Shoes!

I went shoe shopping while I was in Arkansas.  Here's why:

Notice the sole coming off the shoe on top.  And you can't see it too well, but my big toe was starting to come out as well.  On the same shoe, the strap is busted and just sort of hanging out, attached only on one side.  The shoe on the bottom has already had the same problem fixed, and you can see the rip in the side of the shoe. 

Here's the replacement I found: 

This pair is in a little bit better condition, huh?

The old pair went in the trash:

The sad thing is, I had a hard time parting with them.  In fact, I seriously considered bringing them home and continuing to use them!  I stayed strong, though, and said my goodbyes. 

Arkansas!

Dad and I took a trip to Arkansas this weekend to see my grandparents - Papaw and Marilyn.  It was wonderful!  So great to see them.  It's been a couple years already, so it was time to catch up.  We left on Thursday afternoon and got back last night, so we had about 3 days with them.  It was a quiet weekend, but a great one!  We went to Cracker Barrel three times (Friday, Sat, and Sunday).

  

That's sort of their "kitchen" - they always go there.  I love to see Papaw there - he's like a celebrity!  Everyone says, "Hi, Mr. Miller!" and gives him hugs.  I think it's good for him.  His health isn't real great, and he sure doesn't get around like he used to.  So I think Cracker Barrel is a good tradition.  We stopped by the little aquarium at a national park Visitor's Center on Saturday.  

On Sunday we drove up north to Appleton to see where Marilyn grew up.  I'm no photographer, but I had fun attempting some photography, primarily in the shed next to the house - a land mine of old treasures and photo ops...

(This is a hive built by dirt daubers - a new little tid bit of info I learned yesterday.)

Business Class

So like I said, the trip wasn't all bad... here are the pics as evidence... 

Yeah, I could get used to this business class thing. 

Finally!!

I'm finally, finally, finally home!  Finally!  A trip that normally takes 16-20 hours took a total of about 50.  

Original plan: 

Friday

5:30 pm: leave Campinas for Sao Paulo via Caprioli bus

10:15 pm: depart Sao Paulo for Chicago

Saturday

12pm: leave Chicago

2 pm: arrive Albuquerque

Actual events:

Friday

5:30 pm: leave Campinas for Sao Paulo via Caprioli bus

8:30 pm: find out my flight won't be leaving until noon on Saturday

11:30 pm: arrive at hotel

Saturday

1 pm: flight finally leaves

10 pm: arrive at hotel in Chicago

Sunday

8 am: leave Chicago

11:20 am: arrive in Phoenix

1 pm: leave Phoenix

2 pm: arrive in Albuquerque!!!  at long last!

It was a long, tiring trip, but I am finally home.  And the trip wasn't all bad... tomorrow I'll post my pics of business class... whoa. 

nomad

So I'd say I've definitely gotten out of the habit of blogging.  I'm sure it's partly because our internet has been out at home for a while now.  But anyway... I've got some catching up to do!

Believe it or not, I'm on my way home right now.  I have some things to take care of, including my visa.  Unfortunately we haven't been able to figure things out here yet, and we said we'd give it a month after I got back from Iguassu Falls.  It all happened pretty quickly, deciding to come home this week and scheduling travel and everything.  So yesterday I spent the morning at work getting my things organized so I could bring with me what I need.  Had some lunch and then went home to pack my bags.  Long story short, things got pretty crazy, involving me in Sao Paulo, Philip in Campinas, and my mom in Albuquerque trying to find me a flight home.  I was booked to Chicago but didn't have a sure way to get from Chicago to Albuquerque until about 10pm last night (the time my flight was supposed to leave).  There was a mechanical issue with the plane, so the flight was delayed until noon today.  I'll arrive late enough in Chicago that I'll have to spend the night and catch a flight to Albuquerque in the morning.  Yay.  (sarcasm)  I'll be glad to finally get home!

Do a Miracle in Me

There is a song we sing at church that I love.  Its translation is:

Enter into my house

Enter into my life

Change my structure

Heal all the wounds

Teach me to have holiness

I want to love only You

Because You are my greatest good,

Do a miracle in me.

Entra na minha casa

Entra na minha vida

Mexe com minha estrutura

Sara todas as feridas

Me ensina a ter santidade

Quero amar somente a Ti

Pois o Senhor é meu bem maior,

Faz um milagre em mim.

This is my prayer.