School

Last Thursday Eveline and I went to visit a private school here in Xerém. The previous night while giving English lessons and Junior's house the director of this school dropped in and invited us to visit the school.


Seven of the teenagers from the orphanage attend this school. it was really interesting to see where they attend school and see the atmosphere. Apparently they were all late that day. oops!



The director seemed to know every student. As he would walk in the courtyard he would stop and joke with the students or ask how they were doing. This would be normal for a school in a small city. You see I was under the impression that this was a small city but he told me that they have over 1500 students a day in this school. And this school only offers the highest 2 grades of school, or as an alternative a 3 year course for becoming a teacher. Then to make this city even bigger, there are 4 schools like this here. I had no idea it was so big! That is a lot of 15 to 18 year olds!



Look at the size of the school! Yes I mean how small it is. 1500 students everyday. Granted they are divided into morning, afternoon, and evening classes. They have 12 classrooms that have 50 students in each. There is one computer lab with 10 computers. And of course there is a enclosed soccer field out back!

Day at the Park

Yesterday afternoon Cristiane and I took the boys to the park for a little while. They began a game of soccer and had several other boys join in later. It is fun to watch them play soccer, they have so many little tricks. After about 10 minutes the two youngest boys were tired of playing and decided to swing.




The swings are so different here! I can't imagine how they could be comfortable, or even bearable! I don't know if you can really tell from the pictures but they are all metal and have backs so I don't really know how you can "swing" while swinging... but the kids all seem to have fun so I guess it works!



Vitória was at the park too, it was a nice surprise. She is my good friend's niece and is currently my neighbor. She has quite the little personality with more facial expressions that anyone than I have ever met! Here all you can see is her cute, sweet side but she can be quite sassy (which still is adorable), filled will her own opinions. Occasionally she will just walk into my room and say "teach me how to use your computer" or "go get me food". She makes me laugh.

YSA Activity in Petrópolis

While walking down Rua Teresa, famous for shopping, I looked to my right only to find a church building! It was just right there, how random! I was so excited to see it. Jessica and I noticed that the door was open so we went inside to see if I could play the piano.

When we walked in we found 2 women sitting at the end of the hallway. When I went to ask if I could play the piano they said their was an activity going on in the gym and that the piano was probably locked. A few minutes later we went to check and unfortunately it was locked! But as we passed through the gym we saw there was a Young Single Adult activity going on! Of all the days and times to go to Petrópolis and then to find the church, we found it the night there was an activity! We decided to join and stay for a while.

They played volleyball, ping-pong, music and there was some dancing too! It was so fun!

It was such a nice surprise to be able to join this activity. We had tons of fun and it just made the day perfect!

Petrópolis

Saturday Jessica and I went to Petrópolis, known as the Imperial City of Brazil. The skies were clear and the sun was brilliant! We started off going to all the tourists sites, the Crystal Palace, the Cathedral, the Clock of Flowers, Liberty plaza, and more. Jessica celebrated her 14th birthday on Monday so this trip was her birthday present.

The architecture of this city is just breath taking. Every building, including the bank, is so elaborate. I just love all the detail, it makes the overall feeling of the city so peaceful.

Behind this building there was a WW2 museum. It was interesting to see how Brazil was involved and their perspective on the war. It was the smallest museum I have ever seen...

It might be possible that we took too many pictures... but is that possible? Here is a sample of the pictures that we took!

The Boys

Just some random pictures with the boys at Gabrielly's party.

No explanation...

Gabrielly’s First Birthday

Snow white, Cinderella, and Jasmine were all on the invite list of Gabrielly’s 1st birthday party.

Cristiane spent extra time in making sure that everything was just perfect for her daughter's first birthday party. It is interesting, here to have a good party you must have a table full of decorations. For girls it is usually princesses and for boys superheroes. They usually consist of a painted picture background of the characters and then dolls. You must have a chain of balloons and lots of candy on the table too.

You must also take pictures with the birthday child hidden in the background. Where is Gabrielly in this photo?? You must also take individual pictures with everyone at the party, all standing somewhere in the midst of all the decorations. I will spare you the 20 pictures of the same scene, don't worry.

Gabrielly was dressed in a special outfit to show off how adorable she really is! Friends and Family began to show up and shortly after began the dancing. There is always dancing at Brazilian parties. We had hot dogs, soda, and candy to spare! Everyone enjoyed the party and loved seeing Gabrielly.

26 Years

Saturday the 29th of March I went up to Casa do Caminho where we celebrated their 26th anniversary of sheltering children and giving them the opportunity of a better future. The drive up to casa is the most beautiful path that I know. Beautiful not only because the landscape is absolutely breathtaking, but also knowing where I am heading. I know that down this curvy dirt road filled with pot holes, accompanied by rivers, and countless amounts of trees there is situated a house that facilities the reaching of your destiny (the literal translation of Casa do Caminho). Not only does it facilitate the reaching of the children's destiny but also all those who enter and choose to see the beauty therein. I do believe that all the dreams of who I want to be and accomplish in life are in part found and fulfilled down this awe-inspiring path to Casa do Caminho.

There was a small party held up at the orphanage for all those who wished to attend and celebrate. It was kept small, just including those immediately involved with the orphanage, because there is a larger party coming up soon. We had a wonderful meal prepared for all the children and guests to enjoy. It was a nice relaxing afternoon with the children.

Here I am with Daiana, over the past three years we have become really close. I love her so much and it is just so nice to be back here and spend some time with her.

Ana Carolina is new to Casa do Caminho, she arrived in the past few months. She is one of the sweetest girls here! It will be really fun to get to know her better.