76 sharpies, 207 desk name tags, 150 file folders, 19 packs of post-it notes, 1040 sheets of construction paper, 11 sets of die cut letters, 17 packs of index cards, 112 pencils, highlighters, 3 boxes of markers, crayons, a stapler, 208 birthday cards, several resource books, bulletin board supplies, ziploc bags, prize box items, erasers, several bags of candy, white out, hand sanitizer, notebooks, posters, sentence strips, book covers, 1,000s and 1,000s of stickers.... and the list goes on!A few months ago I was telling my principal at NCA about all of the school supplies that I needed to bring to Brazil with me (they are either not available, really expensive, or poor quality)... She decided to have a Classroom Shower where everyone brought me school supplies (lots & lots of school supplies!). When I arrived for lunch on Thursday I was overwhelmed to see nearly 25 of my co-workers (and friends) and the biggest pile of gift bags I have ever seen! I could hardly get in to my seat because all of my gifts were in the way! I am so blessed to have spent the last 5 years working with such kind & generous people! I now have enough school supplies to last for the next 2 years in Brazil... and beyond! The new problem is figuring out how to get all of this great stuff to Brazil with me...
On Friday I received the email I have been waiting and praying to get for the last 9 weeks... my Work Visa has been approved! I didn't check my email until late Friday night... and when I read that my Visa had been approved, I was so excited I could hardly sleep! This is a HUGE step in the process, and God has been so faithful in allowing all of my paperwork to clear! The next step in the process is to get my Passport stamped with my Work Visa (which includes sending more paperwork and applications to the Brazilian Consulate in Atlanta) and setting up my travel accomodations with PACA. I will soon know my official departure date! :)
