Emma's Last Day of School. . .

Emma had her last day of school the day before we left Horizontina. The teacher decided to have a little going away party for her. She made a cake and ordered salgadinhos, the Brazilian snack food that is a must at every party. The kids, including Emma, went about their day as if nothing were about to change. No tears, no emotional goodbyes, no extra hugging. It was way more emotional for me than it was for any of them. Emma played like she normally does, sometimes with others, but oftentimes alone. I wanted her to grasp the enormity of us leaving, but really, it was just another day for her. She was already looking forward to seeing her grandparents and nothing could take her mind off that. She wasn't too concerned that she'd likely never see most of these kids again. In fact, the only kids she was really worried about were the two American kids who she'll see again when they come back to the U.S.! It was a fun day, though, and I'm thankful I was able to get a few final pictures of Emma with her classmates.

Suzana was one of the moms I saw on a regular basis. She was always smiling and her older daughter loved trying to practice English with Emma. Sweet family.

Emma's American buddy Riley.

Riley, Emma, Giohvanna, Isadora, and Alessandra

Profe Cris, Emma's second teacher and my dear friend

Profe Adri, Emma's first teacher and another dear friend. Yes, she was part of the inspiration for our daughter Adri's name.

Snack time with Danny, Andre, Nicoly, Isadora, and Murilo

Bruna, Riley, Bryon, and Giohvanna

Andre

Laura (Suzana's daughter), Andressa

Kaua and Artur

Carlos and Andre

Danny

I loved this school. I was so scared to take Emma to school in Brazil for the first time, but the teachers were so kind and caring. I felt comfortable leaving her with them and I was amazed at how comfortable she was staying with them. I developed a friendship with each of Emma's teachers and I am so thankful for their roles in her life. These three women (Profe Elisandra isn't pictured) loved Emma so well and taught her much about Brazilian culture. I was sad for Emma to leave school, but I was also sad for me to not get to see the teachers anymore. They are very sweet, very beautiful women and I am so grateful for their friendship.