Soy/Estoy Confusion

I am confused by the meaning of Soy and Estoy. Both seem to be "I am", but what is the diference? Where and how are they used? Thanks for any help with this.

Hola Brad y todos, Soy and estoy are first person, present tense conjugations of the verbs "ser" and "estar", and yes they mean "I am". The distinction is: Ser is used to describe inherent characteristics, such as nationality, origen, possession,age, physical and moral attributes, personality, religion, and color. Also, for expressing time, dates, days of the week, and where an event takes place. Some examples: "Soy" de los estados unidos: I am from the United States La cartera "es" de Brad: The wallet is Brad's. Brad "es" intelligente: Brad is intelligent. "Somos" ingenieros. We are engineers. ¿Qué hora "es"?: What time is it? Hoy "es" domingo. Today is Sunday. Estar is used for permanent and temporary locations, temporary conditions (such as health, happiness). Some examples: Santiago "está" en Chile. Santiago is in Chile. El perro "está" afuera. The dog is outside. ¿Dónde "están" los baños?: Where are the bathrooms? "Estoy" feliz.: I am happy. "Estoy" enfermo. I am sick. The above is a brief explanation. These two verbs are essential and my explanation is not entirely inclusive of the uses of these two verbs, I am enjoying my spanish learning and accept that I will make mistakes. For me, it is a process...a slow process. No se rinda. (Don't give up.) Buenas suerte. (Good luck.)

Hola amigos: Todo lo que Patrice B dijo es correcto! (everything Patrice B told you is correct!). In spanish when we talk about ourself or our being we use the word "ser" , this is something we can call "permanent"....I AM MEXICAN (YO SOY MEXICANO)....IM A MAN (YO SOY UN HOMBRE). Then we have the "estar" which is used in other situations explained above... Mucha suerte amigo Brad! que tengas felices fiestas! (good luck my friend, hope you have a nice holiday)