Bush continues to make it hard for us all

the brazillians dont play. in retaliation for the strict requirements that went up after 9/11 for foreigners to come the U.S, Brazil now requires an FBI report to get a visa to stay in the country for more than a year. this of course is a huge hassle and takes a long-assed time to get. after various running around- getting my fingerprints, begging the FBI and the local police on the phone to expedite the process and pleading with the brazilian embassy, it looks like i will have my visa today.
that will make it officially, official. i will be an expatriate. Finally, after all these years.

questions

I arrive in brazil in 6 days. how do you pack for 9 months? how do you say goodbye to everyone? how do you not worry that shit will go down when you are away and you will not be around to comfort, celebrate or talk it out? how do you live in a country where you don't speak the language?

this i do know: im excited for this adventure. i cant believe its actually happening. i love you all and carry you in my heart.