brenda in brazil: May 2010

Just over 10 months ago, when I first arrived in Brasil, there were so many things to adjust to. Over and over I thought how different all of these things seemed. Somewhere in the course of the last 10 months each of these things have become part of my normal day-to-day life. As I prepare to spend the summer in the United States an odd thought crosses my mind... So many things that seemed "normal" to me just a year ago are going to feel oddly unfamilar when I arrive in the US in a few weeks.

This are a few of my different "normals":

1) Rice & beans every day... a staple in Brasilian culture, they are served every day at school. I think I may miss this yummy part of my daily lunch this summer.

2) I have learned to enjoy cooking! Everything takes a few extra steps here since there are far fewer premade things in Brasil (no sour cream, shredded cheese, brownie mixes, pasta sauces, etc.). A few of my favorite things to make are enchiladas, fetticine alfredo, and truffles.

3) There is a propane stove in my apartment. I flinched the first several times I lit it... but am thankful that I am used to it now.

4) TP can't be flushed in Brasil. There are special little trash cans in bathrooms... Its funny to think that I am going to 2nd guess myself before I flush in America this summer.

5) Drinking nothing but bottled water. Drinking tap water can make you sick... so its bottled water at home, school, & at restaurants. I am so excited for free water!

6) Brasil does not have hot water heaters.... they have electric showers instead. I have the daily decision of having a hot shower with low water pressure or having a cooler shower with good water pressure.

7) There is neither heat or air conditioning in Brasil. Winter temps are between 50-70... I have learned the art of layering and also of typing with gloves on! :) Fall & spring here are beautiful! I am thankful for the PACA pool for relief from the summer heat.

8) We do not have a dishwasher in our apartment... I have washed more dishes this year than I have in my entire life. I have actually learned to appreciate the simpleness & satisfaction that comes from this daily task.

9) Learning to drive in Sao Paulo has been a test of my patience & my faith! Traffic, speed bumps, curvy hilly roads, and a million different roads in this huge city makes me nervous to drive... but I am getting more comfortable with it all. My goal for the summer: learn to drive stick.

10) Communicating in Portuguese. The initial frustration I felt at church & in public with my inability to communicate with others has spurred me on to learn Portuguese this year. I still have a lot to learn, but I enjoy being able to understand and speak with those around me.

April was a crazy month for me... lots going on at Church, Home, & School. Here's a few of the things I've been up to:

Easter Dinner... and a Confetti Easter Egg Hunt!