I picked up our visas on Thursday, April 16th. The trip via Amtrak was uneventful other than late due to a train in front of ours breaking down and we sat for 45 minutes. At the Brasilian Consulate in SF, I took a numbered ticket and started the wait. Lo and Behold, the missionary who delayed Kaleb and I the previous week for over an hour was back and in front of me. I thought I would be there all morning. I thought if God really wanted him in Brasil his paperwork would be filled out properly. But again he had failed to do it properly. Not sure what he was up to but the Brasilians were not sure it was religion. Thankfully, once a Brasilian nationals window opened they called for pick up. I jumped to the window and gave the woman my receipt. She disappeared for a few minutes, came back and asked for my written authorizations to pick up the other 4 visas. I did not have them but casually mentioned the woman serving the next window have given me the receipt and said to bring it back.
Skeptically, the current window person went and pulled the visas. I could reach out and touch them but alas she held them back. She then asked the other woman who stuck her head around the partition; she recognized me and actually mentioned a funny line I had shared with her. "Let him have what he needs, I remember he and his friend (Kaleb)". One small step in international diplomacy.
The entire team enjoyed meeting the inbound team. We have been at 2 events with them. They are charming, English is very good and the outbound team is already clamoring for more of their time. Our first full day in Brasil will be spent at the grape juice processing plant owned by the family of one the team members, Rodrigo. The world is becoming smaller every step we take.
Our presentation is coming together quite well and we look forward to seeing all you Rotarians in Monterrey. The entire team including alternates will there with you.
Ate logo (until then)
Jim Eaton
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