106 days 12 hours and 37 minutes

I will be welcoming the month of May with open arms, as the April was a bit challenging. I had to place my Hamburg adventures on hold to return to Boston for three weeks. After spending my first Easter in Hamburg away from my family, I realized that I survived my first holiday away from my the people and traditions I love the most! I participated in local traditions of Easter Fires (bonfires lit before Easter season to chase away the winter darkness and welcome the spring) by attending a HUGE bonfire in Harburg and observed a whole lot of drunk and happy people and smelt like smoke for days. Henrik's parents also had a bonfire on Good Friday, where they welcomed neighbors to bring dried wood & greenery to burn in their garden. I was given the honor by Henrik's dad, Ingo, to light the fire. Monika, Henrik’s mom, also helped me make my first batch of massa souvada, which didn’t turn out good at all, but that just mean I have to practice more. Henrik & I attended Easter Mass in Hamburg, and I am very proud of him for enduring an hour long mass in PORTUGUESE. It must be love!! And on Easter Monday (which I had never celebrated) attended a lovely brunch at Henrik's parents house.



Unfortunately, on Easter Monday, I also found out that my grandmother was quite ill. Approximately two-years-ago she was diagnosed with dementia and it's been difficult to see her deteriorate. My family called me and informed me that she probably might not make it another day and if I was wanted to be there I should fly home immediately. Having discussed the possibility of her death during my time in Germany, Henrik & I had agreed that if such day should come I would go home and be with my family. Sadly my grandmother passed away that night, April 5, 2010. She was surrounded by her loving daughters, son-in-laws, most of her grandchildren and a very strong Nicole, my goddaughter. I was on a flight home on the following morning. As her illness and symptoms progressed, I knew how difficult it would be to lose my Vovo. My Vovo, was not just grandmother, she helped raise me when she lived with us before moving to the Azores. I often remember sneaking into her bed night after night and she never turned me away. She was a strong and determined woman that when she faced the possible disruption of her young family was not forced comply. She kept her family together during a time when a single mother was not the norm. My grandmother was a mother, wife, aunt, Vovo, sister, a musician, a wonderful cook, a seamstress, took care of sick, housekeeper and a hard worker. My grandmother always put others first, especially her family. One of the strongest women I know, that faced with adversity, she overcame her obstacles ending up stronger than when she started, she my hero. I made it back to Boston in time to be with my family, attend the wake and the funeral. Many people attended the wake and funeral, and thank you all for being there for my family and me during such a difficult time.



I was lucky to be in Boston with my family for some time, but I kept thinking about my life in Hamburg. It was such a difficult time to leave because I was enrolled in Germany classes and had some employment opportunities waiting for me. Just when I thought it was time to get back to Hamburg there was a volcanic eruptions preventing me from taking a flight home. I stayed in Boston another week. It was great to spend even more time with my parents, sister and her family and I also caught up with old friends.

Now, I am back in Hamburg!! Returned to my German classes yesterday and still searching for a job. Unfortunately, I think I won't get the teaching job I was hoping on, but I am hopeful for other opportunities.
Henrik is happy to have me back. It’s nice to know he missed my company and our life together.

Life continues to be interesting her in Germany. I have officially been rejected health insurance because the Germany health care laws don't accepts the American health care system. I am learning German, but still feel shy speaking the language. I have become a member in the American Women's Club of Hamburg and hope to attend many events! Oh and our apartment looks amazing!!

As much as I miss the comforts of home, I love the life I am living here.