Happiness is . . .

Well, it has been about 3 weeks now since we arrived in Brazil and it seems the current most frequently asked questions (FAQs, if you will) are “How are you adapting?” and “How do you like Brazil?”, that kind of thing. I was hoping to incorporate pictures into my answer, but since my internet is not cooperating today, you will just have to check back again later. :)

We all knew that Tiago would have no problem adjusting to living back in his home town. He is thrilled to be working full time and to be the bread-winner in the family. And honestly, I am happy to let him. Of course Elissa enjoys getting to play outside more, being fed all sorts of new, yummy treats by all of the family here, and having a much bigger, nicer space to play and spread her toys. So far she continues to be saying more new words in English than Portuguese, but I'm sure that will change before much longer.

Now, how about me? I still struggle with understanding and participating much in conversations going on around me, I spend all day at home with my munchkin and clean up after her, I have tried to cook new foods and already failed a few times - somewhat miserably, and I have limited social interactions during the day. And yet somehow, I'm happy! :) Considering all of the changes we've made, I feel everything is going very smoothly and I love our new home and our new life. I've learned that being happy is not so much a matter of having everything I want and doing everything perfectly. (I know, that's a tough lesson to learn.) It's a choice, regardless of surroundings and experiences. The other day I was thinking of a song from several years ago, when I was teaching 1^st grade, called “Happiness”. It's actually from one of the Charlie Brown movies. The song lists a bunch of fun little things that help them feel happy. Well, here's my rendition of the song: (Don't try to sing it though. The rhythms just won't work... :))

Happiness is...

• being there each day to watch my baby grow and learn new things, hearing her laugh, and seeing her smile
• cleaning a home that is MY home, NOT a rental, and feeling like a queen in my castle :)
• having a kind, sweet husband who is willing to help with chores and diaper-changing when asked... most of the time :)
• relaxing in my hammock after the chores are done
• experiencing new delicious foods each day (prepared by other family members, not me :))
• going to church and feeling right at home, even though I only catch about 20% of the lessons taught and talks presented. (I've already been asked to play their 'old school' organ for Sacrament Meeting!)
• feeling more comfortable asking questions and initiating conversations in Portuguese
• being offered a job teaching young children English, before even putting out applications or resumes! (This won't start till March, and so far there are 3 children in this particular class. They are scheduled to come all at the same time and either 1 or 2 days per week for an hour, or two hours of the same day...)
• knowing we have kind, caring neighbors and family just down the street, who would help us out at any time
• fresh, ripe, juicy mangoes for breakfast :)
• Churrasco!!!!! (Mmmmmmmm)

I could go on and on, but in the interest of not boring everyone to death, I won't. :)  Please know that we DO miss our friends and family members that live far, far away now. Anyone who feels like taking an adventurous trip to visit us is more than welcome.  Some day our guest room may actually have a bed in it, but in the meantime, we will soon have a very large couch with reclining seats (great for sleeping on :)) and there are several family homes very close by whose residents would be happy to have guests.  So come see us!!
Ate depois!!