International Students Luiz & Yago in Rumford, Maine, USA 2009-2010

Godspeed, Luiz & Yago....

2010-06-20T19:31:00.000-07:00

Macaroni & Cheese

(Click photo to enlarge)

This afternoon, I asked the boys what they’d like for our final dinner together. I was not surprised to hear, in unison, Mac’n Cheese! And so in honor of Yago’s departure we enjoyed macaroni mixed with cheese and beef… and no vegetables.

During dinner we talked about the boys first week in Rumford so many months ago. Luiz reminded me that I washed the dishes at that time showing both boys where the plates, pans, and silverware went.

“Ten months later,” laughed Yago, “we still don’t know where things go.”

In Rumford, both boys have made good friends, as witnessed by last night’s party. They played sports in three different seasons taking a chance at ski racing in temperatures much more severe than either had ever experienced. Luiz even tried baseball in the spring… a round bat striking a round ball: one of the most difficult feats in sport.

Both boys learned English well and worked diligently on their studies. In fact, Luiz and Yago landed Honors assessments at Mountain Valley High School for the 2009-2010 academic year. Awesome… and congratulations.

And did they learn the subtle difference of living in a new culture with a variety of people? Yago wrote the following on his Facebook profile to his new friends in town:

“…I will always remember what I have learned from all these people, from this little, happy American town... from all those moments with you.”

And though Luiz is not leaving for a few days, he wrote on his Facebook Profile the following: “Friendship is a virtue… the thing most necessary to life.”

The parties are now over. Yago’s bags are packed and he Skyped his parents this afternoon to arrange his return home. These next few days will be difficult for everyone, those who leave and those who stay behind. Perhaps Niklas, an exchange student who arrived home to Germany this past weekend, offers a glimpse of what Luiz and Yago will face. Niklas wrote on Facebook, “Just came home... my old room, my old house. This is the strangest feeling I have had so far in my entire life...”

To Luiz and Yago… safe journeys, great memories, and joyous homecomings. To their families, this is an exciting time as the boys return a bit wiser and a lot bigger… and knowing they now have two homes.

Godspeed.

Gifts for Rich

2010-06-20T11:04:00.000-07:00

The boys surprised Rich with several gifts including a Spanish match ball and supporter's shirt, and a Red Sox field chair for those long soccer matches or for sitting in the sun with a cool beverage. Thank you, Luiz & Yago... Perfect gifts for me.

Brunch with Aunt Connie and Uncle Ben

2010-06-20T10:56:00.001-07:00

Connie and Ben took the boys out for brunch in Rumford Center. And then, they gave the boys each a gift including a Red Sox beach towel, a photo book from the Red Sox trip to Fenway Park in Boston, a Rumford bumper sticker for the family car.... A family breakfast, together, for the last time... until the first of many visits!

Guard Dog!

2010-06-20T10:53:00.001-07:00

Luiz, Yago, and Rich are "babysitting" our friends The Bennetts' dog Lucky for three weeks while they go climbing in Colorado. Lucky kept watch over the party and the next morning kept an eye out, too.

2010-06-20T10:49:00.000-07:00

Rich parked his Saab station wagon in the Sullivan's yard so other could park in his driveway in the evening. The next day... his car was up for grabs.

Post-Party Fun

2010-06-20T10:35:00.000-07:00

Our next door neighbors, The Sullivans. Photos here taken by Garrett Sullivan (age 7)--the "winker" later on in the blog.

Party for Luiz & Yago

2010-06-20T09:28:00.001-07:00

Party for Luiz & Yago

2010-06-20T09:25:00.001-07:00

Party for Luiz & Yago

2010-06-20T09:22:00.001-07:00

Party for Luiz & Yago

2010-06-20T09:11:00.000-07:00

Party for Luiz & Yago

2010-06-20T09:08:00.001-07:00

Party for Luiz & Yago

2010-06-20T09:04:00.001-07:00

Party for Luiz & Yago

2010-06-20T08:58:00.000-07:00

Good-bye from the Lunch Ladies of Mountain Valley High School!

2010-06-16T10:09:00.000-07:00

The boys gave the Lunch Ladies a good-bye card and the very next day, the Lunch Ladies at school gave the boys one they had made. Luiz has charmed the staff with his smile, and he has gotten lots of leftover food. Yago figured out the deal, and he too put out his hand! This card is one symbol of the fun of having exchange students.

Before & After: The First & Last Days of School!

2010-06-16T05:12:00.000-07:00

Pictures from the first day of school for both boys and the last. How they've grown in so many ways...

Last Day of School (and the World Cup match with Spain)

2010-06-16T05:09:00.000-07:00

Sports Banquet

2010-06-15T19:49:00.000-07:00

Yago attended the spring sports awards ceremony while Luiz decided to go play soccer. Here's Yago giving his coach a present--a picture of the two of them during the season. Yago won the Sportsmanship Award as well as the three sport letterman award trophy. Great job!

Packing Begins

2010-06-15T07:15:00.000-07:00

The suitcases have been dusted off, the gifts for home have been purchased, school finals will finish up on Thursday, and the farewell, see-you-again-soon party is scheduled for Saturday at 6pm. This year in America comes to a close.

Today's World Cup Party

2010-06-12T15:40:00.001-07:00

Today's World Cup Party

2010-06-12T15:14:00.001-07:00

Gearing up for Good-byes...

2010-06-07T07:14:00.001-07:00

Today, Luiz & Yago are passing out invitations to their farewell party on June 19th. We are inviting about 50 people.

(click on card to enlarge)

Gearing up for Good-byes...

2010-06-05T09:13:00.001-07:00

The boys will have a few friends over on Saturday, June 12th to watch the USA v. England World Cup match... on June 19th, at 6pm, we will have a Farewell Dessert Party at home with friends who have supported the boys through the year.

Last Tennis Match

2010-06-05T06:37:00.001-07:00

The tennis team fell to southern powerhouse Cape Elizabeth on Friday and so ends the American athletic careers of Yago and Luiz.

A good year of sports and friends....

Sox Game

2010-05-31T06:03:00.001-07:00

The boys took a cruise with the Venskus Family on Boston Harbor. Here's the best picture of the day!

Sox Game

2010-05-31T05:58:00.001-07:00

Sox Game

2010-05-31T05:55:00.001-07:00

I'm home!

2010-05-30T14:47:00.001-07:00

"I'm home, I'm home!" says Luiz as he settles in among his clean cloths stored ever so carefully on the floor.

Red Sox Game in Boston!

2010-05-29T04:34:00.000-07:00

Connie, Ben, and the boys headed off early this morning to Boston. They'll stay in Ian Venskus's apartment outside of Boston, take the train into the city, take a Boston Harbor Cruise, and then head over to the Red Sox game at storied Fenway Park for a night game vs. the Kansas City Royals.

Go Sox!

"Why Wear Sunblock?" by Luiz Gustavo Ristow...

2010-05-29T04:29:00.000-07:00

Luiz decided not to wear sunblock at Marie's summer camp... the result? New skin.

A weekend with The Gauvin's and Exchange students

2010-05-23T15:18:00.001-07:00

Luiz & Yago plus three other Mountain Valley High School exchange students celebrating their last few weeks in America. They spent the weekend at Marie's camp with friends---they fished, swam, hiked, and ate.

A weekend with The Gauvin's and Exchange students

2010-05-23T15:13:00.001-07:00

A weekend with The Gauvin's and Exchange students

2010-05-23T15:10:00.000-07:00

Rich and his colleagues at a University Retreat

2010-05-23T12:47:00.000-07:00

Rich and some of his favorite colleagues from the University came to his nephew's summer home to spend two days talking about plans for the next 3-5 years.

Luiz and Yago are at Marie's camp with Toni (Germany) and others hiking and boating on what has been the very best of spring weekends.

Rich and his colleagues at a Retreat

2010-05-23T12:44:00.001-07:00

Falcons Beat St. Dom's HS to Tie for Conference Lead

2010-05-19T04:11:00.000-07:00

Yago and his buddy Austin. And passionate Yago...

"Rich Escaping" by Yago....

2010-05-16T17:15:00.002-07:00

The Prince & Cindafella on Sunday Morning

2010-05-16T08:08:00.000-07:00

Today, The Prince (Gustavo) and Cindafella enjoyed Sunday morning in Rumford before tennis with Rich. Gustavo ate beautiful Blueberry Pancakes made lovingly by Aunt Connie while Yago separated the laundry. It was a good morning... not!

Most Improved Student!

2010-05-12T12:00:00.001-07:00

Congratulations!

Luiz Gustavo Ristow: Most Improved Student at Mountain Valley High School!

Luiz was selected by the teachers of Mountain Valley High School as one of the eight Most Improved Students at the high school. Along with a certificate, Luiz received free tickets to a Sea Dogs baseball game and big hugs from Rich, Yago, Connie, & Ben!

MV Falcon Baseball, May 11, 2010

2010-05-11T19:44:00.001-07:00

Great swing!

MV Falcon Baseball, May 11, 2010

2010-05-11T19:33:00.001-07:00

Aunt Connie: loyal fan!

Falcons Beat Arch Rivals Dirigo

2010-05-11T03:52:00.000-07:00

Yago and his teammates took on Dirigo High School yesterday in tennis and won 3-2. A great victory for the home team... Here, Yago is with his coach, Todd Papiano and our friend Marie's son Curtis. And thanks to Marie for the great photos!

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T19:42:00.001-07:00

Louise & Bob Stickney hosted a Mother's day celebration with family. Lots of great food and conversation. Louise is Connie's sister.

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T08:19:00.000-07:00

"The modern version of Mother's Day with families bringing Mother's Day flowers and gifts to their moms can be traced back to 17th century England. Mothering Sunday was the fourth Sunday in Lent...a special day when all the strict rules about fasting and penance were put aside. Older children who were away from home learning a trade or working as servants were allowed to return home for Mothering Sunday. The family gathered for a mid-Lenten feast with Mother as the special guest. Along with a rare visit from her children, mothers were given treats of cakes and wildflower bouquets. While ‘Mothering Sunday’ is still celebrated, most now know it as Mother’s Day."

Here, Luiz & Yago pose with Connie just before they head out to the Stickney's home (Connie's sister) for a Mother's Day brunch with Connie's Mom and Dad plus extended family.

Where's MoMo?

2010-05-06T18:59:00.000-07:00

MoMo Sullivan, our new neighbor's kitty, has a perch in a tree next to our driveway. Can you find MoMo in this first picture? Look closely...

A spring morning in Maine

2010-05-04T19:43:00.000-07:00

In the garage the baseballs and bats sit silently after a weekend of activity. Movies, basketball, tennis, baseball, and even a swim in the river.... The laundry hangs on the side porch--the stained glass figures in the kitchen collect the sun. When Connie arrives, the call rings out throughout the house: "Connie's here! Connie's here!" Luiz, Connie, and Yago head off to school while Rich climbs the stairs up into his office. It's another spring morning in Maine ... less than two months until home.

A spring morning in Maine

2010-05-04T19:40:00.001-07:00

Shopping in Augusta... Maine's Capitol

2010-05-03T03:38:00.001-07:00

Our friend Marie, who is host mom to Toni (Germany), took a crew of kids shopping in Augusta on Sunday. She also took them to the Maine's capitol building. Thanks, Marie!

Before & After....

2010-05-01T13:13:00.001-07:00

Mama Blanca

put the

hammer down!

(Translation: Get a hair cut!)

Old Guy Mountain Biker...

2010-05-01T13:10:00.000-07:00

Tennis Star! First win.

2010-04-30T19:54:00.000-07:00

Tennis Star! First win. Video of Ace...

2010-04-30T17:29:00.000-07:00

Tennis Star! First win.

2010-04-30T17:26:00.001-07:00

Tennis Star!

2010-04-30T17:22:00.001-07:00

The Wave for Yago by the hundreds (ok, seven) of enthusiastic fans!

Baseball star!

2010-04-27T20:09:00.001-07:00

Connie, Yago, and I went to Luiz's baseball game today. Tennis was canceled due to the rain.

Luiz hit a beautiful ball (movie below) to score a man. An excellent baseball game with lots of action and solid play by both sides.

Great job, Gustavo!

Baseball star!

2010-04-27T20:05:00.001-07:00

Luiz run scoring hit in baseball!

2010-04-27T19:42:00.000-07:00

Rich gives in: American Take-Out Food

2010-04-25T09:15:00.001-07:00

For months, the boys have asked for Chester's Chicken from the gas station at the bottom of Fall's Hill in Rumford. It is greasy fried chicken with huge french fries... On Saturday night, Rich gave in and bought this America delicacy. The boys approved, as witnessed by Yago's picture here....

A Disturbing Wake-up Call from Brother Luiz

2010-04-25T09:11:00.001-07:00

The boys have gotten into a morning ritual this vacation: whoever sleeps the latest in the morning is woken up with the worst-sounding music on the Planet Earth. Here, before his early morning baseball practice, Luiz plays some disgusting music to wake up Yago.

Breakfast on the lawn, April 25, 2010

2010-04-25T09:08:00.000-07:00

We have had an unusually warm spring with sunshine. This morning, as on several other mornings, Yago took his breakfast outside.

Ryan Kent turns 21 years old!

2010-04-25T08:58:00.001-07:00

Rich's brother Rob celebrates a "first" beer with his 21 year old son, Ryan (a.k.a., Ry-Ry).

Hanging with Brenda!

2010-04-22T11:54:00.000-07:00

The boys and Rich went down to Brenda's today to help her clean out a shed. We put things out for Spring Clean-up Day, and people stopped in their cars and took things. Brenda bought us Subway sandwiches for lunch and offered the shed to the boys for their home away from home when Rich becomes just too much to handle! The boys thought about it long and hard once they heard that breakfast came with the deal!

A Spanish Piaya (Paella) & Brazilian Grão-de-bico (Guida's Soup) with Friends

2010-04-21T18:34:00.000-07:00

Rich's long-time friend Brenda Sassi (Mom) and our own Aunt Connie treated us to a special dinner tonight. Sangria, fruit, cheese, piaya, Guida's (Luiz's mom) soup... and a special cheese cake prepared with love :-)

Baseball star!

2010-04-20T09:42:00.001-07:00

Luiz before his first-ever baseball game. First he has ever seen and first he has ever played in!

And... he was a star!

Baseball star!

2010-04-19T19:44:00.000-07:00

Luiz played a great game of baseball today in his first ever game. He was awesome.

A Dunkin Donuts Run with Braaaaadie: First Day of Vacation

2010-04-17T09:23:00.000-07:00

The boys' buddy Brady came up this morning and they headed off to Dunkin Donuts for a healthy breakfast.

Spring snowstorm

2010-04-17T05:43:00.001-07:00

Each spring we are not surprised with a snowstorm. Though the snow will not stay long, we are reminded of the winter we just endured.

The boys went to the late movie in Farmington last night with friends. The theater is about 35 miles from Rumford.

No baseball or tennis today, the first day of spring vacation, but the boys may go to a Portland Pirates hockey game tonight with Connie--it's the playoffs.

Rich speaking at his writing conference

2010-04-11T19:57:00.001-07:00

Baseball & Tennis Begin!

2010-04-06T14:19:00.000-07:00

Both boys landed on the high honors list for school and now they're gearing up for baseball and tennis. They just received their new uniforms.

Baseball & Tennis Begin!

2010-04-06T14:13:00.000-07:00

Muscle Bunny! Not your Mama's Easter Bunny....

2010-04-04T07:12:00.000-07:00

The Big-Muscled Easter Bunny arrived this morning with a basket full of Protein Bars and yes, even a chocolate egg or two.

Easter Sunday & Church... after caring for Pam & Fred's Zellie (the dog), Yago headed off to church.

2010-04-04T06:57:00.001-07:00

Happy Easter, Everyone!

2010-04-03T15:03:00.000-07:00

Easter Baskets from Connie & Ben

2010-04-03T15:02:00.001-07:00

... now the BIG question is, Will the Easter Bunny show up on 728 Prospect tomorrow?

Welcome, Sullivan Family!

2010-03-29T07:05:00.000-07:00

Our new neighbors have arrived!

Welcome Gina, Gregory, Miles, & Garrett!

The Sullivan Family arrived yesterday with a big truck and big smiles. Our neighbors Gayle and Connie & Ben pitched with Yago, Luiz, and Rich to help unload the truck with the Sullivans and their extended family.

Young Garrett (6 years old, 7 on Wednesday!) gave visitors tours of his new home while Gregory's heavy machinery for his furniture-making business was wrestled with.

Later on in the evening, we hosted a post-back-breaker of a day meal with incredible goodies prepared by Gayle. You'll see the table of food at the bottom. We also delivered a "Welcome Basket" of Maine products and maps... and chocolates!

We're thrilled to have the Sullivan Family as neighbors!

Welcome, Sullivan Family!

2010-03-29T07:03:00.001-07:00

Welcome, Sullivan Family!

2010-03-29T06:59:00.000-07:00

Welcome, Sullivan Family!

2010-03-29T06:54:00.000-07:00

2010-03-25T12:00:00.000-07:00

A Birthday Ski at Sunday River

2010-03-25T09:37:00.000-07:00

Rich took Luiz Gustavo, the birthday boy, and Yago to Sunday River on a spectacular spring day. Warm temperatures, blue skies, and 119 trails open on seven mountain peaks! Here's the first part of the boys' day. Luiz is taking photos, so more will be posted later on. And right now Connie is baking a cake for the official song.... "Who let the dogs out?"

A Birthday Ski at Sunday River

2010-03-25T09:33:00.001-07:00

A Birthday Ski at Sunday River

2010-03-25T09:27:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Gustavo!

2010-03-24T16:30:00.000-07:00

Whose birthday is it tomorrow?

Midnight snack...

2010-03-17T09:24:00.000-07:00

Pretty, eh? Devoured in 2.3 minutes...

Girl Scout Cookies! Thanks, Heather!

2010-03-17T05:33:00.000-07:00

Heather, Rich's colleague at the University, sent the boys Girl Scout Cookies as a treat for this beautiful spring-time weather. It only took three takes to get a smiling picture at 7:00 am in the morning.

Thanks, Heather!

Why do teenaged boys walk on newly washed floors? Because they can.

2010-03-17T05:30:00.000-07:00

The Death of a Snow Man....

2010-03-17T05:18:00.001-07:00

Protein shake and reading history

2010-03-17T05:11:00.000-07:00

Skiing Saddleback

2010-03-13T15:31:00.000-08:00

The boys cashed in one of their Christmas presents from Rich, ski tickets to Saddleback Mountain, and went for the day. Our great friend Marie took the kids up in her big truck. As you'll see, they had a blast.

Skiing Saddleback

2010-03-13T15:24:00.000-08:00

Skiing Saddleback

2010-03-13T15:14:00.000-08:00

March Madness Dance

2010-03-09T11:49:00.001-08:00

After the March Madness Dance....

2010-03-09T10:00:00.000-08:00

After the late winter dance known as March Madness, the boys invited Kyle the 'Keeper and Austin over for the night. They played Call of Duty, an XBox game of murder and mayhem, for four hours until approximately 3am.

This picture captures Austin the next morning with junk food piled around him. Clearly, he's in a sugar comma. The other boys are not in any better shape, just out of camera range.

Fred & Pam Kent and grandkids (click photo to enlarge)

2010-03-07T07:35:00.001-08:00

Pam & Fred's grandkids and son-in-law Alban went ice fishing up in Weld on the lake. And when Fred & Pam went snowmobiling yesterday, they met up with a moose!

Spring Skiing

2010-03-06T16:56:00.001-08:00

Yago and our friend Marie Gauvin today at the ski area... a beautifully warm spring-like day.

Ski Team Awards Banquet

2010-03-05T05:44:00.001-08:00

The Cross Country Ski Team gathered with Ray Broomhall for a photo at this year's winter sports banquet. This is Ray's last year coaching and the kids gave him a fond farewell.

The Weekend Snow Storm

2010-02-28T06:18:00.000-08:00

Our neighborhood after the weekend storm.

Winterfest at Black Mountain

2010-02-28T06:03:00.000-08:00

While Luiz headed off to the Snoop Dogg Concert, Yago trucked up to Black Mountain for a day and night of skiing, sliding, eating, and fun. (Pictures courtesy of our friend Marie Gauvin.)

Winterfest at Black Mountain

2010-02-28T05:58:00.000-08:00

Before & After ... our snow person had a rough night... too many maple syrup cocktails with the chickadees...

2010-02-27T06:41:00.000-08:00

Another Boring Friday Night

2010-02-26T18:17:00.000-08:00

Yago's off to ski tomorrow at Black Mountain's Winter Festival while Luiz is traveling to see a Snoop Dogg concert (Snoop what?). But tonight, they are unhappy and bored... So, a little Ben & Jerry's New York Super Chunk Chocolate Ice Cream, freshly baked Chocolate Chip Cookies, and a tad of whipped cream take the edge off the doldrums.