I feel your pain KellyGuy- I'm also a teacher waiting for my visa for Brazil with a confirmed flight on July 21st.  I'm also dealing with Ernst and Young- which has been confusing enough!  They really have not been clear on the process and what my next steps are.  I however was told that I could mail the paperwork to the Brazilian consulate in Chicago, along with my passport which freaks me out, and that the consulate would send the passport and visa to me using express mail as well.  So, this is what I did- saving me that trip to Chicago.  I have also emailed the Chicago consulate about questions on my visa, and they have actually been extremely helpful- responding back to me within hours of emailing them.  Have you tried this?

That's what I thougrht based on my emails from Ernst and young too! They also told me that my visa was ready for pick up even though I hadn't sent in any documents yet- very frustrating few days sorting that out! I'm teaching in Porto Alegre, where are you headed? I can't imagine the added stress of moving your stuff across the country before leaving.