These past two weeks Andre and his girlfriend, Livia, were in Rio Verde because it was a school break. (Cibele and Joseph have not made it yet.) It was wonderful to spend time with them. Their presence brought many other young people around the house, as well as, opportunities to go out and enjoy the town.

One of the things we did together was join First Presbyterian Church on a young adult retreat. Early Friday morning about 40 of us loaded onto a charter bus and traveled about 45 minutes from Rio Verde to a large farm. The farm consisted of red dirt with patches of grass, cows, sheep, three buildings with bunks, bathrooms and a big, open kitchen. When we arrived, there were already several skinny, barefoot boys running after a ball on a half-size soccer field.

Late that night a bunch of us sat around under the stars. There was lots of chatting and music listening. One of the funniest things I learned ... blonde jokes are told in Brazil too.