The Girl from Ipanema

Well, actually, we live in a neighborhood called Arpoador, but we're right at the edge of Ipanema...plus, there's no song called, "The Girl from Arpoador," so there you have it.  The title of this post is now justified.  And yes, I am the girl.  From Arpoador.  Right next to Ipanema.

Actually, you know how we know that God is faithful and we know that God knows the desires of our hearts and we know that God can work things out in a moment better than we ever could, even if we had a lifetime to plan?  Well, I do know this.  But moving here, I'm reminded that I KNOW that I know this.

We thought we'd want to live in Leblon or Ipanema (neighborhoods right next to each other) so this is where we asked to be shown apartments by our relocation company.  Greg started work first thing upon our arrival, but we wanted to expedite the process of moving out of our hotel, so I put on a brave face for my sweet boy and said, "sure Sweetie, I can do it!"  I mean, it's just apartment shopping...in a foreign country...with people who probably speak little to no English.  BUT I had my 5 months of Portuguese lessons ready to be tapped into at a moment's notice and a clean pair of socks, so I was feeling confident. (I wore the same pair for about 5 days, saving the clean pair for this occasion where I knew it'd be wise to impress and appear responsible...and smell nice.)

To shorten a long story, after 2 days of apartment hunting, only 2 apartments fit what we wanted/needed, and of those two, one just felt right and the other felt wrong.  The one that felt right?...the very first one I looked at on the first day!  I should back up and say I began the task feeling a little nervous since we'd already looked for 2 days on our visit in March and hadn't seen anything that would work for us.  To see such a lovely apartment right off the bat gave me hope.  And now we live in that lovely apartment!  Here's how I KNOW that I know, once again, that God is perfect in His faithfulness:

1. (And yes, this does need to be number 1.)  The bathrooms are wonderful!  Unlike any bathrooms I'd seen in my searching.  I actually wanted to take a shower and use the toilet and spend time in these rooms!  That's how lovely and inviting they are.  (Bathroom photos coming in next post! - since I know you're interested!)

2. Our address is not Leblon or Ipanema, so I'm not sure why we were shown this apartment...but Arpoador couldn't be more perfect for us!  Our apartment building is situated perfectly - one block from Copacabana beach, and in the other direction, one block from Ipanema beach.  Truly perfect.

3. Arpoador is at the apex where these two beaches meet, like a "V."  There's a huge rock formation at Arpoador where all the surfers surf...and we can walk to this amazing, coveted spot on the beach, via a lovely park, in about 5 minutes. 

4. Location wise, we couldn't get any better for Greg's work commute while still being right in the beach action.  No small feat.  If you don't believe me, spend a day in the traffic here...you'll find your faith renewed as well!

5. This apartment was somehow in our budget - even though we have an ocean view from our balcony, overlooking a private beach with no people.  How to relax at any time:  open sliding glass doors, let ocean breeze in.

6. We have a futon!  This sounds small, but it was almost a deal-breaker since we knew we needed a third, comfortable bed for visiting friends & family!  Everyone said, "No, that's not a futon."  But you know what we found out at the last minute?  It is. 

7. Our apartment is owned and was remodeled by an American professor!  Thus the lovely bathrooms, an open floor plan (including a bright, open kitchen - highly rare here), and a disposal!  Not to mention that he has it managed by a sweet couple who live in our building.
8. Our lease must end on May 31st as the owner will be returning.  But we may be in Rio until August.  We know God has his hand in this, so we'll let you know how we see God's perfect faithfulness reflected in this seemingly inconvenient and premature move-out date.  In my spirit, I know the date is perfect!
9. All of our friends here AND the relocation lady (speaking from experience) said it would probably take at least 3 weeks to move-in once we had papers signed, and then maybe a few weeks more for internet connection.  Greg and I were deflated; we'd been hoping to be out of the hotel within a week.  BUT...aparently, we were the exception.  Length of time to receive the apartment keys after signing papers AND to have an internet connection: one day.  ONE, People!

This post was very long and detailed, but when you're giving God the glory, it's all about the details!!!  :)  Not a day passes that we aren't in awe of our beautiful, peaceful apartment.  Greg says it feels like we're on vacation.  Apart from the work, I think we are...

Lord, you amaze me.  Not one detail escaped your notice - not even the ones that escaped mine and that I didn't even think to ask for.  (Who'd have thought our budget could get us an ocean view?!)  If You care this much about my interest in bathrooms and futons, then I know you care about our desire to start a family.  Hot Dog!  (Or as the Cariocas would say, "hotchie doggie!") I feel my faith a-risin'!

The street in front of our apartment building (on right.)

View of the back of our aprtment building (the tallest building.)

Rio de Janeiro (Leblon, Ipanema, Arpoador beaches)