We've been counting down since day 14 to our departure to Michigan . This morning we woke up and the 2 had been crossed out and replaced by the words above. When I say "we", I mean the kids and I, because sadly, David won't be joining us for a few weeks. Aidan, Camryn, and I leave tomorrow, very near to our six month anniversary in Brazil. I would say the honeymoon is definitely over. I still love Brazil, but even great relationships need a break and that break will be a long one, six weeks long to be exact.
I've been working on the packing since Monday. How does one pack for 42 day trip to the US from Brazil you may wonder? It's actually very easy. YOU DON'T! What I've been working on is nesting suitcases, trying to configure the most efficient arrangement to have maximum empty space for our return trip. It could be the difference between one box of Cheerios or two.
I've also spent many hours compiling shopping lists of all the things we need to buy, not to mention lists of all the things I ordered online that are waiting for us. We're only packing a couple changes of clothes, bathing suits, and lots of Haviana's (sixteen pair and counting). I also have a full suitcase of towels, a shower curtain, and a cow skin rug for the new house. It's by far the strangest mix of belongings I've ever put into suitcases.
What we haven't packed is shoes, clothes, underwear, socks, cosmetics, toiletries, blow dryer, flattening iron, sunscreen, perfume, medicines or toys. These things are all so expensive in Brazil, that we will be buying a full supply to bring back. We also will be anticipating Halloween costumes, friend's and teacher's gifts and beach gear for an upcoming vacation. We'll purchase lots of iTunes gift cards, a computer, and every video game we may want in the next few months. All these things are triple or more the cost in Brazil.
All in all, we're packing in reverse, hoping we have the room to bring it all back. At least this trip, we'll have our own house to leave some things behind. And once again the most important things can't be brought back, our family and friends, and the feeling of being home. Strangely enough, as I'm typing this, looking out my kitchen window at the voggy skyline of Sao Paulo, there are some things I wish I could pack and bring to the States...the sounds of the kid's at school behind our apartment, the city lights at night, the energy of so many people in one place, and the crazy crowing rooster who tells me it's time to get up every morning.
It's only been six months, yet I've grown accustomed to this place and feel like one of the twenty million people who call this city home.
Tchau Brasil. We'll miss you.
Tomorrow we're leaving on a jet plane and Friday morning we'll be on the doorstep of the USA. Please put the coffee on. We'll be making ourselves at home.
