Six weeks down and two to go for my volunteering experience here in Brazil! Last Monday Tom and I headed to the garden determined to figure out exactly what they wanted for the garden. We had someone from Iko Poran stop by to be the translator so there would be no questions on what was going to be accomplished. By the end of the conversation we decided that building a fence, painting and getting supplies for the garden (ant killer, fertilizer, seeds) were the essentials to make a difference. Everyone was very excited by the end of the conversation and tomorrow we are heading into down to order the fencing and they will deliver it later in the week. In the meantime Tom and I will have a chance to finish the wall we are painting. Just by painting this huge brick wall has made the garden stand out so much. Tom is going to add some cartoon vegetable characters on the wall for the kids to enjoy when they come to the garden. I am excited to see how it turns out. On Tuesday we took a break from the garden and head to a day care center where Tom’s wife Izzy works. The director there asked Izzy if she would like to repaint the café area for them before Easter. The old paint was falling off and the walls were all very dirty. So Izzy volunteered Tom and me as well and we had an extreme makeover Brazil edition. Within 6 hours we completely transformed this room and it looks awesome! We then got invited to their Easter party on Wednesday and were able to watch the kids enjoy the new space. Since it is Easter weekend we had Thursday off but planned to go to a futbol game with one of our gardeners. We made our way all the way to our project to meet him at 5 to find out that the game was cancelled. Part the stadiums foundation was unsafe and starting to crumble. Only in Brazil would this happen. We were pretty bummed but I think there will be a game this Wednesday so hopefully we can go. Friday I hung around the house until 3 and then headed off to check out a Lagoon about 20 minutes away. I just brought my ipod and listened to some music as I walked around which was a perfect way to spend some time. Yesterday I was planning to go to Sugar Loaf which is a rock formation that gives to a 360 views of the city. It is important to go on a clear day to get the best view you can. Yesterday was not that day because clouds rolled in late morning and would not leave. So we ended up heading to the beach and watching a futbol match which was fun. Last night I had the privilege to go to a concert. About 3 days ago I found out that a band I enjoy called Passion Pit was going to be in Rio De Janeiro, what are the chances? So I immediately got a ticket and got to see them play last night which was an experience. Today I woke up to Easter morning being in another country for the first time. I headed to a little church near my old casa. I always walked by during the week wondering how the service was so today was a perfect day to find out. I didn’t understand much but you don’t need to. There was singing and a saxophone and everyone was so nice. It was obvious that we were visitors and the preacher actually asked during the service where we were from which was funny. I think my favorite part was when everyone sang Alleluia together. This one word was known by everyone and simply singing it over and over again together made me realize that we were all there for the same reason J The rest of my day consisted of skyping the family and getting acai with my friend. We may have an Easter dinner here tonight with the volunteers, which will be nice. I am looking forward to my last weeks on my project and hope I have big things to report back to you all next week! Thank you all for your support and I am looking forward to sharing this experience with everyone!
