This week's blog is going to be a little bit different. Over the past few weeks, many serious situations have been discussed relating to the lives of the poor people in this area of Brazil. There are more stories to share about the street families and children but I will save those for another week.
In the past few days, we have continued to learn about wildlife and this week it relates to something I found. On Monday, we were helping in Hope House (the home for former street boys) and during the afternoon, none of the boys was actually there as they were either at school or playing football at Show de Bola (the coaching programme for boys from the local community). So, instead of spending time with the boys, we were cleaning. Whilst sweeping the floor, I found something - a snake skin! I suppose this was better than finding a snake but it did make me think: Where was the snake now?
As if that wasn't enough, on Wednesday whilst my wife was in the church at the base, they were visited by a snake. Many people there decided that it was best to stand on the chairs but my wife decided that it was best to climb out of the open window.
Since these experiences, I have learned how dangerous some of the snakes in this area can be - deadly! There is even one very small snake that is capable of killing a large bull with its venom. I also learned that if you avoid them, they won't bother you.
This week, I also had the opportunity to play football with many of the Brazilians here on the base. In summary, they were incredibly skilful and can control a ball very well on a dusty hard patch of ground. I didn't find it so easy! Also, playing football in such warm weather and humidity does not make it easy for someone who is used to much colder weather.
A final story for this week relates to a special day that was held on Wednesday - Teacher's Day. The following link explains a little more about it:
http://www.irenescorner.com/home/braziliancorner/feasts/teachers/teachersday.
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On Thursday, at the English class for local girls, they planned a surprise for their teachers. Each girl brought something ranging from cakes to traditional sweets including brigadeiros (see photo). It was lovely to see how appreciative the girls were of their teachers and how much effort they made to keep it as a surprise. Once again, if showed the great generosity of the Brazilian people especially knowing that many of the girls come from a poorer community.
As my time here continues, I am beginning to understand a little more about Brazil and its people. I have even seen a little of their traditional culture including a traditional dance.
At some point in the near future, I hope to be able to tell you more about the school here as education in Brazil is very different.
Finally, I don't have too many unusual facts to share but I have learned that:
Brazilians don't knock on a door; they clap
A driving test is expensive and has so many tests that need to be passed. Apart from the actual driving on the CRAZY roads, they need to learn about first aid, about pollution, and mechanics so that they can fix their car when it breaks down on the road. They also need to take a psychological test, a drugs test and learn how to defend themselves in their car on the road.
It is a day off for us today and I might be doing something quite exciting but I'll let you know about that next time.
Bye!
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