A Sunday Afternoon

For the last few Sundays I have been in charge over at the teenage girls house. Tuca stays at the girls house from Monday morning until Friday afternoon watching the girls. That is quite a work shift huh?! Every other weekend the girls go up to Casa do Caminho and come back down on Sunday. This mean that every Sunday and every other Saturday they need an adult there to watch the girls.

This last Sunday we did makeovers! All the girls love their Orkut (Brazilian Facebook) and love to take pictures to put on their profile. So of course we took tons of photos! The girls were a little crazy but loved it a lot!

Silvia

Iandra

While doing their makeup

Daiana

Ana Carolina

Camilla

Fabiline

Now you know some of the girls that I love so much! It is really nice being over there with them. It is just a big slumber party!

School Days

While walking to the school for the big party they were having we stopped to take a few pictures of Gabriely. She was a little tired so we didn't really get a smile, but we got plenty of other expressions instead! She loves having her picture taken. She loves it so much that she will stop crying if you say you will take her picture. A great thing for her mom to know!



Cristiane and Gabriely ready for the party!



I didn't really understand what the party was for, all I know is the school was full of people and there was some dancing going on. It was fun to see how the kids reacted to all their friends. It made me remember my elementary school days. Here is a picture of what their school looks like. Quite the fun playground they have huh? I am sure it is even more fun when it rains and it is covered in mud!




At the school there was a little candy stand so I went over to buy a few lollipops for the kids. Here is the math quiz for the day. If I buy 5 lollipops at 20 cents each how much is that? When I gave a 20 to the woman (no, not a child. a 40 year old woman) she gave me back 18.20. How does 5x20 equal 1.80? I am not quite sure. However when I asked her about it, she just looked at me strange. I had to explain it to her then she got it. Now I can completely understand that we all have our days, and sometimes simple math comes out wrong. But...

When I went back to what was our little group of 5, there was all of a sudden a few more kids. You can't give lollipops to just some of them. I had to go back and get a few more. There were only 3 lollipops left so I decided to buy all 3. Now lets do this again, 3 lollipops at 20 cents each... I gave her 1 real and she gave me no change. How does 3x20 equal 1 real?

Two times in a row? I wonder how many of these little kids who are just now learning how to do math like this get ripped off by the adult who can't do math! I am sure there are kids who have been gypped on lollipops.

PLAY DOUGH

The "class" that I have been having with the kids currently consists of playing, playing, and some more playing. I am hoping to begin some educational activities soon... hopefully this week. So the other day we played with Play dough. It was so much fun! We made an island, a swimming pool with a guy chillin' in it, pizzas, baskets of food, lips, flip flops, and much more! The creativity never ends here!

Leonardo got kissed!

Eveline was surprised!

And Caio shows off his... bowl of peas?

This was just in the second week of the "class" with the kids and I wasn't sure if they really thought anything of it. I mean all kids love to play so I knew that they were having fun but it is hard to know if it means to them what it means to me. Then this day Leonardo showed up with a game. A game he created the night before just for us to play. It was so sweet. It just showed to me that the class that just consisted of playing actually means something to him, enough to create a whole game. And it was a fun game too!

Botanical Gardens

Just recently I found out that there was a Botanical Garden located in Rio de Janeiro. So of course Eveline and I had to go see it! It was a nice little trip and a beautiful place to be! We saw the biggest lily pads I have ever seen! Plus it was so peaceful and relaxing. If you are ever in Rio, I would highly suggest going.

Bitter Sweet

As you may have noticed I haven't really been writing about the Culture Center and the progress of that. Well today is the day that it finally comes out. That wonderful building that we had the offer in for had several problems. We kept figuring them out, slowly, until finally in the end it was proven impossible to purchase. But to make it even worse, we found out that every building in this city is impossible to purchase. Why? Because Xerem is not a known city. As in no land is registered. I went to the government building to find out how we can register the land here and they said it will take 5 years from the time that they begin registering Xerem. I then asked when they might start and the reply was, "Only God knows." Really comforting.

Basically what happened is since this city is full of rivers it was meant to be a park full of flowers and trees. However people found the land and decided to live here. They claimed land, bought and sold it, and now live on it. This city is huge, but completely illegal. They can purchase amongst themselves, but a foreign investor can't prove the building that he is buying, therefore he can buy it. Nice to know after 4 months of being here...

However the title of this post is labeled Bitter Sweet for a reason. Although the Culture Center will not be opened (by me, nor at this time- there are thoughts of building a building on the one piece of land that is legal, but we'll see) that doesn't mean that I can't accomplish the very thing that I came here to do. I came here to play with the cute kids and show them that they are important. So last Tuesday at 9:30 am we started our "class". There was about 7 kids and we just played. We don't have a location, we just play in the streets. But that works for me and the kids aren't complaining! We will have it 2 times per day 3 days a week. So far it has been really nice. I finally feel like I am doing what I came to do. I finally feel like I am accomplishing something. I finally feel good.

Here are a few pictures from our first day.

I've Learned

Shortly after leaving the Neto Cruz family's house I arrived at Barbara's 30th Birthday party. Barbara is the wife of Junior, the main political figure in this city, and a good friend of mine. She mentioned to me that it was going to be just a small party only inviting close friends and family. Upon arriving at their farm it was clear that it wasn't just a small party. It was fully catered and decorated. They even newly tiled the floor on the veranda and painted the house for this party.

Everything was beautiful; candle lit tables under the star filled sky, flowers, and smiles on everyones faces.

People just kept arriving to the party. Aunts, uncles, sisters, brothers, the secretary of agriculture, the director of all the hospitals in Caxias, even the mayor's family was there. And this was just a small party, only inviting family and close friends.

The party was wonderful, truly it was. It seemed as if I had walked through two different worlds that evening. One house that often lacks food to the other that always has plenty. One family who often lacks clothes and shoes to another who never lacks. One family of 6 who all sleep in the same room, in one bed to another of 4 who have 4 houses. And yet both families are filled with love for each other and always have smiles on their faces. Two families that live in different worlds and yet find happiness in what is most important; family. Tonight I learned that in the end it doesn't matter what you have or don't have but what matter the most is your family.

My funny boys

Saturday evening I made a quick stop at the Neto Cruz Family's house. I didn't have much time since I was on my way to Barbara's Birthday party, but I had to stop by before I went. It has been quite a while since I have taken any pictures of them; you know how it is you take tons in the beginning and then you result to taking them only when something big happens. But the boys looked to cute this evening and they wanted their picture taken so badly that I couldn't help but take several! Here are just a few, aren't they so adorable! They bring me such joy by their smiles and their hugs. I love these boys!

Pão de Açúcar

Thursday we climbed up Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf). Sure you can take a cable car to the top of this 1200 ft mountain but we chose the less traditional route by walking, rock climbing, and on occasion crawling up to the top. The day started around 10 with the sun shinning and skies clear. It made for amazing views all the way up.



Our guide was great! He knew all the secrets for making the trek easier, which spots weren't as slippery, were to stop to take a break and take pictures, and where to find the most breath taking views. He kept calling it his outdoor gym with God's view of the world.



After 4 hours we finally made it to the top!



We took the easy way down to the first mountain and walked the rest down from there. But on the cable car ride down we took this picture to show what we climbed up. I still can't believe that we climbed up to the top of Sugarloaf!

Rio de Janeiro

The last few days Dallin was here we went to Rio de Janeiro and tried to fit in everything! We ran all over the city! First we went to the steps of Lapa. A man named Seleron moved to Lapa in Rio and fell in love with Brazil (he being from Chile). To show his love for Brazil he created these steps. He created a clay that allows his to constantly replace and change the tiles. He has collected tiles from all over the world and tourists send him new ones all the time to add to the steps. You can send him one if you want too! Then when you go there he will point out which one you sent. If you list any country he will show you all the tiles that he has from there. Unfortunately he didn't have one from Oregon, but he wants one! Anybody want to send one???




Lapa is also know for the arches that were constructed in the mid-18th century. This is one of my favorite places in Rio, just don't go there at night... Along the top of the aches runs the old bonde train up to the neighborhood of Santa Teresa.



Another day Dallin and I went to visit my friend Olivia. She lives in a place with an amazing view of Rio de Janeiro. I just love this city! and I love it more when Dallin is here too!



You can't come to Rio and not to see the Christ statue. We went up at dusk and were able to see an amazing sunset, and the city lit up at night. The statue, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, (so many different categories hahaha) is so impressive. My favorite part about it is from almost anywhere in Rio you can find the statue. So Jesus is everywhere in Rio!

Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina

Ever wanted to be two places at once? The Itaipu Dam is the largest operational hydroelectric power plant in the world and is located on the borders of Brazil and Paraguay. While taking a tour inside we found the border line and were able to be in two places at once, now that can be marked off of my list of things to do before I die.



The Itaipu Dam is quite impressive. In 1994 it was elected as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. I found out that it supplies 90% of energy consumed in Paraguay and over 20% of Brazil. That is a lot of energy! Of course Dallin understood more about it than me, but it was still interesting to learn about.




That afternoon we took a quick bus over to Argentina to make for the 3rd country and see the 2nd world wonder for the day. This is one of the Seven Forgotten Wonders of the Natural World. I think it is getting ridiculous with how many wonders there are, there are no longer just 7, I think it is up to 63 now. Different categories of wonders, but either way they all are still amazing!
It was nice to see Iguazu Falls from the other side.



Because we went to the Dam in the morning, we didn't have as much time to walk around this side of the falls. So we opted to take the boat tour, which sounded exciting! We purchased our tickets for the last run of the day and found out that it was just going to be us two! The tour started out with a 20 minute ride through the jungle. While driving to the river we saw other jeeps pass us full of people! We got so lucky for it to be just us two! At the end of the ride we got into this boat and went speeding towards the falls.

After a good 15 minutes of taking pictures the guide asked us to put our cameras away. Then he took us straight into the falls! The water was pouring down on us! It was fantastic! We were completely soaked and loved it. I am ready to go back!

Foz do Iguaçu

Just in case Dallin hadn't had enough of flying by now I took him on another quick flight over to Foz do Iguaçu. That makes 4 days in a row flying? Good thing we were here for 3 days to give him a little break right! Foz do Iguaçu (Iguazu Falls) is located along the boarders of Brazil and Argentina (and a few miles from Paraguay). It consists of 275 waterfalls over a mile and a half long stretch. Needless to say the view is breath taking. It was by far the most amazing place I have ever been.



On the first day we went to the Brazilian side and left the more amazing view on the Argentinean side for the next day. We encountered some friendly animals along our way and made friends with some Japanese tourists. It made for quite the memorable morning.






Seriously the pictures don't even begin to do justice to the beauty that is found here. I definitely suggest to everyone to make a trip to this World Wonder.

Curitiba

Saturday evening we took a quick flight down to Curitiba. Dallin and I went because our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was dedicating a new Temple and we were able to participate. The Curitiba Temple is the 126th operating Temple in the world. You can see how rare of an opportunity it is to see a new one being dedicated, and we were so grateful for the chance to be there!



It was absolutely beautiful, I loved the trees that surrounded it.



We had a few hours in the morning to walk around the city. We found several interesting things, a 24 hour clock, tube bus stops, random bright colored buildings, and our favorite... a barfing horse fountain. Art these days...

Dallin Arrives

On May 31st my boyfriend Dallin flew down here to Brazil to visit for 10 days. (You could say I have been looking forward to this for a little while now!) We started of the trip right by taking a motorcycle up to Casa do Caminho orphanage. It was really great showing Dallin something that has been so important to me for over 3 years. And of course he ate his first meal of rice and beans. YUM!



While in Brazil there is one thing that everyone must do, and that is play soccer! We got a few of the boys from the families that I work with to come and play with us. It was great! You can see the water on the floor from the rain, the kids were slipping and sliding all over as they tried to make goals.

These boys have been looking forward to Dallin coming for a long time. They would come up to me and say "Only 15 days until we get to play soccer with your boyfriend." The next day "Only 14 days... and so on. By the time that Dallin finally arrived they could barely contain themselves! It was fun to see how excited they were to play soccer with him.

Rock & Roll Dad

Last Saturday evening while In Búzios Junior, Bárbara and I went walking down Rua das Pedras (Rock Road) when we found this great little place that had live Rock & Roll. We decided to sit down for a little while. I told them how if my Dad was there is would be dancing and singing along with all the great songs.
As the band continued singing I just kept thinking about the many times I would drive in the car with my Dad and we would sing to Elvis, the Mamas and Papas, and many more. I thought about how he dances and snaps his fingers to the beat. I thought about how happy he seems when listening to his Rock & Roll. And after all of this I thought about how much I miss my Dad. I wanted so badly to have him there with me and we could rock out together. We could check out the cool Harley Davidson parked out front. And last we could have chocolate milkshakes. Sounds like a good plan to me! Dad want to come and visit me??

Dentist in Brazil

This morning Graciano and I went to the Dentist. There is a Medical post near the entrance of the city that offers free services, if you get there early at least. I had to bring a girl from the orphanage there last week when I saw a sign that mentioned that along with offering emergency medical service, they also have a dentist a few days a week.



Here is the sign that is so professionally posted on the wall. It says, "Attention users, numbers for the Dentist are given at the post at 6 am but you must wait with your number here!" So what I get from this sign is that you must arrive at 6 am to get a number and then wait until your number is called. Is that what you get from it too?
So Graciano and I arrive at 6 am, and while we are in the tropical country of Brazil believe it or not at 6 am it is cold! There is no one to give us a number, and it fact there is no one else there that would even want a number. So we were told to sit and wait a little while.



You can see from this picture that we arrived when it was still dark and just waited. While waiting to find out when we can get a number we read a little and played a game. Finally a man comes up to us to say that the receptionist will not arrive for another 30 minutes and we don't know if the dentist will show up today. What? She is scheduled to come but they don't know if she will? hahaha only in Brazil.
We decided to wait a little longer for the receptionist to show up and see if she knew anything. Then all of a sudden my friend Adimir shows up and asks why I am there so early. Well, the sign clearly says to get there early. He says to me, "No you don't have to come early, you know Junior Reis (politician) and he says anyone from the orphanage gets in first. While the child I brought wasn't from the orphanage it still worked because I am from there. Needless to say we left and went back later.




This is the emergency medical post of the city. If I was sick, this is where I would want to go to for sure. Anyway we got there and everyone knew that I was from the orphanage so we got right into the dentist. She looked in his mouth and pulled out his tooth. We were in and out in seriously 2 minutes. I couldn't believe it! Sometimes being a gringo has it's advantages here.



Don't worry I took good care of him after his tooth was pulled. Plus he said that it didn't hurt, he was just acting for the camera. So this is my story of going to the Dentist in Brazil. Everything is always an adventure and never goes as planned. But that is part of the fun of it.