Megan Cress' Brazil Mission

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!