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. :)