First day in Rio Branco

I arrived at 1:30 a.m.this morning. After a few hours of sleep I went to an auditorium for the state selection of the school and principal of the year. By the way, this is the principal who will do the exchange next year. I was "wowed" by the experience. I sat with the governor and vice governor as well as the state secretary of education and lots of stare officials. I felt so honored when they presented the US flag and sang our anthem just for me. I felt like Michelle Obama! I was even asked to speak to the crowd.
The ceremony was moving. It is so obvious that everyone values education and schools. The ten finalist schools had videos of there projects. They were all extemporary.
Now, after a bountiful and delicious lunch I am off to visit a school. Can't wait to see children and talk with teachers.

Flight Problems

Yesterday I left home for the Atlanta airport only to find a delay in my Atlanta-DC flight which caused me to miss the international flight.  United Airlines was unable to re-book me until two days later.  So I hopped right back on the shuttle and came home to wait until Monday.  My colleague from North Carolina made it to Dulles but is stuck in DC for two days.  I'm certainly glad I was able to get back home for the delay.  My contacts in DC and in Brazil have quickly begun the process of rearranging schedules and flights in Brazil.  Hopefully I will be on my way on Monday.
I had a little excitement as I went through the Atlanta airport security area.  Just as I was going through security,  alarms went off.  All TSA agents ran to their security positions and ordered passengers to "freeze".  Only after a few minutes did we understand it was a drill.  It was an interesting process to watch.
Hopefully, I'll have news from Brazil in a couple of days.  Stay tuned.

On my way

I am on the way to the Atlanta airport for a flight to DC. I meet other US principals there and we leave for Sao Paulo later tonight. I'm looking forward to the experience and seeing friends again.

Heading to Brazil this week!

I leave for Sao Paulo on Saturday.  After the weekend in Sao Paulo I will be in Rio Branco, Acre for a week and then travel to Manaus, Amazonas for the following week.  I'm really anxious to see the US principals as well as the friends from Brazil. Stay tuned for regular updates.