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. :)
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