I realize it has actually been longer than a month, but it sounds nicer that way. Not only does it minimize my absence, but it also takes advantage of alliteration (yes, the English teacher is back in her element).
So, to put it mildly, I’ve been a little busy; and each week has brought it’s own adventure.
WEEK ONE was paper work for my marriage license. That was an adventure. Lots of bells and whistles to be blown or rung – and participation was not optional.
WEEK TWO was wedding plans. (You can read all about it in my upcoming book How to Plan a Brazilian Wedding in One Week.) We pulled it off - I’m indebted to those who worked to help make it happen! – but it’s not an experience I would recommend. One should give herself at least two weeks.
WEEK THREE was the honeymoon. Fred and I spent it at a small beach hotel in Iguape, a town about a ½ hr. away from Fortaleza. Enough said.
WEEK FOUR was a return to reality. Fred went back to work Monday morning, while I cleaned the apartment and unpacked boxes. Initially, when I left the U.S., I felt like I was leaving a lot behind, but I can see now that it was a good thing. We have very little room in our tiny temporary apartment, and I ended up repacking several boxes.
Aside from the essentials, any extra room is filled with books. Both Fred and I love books, and we use them regularly in our work and ministry (teaching, counseling, pastoring, etc.), so we have LOTS of them! It’s too bad I couldn’t bring my bookshelves with me – but then again, if I had, where would Mom store all the books that I left behind!
We’re currently staying at the FA Guest House while we wait for our apartment in Edson Queiroz to open up. Like most things in Brazil, the projected date keeps being extended. “Two or three weeks” can mean “two or three weeks after next month.”
WEEK FIVE was English. I took the plunge and took over the high school English classes. A week or two later, I assumed the teaching responsibilities for U.S. History. After that, the weeks begin to blur…
My “kids” are excited to have me back, but my name change has presented a challenge to them. They don’t like “Mrs. R” (too many syllables or something) and complain that it doesn’t flow like “Miss L.” Thus, without a designated name, they often default to “Miss L” in the middle of class. Worse yet, I answer without noticing the wrong name!
Married life is wonderfully normal. It’s also incredibly busy. I have to be super-conscious of and disciplined with my time, especially since meals require such extended preparation here. When I was single, I ate a lot of salads and veggies; and I had no qualms snacking my way through a meal But now! Rice, beans and meat are the basic make-up and seem simple enough, but the beans have to be soaked overnight and the meat has to be treated, and to have them all ready at the same time, along with the salad and/or veggie…ai, just typing it out makes me tired. Oh, and fresh fruit juice is also a staple. I tried cheating one day by making juice out of frozen pulp, but my Brazilian husband caught it right away. Not that he complained; he just noticed. Would you?
I also now make a regular trips to the paderia (bread store) whereas before, as an avoid-white-dedicated-wheat-bread girl, it was only once in a while. I also make a lot more visits to the mercado (grocery store). And then the wash has doubled as has my ironing. Actually, the truth be told, I never ironed when I lived by myself because I specifically bought clothes that would not need ironing! I probably should have taken that into consideration before marrying a man who wears a dress shirt every day to work.
But even in the busyness, I enjoy Fred’s constant companionship. He is a very attentive and carring husband; and we have fun doing stuff together. I don’t think I had any expectations of married life, and I was probably a bit more prepared for what was to come due to my counseling experiences (vs. a starry-eyed-20-year-old); so all that has helped in the transition.
I read a quote the other day that summed married life up well. Basically it said if you want TIME to serve Christ, don’t get married; however, if you want TO BE LIKE CHRIST, get married. So true. Of my single life, I miss my time the most; and never did I imagine how petty I could yet be at this point in my spiritual walk. Who knew I could be so selfish?! (That’s a rhetorical question.)
I had to laugh when I heard a friend of mine, who was also recently married, asked his mom, “Did I suddenly become less sanctified when I said, ‘I do’?” It certainly feels like it some days! Thankfully, God (and Fred!) are gracious and loving and kind.
So there it is; and speaking of time, mine’s up for today.