Springtime is the time for love!

Happy first day of spring!

March 20th is going to be in the 30's, though sunny, here in Chicago. I'm sure it's nicer in Brazil though. I remember how beautiful spring always seemed at Taylor. Flowers seemed to appear overnight, and everyone suddenly wore pastel and light coats. Then of course there was the blinding rain and wind, but...that's another story for another time. Spring is here, and in a month or so it will actually start to feel like it, and soon after that comes summer with the sunshine and warmth and capris and sandals and...at the end...a WEDDING!

Speaking of weddings, Joaquim is heading off on an adventure this evening. He is going to São Paulo with his mom and then to Rio for the day on Monday night, getting back to São Paulo on Wednesday morning and getting back home on Thursday morning, and probably getting back to talk to me, his soon-to-be-anxious fiancée, on...well...maybe Saturday? ::deep breath::

He's encouraging me to go to the gym and work off the stress and worry. And of course, not to worry but just to pray. I think he wants me to go to the gym to keep up with my wedding motivated workout regimine. To be honest, I have been enjoying it! Let's forget the fact that I tried to cancel my membership with Women's Workout World, only to find I inadvertantly signed a 2 year contract and will be paying $20/month until June of 2010. So...off I go to Women's Workout World. Hey, for $20 this month my pants are fitting better.

A very defining moment is coming on Tuesday. (I almost said it could be the defining moment of our wedding preparations, but that's not true because no matter the outcome, we're still going to get married this year...) Joaquim will go to his interview at the American consulate in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday. He will get there at 6am and wait probably all day before he and Mãe leave, hopefully both with visas in hand. (Mãe is applying for a new tourist visa on Tuesday as well, in order to come to our wedding. Please pray for that too!) We are confident in God's presence throughout this whole process, and He has been opening doors faster and more smoothly than we were anticipating. We are praying for His will to be done on Tuesday!

Most people know Rio is not one of the safest cities...in fact it is quite the opposite. I'm trying not to think about that too much, because it is what it is. They have to go there, so I'd rather not dwell on the nasty possibilities. But, that being said, please pray for protection for Joaquim and for Mãe while they are there! Of course they will take every precaution, and will only be there for the day, so all we can ask is for their protection.

And, last but not least, I will not talk to my love for a week! That does not seem fun. So...pray for my sanity, and perhaps my workouts. :)