As everyone finished eating, the new Ambassador to the office, Ben, stood up and presented me with some goodbye gifts. He said he has some very tough shoes to fill. "Speech!" someone shouted. People apparently loved that idea because soon the whole room was yelling "speech!" (Only, whatever the word is in Portuguese.) I got up and said my formal goodbye and thank yous. "It's been such an amazing experience," I said. "You have all been so wonderful. It's really hard for me to leave -" and then I had a hard time pushing the words out. Tears streamed down my cheeks, and when that happens in front of about 30 people who aren't crying, it's a little embarrassing. I did hear a few awwws, and "we'll miss you!" And then from someone - probably Bibi or Ricardo - the most common thing that I spoke in Brazil that got to be a joke with friends: "Muito divertido!" ("really fun").
The gifts were great; I almost felt bad for taking them. They gave me a huge handmade card that looked like the Brazilian flag signed by most of the people in the room (which made me cry again so I had to stop reading), a Brazilian music CD titled "A Arte De Jorge Ben Jor," a live DVD of another popular Brazilian singer, Ana Jorge, and a beautiful coffee table book of the country (appropriately titled Brasil/Brazil) by Alberti Taliani.
In retrospect I should have given the group something in return. But the fact that this had turned into a goodbye dinner for me was a total surprise. I thought we were just going to a regular team dinner.
Carla & Carlos, who I worked closely with on optimization projects in the office. Constantly had a positive attitude, despite having more work than I think I've seen anyone have, ever.
Our smiley team Managers, Michel and Rapha
The next Ambassador, Ben
Trio of Sweethearts: Raquel, Alexandre and Beth
This is Franqui, leaning away from me. Proof that I must have just generally scared him.
Just the girls! From left: Katia, me, Ligia and Beth
The awesome Helio smiles! (I told him to smile BIG, because he rarely does.)
Felipe cracked me up. He's one of these people who gets really excited about everything you say.
Robertina, me, Talita
João gives me a nice big hug.I miss everyone!
