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!