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