Looking back on the past year, I have alot to be thankful for.

Moving- We moved in July, just from one side of the city to the other. We went from having drug dealers as next-door neighbors, to a diplomat. Yep. Our old neighbors would smoke pot all the time, and we actually saw them dealing crack one night, in front of our door. And now our next-door neighbor is a diplomat from a spanish-speaking country. His car has diplomat plates and all.

My job- A year ago I wasn’t working, and I was at home and driving myself cra-zy. I started working at the International School in February, and it is a huge blessing. I am around many Americans, yet I speak lots of Portuguese, and its really helped me learn more of the language. Its also good because the teachers are American and are really a sort of support system for me. The kids at the school are from all over the world– we have kids from Pakistan, Japan, Syria, Namibia, China, Tanzania, etc. I love seeing all of them mix together and have fun and learn together.

Paulo’s company- Even though sometimes its tough, Paulo’s company has made it past the 1-yr mark! Thats big for a small upstart company! We’re both grateful that he’s been able to get new clients in to keep the company working. He’s learned alot, faster than he would at a regular job.

Family- my in-laws have really helped us alot this year. I’ve gotten sick a few times, and my mother in law has always come over or had me over to take care of me. We usually have lunch at their house on Saturday, and when they are traveling, it seems odd to break that routine and not spend Saturdays with them! And I get to see my family in a month for Christmas! Now that’s really something huge to be thankful for!