This afternoon I set out on my first solo adventure in Brazil. Lucia gave my directions for several papelerias (stores with books and office/school supplies) in Rio Verde. She was cute about giving me instructions about locking the house and not talking to strangers (which, at this point, is almost everyone). Just before I waked out the door she gave me a kiss and said "Vai com Deus" (Go with God). It took a second for the words to sink in ... oh, of course, my mom says this too! I looked back and gave her a big smile.

An hour later I came home with Barbie stationary, crayons, drawing paper, markers, a blue ink pad and 20 envelopes. Yeah Ruth! Lucia was especially impressed I knew how to ask for the ink pad. I had taken the stamp with me and was pretty creative in my round-about explanation.