Boa Noite, from Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Now that a week has passed, I thought I would bring everyone up to speed on the events of the week. How do I share everything in just a few paragraphs? That is the biggest challenge. They weren't kidding when they told you this experience would change your life, because it does. My whole perspective on things are already starting to change. At the very least, I can guarantee CSC has molded me to begin to think globally. You really don't realize how localized your thinking is until you begin to help not only people, but communities in other countries. Everyone can make a difference with just a little effort.
Ok, enough of my self-reflection. On Friday, we met all 72 of the children who participate in the program at Casa do Jardim. There are 36 in the morning and 36 in the afternoon. In both sessions, we have a Q & A session, which was simply amazing! They asked us all kinds of questions ranging from "Where do we come from?", "What is your favorite sport?", "Have you met any famous people?", etc. We also talked about ourselves including where we come from, our family, and what do we like to do for fun. The kids were so curious about your culture and who you are. Just as we are shocked and amazed by their culture, they are the same with ours. I think the funniest part was when they asked us our favorite type of dance. I shared that I like to salsa dance. I didn't realize the question was a trap. After asking the question, they immediately had a follow up question asking if I could demonstrate the dance. Of course, I accepted, got up, and did a few salsa steps for the children. Man, did they love that! The whole class erupted in laughter and clapping. I immediately felt embarrassed and liked at the same time. A highlight of the day. The children even got my colleague, Sangita, to perform a little Bollywood dance moves. When she was up there, I could see the fear in her eyes, but she caved pretty quickly to please the children's request.
Each session ended by participating in recess with the children. Some children played on the playground, some played sports (basketball and soccer), and some children played a traditional Brazilian game of hitting a birdie-type object into the air with your hand or foot between a group of people arranged in a circle. Can't remember what the game is called, Descuple (Sorry)! For me, this was the best part of the day. I am quite a kid at heart and love to participate in games with children. To be honest, I feel it is an excuse for me to play like I did when I was a kid without looking weird like I would if I were by myself. :) In the second group of children, we played soccer with teams of three. If a team scored, then the other team would get rotated out to give another team a chance to play. My team did very well and staying in the game for four goals! The kids were amazing at my soccer talents even though I feel they are not near as good as theirs. Maybe they are just being really kind!
Well, I think I have written enough for this post and will post again soon describing my very busy, fun-filled weekend experience. Check out the photos which will be uploaded in the very next post!
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