Gabriel was given the opportunity to participate in the Baccalaureate and Graduation ceremonies of our local high school to complete his Academic Year in America. It was a special time for our family to witness Gabriel’s accomplishments, and to recognize all the work we accomplished learning and growing as a host family. Since the lastContinue reading “Graduation and Goodbyes”
Tag Archives: Brazil
Easter!
Due to scheduling issues, we could not take any small or large trips for Spring Break. Gabriel did have the opportunity, however, to travel with a group of fellow exchange students to the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas. Imagine traveling with 7 teenaged boys and one other adult chaperone, and you can imagine the levelContinue reading “Easter!”
Local News
We made the local newspaper, The Trading Post. Actually, Academic Year in America made the local news. It’s time to recruit new host families for the 2014-2015 school year. Has it almost been a year? I guess it has. Our whole family is dreading the inevitable “Goodbye” lurking around the corner. The experience of hostingContinue reading “Local News”
Carnival!
It’s Carnival in Brazil! According to Gabriel, our resident Brazilian cultural expert, “Carnival is the best!” Loosely tied to the religious tradition of Lent, Carnival is a party to beat all parties. It’s a chance for everyone in the community to come together, to dress in outrageous costumes, to dance, to sing, to drink. GabrielContinue reading “Carnival!”
Snow Days
I’m sure one of the first things Gabriel noticed about Ohioans this Fall/ Winter was our obsession with discussing the weather. It’s true we frequently discuss weather, but in our defense, the weather is ever changing, and generally proves to be an interesting topic for small talk with friends or strangers. “Do you talk aboutContinue reading “Snow Days”
Throwback Thursday– A First Thanksgiving
One of my favorite holidays is Thanksgiving. I’m not sure exactly when I discovered this, but I have a feeling it was sometime near the beginning of my motherhood career. As the Mom of the family, traditionally speaking, the thrill of holidays lessens a bit because of the burden of creating the holiday. Once awardedContinue reading “Throwback Thursday– A First Thanksgiving”
Varsity Letters
This past Fall was filled with soccer. Gabriel played mostly JV soccer for his high school team, and my daughter, Micah, played soccer for her private all girls high school team. Having two high school soccer players in the house required strict attention to schedules and a balancing act of managing rides, soccer Mom duties,Continue reading “Varsity Letters”
Gabriel’s First Pumpkin
Did you know Pumpkins did not grow in Brazil? I didn’t until I asked Gabriel. Needless to say, when I explained we would be carving pumpkins to use as decorations to celebrate an American Halloween, Gabriel had no frame of reference for this cultural experience. Our family hosted an International Pumpkin Fest last weekend. AsContinue reading “Gabriel’s First Pumpkin”
Homecoming
It’s Homecoming weekend in our small town. Since my older children homeschooled, and my current high school aged daughter attends a private, all girls school, Gabriel is introducing our family to the local high school homecoming culture. It’s been an education for all of us. Gabriel has caused quite a sensation at the high schoolContinue reading “Homecoming”
Gabriel
Gabriel is here! Our family is learning about Brazil and Brazilian culture this year as we serve as Ambassadors to Gabriel from Brazil. Gabriel is learning a lot about small town America and adjusting well to eating out (way too often), American-style soccer, and the fact we do not put ketchup on our pizza. WeContinue reading “Gabriel”
An International Family 