The End of Summer

So much has happened since I last wrote. I am realizing that I have an awful memory so hopefully I can include some stuff on here. I feel like I am getting used to things here in Brasil more. I look at myself right now and I really don't know how I did it all in Buford (homeschool, cleaning the house, cooking, playing with the kids, etc.) I do know, the USA is based on efficiency and SPEED. The apartment seems to get soooo dirty (literally with dust and dirt from the open windows) everyday, I am constantly washing the 6 plates and cups we have for every meal (no dishwasher) and since I am used to doing jumbo loads of laundry I have now gotten used to doing multiple small loads a day. Laundry is always fun. I have to first wash (takes at least an hour), then hang it up to dry for a few minutes, and finally dry in my machine which takes between 1 1/2 - 2 hrs.

I have realized that my biggest mistake was not bringing the kiddos enough toys to play with. They have really gotten over all the ones we brought on the plane and majorly miss their toys. I am so thankful that we are heading back to the US in Aug. this way we can bring some more toys back before receiving all of our load on the boat in a couple of months. Now I actually can say that I have a little rhythm down and it seems to work well. I found a grocery store that I am going to stick with after trying out several different ones- thank God. I also feel like I know my way around a lot better. I think that walking around a lot has really helped with that.

God has placed several angels in my path this week. I have gotten to know 2 of my neighbors really well and they have helped me out immensely. My next door neighbor is great!!! She has grown children and speaks Spanish (what a blessing!). She has given me some great tips and is always willing to answer questions. We also met another neighbor from the third floor. She has 2 little boys that are 7 and 2. Our kids play down at the apartment playground and soccer field almost every afternoon. Viviana has had me and the kids over to play and is constantly giving me useful phone numbers that I need.

This week I also met another missionary family. They have 4 little gilrs (6,4,2, and 7 months). Allison and I became instant friends and we had a lot to talk about. The kids also hit it off. It is a shame that they are leaving tomorrow to go to TN for 10 months and do not know if they are coming back to Brasil. Allsion gave me an entire notebook full of information about this area (everything from common Portuguese phrases I would need to know to where to buy certain things in this area) because she lived a block away from our apartment for a year.

Friday I was worried about Joaquin because he had been up for two night in a row and was cranky all day. I thought that he had an ear infection. Now, going to a pediatrician in a new country is a whole new adventure for me. Thank goodness for my downstairs neighbor, Viviana. Not only did she call her pediatrician for me, but got them to squeeze me in. Allison just happened to stop by (God sent) as I was outside talking with Viviana about going to the pediatrician's. Allison offered to stay and watch all of my kiddos with hers while Jaime, Joaquin and I went to the Dr.. Viviana drove us to the pediatrician's office and waited with us in order to translate. Our health insurance is still kind of up in the air so we had to pay "particular" or as if we had no insurance.

It was such an interesting experience. I am so used to the pediatricians office in the US. We walked into the Dr's actual office. He took Joaquin's medical history (on a blank 5 by 7 index card, looked like gibberish) and then he did everything; he weighed him, took his temp and did a complete evaluation on him. We just watched and waited. He took his time, while the little booger laughed and smiled at him the whole time (after we briefed him extensively to act the part). After about 20 min. he told us that Joaquin's ears were a little pink and he was probably in pain whether from teething or a potential ear infection. He let us know that we could give him tylenol and come back the next day if need be.

The next day Jaime and I decided to not take him back in because he had a great night and has been good ever since, but I was very impressed last night at 8 pm when my phone rang. It was the doctor himself calling to check on Joaquin. I was moved by his attentiveness and that is definitely above and beyond the call of duty.

Today we went out and bought school supplies. That was an experience (pricey as well). We went to a store that was very much like Office Depot. A wonderful lady that worked there grabbed my three school lists and helped me find everything. Thank goodness because prior to getting her to help us I had spent 10 minutes looking for one item. We actually found 85% of what we needed at this one store. I was amazed again at how much we were required to purchase as far as materials and how expensive they were. Next we had to buy Isabella's school books. That took another 2 hours at a bookstore and we had to special order 3 of the books. The kiddos start school on Monday. They are all very excited. We bought their uniforms this week. They can't wait!! Next time I post I will have pics of them all dressed up for school. Please pray that this transition into a new school, in a new country, with a different language will go smoothly.