soaring with the dragonflies

2008-03-21T17:29:00.002-03:00

i thank You God for most this amazing

day:for the leaping greenly spirits of trees

and a blue true dream of sky;and for everything

which is natural which is infinite which is yes

(i who have died am alive again today,

and this is the sun's birthday;this is the birth

day of life and of love and wings:and of the gay

great happening illimitably earth)

how should tasting touching hearing seeing

breathing any-lifted from the no

of all nothing-human merely being

doubt unimaginable You?

(now the ears of my ears awake and

now the eyes of my eyes are opened)

-e. e. cummings

2007-12-25T21:56:00.000-02:00

Traditionally Brazilians celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve. Families start with a big dinner with elaborate dessert and then exchange presents, staying up late into the night singing and drinking wine. Christmas day is very relaxed; family members go about cleaning house or spending time with friends.

The Santos prefer to do a little bit of both traditions.
I arrived home on Christmas Eve at about fifteen 'til midnight. Eudoxio, Lucia and Andre were enjoying a delcious evening meal. (I was stuffed from having just returned from an extravegant Brazilian Christmas Eve worship and celebration with my boyfriend's family.) I sat with them until it struck midnight and we all exchanged hugs practically singing, "Feliz Natal!" I retired to my room thinking the night was over for us (we were having family over for lunch and presents the following day). About five minutes later Lucia called my name rather urgently. I ran out to see what the fuss was about, encountering the three of them outside in the courtyard opening a bottle of champaign. We sipped our tall glasses under the bright, full moon.

2007-12-23T15:48:00.000-02:00

The song that we taught at Bread of Life this Christmas:

Alguem sabe o que e o Natal?
Sera brinquedoes e presentes finos
embrulhados e arrumados pra
meninas e meninos?
Sera castanhas e rabanadas ou
arvores com luzes a piscar?

Nao e isto que e o Natal.
Tenho certeza que e muito mais.

Cristo nasceu neste dia feliz,
E e isso que e Natal.
Cristo nasceu neste dia feliz,
Sim, isto que e o Natal!

Does anyone know what Christmas is?
Is it games and fancy wrapped presents
ready for girls and boys?
Is it chestnuts and sweets or
trees that twinkle with lights?

This is not what Christmas is.
I am sure that it is much more.

Christ was born on this happy day,
This is what Christmas is.
Christ was born on this happy day,
Yes, this is what Christmas is!

2007-12-02T21:12:00.000-02:00

Eudoxio and Lucia have recently been working very hard at finding individuals and families to sponsor the doors and windows needed to continue finishing the manse for Vila Rosalina Presbyterian Church. Many people from the hospital have agreed to help. This morning, in church, Eudoxio announed that there were four remaining sponsors needed. There was a pause of only about two seconds before one hand shot up ethusiastically. Before the hand's name was written down there were three others waiting to be noticed. The whole congregation broke out into clapping and cheering. It was beautiful to see them so happy about taking part in their own project.

I have sponsored one door or window in honor of Central Presyberian Church, my home congregation and volunteer sponsor in Anderson, South Carolina, as a symbol of both my gratitude and our relationship with the Presbyterian church in Brazil. With your help I have been able to live in Brazil and follow my call.

2007-12-01T11:30:00.000-02:00

Yesterday Neely and I celebrated 100 years of living - she turned 77 and I 23.
Thanks be to God for our breathing days.
Prayers be to God for our days to come.

We celebrated with pineapple cake and family.

Birthdays are very special in Brazil, filled with many "God bess you"s and looks straight into your eyes as if you had just established world peace. It is a true honoring of a life no matter the age.

2007-11-26T14:25:00.001-02:00

I spent the last week with the McKinnons.

We
told jokes
built ships
played games
swam
danced
made pie
listened to music
ate pizza
opened presents
bought pillows
watched movies
talked about God
giggled
skyped
and
hugged

It was a magical week. I am recharged.

2007-11-17T19:14:00.001-02:00

One of my English students is Dr. Eduardo Leao. Turns out he is the great-grandson of a Mrs. Leao who was good buddies and a right-hand woman with my great-grandfathter.

Today I was invited to his family's farm. I was treated like a queen as we roamed the mango groves, walked through the bamboo forest, played in a beautiful, cascading waterfall, ate acerolas (a small, red Brazilain fruit) straight from the tree and dinned in high fashion. I met Eduardo's mother and grandfather, Joan Leao, a childhood friend of my grandfather.

The sun shown through the spiky palm leaves at just the perfect angle all day. There was a lot of laughter and a strong feeling of connection and appreciation.

2007-11-16T14:54:00.000-02:00

This morning I made my rounds through the hospital: up to post 2 to make visits with a nurse, over to social services to chat with the social worker and back to the chapel to pray before going home for lunch. I was able to carry on intelligent conversations with five different professionals!

On my route I passed the large laundry room of the hospital. I weaved my way through fresh sheets and hospital gowns hanging out to dry in a sort of courtyard between buildings. There is something simple and godly about sheets that have been hung by hand.

Today I feel full and loved.

2007-11-11T12:03:00.000-02:00

Saturday morning started early by working in the vegetable garden at Bread of Life. We tilled the land and planted greens. Fresh, crisp air blew through our hair as our hands became increasingly caked with red soil. It felt good to sweat.

The rest of the day was spent resting and grilling out (called a churrasco).

2007-11-07T22:23:00.000-02:00

Vila Rosalina Presbyterian Church is tucked in on a street surrounded by houses, gardens and even a sty of pigs. Older folks sit outside to escape the heat of their concrete houses. Children play in the quiet streets and run after older boys who ride bicycles around and around the neighborhood. It is not uncommon for groups of children to wonder into the church, especially on Wednesday nights, grab a hymnal and take a seat next to a stranger on the wooden pew. This evening three brothers made themselves at home during Bible study, one next to me. I helped him locate the scripture reading and follow along in the hymnal. We exchanged looks of curiosity and gratitude.

Part of Wednesday night Bible study is praying in groups of two. At the beginning of college I prayed one on one with others often. I had forgotten how intimate and comforting this practice could be. It creates a space in my heart for the movement of the holy spirit.

2007-11-04T21:13:00.000-02:00

The parking lot at Bread of Life has held more and more cars and motorbikes on Sunday afternoons. Fellow Presbyterians from local churches have really taken this project on - it is wonderful to see both enthusiasm and action grow.

I am still shy about using my Portuguese with the children at Bread of Life. I have not yet gotten over my sensitivity to their reaction of giggles. In class we usually read a bible story, discuss it a bit and then sing songs. I am working on including my recreation skills.

2007-11-03T15:00:00.001-02:00

mmm ... November, my favorite month of the year. A Brazilian November brings rain and several national holidays. A Ruth November breaks out a pumpkin candle brought especially from home and plans for a trip to spend Thanksgiving with my American family in Brazil.

Yesterday, one of the national holidays, there was a huge meeting of the Presbytery of Goias (the state in which I live). Members of many Presbyterian churches from the surrounding area arrived in charter buses and car pools at a cultural and recreational center in a small city to worship and enjoy lunch together. Churches from Rio Verde travailed about three hours.

Worship began with singing. It is quite experience to sing praises with Brazilians. It is something I recommend you put on your life list. Many of the young adults, including myself, swam late into the afternoon, chatting as we dried off in the sun before loading the bus to travel back home.

2007-10-22T00:50:00.000-02:00

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.

2007-10-19T13:54:00.000-02:00

As part of the celebration for the 70th anniversary of the Dr. Gordon Presbyterian Hospital, I was interviewed by a local television station. It's in Portuguese (except for my two second spot) but here's the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3C5_pbQZlc

2007-10-10T18:13:00.000-03:00

One of the magi speaking to Jesus in his youth:

"We were seekers. You are that which is sought, Joshua. You are the source. The end is divinity, in the beginning is the word. You are the word."

~ from Lamb by Christopher Moore

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."

John 1:1

Let us seek the word. Let us be the word, as much as our humanity lets us. Because of grace.

2007-10-05T10:37:00.000-03:00

I just found out WCF, my campus ministry and primary fellowship group from Appalachian, is making their May mission trip to Rio Verde! I proceeded to run from our house to the lab, where Lucia works, and bust into her office proclaiming the good news. Everyone on the hall came to her office to see what the fuss was about. They too are very excited for me and for the group that will be coming. Rio Verde is such a friendly and welcoming community.

This morning a friend woke me early. We walked the main street browsing stores and dodging water hoses. Most all floors in Brazilian houses and stores are tile. They are cleaned by dumping buckets of soapy water on top. The dirty water is pushed out into the street with a giant squeegee. Then a rag is placed around the bottom of the squeegee to mop up the rest of the water. Last the street or side walk is hosed off for presentation purposes.

confession 4: I have started drinking entirely too much coke zero since I have come to Brazil.

2007-10-03T12:28:00.000-03:00

As of Monday I am now a paid English teacher at a school called New Leader. The material we use focuses on business language. I enjoy watching people get so excited about learning something. I've also really enjoyed the company of the other teachers. We speak in both Portuguese and English. It is great practice.

Eudoxio and Lucia have two children. Cibele, their daughter, is married to a North Carolinian. They live here in Brazil in another state. Their son, Andre, lives with Cibele and Joseph.
All three of them are coming to Rio Verde next week because it is a week long holiday from school. I am very excited about seeing them!

2007-10-01T23:17:00.000-03:00

Tonight I had my first pb&j since being in Brazil. It wasn't JIF on Mom June's bread but it was still pretty tasty.

2007-09-29T23:52:00.001-03:00

I was definitely called out by a Brazilian for wearing keens with a dress. Don't worry, I told them most Americans care a little bit more about matching, I just really like wearing comfortable shoes.

2007-09-27T17:39:00.000-03:00

The walk to Nelly's is pleasant and short. It usually only lasts as long as two or three songs on my ipod. Zooming by me as I walk are all kinds of different people on motorbikes: women wearing spiky high heels, young boys with pizzas and children hanging on for dear life wearing chunky helmets. In addition there are men on every corner standing next to motorbikes wearing bright yellow vests with TAXI written across the back. They can also be recognized by the extra bright yellow helmet attached to the back of their bikes.

2007-09-27T13:08:00.001-03:00

This week we have been celebrating the hospital's 70th anniversary. On Tuesday there was a special service held in the hospital chapel. Eudoxio asked me to say a few words. Following is my contribution for the occasion. Lucia translated for me as I spoke in English.

The memories I have of my great grandfather are of him in Washington, D. C., a good while after he had journeyed to Rio Verde, Brazil. One vivid memory I have is climbing up into his big, red chair and sitting on his lap while he read the bible to me. I remember accompanying him on walks in the park around his apartment. He walked with attentiveness and purpose; the way I imagine he also treated his journey to Rio Verde, as well as his journey with God and many others to found this hospital.

The dictionary defines journey as the “process from one stage to another, usually taking a rather long time.” The foundation and maintenance of this hospital has been a journey of 70 years until now, with the help of many Brazilian and American brothers and sisters; however, it is a journey that still continues. I think the most important thing in a journey is the message in our eyes. Our eyes express purpose and passion or the lack thereof. From the few memories I have and the pictures I’ve seen, my great grandfather’s eyes tell me the most. They sparkle with humility, gratitude, and joy.

Today let us celebrate! Let us also depart from this place with eyes that blaze with purpose and a passion for this hospital that honors my great grandfather, Dr. Gordon.

~Chapel at the Dr. Gordon Presbyterian Hospital, Rio Verde, Brazil, September 25, 2007

Saturday there will be a big lunch for all the hospital staff and their families. I am looking forward to mingling with people.

2007-09-23T21:23:00.000-03:00

Today I held a baby and squeezed my own orange juice. I'd call that a good day.

2007-09-23T12:40:00.001-03:00

Yesterday we had people over for a pool and pizza party. Lucia invited several people from the church and we had a really good time. I am starting to learn and actually remember some names. Thanks Lucia for getting everything together!

Later the same evening I was invited to a traditional Brazilian bbq (not in the southern use of the word). It involves lots of red meat, sausage and rice.

My presence very often evokes a conversation among Brazilians about how crazy their language is.

The night ended with watermelon. I like eating watermelon when I don't have to worry how much of it ends up on my face.

confession 3: I miss having a dryer, especially for jeans and towels.

2007-09-19T16:40:00.000-03:00

It's raining in Rio Verde this afternoon. I sat outside and listened to the thunder. It was refreshing to feel moistness in the air.

2007-09-16T21:55:00.000-03:00

Once again I found myself at Pao da Vida surrounded by many loud children either scrounging for crayons or trying to make sense of this strange, rosy-faced, white girl in the corner. When I finally get the courage to sit on the floor with a few of the boys, they show me their coloring with beams of joy shining through their dark, brown eyes. I manage to point to the baby in the manager and say, "Jesus," but mostly I am reminded of something I read just a few days ago:

"Once, when he was too ill to preach, Saint Francis simply stood before his congregation--mute--and gazed on them with love."
~From When God is Silent by Barbara Brown Taylor

2007-09-15T21:25:00.000-03:00

I have a confession to make, well 2: I am offically addicted to chocolate milk, I still love country music

Tonight Lucia and I took Nelly out for milkshakes. We sat outside in the main square of Rio Verde and watched life. Yay for taking life slow.

2007-09-13T23:19:00.000-03:00

The past two days I have been volunteering in the childcare center at the hospital. This involves listening to and instructing children who merely giggle at my Portuguese and laugh at my attempt to teach them songs in English.

On Wednesday I was introduced as Tia. The director then looked at me and said in Portuguese, "Ruth, you can converse with them or whatever you want, they are yours" and walked away. Uh, um, ok, well ... the first thing that popped into my head was a song I learned at North Anderson Community Church Presbyterian.

Kids of the Kingdom. That's what we are.
Kids of the Kingdom. That's what we are.
We love Jesus. (clap) We love the Lord.
We love Jesus. (clap) We love the Lord.

Easy enough, right? WELL. I resorted to teaching numbers in English by drawing Hopscotch on the pavement. I ended up just barley managing to keep them from getting hurt.

Today the challenge was to keep the children out of the "falling wet cement zone." I came away with a few battle scars.

Tomorrow is a new day. I will try to teach the song again with the help of one of the Brazilian teachers. She is interested in helping the children learn the song for chapel. They attend and sing at chapel every Tuesday morning.

2007-09-11T18:06:00.000-03:00

My Tuesday and Thursday afternoons are now occupied by the charming Nelly. Nelly is Lucia's mother. She has lived in Rio Verde for the past 50 years. She speaks with crisp diction (just like my mother). :) We have a language exchange agreement. I walk to her house on the appropriate afternoons and we teach each other. On Tuesdays we have English class and on Thursdays we study Portuguese. She is a lively lady with a strong faith. I really enjoy spending time with her. She is easy to talk to and treats me like a granddaughter. She already knows basic English very well. She wants to be able to converse with the mission groups when they come from the Carolinas (and speak very fast).

2007-09-10T22:47:00.000-03:00

I now have a profile on the Brazilian version of facebook. As of today, I am also one of those women who walks around town in her platform heels.

Boyfriends are a big thing in Brazil. I think I'll event one who lives in Fortaleza, Brazil (very north Brazil, a beautiful, touristy town) so people will stop trying to set me up. His name is Marco.

This morning I attended chapel at 7 am. I then shadowed the hospital social worker for the day. I sat in on the interviews of ten patients asking to be considered for a discount on certain medical services. They are no different from clients I interviewed in Ashe County, NC during my internship. I also visited one patient and caretaker in the hospital. At this point my social work skills fell at the communication barrier. I desire to be productive ... back to the language books. I must remember my productivity can be measured in other ways as well.

The halls of the hospital are small and dark. The rooms are pleasant due to breezes from open windows. I was walking the halls of the hospital during visitation hour. Rooms were filled with family members and friends.

One of the best things about working in Brazil is the two hour break you get between 12 and 2 - just enough time to eat and break-in the hammock.

2007-09-09T23:06:00.000-03:00

Lucia and Eudoxio spend about an hour each Sunday afternoon teaching children and adults about God at Pao da Vida (Bread of Life). The full name is the Pao da Vida Presbyterian Project. The building was built by the hearts and hands of members of Presbyterian churches in North Carolina. It still needs finishing touches (a bathroom) and desks for the classrooms.

Upon our arrival I was overwhelmed with the amount of people that filled the simple sanctuary; however, the parking lot* only held one motorbike, one horse and buggy and one car (ours).
Lucia motioned for me to join her and Eudoxio at the front where I proceeded to sing and motion to the short songs in Portuguese as best as I could. I mostly watched and smiled at children. When the children were excused to go to their classes, I ended up in the 12 and up class. I arrived before Lucia with a weak smile. I said in barely understandable Portuguese, "I'm Ruth. Let's wait for Lucia." Some of the children explained my words to the others. One asked, "You're not Brazilian, are you?" I replied, "I'm both Brazilian and American, but I'm mostly American because that is where I have lived all my life." They just beamed back at me. At the end of the lesson Lucia asked my to pray. Again in barely understandable Portuguese, I prayed aloud. The children repeated my words, correcting my grammar in their response. I was both grateful and embarrassed.

It is common for churches in Brazil to hold singing, announcements and Sunday school in the morning and convene again the Sunday evening for more formal worship. It is also common to speak to every single person in the church when you enter and when leave. Between coming and going twice each on Sunday that is a lot of kisses. It's also a lot of names. Since I am usually good with names, I find it frustrating not to be able to keep up with all the new Brazilian names. I think I'll start carrying a small notebook in my purse.

Sunday ended with me riding home from church in the back of a pick up with four handsome men (ages 4-8). I am one lucky girl.

*clumps of hard packed red clay

2007-09-08T17:49:00.001-03:00

I am still working out how I can use my computer while in a hammock.

2007-09-08T17:49:00.000-03:00

I love that there are no free refills. I don't love that I have to pay for water.

2007-09-07T21:41:00.000-03:00

Eudoxio, Lucia and I celebrated the anniversary of Brazil's Independence by sleeping in, lounging in hammocks and eating well. After lunch, three girls from the church came over to swim. I life guarded and started teaching one of them, Larissa, how to dive. They were fun to talk with and are now totally occupied with finding me a boyfriend.

This evening Lucia and I went walking. Earlier I had asked her if there was a good place to walk, preferably where I wouldn't have to stop for traffic and such. I should not have been surprised when we ended up circling the city's soccer stadium. It was a very pleasant evening with the background noise of Brazilian teen-agers blaring loud, American music.

2007-09-06T23:42:00.000-03:00

This afternoon I set out on my first solo adventure in Brazil. Lucia gave my directions for several papelerias (stores with books and office/school supplies) in Rio Verde. She was cute about giving me instructions about locking the house and not talking to strangers (which, at this point, is almost everyone). Just before I waked out the door she gave me a kiss and said "Vai com Deus" (Go with God). It took a second for the words to sink in ... oh, of course, my mom says this too! I looked back and gave her a big smile.

An hour later I came home with Barbie stationary, crayons, drawing paper, markers, a blue ink pad and 20 envelopes. Yeah Ruth! Lucia was especially impressed I knew how to ask for the ink pad. I had taken the stamp with me and was pretty creative in my round-about explanation.

2007-09-05T22:39:00.000-03:00

Tonight I held a small, young, Brazilian hand during the closing prayer of the bible study at Vila Rosalina Presbyterian Church. The lesson was from John 15 and Galatians 5. I am truly blessed to be here living, praying and worshiping with the Brazilian people.

I finally arrived in Rio Verde, Brazil on Tuesday, September 4, 2007. After a year of planning and prepartation I am in the place I believe God is calling me to be for the next year. Big hugs and thanks to those of you who were part of the dreaming, planning, praying, crying, laughing and waiting.

The Santos (Lucia and Eudoxio - my hosts and adopted parents for the next year) have a roomy home on the hospital grounds. I have my own room and even better, my very own bathroom! (Note in the picutre in my snapfish album there is no yucky shower curtain to attack me! :)) Their house has wireless and 2 hammocks so I am pretty much set.

Last night Lucia and I went grocery shopping. We had a lot of fun and spent almost two hours because we were naming everything in the store in Portuguese and in English. We are helping each other learn. I think this will be an excellent year.

2007-09-03T13:21:00.000-03:00

Sunday afternoon's treat was pumpkin ice cream with coconut! It took me back to pumpkin scones at Stick Boy and midnight trips to tcby in the fall. (speaking of fall ... How 'bout them MOUNTAINEERS!?! Go, fight, win Appalachian!)

You know those grandmothers that cook great meals and expect you to eat EVERYthing twice in order to show your appreciation? This weekend we ate lunch at Sergio's parents' house. His mother is a fantastic cook and loves to have people over for meals, big meals. She is relentless! It was a lunch-long battle between her telling me to put more meat on my plate, Tia Helena trying to explain that I didn't really eat a lot of meat, especially sausage, and me saying in Portuguese "Thank you, I'll at least try some."

On the way back home from Serra Negra, Tio Sergio, Tia Helena and I stopped by the grocery store to pick up some things for the week. In the produce section I was given a lesson in the many varieties of pumpkins and squash in Brazil. I also bought a map of Brazil so I could start to learn the different states and capitals and such. I tried to pay the cashier with a Euro 10 cent piece by accident. We had a good laugh.

Today is bittersweet. It is sad to leave my cousins and exciting to start work in Rio Verde.

2007-08-31T23:28:00.000-03:00

This morning I went to class with Lia at the Methodist University of Piracicaba. She had dance and handball. (Her major is physical education and she gets picked on as much as the Recreation majors at Appalachian ;)). Before class started the students arranged their desks in groups to sit close to one another. Watching the group dynamics of the class was hysterical. It was much like watching your average American sitcom about teenagers.

During the handball class, which was a practicum today, I sat on the sideline with a spunky Brazilian named Natalia. She knew English very well so we had a lot of fun teaching each other cultural expressions. We mainly spoke in Portuguese! (My accent is better understood by Brazilians who know English).

For dinner Tia Helena, Ivy, Lia and I walked down to a local sandwich shop. It has famous quotes painted all over the place and and smells of cappuccino.

We're off to Serra Negra again for my last weekend with the Lemes.

2007-08-30T22:18:00.000-03:00

We are just leaving winter and it is starting to be spring in Brazil. The weather is usually between 50 and 80. Although lately it has been colder and very windy. I have stayed inside listening to my shuffle and studying Portuguese. Tia Helena and I went to the mall for a cappuccino the other day. I love capuccinos!

On the international flight I was allowed two checked bags, one carry on and one personal item. I brought a trunk and one big suitcase with wheels weighing 50lbs each. I also had my hiking pack and my laptop bag with me, both stuffed with many books and papers and stationary. Next Tuesday I am flying with a national company that only allows me to have a total of 50lbs checked luggage and carry on only 5lbs. This presents a problem weighing in at over 50lbs. For the past few days I have been resorting, repacking and preparing the books/paper to mail. I plan to leave my trunk with some things at the Leme's house in Serra Negra. I'll be coming back to flight out in June and maybe in February with my mom. ;)

2007-08-30T01:01:00.000-03:00

Today's Portuguese Lesson: Ivy quickly spitting off questions to me and I translating them into English. We also did a mock interview of me and someone I might meet in Rio Verde. "Class" ended with us gasping for breath from laughter and trying to explain idioms to each other.

2007-08-28T22:39:00.000-03:00

This past weekend was quite a whirlwind.

Saturday morning the Lemes and I woke up in Piracicaba after a fun family evening on Friday - (dinner in and watching The Da Vinci Code). We lounged a bit and then went down to the river for lunch. We went to "the" fish place in Piracicaba. It was just my style. Plastic chairs and tables with cotton table clothes under white umbrellas next to a flowing blue river. I sat sipping Guarana (the soft drink of Brazil) and enjoying the breeze and the company of my cousins.

The best part of the big party was getting ready in Ana's apartment with six other women. There was make-up, jewelry, shoes and dresses everywhere! It was a fun bonding time. The tradition in Brazil for formal parties is for the band to go through the decades of American music. And I thought I had come to Brazil to go to parties and NOT have to dance the YMCA. ;) After we reached the 90's, there was a big presentation and waltz of the graduates followed by dinner. The Brazilian music and dancing didn't start until about 3 am. We headed back to Ana's apartment about 4:30 am. I was one beat gringa.

On Sunday afternoon we went to the part of Sao Paulo that is considered China Town. There are many street vendors with trinkets and food. On Tio Sergio's side of the family there is an Aunt and Uncle with triplets that the Lemes spend a lot of time with. That afternoon it was the five of them, the five Lemes, Dodo, Roberto and I that were trying to navigate the streets. When lunch was taking a long time to find, we paused for a melon popsicle. Once we got to lunch, I ate quickly and then ended up totally sacked out next to our low seated Chinese table. One of the triplets caught it on camera.

The past few days I have been doing Pilates by using a Portuguese DVD to help me remember the mat sequence. It's great language practice! Lia loves to dance. She currently has classes in Irish dancing (like Riverdance) and Spanish dancing. On Friday she did Pilates with me and I attempted to do the warm up for an Irish dance class. Let's just say we got a great laugh workout.

I understand less everyday because people have started to talk to me in larger sentences and bigger words; however, this is the best motivation for studying and giving my dictionary attention. It is still a fun learning experience. Every time we watch TV I get practice by reading the Portuguese subtitles - that I am getting better at! ALSO, I have successfully answered the telephone and relayed the appropriate message three times!

Tonight Ivy and Lia have English class. Tia Helena is at the grocery store. We are having hamburgers and I'm going to make sweet patato fries!!!!! Life is good. Tell me about yours...

2007-08-22T18:35:00.000-03:00

Last night I put Ivy's camera memory card into my computer. The usual box popped up that reads, "Found New Hardware." I read this box aloud in a very mechanical voice. Ivy looked at me with a very confused face. I again read the box imitating the woman who explains what to do before someone's voicemail. Ivy said, "Say it more Brazilian." So I read, "Founjee newa hardshwear." She laughed and said, "Oh, It found new hardware!

A big thing I have missed is spinach. It grows in Brazil, but Brazilians only eat it cooked. My aunt looked at me a little funny when I said I wanted it as a salad; however, for lunch today she brought home a bunch of leaves and separated some out just for me. I ate it with our cheesy, chicken pasta. Mmmmmm!

Today I've been studying Portuguese by watching Brazilian music videos. I am also picking up some new dance moves for the ball (Ana's formal graduation party) on Saturday. Ok, stop laughing. After lunch I conjugated verbs - flashback to Pat Price's Latin class. Tia Helena and I also bought my plane ticket to Rio Verde. She could not think of putting me on a 16 hour bus trip traveling by terrible, rocky roads.

One of my favorite Brazilian snacks is called Romeo and Juliet. It is a slice of white cheese with a bit of Goiabada (jamish spread of one of my favorite fruits in Brazil - Goiaba (Guava in English).) I will share it with you when I come back.

2007-08-20T22:34:00.000-03:00

The weekend was fantastic. Sunday afternoon after a wonderful lunch of three kinds of pastas, chicken, dark green salad and coconut chocolate cake, I lounged in a swinging hammock chair overlooking the blue, misty mountain view. I spent time reading, journaling and listening to Paul Simon.
The church service is on Saturday night in Serra Negra (the mountain town). One of the coolest things about many Brazilians churches that I've been to, including this one, is that they leave their doors open during the service. I love this! The street and the church become one. In Sunday school we discussed Ecclesiastes 7. I was able to follow along in my English Bible as well as pick out pieces of the conversation. My fellow Brazilian brothers and sisters reminded me that God has a plan for my life that consists of times to celebrate and times to mourn. They spoke about how both are necessary and from a wisdom that we can not pretend to understand. Awesome, I guess I can stop trying to have all the answers. :)
After church, Tio Sergio, Tia Helena, Ana, Dodo (Ana's newly wed husband), Ivy, Roberto (Ivy's boyfriend), Lia, Anderson (Lia's boyfriend), Tia Hope (my great aunt) and I went out for pizza. I sat next to Tia Hope (who lived in Rio Verde while her father (my great grandfather) was founding the hospital). It was incredible to hear her stories and spend time just laughing with her. She lives in Serra Negra and still translates for a publishing company at 81 years of age. So Cool.
I also love being with the girls and their boyfriends. Each of them are very funny in a different way. They try to include me as much as possible. A common heard sentence is "Como fala _____ em Ingles?" (How do you say ____ in English?) Then they all squint and shake their heads as they rack their brains for some English word they once learned but have now forgotten. We all laugh and continue to joke in bits of both languages with a lot of hand gestures.
On Sunday, many more family members came to the Leme's mountain house. Many hands prepared lunch. I, being the new interesting American, entertained the children. Now, I know what some of you are thinking; however, it was a lovely experience. I got to practice much of my Portuguese- children ask a lot of questions!- while we played a game. I read the instructions in English and then tried to explain. It was quite comical.
Late Sunday night we drove back to Piracicaba. In the morning there are classes, work and more Portuguese flashcards to be had. (oh and Mango eating too, of course!)

2007-08-17T19:33:00.000-03:00

My family, The Lemes, who I am staying with now consists of 5 people and one dog. Tio Sergio (Uncle in Portuguese), Tia (Aunt) Helena, Ana, Ivy and Lia. The dog is Teddy (pronounced Tejee). All of them have been more than hospitable. I like to practice my Portuguese with Teddy since he looks at me with puppy eyes no matter what I say or how I say it.

It is fun to be in a family of women. Even with this only being day four, I have started to joke and laugh with them, both in Portuguese and in English. Tonight we went out for dinner (Brazilian style pizza-yum!) and had a magnificent time. Now I am helping Aunt Helena with her English-Portuguese translation for her online class. I have enjoyed reading your responses to my update! Thank you for your kind words.

2007-08-16T11:45:00.000-03:00

My cousin Ana, Aunt Helena's daughter, is having a big, formal party to celebrate her graduation on Aug. 25. Since I will still be living with the them, I am to go! After breakfast this morning Ana drove me to a fancy bridal shop to meet her mother and her sister, Ivy. (pronounced Evey) Aunt Helena told me I could pick out any dress in the room and she would rent it for me to wear to the party. wow, well, Sure! Soon I had women all around me zipping and pulling dresses over my head and commenting in Portuguese. The final result was a bright teal blue dress with some swirls of beads (imitating peacock feathers). I think it will be a very fun evening; well morning really, the party starts at 11pm and will go to 6am! Nossa. (oh my in Portuguese)

2007-08-15T17:43:00.000-03:00

What an amazing feeling to step off the plane in Sao Paulo and pass through the line marked "Brazilians" to enter the country. I felt blessed and ready for adventure. Now I sit in my Aunt Helena's apartment overlooking the city of Piracicaba (2 hours from Sao Paulo). It is here I will be for the next three weeks feeding my Brazilian soul with family, language and culture.

Brazil smells the same as I remember: fresh bread, laundered hanging clothes and relaxing evening breezes. I am still catching up on rest and am looking forward to a routine.