2011- A Year of Saying Goodbye to Good Friends
This past year it seemed like one of the unfortunate things I had to do too often was say goodbye to friends who were moving away. Not just moving to another city moving away. They moved back to their home countries moving away as in moving to a different continent moving away. When we had going away parties, they were times to celebrate friendships and honor the person or people who meant so much to us.
me with Isis at her graduation from her Master's program
Isis moved back to Brazil in March. I had a lot of memorable moments with Isis and her husband Eduardo. Isis and I studied together for her TOEFL test. Her graduation was a highlight for me being able to see her walk across the stage to receive her diploma after all of her hard work. We had a lot of fun together such a meals at their apartment, fun day trips such as going to Nebraska City with a group, and spending Christmas Eve together in 2010. Isis and I used to have fun discussing who was more of a geek and of course it was her 
Tingting
Tingting and Johnny are the only ones who moved to another city. She moved to Buffalo New York to work on her Master’s Degree in July. I met Tingting her first night in America when I greeted her at the airport. I mostly saw her on Sundays during the school year in my Sunday morning class. We also had some fun together such as dinners at Mongolian Grill with a group of friends from China or special activities at church. Of course Tingting moving away meant that Johnny was sure to follow
Tingting and Johnny at China Night
Johnny transferred to the University of Buffalo in August. Now he can live where Tingting is living
Jochen, Julia and Ben
Jochen, Julia and Ben moved back to Germany in August. I first met Julia when I was substitute teaching a morning Advanced ESL class. Jochen and Julia graciously hosted my groups at their house for barbecues and for Christmas parties. They went to the Omaha Zoo with me and several young people from China and Vietnam. I enjoyed our conversations and fun times together such as a Nebraska City trip to see Arbor Lodge. I did not see them as much during their last year in Lincoln because they had a very welcomed new addition to their family, Ben their baby boy. He was the star attraction at their going away party
Thiago and Gabriela with their baby girl Giovana at Thiago's Phd graduation
Thiago, Gabriela and Giovanna moved back to Brazil in August. I first met them at a birthday party for mutual friends from Korea. We stood outside on a cool afternoon and talked for a long time about our mutual faith in Jesus. They were the ones who invited me to several Brazilian parties. One mutual friend from Brazil shared with me that when he and his wife were new to Lincoln, Thiago and Gabriela were their best friends. That sentiment was shared by many people from Brazil and other countries. Giovanna was born in Lincoln, so she is learning a new culture at a young age
"Uncle Yoshio" with his many "nieces"
Yoshio moved back to Japan in November. My young friends in my groups called him Uncle Yoshio which always made him smile. Yoshio was a great helper for our friends. he would drive them places or help if they needed help. He also helped in anonymous ways that only he and I know about. We had many fun moments such as days trips to numerous places like the Omaha Zoo. At his going away lunch I told the server at the restaurant that it was his birthday. It was actually a few weeks early, but I wasn’t going to be able to see him on his actual birthday. The server brought over some balloons and lollipops for Yoshio and we all sang happy birthday to him. Several people came to the airport to say goodbye to him.
So I now have friends spread out across the globe, in Brazil, Germany, Japan and New York. Such is the nature of friendships with internationals. We have meaningful friendships while they are here. I know when I meet them that I will some day say goodbye, but knowing that in a small way I could be of help while they are here makes it worthwhile. Having great friends and interesting experiences with them makes it even more worthwhile. If I ever have the money, perhaps someday I will take a long trip around the world to see my friends who have moved back to their countries over the years
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!!
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.
International Students- Friday Fun Celebrating Thiago’s Graduation
Friday evening I went to a party to celebrate Thiago’s graduation from his PHD program at UNL. We met at a sports bar downtown called Buffalo Wild Wings. There were people from several different countries there to celebrate with Thiago. It was fun to walk around and take pictures and observe the diverse cultures interact.
We enjoyed the Wild Wings and other tasty foods and treats. I told myself I was being healthy because I drank Mango Lemonade as I ate my wings. My friends ate a lot of wings that night. Some of them are not very big, so I wondered how they could eat so much and be so little.
I also observed that newlyweds act like newlyweds in every culture. Daniel did not want to leave Cristiane during the party, but other husbands who have been married for a while mingled apart from their wives.
Daniel and Cristiane with their friend Rachel in the middle
Friday was a good example of what the life of an international student is like and what it is like to be friends with international students. I found out Thiago and Gabriella and their daughter Giovanna will move back to Brazil. I also found out last week that Cristiane has been accepted into and will begin her PHD studies in Nutrition next week. One begins and one finishes. Some come and some leave to go back home. When I meet a new friend that is an international student, I know that our contact here in Lincoln is temporary. Our friendship can continue through facebook, email and such, but the day will come that we say goodbye. The main issue to me is being a good friend while they are here and while they are here we can have a lot of fun.
Thiago’s PHD Graduation- End of an Era/New Beginning for Thiago
Last Friday I went to the Graduation Ceremony for PHD and Master Degrees at UNL. My friend Thiago from Brazil received his PHD in Engineering. Graduation marked the end of an era for not only Thiago and his wife Gabriella and daughter Giovanna, it also marked the end of an era for students from Brazil here in Lincoln.
It was fun to meet Thiago’s mom in person. She came with a friend for his graduation. They had a long trip to get here from Brazil, but it I did not notice any effects of jet lag. Maria and Priscilla are high energy women. Thiago’s brother Thiciano was there as well. At first it was hard to believe Maria is the mother of Thiago and Thiciano due to the difference in height, but she is a good example of the saying dynamite comes in small packages.
It was awesome to see my friends celebrate Thiago’s accomplishment. When he was hooded, it represented many years of dedicated study. At the ceremony I found out that it was not only the end of an era of his life as a student, it is also the end of an era of Thiago, Gabriella and Giovanna living in Lincoln. Thiago has been taken a job in Brazil and the future looks bright for them. It will be a new beginning for Thiago, Gabriella and Giovanna back in their home country. A place where they can get good fruit all year. A place where it never snows. A place not too far from the beach. Maybe I should move with them lol.
It is also the end of an era for Brazilian students here in Lincoln. At the party Friday evening many of my Brazilian friends told me that Thiago and Gabriella have been their best friends. I have heard from many Brazilian students over the years about how Thiago and Gabriella helped them when they first came to Lincoln. They leave behind a legacy of not only Brazilian students but also other international students that they have befriended and helped. They move back to Brazil at the end of the month.
I will miss all of the Gabriella/Thiago parties, but most of all will miss them. My other Brazilian friends will miss their good friends. They leave behind a legacy of reaching out to and helping other international students. They will step into the new path God has opened for them and continue their exciting journey in Brazil.
I Survived My First Visit to the Secret Lair of 2 International PHD Students- Thiago and Pravat
In all of my previous posts I have written about people I have met, places i have visited and cultural celebrations I have enjoyed. The adventures have taken me to many exciting places, but there was one place I had yet to explore. It is a location you must be prepared for anything to happen due to the unknown nature of the species you are going to encounter. They are a rare species that can be hard to find, but I had such good fortune yesterday to not only locate this species, but to also find their secret lair. The species is Internationalus PHD Studenti or International PHD Student in layman terms.
Thiago from the Brazilian type of Internationalus PHD Studenti
I entered their secret cave to help Thiago to review his dissertation before it is published next week. I went to review the English and my mind is now full of terms like micro-structural and words you will not find in your spell check such as cementitious. This is indeed the danger of observing this species- your mind may be filled with information that you yourself may never have need of but is essential to their survival.
Before I entered this secret cave, I wondered what I might observe. Would I see them bending spoons with their mental power just to entertain themselves? Would I observe them communicating telepathically? I did not observe those type of behaviors, Perhaps I will see that my next visit. What I did observe was a laser like focus and ability to concentrate regardless of what was going on in close proximity to them. Example- Pravat. While Thiago and I were reviewing his dissertation, Pravat was focused on his computer.
Pravat whose natural habitat is Nepal
In this picture is Pravat whose natural habitat is Nepal. Notice his laser focus on his work even though I was talking to him. Then came the brief recognition that I had entered his lair that he shares with Thiago.
his slight smile
Finally I was able to break his laser focus after several attempts. No need to be frightened because this species is quite amiable when encountered.
his focus broken - Pravat smiles
My visit was productive. I was able to attain a greater understanding of the species Internationalus PHD Studenti. I was not subjected to any mind meld or telepathic suggestions, at least none that I am aware of lol. The danger is that you leave thinking- maybe I should pursue a PHD. Pravat will go to his natural habitat of Nepal for one month. He may experience some discomfort to be away from his secret cave and out and about Nepal with no experiments to research to comfort him. Thiago is about to move up from Internationalus PHD Studenti to Post-Doctoralus Researcherus. I will try to continue my research on this rare exciting species and report my findings in the future. Until then remember to appreciate and not fear this rare species.
Celebration for Thiago’s Successful Completion of his PHD
Yesterday was a bookend day for me. I enjoyed spending the day with my friends Thai and Thuy at new student enrollment at UNL. It was great to see them begin their higher education journey. My day ended with joining my friend Thiago from Brazil, his wife Gabriella and friends for a dinner to celebrate Thiago’s successful defense of his Doctoral Dissertation and thus completion of his PHD.
My friend Thiago
It has been a big year so far for Thiago. His wife Gabriella gave birth to their first baby Giovanna and now he has completed his PHD. It has been my privilege to attend the baby shower for Giovanna in the winter, visit Gabriella, Thiago and Giovanna in the hospital and pray with them after Giovanna was born, and to share in the celebration dinner. I am proud of Thiago and confident he will be successful in the future because of his determination and ability, but even more because of his trust in God.
Thiago with Gabriella and Giovanna
It has impressed me how Gabriella and Thiago have both reached out to other students from many countries as well as Brazil. I saw friends from Brazil, Congo, Poland, Nepal, Sudan, Vietnam and the U.S at the dinner.
with his American "mom" Linda
me with Thiago
Thiago was able to celebrate with family. His wonderful wife Gabriella and beautiful baby girl Giovanna were there. His brother Thiciano was there too.
Thiago with his brother Thiciano
Congratulations Thiago!! God Bless you and your family I am confident God will continue to guide you.
A Brazilian Friend is Coming to Lincoln Part 2- Giovanna came :)
A few weeks ago I wrote about how a new Brazilian friend was coming to Lincoln in regards to Giovana the baby girl expected by my friend Gabriella and Thiago from Brazil. Giovanna came to Lincoln at 3am Friday morning after her mother Gabriella spent 46.5 hours in labor.
Beautiful little Giovanna
Giovanna may be small now, but based on having tall parents I think she may grow up to play volleyball for the University of Nebraska. Both of her parents are Graduate students, so perhaps she will be a PHD student someday. One thing I do know for sure if that she will be loved and taught about the love God has for her because her parents live out their love for God and others.
Thiago with his new baby girl Giovanna
It was interesting that while I was at the hospital visiting we took time to pray for her and as we prayed she did not cry. She does have a good set of lungs . I went to the hospital for a brief visit to pray for Giovanna and for Gabriella. Thiago looked tired but he was beaming with joy. Gabriella was also beaming, but I believe she was far more tired than Thiago. 46.5 hours of labor makes me think Brazilian women must be tough, but then why do American women usually win in Soccer and Volleyball lol.
Giovanna will have several of her parents friends doting over her as well. There will be her American grandmother Linda, numerous “uncles” who will look out for her, many “aunts” who will be happy to hold her, and of course her real uncle Thiciano who will especially dote over her.
The only thing I am not sure of is whether I should refer to her as my new Brazilian friend or my new American friend because she was born here, so she is an American Welcome to Lincoln Giovanna. Just remember until you finish your PHD there are no boys only books
Saying Goodbye to Isis my Wonderful Geek Friend
Last Saturday I spoke with my friend Isis on the phone and found out she will move back to Brazil Sunday March 6th. It was surprising to hear that. Life can change quickly sometimes. I wanted to make her last Sunday morning in my Sunday class a time for her to remember. I wanted her to leave with some good memories of Lincoln and of my Sunday class. I called people in my class to let them know that Isis was moving and that we would say goodbye.
me with Isis
I am proud of her and all that she has accomplished while living here. I met her when she was taking ESL classes and needed to pass the TOEFL test. We studied together for the TOEFL. She completed her Master’s in Computer Science last summer. She has been a busy woman the past four years. Her husband Eduardo also completed a Master’s here. I am confident they will do very well living in Brazil and someday I hope to visit them there.
Isis with her friend Amelia from Peru and Lien from Vietnam
In class I taught about how God makes all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purposes. We talked about how God said in Jeremiah “I know the plans I have for you……. plans to give you a future and a hope.” Then we went around the room and each person shared something with Isis. It was a poignant morning.
me with Isis, Lien and Amelia
Kathy joined us
It has been wonderful to have Isis as my friend here in Lincoln and to spend time with her and her husband Eduardo. I took Isis and Eduardo out for lunch Sunday at Olive Garden to say goodbye. I have many great memories such as Christmas Eve with them last year and Isis’s graduation last summer. I will miss them and miss seeing Isis on Sunday mornings, but also know God has a plan for them back in Brazil.
I am proud of Isis and all that she has accomplished, but I must say one last time- Isis you are much more of a geek than I am My best wished to my wonderful geek friend
A Brazlian Friend is Coming Soon- Baby shower for Giovanna
Last Saturday I went to a baby shower for some friends from Brazil who are expecting their first child. Gabriella and Thiago will have a baby girl soon and have chosen the name Giovanna for her. They are excited for Giovanna’s arrival and I know they will be wonderful parents.
Gabriella and Thiago
It was only the second baby shower I have attended, so I am not sure if I can say anything about cultural universals except what I observed when we made a video story for Giovanna. We went around to group adding to a story about Giovanna and when one person mentioned boyfriend Thiago was overwhelmed with a protective father reaction lol.
There were some nervous husbands when Gabriella’s friends put balloons under their shirts for some pictures. On of them put two balloons under her shirt saying she wanted twin boys.
Gabriella and Thiago may be living far from home and family, but Giovanna will have many aunts and uncles willing to spoil her. I am sure she will get a lot of attention from her aunts and uncles living here Lincoln. She will also have an American grandmother Linda who is excited to meet Giovanna.
Thiago with Linda
Gabriella with Linda
Cristiane and Daniel with Thiago's brother Thiciano
some of Giovanna's "uncles" who will help watch out for her
I have a feeling that Giovanna will make a grand entrance in some way such as interrupting her mom and dad during church service or while they are out with friends at a restaurant. When she comes, she will certainly be welcomed by loving parents and all of their excited friends.
me with Gabriella and Thiago
About
I teach English Second Language and have a ministry for internationals at my home church First Evangelical Free church in Lincoln Nebraska. I have had the pleasure of traveling in Austria, Canada, England, France, Germany, Mexico, Romania and Switzerland. My hobby is to learn words and phrases from other languages. I have learned how to greet people in 30 languages.
My blog is about my experiences with international friends, my travels, and people I meet along the way. My international friends’ stories are fascinating to me. Experiencing other cultures makes life rich for me.
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