First few class days :)

I can't even explain the joys of being with the kids each day. I know I am still in the honeymoon stage, but talking with the teacher about the kids and being able to interact with them is so much fun. Today the kids were so open with me and came over and just chattered like crazy. It was wonderful and I enjoyed each of their little comments. :)

I had a fun evening last night with my roomate. I've been hanging out with the other teachers the last couple evenings, but last night Sarah and I made dinner of putanesca (pasta, green olives, tomatoes, salami and garlic,) green pepper slices and parmesan toast. It's fun because we make casual but delicious meals during the week, and I have some recipes pulled out to make over the weekend. We'll see if that happens.

I've been getting out on the town to make little runs to the mercadinho (little grocery stores) and it's very safe in this area because we're pretty far away from downtown. The first trip I made was with an Mk who is a junior high teacher named Kendra. She actually is a Moody alum and was a KW in the kitchen! She know Charlie, Uncle Marty and a few others in the kitchen. That's been neat to see the connection. As we were leaving on Sunday night there were some loud claps of thunder and looming dark clouds. We decided to go anyway because I really wanted to get out after being on the base all day. We hurried and the store was closed so we went to a padaria (bread store) and we got some necessary groceries.

Eating lunch with the teachers is also a highlight. We sit in this roof place, with the breeze going through, and the staple is my favorite, rice and beans with different side dishes each day and fresh salad stuff. We grab our food along with the kids and then get to leave the noisy chaos to sit in the beautiful tree-covered area. I have met quite a few of the staff already, and they are all so great. It's interesting because they are all so surprised when I can speak Portuguese. A lot of the staff are more comfortable with Portuguese so they are excited. Also, when you pass people on the sidewalk or by the classrooms I never know which language to use. Half the time one will say an English phrase and the other a Portuguese one. haha

Well, this is getting long and we're about to have leftover putanesca and tuna melts. I need to write a letter to the parents as an introduction, but that's about all for tonight. All glory to God for this beautiful place!