Well, it's been quite awhile since we last posted. I'd like to write more often from now on, so we can document the craziness that is preparing to move abroad.
These are the things that are currently happening....
1. I am dealing with the (thankfully very nice) Brazilian Consulate in Atlanta to get my paperwork in order for a work visa. I'd love to get a permanent visa, but it seems like way too much of a headache right now. We are considering getting married again in Brasil so that it will be easier to get one. Until then, we are swingin' singles in Brasil, hahaha.
2. Brian is preparing like crazy to teach English. He is reading all the books he'll have to teach next year. I'm a little envious that he knows so much about what his position will be so he can prepare. Mine is pretty up in the air. I just found out that I will most likely be teaching 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders, and that they will be mostly (if not all) recent arrivals from Korea. I just ordered a book on Korean culture so I can learn at least a little bit about my future students. Pretty crazy, huh? I am super excited to teach the older kids, though. I think it will be fun and a very nice change from the babies.
3. Back in January, we subscribed to the main Brazilian channel (TV Globo). Soap operas (novelas) are huge there, and they play at prime time 6 nights a week. They are much much higher quality than American soaps. We have gotten totally addicted to one called Incensato Coração (insensitive heart), and I think it's helping to train my Portuguese ear. I have to pause it a LOT to ask for translation from Brian. Thank God for DVR. Not sure we'll have that luxury in Brasil. Also, I'm working through Rosetta Stone to help with the language. Not sure I'll really start to get it until I move there and have to use it though. I'll also be taking Portuguese classes at a language school once we get there. I'm truly hoping it won't be too difficult.
Next up, we have to start decluttering our apartment and deciding what needs to go with us, what needs to be stored, and what needs to be thrown away or given away. Same goes for my classroom. It's going to be a huge undertaking.
Despite all this craziness, I am SO excited for this new adventure. I'm sure all these headaches will be more than worth it when we get there.
We probably brought too much stuff, at least as far as clothes go. I found some things in my closet recently that I've NEVER WORN in 2.5 years here. Add to that the stuff I've bought and it's a bit ridiculous.
ReplyDelete3rd 4th and 5th graders are an amusing bunch. I have some of all of those, and it's entertainment. I've had a couple of Korean students here and there, and really they are just like my J-kids, who are (I think) just like kids everywhere. Goofy and slightly aggravating sometimes, and pretty funny other times. It'll be fun.
And I hope that Brazilian TV is better than Japanese tv. Man oh man, Japanese tv sucks. We pay for fancy cable so we can watch American shows. It's so worth it!