Unfortunately, I think I'm now an adult

I'll say this upfront, this is not a particularly happy post, is extremely personal, and does not contain information about my work here in Brazil.  So consider this point your parachute.  Jump out now if that's not your thing. I was planning for my next post to be a lovely recap of what I've been up to here; it was to be about how great it has been to settle into my new house, get the classes for the kids up and going, being involved in this new community, and celebrating a wonderful Lent and Easter while learning of the differences between my traditions and those found here.  But that is not seeming to be the case with this post. In my life, I've often joked that I have the true luck of the Irish.  By that, I mean, historically that they were often a conquered, subjugated, invaded, discriminated, or just all around unlucky group of people, and also a decent portion of my ancestors.  I wouldn't say that everyone in that group was suffering the absolute worst...

So, as is rather well known at this point, I'm in Brazil.  And what is one of the most famous things about Brazil? (no. not zika/dengue/chikungunya. and, yes, I'm wearing bug repellent and taking every recommended precaution) CARNAVAL!!!! Arguably the craziest party on Earth. So, how could I not head to Rio de Janeiro when I'm already in the country and have a friend there to stay with??? The view from the room I stayed in. So the evening I arrived, I went with Bryan (the YASCer in Rio for the year) and Ellen (the YASCer in Porto Alegre in south Brazil for the year) to the apartment of Bryan's priest, Rev Luiz. His apartment is in an old converted convent and was totally gorgeous! Sunflowers in front of the original convent windows Luiz told gave Bryan a key so we could come and go as we pleased, and invited us to join him and some friends for a "hike in the morning". The three of us talked it over and decided that we could go in the mor...