the oddity that is still finding sand in various crevasses and in... Continue Reading →
"I am not Chinese. She is not Chinese. We are not Chinese. Are we Chinese? That's my marker. That is my desk. She is a professor. How do you write your last name? Is your mom Russian?" Yeah. If you want... Continue Reading →
Today I celebrate one month in Rio! And I am happy and I am at peace. It's not all rainbows and caipirihnas and capybaras, but I'm content for the first time in a year. I haven't cried in a month, which is a record... Continue Reading →
I'm stoked to share this unique "teaching abroad in an international Christian school" experience with a large group of newbies. We’re awaiting a couple from Romania, and we have five Americans, one Canadian/Brazilian (Cabrillion? Brazadian? He rides a moose to school.... Continue Reading →
Today marks one week in Rio! Highlights: Apartment life: Is fun. We have an elevator. Which makes me feel fancy. Our space is not exactly clean or organized or decorated yet, but there is a hammock, which is the world's... Continue Reading →
It wasn't easy to get here, but it was exciting. The emotional family (and canine) farewells, the last minute packing into the wee hours of the morning, the early drive, the LAX layover (that is the third gate into hell),... Continue Reading →
One day until I board a plane and leave for Brazil! oh. em. goodness. Absolutely all my prayers were focused on being able to pick up the visa today (Friday). Because my flight is on Sunday. There was no room for error. To get... Continue Reading →
"What are you bringing with you?!" is one of the first things people ask when they find out I'm leaving the country for a few years. I only have 15 days left to figure this out. And we all know how good... Continue Reading →
I've officially purchased my ticket to Brazil. I have an actual date (a week after they wanted me there, but did you know that getting a work visa requires the blood of a virgin and dragon fire and all kinds... Continue Reading →
I have an app on my phone called "Days Until" and it does a little countdown until an important event. I like to stay up until at least midnight every night so I can refresh it and see another day... Continue Reading →
Sunglasses Always Fit 