July 4, 2010

So my 4th of July was suprisingly “American.”  I received a red, white and blue package from the Fernandes Family and decided to throw a good ole’ fashion Fiesta!  I organized a few things to take myself, sent out invitations and told friends to “bring what they thought was American food.”  Unfortunately Brazil lost the…

Tragedy, Purpose and Small Pleasures

So I’ve been rather reflective following the news of the death of a fellow IMS alumnus, Jason Marner last Friday.  While I make no claims of us being close friends, I do remember him fondly, even though he was 2 years behind me.  I don’t look back on any deep or memorable moments we ever had,…

Homework #2: Bia’s Composition

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Brown, Let me introduce myself. My name is Beatriz, I am 33 years old, and I am a translator. I have been working for the South American Division since July, 2007. As a translator, I rarely write my own texts, but I translate other people’s texts. But now Angela is giving…

Love at First Click

So I have absolutely fallen in love with publicspeaker.quickanddirtytips.com  I stumbled upon this communicator’s dream after being saved several times by grammar.quickanddirtytips.com  If you ever wonder what I do with my free time, these two sites are now the answer.  At least Grammar Girl is work related as I pour through the an 800 page manuscript on the…

Perseverance

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.      –Romans 5:3-4 (New International Version)So this verse has been running through my mind often recently.  And no, not necessarily because I feel I’m suffering, but I seem to be surrounded by examples of this…

1 is the Loneliest Number

So with everyone up in Atlanta this week (and last) it’s been rather quiet around these parts.  The office is tranquil as well as the neighborhood.  But I am not alone!  I have adopted a new friend who has also been ‘left behind’ by this Adventist Rapture.  Her name is Pauli and she’s normally one…

Extra, Extra!

New President of the SDA Church: TED WILSON!!!!  And he’s my friend!!!!  I mean, sort of.  Remember the post where I met him and the Kings Heralds and all that?  Famous for a day, or something along those lines.  Woot!  Oh, I don’t think this has been announced yet, so keep it on the DL…

Screenshot from my Mind

Hello Hawaii!!  Yes today I am dreaming of this beautiful island.  Especially as dry season begins to settle in to Brasilia, I find myself dreaming of more tropical places.  As if monkeys weren’t enough, here I am desiring ocean too!  Boy, I’m needy.  But it’s interesting because as an English teacher here, I find myself needing…

My BFF E.G. White

“When I first found myself in a state of helplessness I deeply regretted having crossed the broad waters. Why was I not in America? Why at such expense was I in this country? Time and again I could have buried my face in the bed quilts and had a good cry. But I did not…

Discovery of the Day

So… it turns out that left to their own devices, Blogs do not write themselves!  Imagine!  My life has been a bit wrapped up in World Cup and helping out with preparations for everyone leaving for the General Conference Session.  Weekend was good.  Between a Sabbath picnic lunch and roasting marshmellows in the evenings, I…