Did you know?

That my mother is published?

My mom's thoughts about raising children in a foreign country were recorded in this book. It's now being re-published to serve as a tool for SEED and college classrooms. I vaguely remember this from my childhood. I was eight when it came out. I never gave my parents as much credit they deserved. When I was little I thought they were dumb because they weren't American. It's funny, because now I thank whatever force in the universe for my cultural heritage. My folks a pretty progressive for their time and they instilled such beautiful values in their kids. I am forever grateful to them for giving me such open eyes.

Speaking of childhood, I found some pictures while cleaning my room. This one is from my very first trip to Brazil. I was two and mom decided to have me baptized in her mother's homeland. Mom is proudly holding me to be blessed by the priest. My godparents are seen in the background talking to the man with big glasses. My mom's oldest brother is my god dad and her old boss is my god mom.

Here I am with my godmother Teresa, eighteen years later:

Here's a cute pick from my second trip to Brazil. I was seven and decided to climb a guava tree on the property of some relative's restaurant. I'm smiling in this picture but only a few minutes later I would be bawling because I couldn't figure out how to come down. Look at that chubby little foot!

Here I am eleven years later, back up a tree. It was my first year at New College and I totally joined the tree-climbing club. Some things never change.

Thanks mom and dad for the beautiful memories.

Today mission: Be grateful for your cultural heritage.