Internationalmatt's Blog

This blog is about my international friends and their inspiring stories

End of an Era- Goodbye Thiago, Gabriella and Giovanna/ New Beginning for Cristiane

Saturday evening I went to a going away party for my friends Thiago, Gabriella and their baby girl Giovanna. They will move back to Brazil on Wednesday where Thiago has a new job awaiting him. They have left their mark on the International Student Community here in Lincoln as evidenced by all of the countries represented at the party which were Brazil, China, Iran, Korea, Poland and America.  We met at Red Robin restaurant here in Lincoln.

me, Thiago, Gabriella, and Thiago's brother Thiciano holding Giovanna

One of my other Brazilian friends shared with me about how much Thiago and Gabriella helped him and his wife when they first came to Lincoln and that he considers Thiago to be his best friend here in Lincoln. I have heard such stories about both Thiago and Gabriella from many people from Brazil and from other countries.

It was interesting to note the opposite life experience of some of my friends. Thiago, Gabriella and Giovanna will leave Lincoln to return to Brazil this Wednesday which was the purpose of the party. At the party we were also able to welcome back Cristiane. She went to Brazil for a few weeks to switch her Visa to Student Visa from Spouse of Student. She will began her PHD studies today. Her flight came into Omaha about 5pm and she came to the party with her husband. One couple from Brazil is leaving and another is just getting started, so in the same evening I experienced the sadness of saying goodbye while being happy for Thiago and Gabriella’s opportunity and at the same time the joy of seeing my friend Cristiane return and her new beginning.

Cristiane with Gabriella and Giovanna

Being friends with International Students is fulfilling and rewarding. It opens up the world for you and gives you wonderful experiences. However it also means the time will come that you say goodbye when they return to their country. I keep that in mind whenever I begin a new friendship with an International Student. I realize we will be good friends while they are here and perhaps will stay in touch through facebook or email after they return home. However, It is an opportunity that is definitely worth it :)

Best Wishes Thiago, Gabriella and Giovanna. I know God will bless you in your new opportunity!! Welcome back Cristiane :) I know God will bless you in your new opportunity also!!

August 29, 2011 Posted by | Brazilian friends, Cross Cultural, Cultural Ambassdors, Education, Experiences of international friends, International Friendships, international students, Internationals | Leave a Comment

The Star of Thiago and Gabriella’s Going Away Party- Their Daughter Giovanna

Last night I went to a going away party for my friends Thiago and Gabriella. They will be moving back to Brazil Wednesday. They leave behind friends from several countries. There were friends at the party from Brazil, China, Korea, Iran, Poland and America. The Star of the party was Gabriella and Thiago’s baby girl Giovanna. I noticed women from Brazil, Korea and America doting over Giovanna. It was interesting because Giovanna does not know any jokes to tell and well she actually doesn’t talk yet. She also slept half of the time she was there, but she has one major factor that helps her-she is very cute.

Gabriella with Giovanna

Giovanna is truly an international baby. Her main concern was whether the person was friendly, smiled and could make funny faces for her. The accent and ethnicity of the person did not matter.

Giovanna with her friend Miyeon from Korea

Giovanna sharing her wisdom with her friend Emmiline from Brazil

Giovanna demonstrated how she has benefited from having two intelligent and educated parents when she read the menu.

Giovanna reading a menu

It appears to be a cultural universal that a baby will steal the show and hearts of those around them. I saw adults from each of the cultures make silly faces trying to get her to smile. She may only be 5 months old, but she has captured the hearts of her parents friends and she will be missed as much as her mom and dad. I am confident she will have a bright future with her people skills and intelligence. I do however pity the boys 16 years from now who may think they are interested in her because they may not be very well received by her father :) lol.

August 29, 2011 Posted by | Brazilian friends, children, Experiences of international friends, International Friendships, international students, Internationals, Korean friends | Leave a Comment

   

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