Some thoughts so far

Joabe and I have been commenting on how much the city reminds us of Europe. The Metro system is just fantastic. JoJo couldn't get over how you can move about to everywhere without using an automobile. Then to see people in the city walking, carrying there bags from shopping and back packs.

Everyone has done wonderful with the traveling even the two little ones. Victoria has her backpack and things all together. She loves using the card for the Metro to open the entrance gate to pass. Samuel just sits and rides! You should see him with his coat, gloves and boots! He walks like the Michlen Tire guy. It is so funny. The weather is cold but has not been that extreme cold - thank goodness. Also, it is only a 10 minute walk to the Metro station. Once we are in the Metro we are all inside. So it has been good thus far.

Today we are headed to the park to do some typical winter activities - sledding and ice skating. Let's see how this works out. Then we'll have a typical Brazilian Christmas on Christmas Eve. Christmas Day we'll spend together resting and then we get to experience Boxing Day. In England Boxing Day was another day of eating, etc. Here it is more like our day after Christmas. I think we are going to skip the shopping and head to the Old city - weather permitting.

To each of you we wish a very special Merry Christmas. May it be a time for each of you spent with friends and family. May each of you also remember the reason for the season - the incarnation of God in the birth of Jesus Christ.