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"Shopping was frustrating at first because of the language and money, but that got easier after about a week."

"Having the other LIMIAR families there was such a blessing; I couldn't have made it without their support and the help of the LIMIAR staff."

"You don't need many dressy clothes. We dressed very casually except for the court dates."

"Take some needlework or good books with you."

"The Sao Paulo Zoo is wonderful!"

"Realize that Brazil is very different from the U.S. and you must follow different rules & values. Take things as they come. Don't try to mold Brazilians to your way of life. Keep your sense of humor. Be open to new experiences. Do some homework before you go."

"I was surprised at the more relaxed sexual attitudes as seen especially in Rio and on television."

"Brazilians love children."

"Don't forget there is an exit tax when leaving the country."

"It is important and supportive to mingle with other adopting families when in Brazil."

"Sao Paulo seems very much like a cross between continental Europe and Mexico. People take more time to enjoy life. They are very religious and worldly at the same time."

"Relax. You'll get lots of tips and encouragement from other adopting parents in the hotel."

"LIMIAR can be trusted!"

"Learn Portuguese."

"Get out of the big cities at every opportunity."

"Brazil is a beautiful place. There are rich people who are able to live very nice lives and the poor are like nothing we see in America - they are very poor. It is hard to imagine trying to live with nothing. There are children everywhere you look."

"Visa was our most widely accepted credit card."