Directions Home

The big news this week is that we are actively looking for a place to call “our own.” We now have enough coming in every month to consider this, due to the school income (I will get to that in a moment).

It is, in a way, counter to our plans up to this point, but not completely. We have been planning to move to the States when possible. We still do plan that move, just maybe a little later than we wanted. I sort of promised my students that I would be teaching them for a year; And we are still living in her parent's house.

We need a place to call our own. So, we are exploring the possibilities here, which include renting or buying an apartment, or buying a house. There is a house not to far away that is selling for R$50,000 (about US$24,000), and there are also apartments in the R$60,000 to 70,000 range. Sizes, shapes and colors vary (though, that ugly green seems to be a theme for us). Where in the USA could one purchase a house for US$24,000? What kind of house would it be?

We have a tour scheduled for Thursday, which is a State holiday, to see the house.

In some ways, we don't need more debt (my school loans are sort of eating us alive). But if we are going to be here another year, we need our own house.

So, what I am asking for is prayer. For wisdom, and guidance.

This whole process has been pretty un-planned, especially since Nádya's visa process changed under our feet. I know I have friends and family that want to see me again someday, and to meet my wife. I wish it were easier. I guess that is what makes life so tough; it keeps changing under your feet.

People ask me “When are you coming?” I wish I knew, or could give a good answer, but the truth is that there are so many unknowns that we can only guess. We hope to make it for my brother's wedding next year, but we don't know if that will work out.

amerInglês classes went quite well Saturday. I had my first experience with students not doing their homework–now I understand why my teachers were so grumpy when I did not do my homework.

There was one student, though, who liked the material so much that he stayed up until 2 AM listening to the CD a couple of times. I am glad he enjoyed it, and could hear the difference in his English, but am a bit concerned that he could burn out if he does that all the time.

We had a few more students sign up this past weekend, and have potential to start another class (during the week) sometime soon. I really hope that happens.



Weather here has been in the low 100's F. Usually topping out around 105º F during the day, but the last two days have been cooler and cloudy. Weather.com says it is “only” supposed to get up to 94º F today, and possibly rain. What a relief!