CRAZY!!!!

Almost a month ago, Lee Ann and three students of ours made the trip of a lifetime. With our sister parish, Sao Jose, we travelled to Nossa Senhora de Aparecida do Norte and to Rio de Janiero! Nossa Senhora is the patron saint of Brazil who has a deep and rich spiritual past. In 1717 there were three fishermen who hadn't caught anything in a while and finally they pulled up a statue of Mary, that had never before been seen. The crazy part though the body and head had been broken off and pulled up in two different parts. Brazilians have a huge devotion to her and it was surely proven at the site of her basilica.  We had the opportunity to share mass with thousands of other people, something so special and awe inspiring. I would have loved to stay there at least a few more days just to walk around and really enjoy the place. But, fortunately for us, we took one of the days in our trip to go to RIO!!!!! Rio was everything I had expected, the touristic spots were overcrowd, but very cultural. A few stops we made were to the cathedral of Rio, Christ the Redeemer statue(SOOOO amazing), Copacabana beach, Sugar Loaf mountain, and the street where the samba parade passes during Carnival! Needless to say, it was a fantastic trip and experience! 

1) Erval= Lee Ann and I organized a lot of toys, candy, and donated clothes so that we had gifts to give each student for Children's Day last week. This day is very special for kids here; it's almost bigger than Christmas! Each student received a shoe box to decorate for themselves, then we stuffed each box with a pair of new socks, candy, a bookmark, and a piece of clothing. It was the most precious thing to watch them open their boxes and see the excitement wash over their faces. :) 

Another event we are organizing is a clothing sale for the capoeira students. The four that I have been taking with me to Telemaco will have their first "baptism"/graduation in December, which costs $70 reis per person. Lee Ann and I decided selling donated clothes would be a nice way to get these students involved in fundraising for this event. If all goes well, tomorrow our students will be one step closer to achieving all the money they need.

2) Imbau= Last week was very difficult for us at our work in Imbau. As we arrived there Thursday morning, we found out that our 10 year old student, Natali, had a brain hernia the night before and died. Obviously this was a total shock to everyone and we still continue to mourn for her and her family. Please keep her in your prayers.

3) ILLEGAL=As some of you may know, our tourism visas here are valid for 90 days and after that 90 days we are required to go to Ponta Grossa to renew them. A few weeks before we were due to renew, Lee Ann called the department of foreigners to set an appointment. At that time, the receptionist informed her that that department was on strike and couldn't help anyone. A little nervous, Lee Ann asked what we could do in the meantime. The lady told her to just keep calling back each week to see if they were still on strike. Every week for the past month we have called at least 2 times and received the same news. Until yesterday….a different person answered and told us that he'd been working during the strike and taking care of emergency cases. His solution for our situation was that we would have to pay $8 reis for every day over our 90 days and then leave the country for Argentina or Paraguay! Needless to say, Lee Ann and I were very concerned that this was our only option. We decided to make an emergency trip to Ponta Grossa yesterday to get everything resolved. Only by God's great mercy did we get through everything…our visas were renewed and we didn't have to pay any fine or retreat to another country! Thank you Lord! We are officially not illegal aliens in Brazil anymore. :)

Needless to say, our lives here have gotten even more crazy than normal and are constantly in need of prayers. Thank you for all you who send us inspiring e-mails and messages, you are so important to our morale and work! God bless.

Natali 

Rio :)

The last two weeks have been great for us here; we've been really productive and enjoying ourselves a lot. At Erval we have done a ton including:

1) Started a math class. I gave a basic pre-test to all students around 8 years old and older. Each student received either a 50 question addition test or a 100 problem multiplication test, based on their age and skill level. They were given 25 minutes to finish as much of the test as they could. Thankfully the majority finished before the given time and received at least a 70% or higher. Of course there were those few students who took the whole time and failed still, but that's why I gave them the test. I want to know where I need to help each one of them. Unfortunately, the schools here don't give daily math timed tests, like in the states, so it's going to take a bit of effort and patience to get some of these kids back on track with their grade level and maybe even start to enjoy it! 

2) English and capoeira classes are still going strong.  Lee Ann and I chose two new students, a brother and sister, to join me at the capoeira class in Telemaco. Jhonaton and Bruna, are a very poor and shy couple, but seem to really appreciate the new opportunity and experience. Yesterday we had all four of our capoeira students come to the same class in Telemaco together. It was great to see them interact and help each other.

        3) We started a type of "Big Brothers and Big Sisters" program where an older student takes 30 minutes every week to read a story a toddler/younger student. They did such a great job and were so cute! 

4) We are trying to get the teachers more involved and organized with the students. With donations from some parishioners, we bought some new puzzles, toys, board games, and art supplies for them. The teachers were very grateful, but I am hoping that at some point they will be able to sustain themselves. I suggested that when they need certain items or supplies that the government won't provide them, they should have a bake sale or find another way to fundraise. They seemed very hesitant and shy about the idea, but I really hope they see the necessity in it. Other than that, they are doing a great job! The music teacher entered our students in the Independence Day parade and they were awesome! We have, also, started our "Student of the Week" program which is really getting the kids motivated to participate and behave during activities. 

IMBAU- We are still trying to teach computers there, but the government now closes all of their buildings at noon, due to the upcoming political elections….that's bad news for us, considering we work in their buildings and with their people! Pray that I find patience with these people and the politics here, I need it!

UPCOMING- I am currently preparing my  travel bag for this weekend's upcoming adventure. Lee Ann, three Imbau students, and I will be taking our trip to Aparecida de Norte and to Rio de Janeiro. We'll be leaving at 5am Friday and take a 12 hour bus ride to get there. After spending the night there, we'll go to Rio and spend the entire day there before returning to Aparecida. Sunday we'll spend there again and return home late that night. It is going to be a very exhausting, yet worthwhile trip! 

Brazilian Independence Day parade in Reserva!

Big Brothers and Sisters program!

After a "beauty day" where we painted the girls nails and did their hair and make-up. They were so excited to show off their new styles. :)

End of August and beginning of September

Sorry it's been so long since my last blog….we were just as busy as most you were, in the states, with the beginning of school and end of summer. Except that it's the end of winter here ( thank God) and the beginning of some great projects and ideas!

1) Erval de Cima-A lot has been going on there…One of the moms of our students was having a really rough week, so Lee Ann and I decided to adopt them until she could get herself together. :) We welcomed Ana Paula and Gabriel into our home for five days. What a trip that was! We had a blast making dinner, washing dishes and clothes, playing cards, and going to mass together! I loved hosting them in my home, but I have to say that I'm definitely not ready to be a mom yet! It's one thing to work with kids all day and come home and have all the free time in the world, but to work with them all day and take care of them all night too was exhausting. I definitely have way more respect to mine and all other moms after this experience. :)

For almost an entire week Peti was cancelled because the water pump for the whole town broke! Can you imagine not having any water within miles for over a week??? A lot of people had to walk to a river to get some and carry it back to their homes. In the time that we couldn't go there, we caught up on laundry, sleep, and visiting our friends and neighbors. One of the days I spent in Reserva, a city near Erval, talking with the government about getting transportation for some field trips. I, also, go the opportunity to talk with the director of a private English school, Fisk. He said that he is willing to waive the teaching fee and allow a chosen few of our students to study English there! The only thing we need help with is paying for the books, which cost a little less then $150. If anyone is willing to sponsor a child learn English, please let me know! Anyways…it was a nice break, but we were ready to keep things rolling.

We have continued teaching English and photography every Monday, Capoeira and dance very Wednesday, and crochet and beauty every Friday. This schedule has worked out well for all. And of course, when there's time, we play some outdoor games and get to know the kids and our co-workers better. Starting now in September we will be coming to Erval on Tuesday, too. To which will be our designated math and speech day. The speech part of this day is where we bring in speakers to help motivate and educate the students. We will have a new speaker each week with a different topic than the last. For example, next week Augusto, the owner of Fisk, will talk about the importance of learning English and getting a good job. Other speakers and topics include drugs and drinking, personal health, a priest, taking care of the environment, and a psychologist. I'm excited. :)

The last bit of exciting news is that we had our first store on Friday. For those of you who don't know, this is how our program functions: Every day that a student is present, behaves, and participates in activities they receive a check mark in our book. At the end of the month, those check marks turn into fake dollars that they spend in our store(which is made up of donated and new toys, candy, sports equipment, and even a sleepover at our house!) The purpose of this system is to motivate the students, because if they are not behaving or participating, they receive and X in our book. Too many X's and they aren't allowed to go on our field trips. Thankfully it's worked really well so far. :)

2) Imbau- Unfortunately not a lot has been going on at the Peti in Imbau. We try to teach a computer/typing class every Thursday, but because of the disorganization it doesn't always work like that. but, when it does work out, the kids love learning how to type correctly and practice with games online.

Last week, the teachers made a cake for all the kids who had a birthday in the last three months. We had a fun time singing and eating the cake! It was, also, perfect because my birthday was only a few days away, so we all got to celebrate together!

3) Capoeira- I have continued to train and go to class every week. I can, slowly, feel myself getting better. I love Thursdays when Fernando and Rivael ( my students) join me. Our "baptism" (capoeira event) is scheduled for December 21st, which is unfortunately 3 days after I return to the states. But, I will be able to attend other capoeira events beforehand. I am trying to get someone who trains with me to come to Erval once or twice a month to help me teach the kids…no luck yet, but we'll see what happens.

4) Social- My birthday was last week and it was a great one….the big 25! Lee Ann and Matt paid for a telemensagem which is someone who drives to your work and plays your favorite songs and Happy Birthday on huge speakers from their car! I was conned into going outside right when it showed up; all my co-workers and students joined me. Super crazy, but really fun! I, also, got a 1/2 dozen roses, balloons, and a speech from my best friend. :) Later that night, I was joined by friends in my favorite pizza joint. What a great day!

Unfortunately, things didn't worked out how we planned and Matt decided to go back to the states. He was missing his family and he decided it was best for him to return home. He did a lot of great work with the kids and learned a lot Portuguese and the 2 months he was here. He will surely be missed by us and all the kids, friends, and neighbors. Please pray for his safe journey home and re-entrance into the American culture. 

I pray for all families who are struggling with any health, financial, or social issues that they may find peace in God's guidance and comfort in his help. Have a great week. :)

3rd Blog...One month in!

A lot has been happening in the past few weeks since the kids have com back from vacation and we have settled into a normal schedule.

1) Lee Ann and Matt have been teaching photography to the students at Irval de Cima on Mondays. They are planning on creating and selling a calendar with the pictures the students take; the proceeds will go to supplies for the students. While they are busy with that, I have started teaching English to some of the older students. The morning group is easy to work with since there are only 5 of them, so we get through more material and they have more time to ask questions and practice what they learn. The afternoon has more older students, so unfortunately they don't  get the same one on one attention as the morning kids. BUT, each one of them has a desire to learn English and is trying hard.

2) I started teaching Capoeira to the Irval students on Wednesdays. They love it! Some aren't too interested, but many are very excited to try this new and exciting sport. I talked to Klecius, my Capoeira teacher, and he is going to allow 4 students train for free at his gym! This is a great opportunity, but we will only choose two students. ( Only b/c they have to take a bus on their own to meet us in Imbau and then the bus to come back to Imbau, from Telemaco, doesn't arrive until after 11:15pm. They will then sleep at our home until we send them back to Irval the next morning) A bit of a complicated process to participate in a one hour class, but worth it. Now, the challenge for us to choose two kids. I already choose one boy, Rivael, who has a great passion for the sport already and doesn't go to school b/c of complications created by his father.The other student, Lee Ann and Matt are helping me pick….we are thinking about taking the son of the cook at Peti. He has great potential and is very responsible.

3) We are hoping to start a craft class soon, to teach painting and crochet.

4) I will be going to the Capoeira event in Campo Largo this weekend with other people from our gym and I am very excited. :)

5) Matt, Lee Ann, and I have volunteered to help the youth group at Sao Jose (our sister parish) every Sunday night after mass. The group is small, but connected and welcoming. I've never worked with teenagers, so I'm praying God will guide me and the others to help these young people closer to God. Any and all suggestions/help will be welcomed and appreciated!

6) The three of us have decided to take a road trip with the people of Sao Jose to Aparecida de Norte, another city in Brazil near Rio de Janiero in which Our Lady appeared many years ago. It is a city with a lot of cultural and religious background and is a big tourist spot for many people, somewhere I have been wanting to travel to. The church was struggling to fill the last 5 spots so they agreed that if someone could fill 3 spots, they would give that person the other 2 spots for free.. we were so quick to jump on that one! After mass we talked to the priest and the 3 of us are officially traveling with them at the end of September, the best part being that we have decided to take two of our students to fill those free spots since they would never be able to travel on their own! Padre is happy to have the spots filled and we are thrilled to have the opportunity and the chance to take along kids who will truly appreciate the city and would otherwise probably not be able to go.

God bless!

Second Update! :)

Recently I've seen a lot of Facebook updates about the heat waves and lack of rain in the states. Well, it's still on the opposite end of that here….This week we received TONS of rain and cold fronts. My make shift rain boots (a nice, white pair of snow boots :)) have never been so handy. The hill we live on is about a half a mile from the nearest road and it's  not paved. Needless to say, I'm very thankful for the boots! 

Although it's a muddy trek, we still went to our new project at Irval de Cima this week. Since it is still vacation time for the kids (they're not obligated to show up) we didn't want to start anything serious but wanted to use the time to get to know them better. We planned and played Minute to Win It games, which is a television game show that gives contestants one minute to complete silly and weird tasks to win money.Our students had to use a straw to suck a peanut and transfer it to another table, complete difficult puzzles, keep balloons in the air just with their breath, and move a cookie from their forehead to their mouth without using their hands! We all had such a great time watch and participating in the silliness. :) Vacation ends next Monday and I'm very excited to be on a normal schedule and  start our teaching. Lee Ann will start teaching photography with the older students. One of the organizers of the PETI in Reserva (another town close by) had the idea to create a calendar of the culture and landscape of Irval de Cima. She wants students to take the pictures, so we can create and sell the calendar as a fundraiser for PETI. While Lee Ann is busy with that, Matt and I plan on teaching the other students sports and gym games. Until he gets more of the language (which he's doing great at) I'll be coordinating activities which he can help with or things that we can do together. I, also, hope to be starting capoeira, dance, and math as soon as we get a good feel for the students and teachers. :)

When not planning for work or scrubbing mud off everything I own, I've been spending a lot of time with a woman down the street, Ines. We know her because her son works at the government office across front eh PETI in Imbau. She is a very kind and welcoming person, who despite her losses in life, continues to give to the community. This week she taught me how to crochet, which I've always wanted to learn since my grammy taught me how to knit. I am currently working on a small turtle, which will become a doorstop! I love learning new things and spending time with Ines!

Since all of the schools have been on vacation, the university bus that will be taking me to capoeira class has not been running. But starting next week I'll be back on track with practicing capoeira on bi-weekly basis. Lee Ann, Matt, our teacher Klecius, and I will be taking a trip to Campo Largo in two weekends to participate in an international capoeira festival, put on by my friend who's a capoeira master.

I pray that the bit of rain the states received this week refreshed the ground and your spirits. We continue to pray for all of you and your intentions! God bless.

Chegamos! (We´ve arrived!)

It may seem like no surprise to some, but I'm back in Brasil again! After 35 hours of car rides, planes, and multiple bus rides Lee Ann, my boyfriend, Matt, and I made it to Imbau, Brasil. Once we arrived, we only had one week to spend with Katie and Sarah Zimmerman, but we took advantage of every minute. Lots of friendships and memories were created before we had to send them home to the states.



Lee Ann and I are living in a small, concrete home close to the place where we work, called Peti. Thankfully, the Lord provided a very nice place for Matt to live right across the street!. We share our home with a wide variety of insects, a horse who lives next door (he hangs out within a few feet of my window), and a lot of mold BUT we are doing our best to make it a nice home. :) All of our neighbors are super welcoming and helpful and many speak a decent amount of English!



The Peti program that we have been working with the last 4 years has been doing very well. We have come to realize that the program has developed more than we had ever hoped and has good teachers that continue to help it grow. That being said, we started working with another Peti about 30 minutes away, which has about 80 regular students who are even more poor than the ones in Imbau. This new place is in a very small neighborhood called Irva de Cima. The students there are on vacation right now, so we plan to visit them every Tuesday and Wednesday to get to know them. We've been dancing, playing all sorts of games, and doing anything we can to gain their attention, trust, and respect. I am very excited to start teaching and working with them in a few weeks when vacation is over.



Once their break is over, our plan is to teach at Irva de Cima three times a week and spend the other two with our old students in Imbau and getting to know people in the community better. I'm excited and anxious to start all of these new adventures, but very thankful that I have Matt and Lee Ann always at my side.



Matt has being doing very well at practicing and learning Portuguese. The Brasilians and I are very impressed about how much he has already picked up by listening and studying on his own. I am so thankful that he is here with me. :)



Sister Rose and the other nuns are doing very well, continuing with all of their awesome work. They are as sweet and helpful as always. We plan on visiting them on a regular basis, even though sometimes it's a bit difficult to find a bus to take us to Telemaco.



I miss all of you in the states and hope you are well. We always keep you in our daily prayers. Have a great week!



Megan