Thanks AP

One of the huge draws for me to move to Brazil, was that one of my best friends lives here. Yep, this is gonna be a post all about Andrea, also known as AP, Roomie, Principal and down here Andrea (said like Ann-dray-uh).

She's the one who sparked to idea of moving to Brazil in my head over ice cream at Oberweis one chilly winter day months ago.

Since I've arrived, we've both been swamped and uber busy. She's busy being an amazing Lower School Principal, organizing lots of school renovations (some complete, some almost complete), catching up with her old friends, getting to know new ones, assisting all the teachers, assessing students, balancing class lists and on and on. I've been busy with all the new teacher, new life, new everything. Both of our to do's have been exorbinate.

Yesterday we happened to bump into each other by chance while both of us were out to lunch with different friends. We made plans to hang out for last night. I couldn't have asked for a better way to spend it.

We both were in a low key kinda mood and she planned perfectly. We went to a wonderful area called Pontao (I need to learn how to make the breve over the a). It's right next to the lake in Brasilia. I'd heard all about it from Miguel, my teaching assistant, and so I was thrilled to be able to check it out.There's a surf shop, German beer garden/restaurant, other restaurants and it's just a nice place to walk around.

We opted to share a delicious opened face mozarella, sundried tomato and argula sandwhich. Yum! Part of the reason for sharing was so we could share some acai. Oh my goodness! Hadn't had any frozen acai yet. In the U.S., there's a huge rage with acai and healthy living. It this is healthy living, bring it on! This frozen dessert which was topped with bananas was so yummy.

Over dinner we just caught up. That's it. With as hectic as life has been since we arrived, it couldn't have been better. Just a chance to talk and talk.

Andrea's been one of my closest friends since we became roommates about 10 years ago. There are so many things that I love about Andrea, but last night reminded me of one of my favorites. She's a friend who no matter how much time or life goes by, we just pick up where we left off. It's effortless.

And one of the reasons why last night was so nice was that with everything for me being new, it was nice just to relax and spend time with a dear friend. And a dear friend who now only lives across a field from me, a 5 minute walk door-to-door. Doesn't get much better than that.

Now that I think about it, the past few days there would have been great chances to take photos together, but I missed those so instead I'll share one that Andrea and I took on the first day of school this year.

Thanks AP for last night. It was perfect!

Inquiring Minds Want to Know!

Lately I've had quite a few questions about my move, all the logistics and details so here's a little Q & A that should hopefully help to satisfy inquiring minds.

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Where'd you get the idea to move to Brazil? How'd you get a job there?
In November I found out my literacy coach position in Kaneland was being eliminated. For many of you who were around me, you know I was devastated. I felt being a lit coach was truly my calling. It was a wonderful balance of working with children and working with adults. But alas, things change, times change and I needed to use this change, although not my choice, to figure out what was best for me.

Fast forward to winter break '09 and one of my best friends, Andrea, was home visiting from Brazil. We had a heart-to-heart chat over ice cream (our usual) and that's when the seed was planted. She mentioned that her school would have a 3rd grade vacancy. She asked if she could put my name in as a possibility.

About a month later, I received an email from the Headmaster and Principal from Andrea's school (American School of Brasilia aka EAB) asking if I would like to interview with them. I had decided by that time, being back in a classroom was best for me, so, I had a phone interview with the two of them. I've been on lots of interview teams over the years and this interview was unlike any other I've ever had. They asked me not the usual knowledge level questions, but really tried to see if my teaching philosphies matched those of EAB. It went great!

A few days later, they asked if I'd be willing to meet in Waterloo, IA just before the University of Northern Iowa International Teaching fair began. So, I took a personal day, drove all the way on a frigid January day 5 hours there. I went out to dinner with the Headmaster and High School Principal. Cajun. We had alligator and jambalaya, wine and great conversations. I felt both were wonderfully honest about their own experiences and where EAB is right now. I so appreciated the honesty but also felt that the direction they're going, what they want to do for children is what I want to do. So, it was a match. A week later, I emailed and it became official!

Why Brasilia?
When Andrea planted the seed I did consider other places as well but Brasilia and EAB have things that other schools couldn't offer.
Here are a few:
Andrea - best friend, old roommate, built-in support
EAB's student population - truly international; mostly Brazilian but many nationalities represented
EAB's support of all staff's children - any staff member's child may attend EAB at no-cost, most international schools only allow teachers' children to attend for free
EAB's philosophies - where they're going is what I believe in
3rd grade - been there, done that so at least something will be familiar
Portugese - I really want to learn the language so having weekly lessons and living there will help push me to reach that goal
Why not?

How long will you be there?
At least 2 years and then we'll see. Year 2 will be wonderful! It always takes at least 1 year after you move to feel settled and at least one year in a new job to feel like you know what you're doing. How can I pass that up that feeling?