Oi! The days go fast and the nights go faster! I have no recollection of how many days we've actually been here, but I can say that at a meeting after school yesterday, I found out that we are technically in the 4th week of school! Seems almost impossible to be true. Especially since my first unit was supposed to only take 2-3 weeks and we need another 2 weeks to finish.
The students are different than I expected. None of it in bad ways, just different. They are definitely ESL students and I am continously reevaluating how I am teaching. I am a writing, reading and language teacher. Many staff and students alike come to me for English advise, just being a native speaker on campus gives you the authority. The students, however, are appreciating some of my teaching methods, which are slightly different than what they are used to.
This past weekend was both busy and relaxing at the same time, if that makes any sense. It's kind of oximoronic, but there is no better way to describe it. Sierra had a sleepover with a friend and was sad to come home. I think she was afraid the fun would end. She received a second birthday party invitation at school today, and she continues to smile every morning on the way to school and talk my ear off every afternoon on the way home.
Since she was sleeping over at a friend's on Sat. Joe and I took advantage and ventured out to Santa Tereza with a group from school. We had a nice evening of music, conversation and Chopp (beer). Came home late, slept in, napped the next day, and waited for Sierra to return. Sunday I think was the first day I actually felt "at home" since our arrival.
We also ventured to an art crawl of sorts in a nearby neighborhood. Found a charming ceramic vase and it looks fabulous on the dining room table for our weekly fresh flowers.
My language instruction begins Thursday this week. I will study for an hour and a half 2 nights a week and I am anxious to get those underway. There is a certain isolation that accompanies not being able to communicate with the man at the store on the street on the bus or anywhere around you for that matter.
The weather has been cool. I would guess in the low 60s. It feels very cool--I dare say cold. We haven't had a beach day in a couple of weeks, since our friends Tania and Kirstin were here visiting. I am hungering for the sand and the sun, but it will come in time I'm sure. Until then, we're actually wearing our long pants and long sleeves.
Sierra started volleyball and gymnastics at school. She has each two afternoons for an hour after classes. It works out perfectly for timing when I am contractually finished with the day and still gives her time to begin her homework before she and I head to the shuttle to come home. She is really enjoying both. Her volleyball coach speaks very little English, so she is exercising her observational skills as well as her volleyball skills.
Not sure what the weekend will bring. I tell ya, in MN I thought I worked for the weekend...when there are so many things all around to see and do, a person really starts wishing for the weekend! It's pretty incredible.
It's been great hearing from family and friends throughout the days. An email here and a reply to this blog there are welcomed signs of life outside of this huge city. Keep them coming.
Oh, one other thing, I gained authorization from Hamline this week to begin my action research with the students. I only needed a letter showing approval from the school to be sent to St. Paul for the official go ahead, so I am thinking that I will stick to my original intended date of graduation of December '06. Pending nothing too crazy comes up between now and then.
Love to all...

Big adventures this weekend. Major hiking, to the highest point in the Tijuca Forest, in the mountain photo if you can see the profile of 'sleeping giant' we were on the top of his nose. Also visited Cocovado and Sierra was amazed!! I'll write more text soon. I wanted to get some more pics. uploaded. We are enjoying our paradise!!!

Here are a couple of shots inside my classroom and from my classroom door. It really is breathtaking all around. Peace to all!

Finally some photos. Sierra on her first day of 3rd Grade!!! Sierra in her new bedroom--furniture is being delivered today!! Amazing full moon from the Veranda!! We watched it rise and could literally see it move. And my amazing Birds of paradise flowers--my total favorite!!!

Hello!! WE are finally here! Today is day 4 in Brazil and we are loving it! I am completely overwhelmed with work. I have had 2 days at school, officially, and I still don't quite understand the student schedule. Students begin on Thursday and Shaysann, the Middle School principal was kind enough to highlight some "helpful" students in each of my classes in case I needed extra direction/remediation with the times and classes. A lot of adjusting is to be done!
Saturday we spent exploring Gavea, our neighborhood...found a coffee pot at Americanas Express (it's like a mini-mini-mini Walmart) up the street. 2 days of instant coffee and it was time to give in. It was surprisingly not too expensive. We are supposed to go to the "big store" in Barra sometime in the next week to purchase a few other essentials. Right now the big need is a trash can and hangers. We are making due without them though. I get to order the furniture for Sierra's bedroom. All it had in it when we arrived was her bed, so I will pick out an amoire for her clothes and a nightstand for beside the bed. I am bringing home a catalogue tomorrow so that she can have a voice in the selections. It is kind of a pain right now since her clothes are instead in the front bookshelf closet and her toys are still in her suitcase, but getting to pick the furniture out of the book is an added bonus that is worth the momentary inconvenience now.
Sunday we ventured to Leblon to the beach...not in our swim wear as it has been chilly and rainy since we arrived. Sierra learned the hard way what the current feels like in the ocean when she was trying to outrun the incoming tide and lost. She ended up soaked, sandy and salty head to toe. Scared her to death at first, but Mom and Joe's laughter helped alleviate the fear. It really was kind of comical.
It is winter here and although it is nothing compared to the winters in Minnesota, it is surprisingly cool. My feet have been feeling it the most as I only have sandals to wear at the moment.
My boxes arrived at school last week, before me, and we are anxiously awaiting our boxes at the apartment as they contain a few things we are looking forward to using--namely a Spatula! :-0
The internet connection at home is touch and go. I am trying to get the kinks worked out this week so that I can have regular access in the evenings and not feel quite so isolated. I have to admit not having a phone that rings is kind of nice. I really want the internet for news. I feel like a typhoon could hit us and we'd never know. Ah, that brings me to language....wow! I wish there was a translation CD I could install in my brain! Some of my knowledge of Portugese from 11 years ago is coming back as I hear it all around me, but not enough to effectively communicate. I feel so ignorant at times. Joe and I have been working with the lesson CDs we brought with us and formal lessons should start for me and Sierra through EARJ soon. I am very anxious for that.
Other than the above, we are transitioning well. This is definitely the largest learning experience of all our lives. Oh, I forgot to mention that at our opening staff meeting at school Monday the headmaster announced that this will be his last year with the school. Seems administrative turnover follows me where ever I go.
Pictures will come when internet connections at home are better. :-)