One month in Brazil- by Aaron

Greetings family and friends!

 

We arrived in São Paulo one month ago - what a whirlwind it has been! Our first few weeks were filled with regular moving in stuff like buying bunkbeds, exploring our new neighborhood (called Vila Mariana), try...try...trying to get internet service, finding a church, figuring out the best places to buy groceries, and (for me) discovering a new school. 

 

São Paulo is one of the few cities in the world that is larger than New York City (our most recent home). The constant construction around our neighborhood is just one sign that it isn't done growing yet. Living on the 13th floor of our building, we have a pretty view of the city which also allows the boys to keep a daily tab on the construction workers laying bricks on a nearby building. We've enjoyed the 75-degree winter days! The city's pace is much faster than Fortaleza except for on the streets where cars are crawling along in traffic. Thankfully, I ride the subway to school each day and bypass the excessive traffic delays. The tradeoff is that half of the time I'm squeezed like a sardine on the train (official stat is 7 passengers per square meter, but some people must wear Arid Extra Dry because they 'get a little closer'). SP has a plethora of museums and theaters as well a wide variety of culinary treats due to the blend of Italian, Japanese and Brazilian influences in the area.

 

Austin started pre-school this week (2 days a week) and is enthusiastically learning Portuguese. After his first day at school, he eagerly told us a new phrase he learned as his teacher reprimanded another child, "Não pode bater (You can't hit)." School will be a great opportunity for him to make new friends, too. Jonathan celebrated his 2nd birthday on Aug. 13th. As his middle name (Thomas =twin) implies, he imitates Austin in so many ways and already finagled his way into having lunch at Austin's school one day this week. Joyce has done a fantastic job transitioning. Everything - cooking, travelling, shopping, making friends - is a bit more challenging here, especially with two toddlers in tow. It has taken a few weeks, but she has started making friends and finding a routine in light of my mostly afternoon and evening hours at school.

 

As for me, I've enjoyed my first three weeks at FGV. Each of my classes involves rich discussion among experienced professionals. Perhaps indicative of the difference between masters education in Brazil and the US, I'm one of the younger students in my program. My classes during this first quarter include Development and Sustainability, State and Society in Brazil (a fascinating look at Brazilian history and culture and their influence on the development of the State), Public Management Reform, and NGO Management. It is quite an adjustment to have class until 10pm and each class is three hours long, which feels much longer at 9:30 when it's in Portuguese! I finished reading President G.W. Bush's enlightening memoir Decision Points this week. I'm also thankful that we've found a church and I look forward to getting to know more people there.

 

I'll conclude by saying that we have missed you more than ever. This has been our most challenging transition, but one through which we are confident of God's provision and guidance. One year ago, we adopted a verse for our family during this season that remains especially appropriate and encouraging: "The Lord shall be the stability of your times, a wealth of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is His treasure." (Isaiah 33:6) 

 

With much love and gratitude,

 

Aaron Pierce

 

 

 

Austin's First Day of School

I really didn't think this day would come. Didn't I just birth this little man a few weeks ago? Nope - he's actually three years old.  Over the last month we've been touring schools and deciding on which preschool we would enroll him. Austin has been so eager for school. Here's a conversation we recently had to demonstrate his eagerness:

Austin: Momma, when will I get to go to school?
Me: Soon, buddy very soon.
Austin: Next time we go to school, can you leave?

He's so ready! He knows that mommas aren't supposed to stay at the school. I'm sure his little mind was perplexed as to why I was always there!

So we finally decided on a school. Filhos do Sol (translated: Sons of the Sun) It's around the corner from our home. It's been in the neighborhood for 27 years. The staff we incredibly friendly. As I watched kids come in for school, each kiddo is made to feel like he's the most special kid that comes through their gate!

Is it time yet? Pictures Daddy? Really?

Jonathan says, "I go to cooolll (school) too"!

Cheese!

Heading out with backpacks from Aunt Cari!

Out our gate

Walking to school

Had to stop for pretty flowers!

Right here Austin said, "Almost there!" -above is the sign for the school

Let me in - I'm ready!

Walking to class with Tia Katia his new teacher

Meeting new classmates

Jonathan stealing a moment to play in the "barn" as he called it!

I have been so blessed to be able to stay at home with Austin and Jonathan. I've said a hundred times, many people can do many things, but only I can be their momma. I'm thankful that I've had access to every minute of their lives up to this point. Initially it feels strange to hand him over. What will he come home with? Will he make friends? Will everyone be kind? Will he know how to handle it when they aren't? Oh the concerns of a momma. But the reality is, he's not made to be under my wing every moment of his life. Their are life lessons to be learned that have to be done outside of momma's scope! I'm thankful for a good school with loving people to allow Austin to explore learning and friendships!

Parque Ibrapuera

One of the cool things about moving away from all your friends and family is some concentrated time as an immediate family. Aaron and I have said many times how sweet it is to be able to pursue adventure together and this time with our little men in tow! They love seeing new things and are eager to explore. One of our favorite memories of São Paulo thus far is a family day at Parque Ibrapuera. We affectionately call it the Central Park of São Paulo! On this particular day we rented bikes and the boys got to have a fun ride with us. We were once again amazed at how huge cities can have a green oasis in the middle of the city. We loved exploring it! On bike we were able to see a big portion of the park and all the beauty it has to offer. Hope you enjoy the photos!

Look closely - Black swans!

The boys kept asking about horses (we think they thought they were in Central Park - they were expecting carriages) No carriages, but horsey swings! Yippee!

What sweet memories! As my dad says - We're making history!

May 21st - Austin's 3rd Birthday

You know a moms of multiple kiddos always feels the need to make sure you are "fair" right? Well reality is, I'm flawed and that means perfect fairness, is impossible! But I was looking back through the blog and realized I posted NOTHING about Austin's birthday! Opps! So here's little snaps shots of us celebrating Austin turning three in NYC. We had a initially planned a little party for him at our favorite playground (Dolphin Playground at Riverside Park) but due to rain, we celebrated in our apartment. It These are sweet memories! We miss our friends there so so much!

Picture Log of Jonathan's Birthday Celebrations



We kicked off the celebration on Sunday night at our family's house! Jonathan clapped along and sung happy birthday to himself!

Happy Birthday Oatmeal! He called it cake :)

Off to Parque Ibirapuera

Tree turned jungle gym! Boys loved it :)

Birthday Boy hamming it up :)

More park fun - taking daddy for a drive!

Last but not least - chocoalte pizza for birthday cake!



Good for the heart friends

Meet Adriana! We share a long history together. Adriana was on our team in Fortaleza while Aaron and I served there in 2004-2005. Adriana is one of those people that can speak deep and sometimes difficult truth in my life. During our time in ministry together, we were blessed to share a shaping friendship. Through the years we’ve kept in touch as best we’ve been able to. This year we get to live in the same city again. I am honored! Adriana is an incredible woman with a genuine heart for God. She is honest and loving. She is grounded in who she is and lives life with purpose. I am thankful that I get to rub shoulders with her on a more regular basis again. Tonight was no exception!

Aaron has begun classes. His classes are at night, so he has been leaving the house after lunch and returning between 9-10pm. I was feeling especially lonely this afternoon. We left rich community in New York where a playdate was just a phone call away. As the boys and I played soccer outside this afternoon I was hungry for that fellowship-both for them and for me. Somewhere in the midst of my loneliness, it was as if God whispered, “Don’t worry, Adriana will be here in a little while!”

It’s amazing how a friendship can be so refreshing. There’s no formality.  It’s so comfortable. She walked into our home in a moment of screaming fits (literally as Jonathan incessantly threw water at Austin in the bath tub). She got to witness less than graceful moments of parenting. She watched my boys put on a jumping show where more than a few rules were broken. All in all she laughed!

We got to share our hearts with one another and shoulder each other’s burdens. We laughed, cried and prayed together.  She lived life alongside me for the evening. It was just what my heart needed! God is so faithful to provide!

Goodbye New York – Hello Sao Paulo

I hate that it’s been so long since I’ve blogged. The move was CRAZY! There was barely time to check email. Then after finally arriving in Sao Paulo, we haven’t had internet! Though I wish there were step by step blog postings, we’ll have to settle for a super general overview!

Leaving New York was incredibly hard – both logistically and emotionally! For starters, we sold almost everything we owned. Then the other stuff was left with big question marks. Our dear friends the Biddys offered to store some things, but we had too much to fit in their storage. Then there were the baggage limitations. We were very careful to stay within the baggage allotments of the airlines because of the excess baggage fees. My parents were incredibly gracious to come spend the week with us and help us pack. They served their hearts out and wore their bodies down! We could not have done this move without them.

The last weekend we were in New York, we got to spend at our friends the Smiths. The Smith’s had left for a vacation along the east coast and graciously offered their apartment to our family. It was perfect provision and an incredibly refreshing time for our family. After a crazy time of living among boxes and suitcases, it was so peaceful to be in an apartment that was fully intact complete with toys and kid gear! We all rested well and enjoyed our final weekend as we said goodbye to friends and to the city that had surprised our family (especially me) with an incredible amount of joy.

The actual commute to Brazil was not nearly as horrible as I halfway expected it to be! Just for you to have a picture of the craziness we endured with two toddlers, here’s what our travels consisted of:

·         11:30am – 1 hour long shuttle from Morningside Heights (our neighborhood in Manhattan) to JFK

*side note* we had 6 full size bags, three carryon bags, four backpacks, and a double stroller!

·         3pm – 5 hour flight from JFK to Panama City

·         One hour layover in Panama City

·         9pm – 7 hour flight from Panama City to Sao Paulo

·         Go through immigration and customs in Sao Paulo

·         6am – 1 hour long ride to our new apartment

·         9am – go to sign lease contract

·         12pm – eat lunch

·         1pm – All Pierces CRASH for about 4 hours J

Whew! Surprisingly, it was very smooth! The worst of it was the flight from JFK to Panama. The boys had not napped. Both were very tired and taking it out on each other. They completely made up for it on the flight to Sao Paulo. Both boys slept soundly the entire flight.

Upon arriving in Sao Paulo we were greeted by my God mother and her husband. They spent the day with us helping get our things to our new place, sign contract, grocery shop for a few essentials, and cooked lunch for us. It was so sweet to have their assistance. Just like our arrival in New York, we were welcomed by community here in Sao Paulo! God is faithful and we are eagerly asking Him what He has for us in the coming year!

Hello Again Cyber Space!

I really had no idea how much the Internet impacts our lives, until the last three weeks where we lived without it. In normal day to day, we use the Internet a lot, but in transitioning to a new place country without the Internet it was borderline torture! Imagine trying to get around, figure out where the closest (fill in the blank) is, get directions, etc, etc, etc without the Internet. I never thought I'd cry over the world wide web, but I will unashamedly admit that I did - more than once - cry over not having Internet in the past 3 weeks! Ha! So here we are - back on air - and so thankful for it! I wrote a few posts while my Patience was being tested to the max. Hope you enjoy!