The time here in Brazil has had ups and downs, and sometimes I have felt challenged by whether I could really help or not. Let me explain about one such time...
On Monday, I was helping in Hope House. One of the boys had some homework to do and was reluctant to do it. Eventually, he sat down to try it but it seemed difficult. I sat down with him and had a look at it. It was maths so it should have been well within my understanding but, even to me, it seemed to make little or no sense. At this point, I felt a bit helpless as I couldn't easily communicate with him due to my limited Portuguese and I didn't really know how to help him. At this stage, we could have both given up but we persevered. I got him to show me what he understood by the questions and even then I was still unsure. Using all of my mathematical understanding, I began to try what he showed me with numbers of my own and realised what was required. We proceeded to work on the questions together and got through them.
Something lovely happened the next day: I was approached by the same boy who wanted to show me something. He handed me his test that he had taken in school. Using what we had learned together, he had performed really well in his maths test and subsequently he felt proud about himself. The fact that he wanted to share this with me was touching. Don't underestimate the power of helping people. It was a challenge but, in the end, he felt good about himself and that is fantastic!
On Thursday, the English class for girls was a little different. Instead of the usual format, we spent the majority of the time playing games. This was one of the last sessions with the group before a break for Christmas. We played many fun games, some of which I may use in the future - they were great ideas. One idea that was not so great for me was a competition to build the best statue. My team wanted me to be their model and I said' yes'! The pictures below explain better than I could.
On Friday, we once again visited homes in Recife. This is quite likely to have been our final home visit during our time in Brazil. During our time visiting, there were two things of great interest:
1) The mother was busy making jewellery using a range of materials including recycling aluminium cans. It was highly intricate work and she was creating beautiful products. She does this so that she can sell them to help support her family. Despite this, she wanted to share her work with us and gave us all a free gift of a bracelet which, considering her life and how much money she has, was an incredibly generous gesture.
2) There was a little girl (probably about 3 years old), who was sitting quietly. I approached her and offered to help her as she was trying to put a simple toy together. At first, she did not really want my help most likely because she did not know me well, but soon she accepted it. Soon, we were playing a game together using a few counters and a little plastic football net. During this time, her imagination came to life! She was pretending to be Brasil, then Germany, and in the end, even England. She was having great fun and so was I. Once we finished playing, she wanted to show me something. I eventually realised that she wanted me to cover my eyes as she wanted to surprise me. When I opened my eyes, she showed me a doll's basket and a pram. She obviously felt proud of these toys, and although the pram was broken, she really liked them. We continued to play and, despite the fact that her home would seem unbearable for us to live in considering our expectations, joy can still exist in that place if it is given the chance. I just hope that she has the opportunities that all of you have as she grows up.
And so, as we draw closer to Christmas, I want to challenge you yet again. This week, we also saw many families in a new location on the streets. They were on a busy corner near a bus station, with buses coming around the corner incredibly quickly and often dangerously. Here is where many families have set up for Christmas, where children are playing, where they will sleep and eat. They know that at Christmas, more things will be given to them by Churches and charities and that is why they have chosen this spot. As you approach Christmas, consider others, and try to avoid too many 'I wants'; many of you will know what I mean. Instead, try to spend time with others and enjoy their company - play a game, talk to relatives, listen to your grandparents' stories, offer to help your parents. Perhaps you can think of other good ideas too.
This week, I also had another great opportunity - to attend a football final for the project's under 13s football team. The final was held in a small local stadium and even though they lost 1-0, I was impressed with several things: how well they played, how respectful they were in defeat, the encouragement given to them by their coaches after the final, and their determination to never give up. It was how football should be and I saw many of the values in sport that I know we value at West Leigh also.
Finally, in this epic blog entry, I want to share something fun with you. In Portuguese, the sounds of the vowels are different to those used in English. Therefore, reading words and saying them correctly needs practice. One way of doing this, aimed at young children, is to use a song from an animated programme 'Galinha Pintadinha'. Why not try it for yourself. If you'd prefer, why not try the English version. Good luck - it's not easy! You'll see why!
Learning Portuguese sounds
http://youtu.be/0JkSpPZJDkE
English version
http://youtu.be/xdFCi4pRkDs
Until you read again (and my final blog entry from Brazil), tchau.
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