Mother’s Day with my Surrogate Mother

This year will mark the third year that I am away from home on Mother’s Day. I am very close with my mom and my grandmother, so it’s difficult not being home to celebrate them on their special day. I know that they know just how much I love them and how much they mean to me. My mom is my best friend, and my grandmother has always been more of a second mom to me. I am truly blessed to have such wonderful, selfless, and caring women in my life who love and support me in all that I do. I love you very much Mom. Te quiero mucho Nana!

Luckily, while in Brazil I have also been blessed with an amazing woman who has taken me on has her American daughter. My coordinating professor is much more than that. She is my professional mentor and my go-to for everything in Brazil. First, she found Lindsey and me a place to live. She supplied me with the essentials including my favorite appliance ever—my mosquito zapper racket!

She brings me medicine when I’m sick and always makes sure that I am comfortable. She drives me to and from the university. She provides constant support especially after nerve-wracking presentations that I have to deliver in Portuguese. She thinks of me when she’s out of town and brings back gifts. She basically treats me like I’m part of the family. I’ve gone out to shop for furniture with her, she helps with my laundry, invites me over for lunch, so it was only appropriate that I spend Mother’s Day with my Brazilian Mom!

Walkyria and her husband inviting Lindsey and me to their country club. They are cofounders of an awesome community that shares a passion for flying and boating. Walkyria and her husband own a boat and a share of the club that includes a great little house with space to board their boat.

They have a great view of the river and the club’s pool.

I was so excited to spend the day on the boat just after we had the chance to try out their friend’s jet. Unfortunately, he was on his way home so we couldn’t fly.

I’m really hoping for the opportunity to do so before I leave Belém!

Our boat ride was FANTASTIC!! We had great views, and great weather until the downpour. That’s when things got Craaaaazy! We had to put on raincoats to protect ourselves from the boulder-sized raindrops that stung your skin a bit when they hit. I was laughing hysterically, so I didn’t notice too much.

I think it also helped that Walkyria had just introduced me to my new drink of choice—Guaraná Whiskey. Best quote of the day, “Are you cold? Have some more whiskey!” –Walkyria. HAHAHA!

Just after the rain subsided, we came upon a little restaurant where we docked to have lunch.

We enjoyed shrimp, fish, rice, farinha, vinagrete, and delicious pineapple and passion fruit caipirinhas. Mmm..mmm… delicious!

We took a dip in the Amazon River just after lunch. I was more scared about cramping up than I was about the potential for an anaconda or shiranha (Shark/Piranha hybrid according to Moi!) attack. Yes, I know, you can’t see what lurks below you, but that makes it all the more fun!! I thought I was a bad ace that could make it out there without a life vest...

...Uh, that lasted a good 3 minutes before I nearly passed out from exhaustion. The current was a lot stronger than it looked and I was drifting fast, so I decided to gear up. Just to add to the excitement of being in the river, Lindsey, Rodrigo (Walkyria’s son), and I decided to play a little game of, “What if… [you were stranded out here with no life vest and no one in sight]?!” Good times!

Although, I would have loved to have been with my mommy dearest and grandma, I’m glad that I got to spend Mother’s Day with the person who is most like my mother while I’m here in Brazil.

Feliz Dia das Mães Walkyria! Feliz Día de las Madres Nana! Happy Mother’s Day Mom!