It has been months. I know. I didn’t update even once during my crazy summer journey nor have I been posting since my return to Brazil at the end of July. I haven’t had internet at home since arriving back–a fact that I’ve been conveniently laying blame on–but it’s October 1st. I truly have no good excuse (though, it must be said, I’m still waiting for that internet).
Hmmm. Let’s see. What could you possibly want to hear about after all this time?
Let’s start with location: I’ve moved. I no longer live in an apartment complex right next to the school, but now live a complex a bit further inland. It takes about 20 minutes by bus to get to work in the mornings and 30-40 minutes to get home in the afternoons. The apartment is nice, but it is much farther from the beach and from downtown Rio. And so it was initially quite a big adjustment. Now though, there are socks on the floor very-next-too-but-not-quite-in the hamper and some dishes in the sink–it feels like home.
School: I’m only teaching English classes this year: sixth – twelfth grades (minues 9th). The 6th and 7th graders are definitely a challenge for me, never having taught children so young before. School-wide, we are short many teachers (7) due to visa complications similar to the ones I experienced 2 years ago, and so those of us who are here are a bit over-loaded. Still, we continue to pray that God will somehow bring them here.
Additionally, we have quite a few new students in our upper school this year with very little exposure to Christianity. It is exciting to see our school meeting the academic needs of those students while really challenging them in the formation of their world-views. I’ll keep you posted on this as the weeks go by.
Other news: I’ve invited my father to spend Christmas down in Rio de Janeiro this year, and he is trying to work something out. Please be praying that God will somehow make a way for this to become a reality–I am so excited about the possibility.
Okay. I need to go. The bus that takes me home will be leaving soon, and I’ve got Bible study with my boyfriend later this evening. BUT, I really will try to be diligent about regular updates in the future. After all, my home internet should be up and functioning in 5 – 15 days (so they said about 5 & 30 days ago).
Tchau and God bless, Amy
Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolisth, but understand what the Lord’s will is. -Ephesians 5: 15-17