First meeting with our client, Casa do Jardim

I don't think I will be the only one saying this, but today was one of the most amazing days of my life! Let me step back and start from the beginning of the day. We all met at Instituto Hartman Regueira where we were greeted by all four of the clients. They had coffee, juices, and lots of other pastries and food for us to enjoy. So yummy! I especially loved the cheese bread balls, which I think are called pao queijo. I think I ate 10 of them. Haha!

Next, we sat through a presentation from each client telling us a little about what they do. I was amazed at all the good that is going on in this world. Soon enough, Casa do Jardim spoke. During the presentation, I immediately knew this client was special and I was meant to help them in any way I could. This would be cemented by the days end.

After the presentation, Joanne and Arubio (Joanne's husband) took us out for a tour of Belo Horizonte, the Belvedere neighborhood, Praca do Popa, the Parque de Mangabeiras, Mirante Morro dos Veados, and the Jardim Canada area. So beautiful! The tour allowed us to see the entire city from up high in the hills. The city is surrounded by mountains which are easily accessible by car. I felt a little at home with the mountains being so close. There are several pictures attached for everyone's enjoyment.

I was amazed at how developed Belo Horizonte is and how Jardim Canada is not. Before we knew it, we were in a whole different world. Finally, we arrived at Casa do Jardim. Joanne, the director, gave us the full tour. We saw where the kids have class, have recess and play time, and have capoeira classes. You could tell the place was magical and something very special is going on there. I knew at that moment I was meant to be there. I was there to help.

The whole experience of meeting the children and sharing our stories with each other put me in awe. Just could not believe how amazing it felt to be there helping. I know this experience will not end when we leave and will continue to stay with us for the rest of our lives.