And so we go.

Though I have yet to even begin going through security, now that I am actually in the airport, passport and visa in hand, the reality of this trip is hitting me. Until now, my group and I have encountered countless obstacles, and somehow (quite amazingly) everything fell into place. In fact, we received our visas only this past Monday. We road tripped down to Atlanta (left Boone at 2 am... it was quite the trip), applied for and obtained our visas, and made it back home in the same day. Every effort, though, was well worth the stress and time, as I feel this trip is going to be pretty spectacular. First we go Charlotte to Miami, then overnight to Brazil! We will have a few days to adjust and explore our new home, Recife, and then training courses for teaching English will begin the following week. Way too exciting.

A few things at home that will be missed:

• Saturday mornings listening to 88.1 WKNC. Bluegrass to start off the weekend? Oh yes. 
• A new favorite, Sola Coffee. Quaint setting, uber delicious coffee, happy Rachel. 
• Visits to The North Carolina Museum of Art, particularly the outdoor exhibits and trails.
• The Corn in a Cup kiosk at Crabtree Valley Mall. Strangely scrumptious and satisfying. Revolutionary, one might say. 
• Trips to Boone. Too beautiful, too wonderful. 
• My family and friends, of course. I will miss you all dearly. 

On the other hand, a few things I am stoked for in Brazil:

• Learning some Portuguese! I don't think I will have much choice in the matter.
• Seeing and swimming around Recife's reefs.
• Devouring the spicy food of Northern Brazil (and so much seafood!).
• Exploring Olinda, an older city established by the Dutch. Supposedly, the architecture is exceptionally beautiful, which I do not doubt at all!
• Trying exotic, wild fruits! Yum.
• Having the opportunity to actually teach English classes! I can finally fulfill my childhood desire to be a teacher for a bit. 

Anyhow, I guess that's all for now. Much, much more to come, though! Pictures are in the near future, too. Thank you for reading along, my friends! 

This is happening. Oh my, this is happening. Brazil, we are on our way! 

I am pumped.