So - I got my results back from my biopsy and they weren't exactly the "it's all good" news we had all thought they would be. Seems as though it's more of a "hmmm - this doesn't look so good" kind of news.
So - I need to go back to the US and get this taken care of. And just when we were finally settling in to our new home in Brazil - the kids have started school and are making friends, I was hitting my stride at work, I've got some interesting projects that I've been tasked with. We thought - we finally will be able to be in one place for a while.
But (insert your favorite deity here) is a merry prankster!
First, we learned that my results weren't good and that set off a flurry of phone calls and information gathering to determine what the next steps needed to be. Luckily, we had already made an appointment with the Health Practioner for Brazil who just happened to be visiting the Consulate that week. The next day, when we met with her, we learned that the State Department would medevac me back to the US so that I could undergo surgery. My family would stay here, and as soon as I got the all clear, I could return to Brazil. If we were lucky, the whole process could be taken care of in about a week or so. I am very lucky to be working for such a great employer and have such great health insurance!
We started another flurry of phone calls and emails to arrange all the necessary appointments. I'm lucky in that I can go back to California to my regular doctors to have this taken care of. And my parents will be able to be there to help. But - as we learned more about what needed to be done - we learned that more often than not, people in my situation end up needing a course of radiation. Hmmmm - that's 5-7 weeks more . . . That's a long time to be away from my family! And a long time to be out of work!
Luckily, the State Department is a big organization and has experience with people needing to leave one place and work in another for a short while. It's called TDY - think "temporary duty". It looks as though if I do need to do the radiation, I can do it back in Washington, DC and take a temporary job at Main State - also known as the Mothership.
I'm trying to focus on the silver linings here - I get to see my family again sooner than I thought, I could get to work at Main State for a bit and get a better understanding of what goes on there.
But it's also super hard to be leaving my husband and kids for so long. I know it's the best thing for the kids - it's important that they get settled in to their new school and begin making friends so that they can really enjoy our time here. I'm so lucky to have such a good partner who does such a great job with our kids. And I'm so lucky to have such a great community of friends and family who are rallying around us all to support us in any way they can.
In the meantime, things are changing pretty fast. Every day brings new information. Soon I'll have my plane tickets - it looks as though I'll be leaving Brazil exactly one month after I arrived.
January 31, 2012
January 30, 2012
So - what is it that I'm doing here in Brazil?
Living here in Brazil is great. We get to live on the beach, we get to experience a different culture, we get to spend some great family time together. It sounds like one big vacation!
But I also have a job here that I do.
Every day during the week, I go off to my job in the consular section of the American Consulate in Recife. Once there, my primary responsibility is to adjudicate non-immigrant visas. Huh?? What's that. Well, a vibrant colleague has laid it all out pretty well here and here.
Visas in Brazil are getting a lot of press these days. It is very exciting to be able to be a part of this process. I get to work with some great people, I get to meet lots of wonderful Brazilians, and I get to help facilitate people's travel to the United States.
It's a great job - one that I enjoy very much and one that is helping to make a difference. I feel very lucky to be able to do this.
But I also have a job here that I do.
Every day during the week, I go off to my job in the consular section of the American Consulate in Recife. Once there, my primary responsibility is to adjudicate non-immigrant visas. Huh?? What's that. Well, a vibrant colleague has laid it all out pretty well here and here.
Visas in Brazil are getting a lot of press these days. It is very exciting to be able to be a part of this process. I get to work with some great people, I get to meet lots of wonderful Brazilians, and I get to help facilitate people's travel to the United States.
It's a great job - one that I enjoy very much and one that is helping to make a difference. I feel very lucky to be able to do this.
January 27, 2012
Feijoada Friday
So - I haven't talked much about food in Brazil. There's many different kinds of Brazilian restaurants. One very typical type is called a "por kilo". It means "by the kilo" or for people in the US - by weight.
When you walk in, you typically get a piece of paper or a card that you keep with you. Then you grab a plate and help yourself to their offerings. At the end, it gets weighed and marked on your card or chit. I've heard it compared to the food / salad bar at Whole Foods. It's similar to that in concept, but very different.
Most places have a salad type area with different lettuces, cold vegetable salads, cheeses, meats, fruit, and sometimes sushi.
Then there is the starch area with pastas, potatoes (boiled, mashed, etc.), maxaceira (another starchy vegetable), different rices and farofa. There's also the grill station with chicken, beef, sausage and other specialty meats (chicken hearts are very popular here). There's the caldo (soups) section and then the prepared hot entree part with moqueca (Brazilian fish stew), various beans, meat stews, lasagnas, fried plantains, and on and on. It's quite an experience.
One of my favorite places is Cafe Supremo.
Their food is really good and their hot entree section always has a theme and it's very good. Once it was a variety of fish stews with the bean, rice and farofa dishes that go with, another day it was goat. But on Friday - it's feijoada.
Feijoada is a very traditional Brazilian dish. You'll often find it at Brazilian restaurants in the US. The style of dish is found in many cultures. It's a stew with beans and different types of meat - usually beef, chicken and sausage. It's often served with rice, greens, sliced orange segments and farofa.
Cafe Suprema not only does an excellent feijoada, but when they serve it, the separate out the components so you can get the mix you'd like. There's a bowl of just beans, and then a stew of one cut of beef, then a stew of another cut of beef, then chicken, sausage and so on. It's just magnificent. They also have various sauces and relishes to go with it.
You can see why we look forward to Feijoada Friday!
When you walk in, you typically get a piece of paper or a card that you keep with you. Then you grab a plate and help yourself to their offerings. At the end, it gets weighed and marked on your card or chit. I've heard it compared to the food / salad bar at Whole Foods. It's similar to that in concept, but very different.
Most places have a salad type area with different lettuces, cold vegetable salads, cheeses, meats, fruit, and sometimes sushi. Then there is the starch area with pastas, potatoes (boiled, mashed, etc.), maxaceira (another starchy vegetable), different rices and farofa. There's also the grill station with chicken, beef, sausage and other specialty meats (chicken hearts are very popular here). There's the caldo (soups) section and then the prepared hot entree part with moqueca (Brazilian fish stew), various beans, meat stews, lasagnas, fried plantains, and on and on. It's quite an experience.
One of my favorite places is Cafe Supremo.
Their food is really good and their hot entree section always has a theme and it's very good. Once it was a variety of fish stews with the bean, rice and farofa dishes that go with, another day it was goat. But on Friday - it's feijoada.
Feijoada is a very traditional Brazilian dish. You'll often find it at Brazilian restaurants in the US. The style of dish is found in many cultures. It's a stew with beans and different types of meat - usually beef, chicken and sausage. It's often served with rice, greens, sliced orange segments and farofa.
Cafe Suprema not only does an excellent feijoada, but when they serve it, the separate out the components so you can get the mix you'd like. There's a bowl of just beans, and then a stew of one cut of beef, then a stew of another cut of beef, then chicken, sausage and so on. It's just magnificent. They also have various sauces and relishes to go with it.
You can see why we look forward to Feijoada Friday!
Medical Care in Brazil
Living overseas - and especially in the Foreign Service, means you need to rethink the way you handle your medical care. I was raised in an environment where I had the same doctor year after year. That doctor has followed my progress and kept my information. I like that system. It's simple and you've got someone who understands the way your body works - all it's little quirks. But when you move to a different country every few years, it's a bit different. Many people choose to keep there regular doctors in the US and see them when they're back for Home Leave and R&R. You still see doctors in other countries, but your main point person, is your doctor back home.
Since we were about to be overseas for two years, we made sure we took care of all of our regular check-ups when we were home in California before we left for Brazil. It made for a few hectic days of racing from appointment to appointment, but in the end, it was nice to have it all done.
But, as luck and life would have it, on one of my regular yearly tests, there was an abnormality. Nothing major, but definitely something you want to follow up on. We found out the morning we were scheduled to take the red-eye to Miami before heading on to Brazil. My amazing doctors were able to get me in that afternoon for a follow up look-see. It added another event on a rather busy day, but I was very glad to be able to get things checked out before we left the country.
But . . . the follow up look-see showed a bit more - something that required a biopsy. None of the professionals felt that it was an issue, but it's always better to get everything checked out to be sure. But - when and where to do it? At one point, we thought about doing it right then, before my flight out, but that just seemed like it was asking for trouble. So it was decided to get it taken care of when I got to Brazil. The medical center organized all my records and sent me off with a complete packet.
Taking care of things in Brazil couldn't have been easier (well - it could have been if my command of Portuguese was better and more geared to medical terminology and day-today living).
My Consulate has a CLO (Community Liaison Officer) and she's wonderful. I explained the situation and she found me an appropriate doctor who also spoke English. I was able to get in to see her just two days later for my consultation. That doctor reviewed my files and scheduled my appointment for my biopsy. She also let them know that I worked for the Consulate and that Portuguese wasn't my primary language.
The clinic where I went is one of the best in Recife. They confirmed things with the Consulate (again making sure that I was understanding everything). And when I went for my biopsy, they had someone who met me and moved me from place to place so that I didn't get lost in the system. The doctor who took care of things spoke English and explained what she was doing.
Interesting note - unlike in the US, where once the sample is taken, it's whisked off to the lab and you only get the results from your doctor, in Brazil, they handed me the biopsy sample to take to the lab. I dropped it off and they gave me a little card with a number on it and told me when to come back to pick up my results.
It also helps knowing what great care the State Department takes care of it's people. A fellow blogger has shared their recent story. It's challenging, but so nice to see how well supported we are.
Since we were about to be overseas for two years, we made sure we took care of all of our regular check-ups when we were home in California before we left for Brazil. It made for a few hectic days of racing from appointment to appointment, but in the end, it was nice to have it all done.
But, as luck and life would have it, on one of my regular yearly tests, there was an abnormality. Nothing major, but definitely something you want to follow up on. We found out the morning we were scheduled to take the red-eye to Miami before heading on to Brazil. My amazing doctors were able to get me in that afternoon for a follow up look-see. It added another event on a rather busy day, but I was very glad to be able to get things checked out before we left the country.
But . . . the follow up look-see showed a bit more - something that required a biopsy. None of the professionals felt that it was an issue, but it's always better to get everything checked out to be sure. But - when and where to do it? At one point, we thought about doing it right then, before my flight out, but that just seemed like it was asking for trouble. So it was decided to get it taken care of when I got to Brazil. The medical center organized all my records and sent me off with a complete packet.
Taking care of things in Brazil couldn't have been easier (well - it could have been if my command of Portuguese was better and more geared to medical terminology and day-today living).
My Consulate has a CLO (Community Liaison Officer) and she's wonderful. I explained the situation and she found me an appropriate doctor who also spoke English. I was able to get in to see her just two days later for my consultation. That doctor reviewed my files and scheduled my appointment for my biopsy. She also let them know that I worked for the Consulate and that Portuguese wasn't my primary language.
The clinic where I went is one of the best in Recife. They confirmed things with the Consulate (again making sure that I was understanding everything). And when I went for my biopsy, they had someone who met me and moved me from place to place so that I didn't get lost in the system. The doctor who took care of things spoke English and explained what she was doing.
Interesting note - unlike in the US, where once the sample is taken, it's whisked off to the lab and you only get the results from your doctor, in Brazil, they handed me the biopsy sample to take to the lab. I dropped it off and they gave me a little card with a number on it and told me when to come back to pick up my results.
It also helps knowing what great care the State Department takes care of it's people. A fellow blogger has shared their recent story. It's challenging, but so nice to see how well supported we are.
January 15, 2012
Arriving in Brazil!
After many days in transit (Virginia to California to Miami to Brazil), we finally made it to our new home in Recife, Brazil!
First we had to stop in Miami for some meetings - and a few minutes to check out the beach.
But then we got on our very long overnight flight and heading to Recife! We were greeted at the airport by some fabulous co-workers who helped us whisk through all the procedures and get on our way to our new home.
And this is what greeted us when we arrived! I think we'll like it here. It seems to be a great Community.
Of course the view from our apartment if fabulous.
We spent much of the first day unpacking.
And arranging furniture.
And then making our beds with our special new sheets (Christmas presents from Grandma!)
First we had to stop in Miami for some meetings - and a few minutes to check out the beach.
But then we got on our very long overnight flight and heading to Recife! We were greeted at the airport by some fabulous co-workers who helped us whisk through all the procedures and get on our way to our new home.
Of course the view from our apartment if fabulous.
We spent much of the first day unpacking.And arranging furniture.
And then making our beds with our special new sheets (Christmas presents from Grandma!)
Traveling through Airports
Usually when I travel, I like to keep my luggage needs to a minimum. Who wants to transit toting tons of stuff?
But when you're heading out to post, you want to maximize your luggage allowance because the rest of your things won't arrive for quite some time.
Hence the three luggage carts through the airport.
You also have to make sure you keep track of all the important members of your entourage!
But when you're heading out to post, you want to maximize your luggage allowance because the rest of your things won't arrive for quite some time.
Hence the three luggage carts through the airport.
You also have to make sure you keep track of all the important members of your entourage!
Big Sur, Carmel and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
One of our favorite places to relax is the Monterey Bay Area with Santa Cruz at one end and Carmel and Monterey at the other. And Big Sur is just next door.
So - when we were home, we made our pilgrimage down there with good friends.
First we stopped at Nepenthe - which a very special and magical place. Whether your buy in to Big Sur / New Age stuff or not, something wonderful is in the air there. It might be the energies converging, or it might be the great views, gorgeous trees and ocean air. Whatever it is, we had good times with good friends.
We also got to play at the Carmel Beach - a very favorite place.
And visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Last time we came, O. wasn't quite tall enough for the famous Giant Dipper. But this year he is - so we made the trek.
We also rode the Carousel. We tried to get the ring in the clown's mouth, but no one could make it happen.
And then there are the fabulous sunsets!
So - when we were home, we made our pilgrimage down there with good friends.
First we stopped at Nepenthe - which a very special and magical place. Whether your buy in to Big Sur / New Age stuff or not, something wonderful is in the air there. It might be the energies converging, or it might be the great views, gorgeous trees and ocean air. Whatever it is, we had good times with good friends.We also got to play at the Carmel Beach - a very favorite place.
And visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Last time we came, O. wasn't quite tall enough for the famous Giant Dipper. But this year he is - so we made the trek.
We also rode the Carousel. We tried to get the ring in the clown's mouth, but no one could make it happen.
And then there are the fabulous sunsets!
Christmas with Family
When we joined the Foreign Service, I figured we'd be having Christmas far away and without family. But we were lucky this year and got to come home for a visit over Christmas before we left for post.
We got some great hikes and great cousin time.
And some fun soccer (futebol) games in the yard.
We got some great hikes and great cousin time.
And some fun soccer (futebol) games in the yard.
Coming Home
We have been lucky to be able to go home for a visit before heading out to our post in Brazil. We flew all day and arrived in the San Francisco Bay Area around commute time. It felt so good to be home! I was amazed at how normal it felt. In many ways, it seemed as though the last 9 months in Virginia were just a dream. If not for the fact that I can still speak Portuguese, it might have been. It felt as though we would just drive across the Bay Bridge and park in front of our house on our wonderful street, head inside and be in our own beds with our cozy sheets. But, that's not the case. Our home in Berkeley is no more and we've moved out of our Oakwood Virginia home and have yet to arrive in our home in Brazil.
But luckily we are with family and that's home too!
It's so nice to be back in California. As beautiful as Virginia and the East Coast is, and as much as I'm looking forward to exploring the world - California is definitely my home. The sky, the air and the terrain are just amazing. We've been in the Gold Country and in Carmel / Big Sur and it's all just magnificent!
I had forgotten how much I love the California lifestyle - Californians live life outside and in harmony and balance with nature. There are so many outdoor activities - even when it's chilly. And the food!!! I had forgotten how truly wonderful good food could be. And it's all over - neighborhood cafes serving fabulous coffee; local butcher shops that are ecological responsible and community minded, great artisan cocktails, amazing ethnic foods that are complex and interesting and authentic. We also got to visit the great Berkeley food Mecca - the Berkeley Bowl.
We got our doctor's visits taken care of.
And just had some great hang-out times with dear friends!
It's been great to reconnect with family and close friends, but it's also been exhausting! When I planned our schedule, I wanted to make sure we all got the time we needed with the people we needed. But I forgot to schedule quiet time for us. This whirlwind trip has been wonderful - but I think we'll also be ready for some quiet time when we head to Brazil.
But luckily we are with family and that's home too!
It's so nice to be back in California. As beautiful as Virginia and the East Coast is, and as much as I'm looking forward to exploring the world - California is definitely my home. The sky, the air and the terrain are just amazing. We've been in the Gold Country and in Carmel / Big Sur and it's all just magnificent!
I had forgotten how much I love the California lifestyle - Californians live life outside and in harmony and balance with nature. There are so many outdoor activities - even when it's chilly. And the food!!! I had forgotten how truly wonderful good food could be. And it's all over - neighborhood cafes serving fabulous coffee; local butcher shops that are ecological responsible and community minded, great artisan cocktails, amazing ethnic foods that are complex and interesting and authentic. We also got to visit the great Berkeley food Mecca - the Berkeley Bowl.
We got our doctor's visits taken care of.
And just had some great hang-out times with dear friends!
It's been great to reconnect with family and close friends, but it's also been exhausting! When I planned our schedule, I wanted to make sure we all got the time we needed with the people we needed. But I forgot to schedule quiet time for us. This whirlwind trip has been wonderful - but I think we'll also be ready for some quiet time when we head to Brazil.
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