We are here!

So many things have happened in the last few days, so I am going to break the stories up into several different posts. There is so much to write, but I'll attempt to describe our departure and arrival to Brazil.

The days leading up to our departure were crazy. We were trying to get our apartment ready at the last minute and pack our last bags. On Friday, we threw Brian's parents a surprise 30th anniversary party, which we have been planning for 6 months. But I couldn't say anything about it online! Brian's sister, Sam, and her beautiful family made a surprise appearance, so that was wonderful. The next few days were a blur of errands, packing, and wonderful going away parties. It was so nice to spend time with everyone, and it made me seriously sad. I was an emotional wreck the last few days. I'm pretty sure I lost a pound of tears. The good news is that I haven't cried at all since we got here, so that's good, right? Story for another time.

The airport goodbye on Tuesday was Crymageddon 2011, so it was kind of a relief when we got on the plane to Miami. On our flight to Sao Paulo, I was the only American on the entire Boeing 777 (a HUGE plane), unless you count Brian. There was some serious drama over seat assignments before takeoff, which involved American Airlines staff threatening to kick passengers off the plane. Ugh, it was bad. Eventually, everyone settled down, and we had a quiet, uneventful night flight to Sao Paulo. 

As soon as we got off the plane, I had to leave Brian to get in the foreigners line. After 2 hours of sleep, I had to get my portuguese going to speak to the federal police, so that was fun. The whole trip went smoothly except for the baggage claim experience. There were so many people at the baggage claim, that Brian described it as "getting your bags in the middle of a rock concert." We had TWELVE bags to find (5 each, plus they made us check our carry-ons)!! Poor Brian had to get each 70 pound bag one by one and wade through the masses to get to where I was waiting with luggage carts. It was nuts. I seriously don't know what I would do without that husband of mine. Not only did he hulk all our bags, but he was able to talk our way to the front of the customs line, and his special paper from the Brazilian consulate got us through customs with no questions asked. Then, we had a driver for the 1.5 hour trip to Campinas.

Sorry this is a play by play, but I'm attempting to record everything that's happened so far before the details get fuzzy. I'm going to leave it there, because it's getting long. A ton has happened since we got here, and I'll post again soon with pictures.

Suffice it to say: I have seriously enjoyed my first 36 hours here. The school staff is amazing. Brian is the best thing since sliced bread. We love our apartment. We are so lucky to have the most wonderful and supportive family here. I am feeling somewhat confident with my Portuguese, but I still have a LOOOOOOOONG way to go. I am happy and really, really excited. 

Well, I miss you all, and I'll continue to update tomorrow. Right after I start unpacking!