Hello Lucia!

I can not believe that we didn't think of it before Carla, now Lucia can spend hours converting English to Potgugese, so she can keep up with us. To those who do not know, Lucia was the first of three foreign exchange students that lived with us, and by far our favorite! She was with us from December of 1981 to May/June 1982. Hard to believe it's been almost 30 years...

Lucia, a few memories from your time here.....the first night you walked into the kitchen and asked where the "shits" were....i thought Carla and i would burst, since we were NOT allowed to curse....you meant "sheets" but you sure created a stir. We thought for sure your very first night would involve a whipping!

I also remember that December day we walked out of the airport and you had just spent almost a whole day on a plane, leaving behind summer weather. It was FREEZING cold in Texas. I think you just wanted to go back home.

You trying to understand our "Texas draw". We all found ourselves talking even slower, so you could understand. Sometimes you were not even around and Carla and i were still making sure our words were clear.

I remember you putting your hand over your mouth and saying "oh my god!" at least 100 times the first month. Everything was an adventure with you. Such fun to watch you learn our way of life.

I remember you getting home sick and wanting to leave Mom and Dad sat down with you, and you soon realized that we were a family that wanted you in our home and we did everything that we could, to make you feel welcome.

I remember Dad harassing you to no end about different things....you both loved it.

I remember Mom worrying that you had warm enough clothes and making sure you had socks to wear all the time, to keep your feet warm! I think you wore them everyday, the whole time you were here!

I remember taking you to a party and the next day you said "NEVER again Pam". We shall leave that one alone, and not elaborate.

I remember when we took you to the airport, to send you home, and we ALL cried. You promised to return someday....i hope that day is soon.

Mom gave Carla and i a great gift two Christmas' ago.....she surprised us with a call to you. Carla and i were both in tears when we realized what she was doing...what a great gift for all of us.

And now, thru the world of the internet, you can keep up with our antics, via our blogs. I cant think of a better reason to keep posting.

One more memory...i still remember you teaching me to say "calabolka voce punta". I am positive that i didnt spell it right, but that is how i remember to say it.....

Much love to our faraway sister...someday we shall see you again!

Love,
Your Texas Sister, Pam

P.S. I predict that it will take you DAYS to translate all this!