BOOKS AND SCHOOL

There are only two weeks left of "Summer vacation" for our kids before they go back to school. In BraZil the school year starts in February and goes through the end of November. They have 3 to 4 weeks off in July (plus all the many, many holidays that we have in Brazil).

Another thing that's different here is that we buy our own books, besides notebooks and the other little stuff. Books are very expensive down here, especially High School books. Last year we spent a lot of money buying books. Fortunately, there are about 5 books that are good for the 3 years of High School (not 4, like in the States). So, since Jonathan is a sophomore and Victoria a freshman, I was able to divide 2 of the books into 3 parts (for a very cheap price). I might do that with a couple other books. And then I only have to buy one new Geography book for Jonathan (besides the reading books that the teachers ask throughout the year).

Another good thing is that Brasilia has a lot of "used books stores". It is tough job to go from one to the next looking for the book you want, but we will try and do that.

I have to say that Victoria is a little nervous with the idea of going back to school. She thinks that Brazilian schools are that much harder and it is a lot of stress for her. I keep reminding her that she did well last year and that if she does her part the Lord will bless her again.