The other day, while running an errand in school I looked up at the brilliantly blue Brazilian sky and it seemed to be even more vibrant than normal, as if to say "Don't go Allie! Stay here in this beauty." In the back of my head, and ever creeping towards the front, I'm thinking about the inevitable end of this experience. I'm trying to intentionally dwell on the positives of the upcoming change. Right now I'm here, in Brazil, surrounded by wonderful people and a beautiful country. I want to embrace every moment that I have while I'm here. I am also getting excited to see family and loved ones in Iowa. I'm looking forward to the embraces, home-cooked meals, comforting evenings, and laughter that awaits me in December. The timing is perfect, because I'll be coming just in time for the peak Christmas celebrations! (Right now it's a bit unfathomable to think of snow and claymation TV specials, Christmas Lights and Deck the Halls playing on the radio!)
Each day is chalk full of lesson planning, grading papers, hanging out with roommates, adventures around the city, and experiencing the culture. I apologize for not keeping you up to date on all the adventures, but here are some highlights since I last wrote:
-Dancing to live music at "Gates Pub" with my roommates
-Going to a small group prayer meeting from a Vineyard church with my friend Leda
-A weekend trip to the nearby colonial city of Pirenopolis with sweet friend Mariana, Natalia and Jana. We shopped and explored the quaint cobble-stoned city, hiked to some amazing waterfalls, and enjoyed the hospitality of Mariana's aunt and uncle as we stayed in their cabin
-Taking full control of the fifth grade classroom-- becoming more familiar and confident with the rhythm and art that is teaching. I especially enjoyed teaching a poetry unit and leading literature circle discussions.
-A mustache-themed good-bye celebration with friends from school-- (that's right, everyone was required to wear a mustache!!)
Each day here remains an adventure- full of self-discovery and experiencing the rich culture that is Brasilia! We have a short week before the Thanksgiving Break. This means a couple of exciting things! 1) I only have 3 days left of working at EAB, student teaching, and ultimately college! I'll be done with my college education in 3 days!!!! 2) We will be travelling to Northern Brazil for the break-- to the beaches of Salvador and a hiking trek in the picturesque Chapada Diamontina. Because Jana and I will be done with our student teaching, we will be spending a couple extra days in Salvador for some relaxation, reflection, and soaking up the Brazilian sun. 3) My time here is coming to an end!!!!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Oh Rio!
The salty sea air was on my lips. The wind whipped my hair. Dark grey clouds covered the blunt mountains in the horizon. As my feet were planted firmly in the sand, I stretched out my arms and embraced the moment, and once again marveled at my life. I’m in Rio de Janeiro for the weekend.
It was a fun, adventurous, whirlwind of a weekend. A couple things stick out that I wanted to share with you:
The ocean was magnificent. The waves were more powerful than I had ever experienced. We couldn’t go past knee deep without being literally swept off our feet! It was awesome seeing the surfers catch huge waves! Unfortunately it was stormy for most of the weekend, but my heart just loved being near the ocean. There is this unspoken piece of my soul that feels satisfied only when I am near the sound of crashing waves and staring into the expanse that is the ocean.
Also, I stayed in my first hostel. It was a quaint house, complete with brightly colored walls, a spiral staircase, mismatched dishes, and rooms full of free spirits from all over the world. We got to chill out with people from England, Germany, Argentina, Australia, and Sweden. There was definitely a contagious desire to travel and experience the world. I love the mentality of young people from European cultures-- They were out to explore and discover the world—vagabonds and good people. I really enjoyed hearing their stories and spending time with them.
We went sightseeing on Tuesday and saw many beautiful parts of Rio—the famous Christ the Redeemer statue, a birds eye view of the city (including the football stadium where the world cup will be) and these famous stairs with colorful tiles from all around the world (and, of course, the artist was just chillin’ on his masterpiece stairs, about half way up—although at first I thought he was a homeless man). We also learned about the favelas that surround the city. One sad reality of Brazil is the extreme difference between the wealth and poverty juxtaposed everywhere. Huge colonies of these shanty towns line the mountain, while across the street, fancy gated communities and restaurants exist.
I was sad to leave Rio. I hope to go back someday—and hopefully I’ll pick a sunnier weekend! Now I’m back in structured, central Brasilia. It’s funny how it felt like home when we got back. What’s even more strange is the reality of how limited my time here really is! I am torn, because I’m anticipating how much I’m going to miss this already! I’m really trying to remain fully present. I’m here now, and I’m meant to be here. Soon enough, I will be home, and that is exactly as it should be.
Well, sadly, it is way past my bedtime, and I still have a children’s novel to read. I’d better get started on that. Oh, the life of a student teacher in Brazil!
It was a fun, adventurous, whirlwind of a weekend. A couple things stick out that I wanted to share with you:
The ocean was magnificent. The waves were more powerful than I had ever experienced. We couldn’t go past knee deep without being literally swept off our feet! It was awesome seeing the surfers catch huge waves! Unfortunately it was stormy for most of the weekend, but my heart just loved being near the ocean. There is this unspoken piece of my soul that feels satisfied only when I am near the sound of crashing waves and staring into the expanse that is the ocean.
Also, I stayed in my first hostel. It was a quaint house, complete with brightly colored walls, a spiral staircase, mismatched dishes, and rooms full of free spirits from all over the world. We got to chill out with people from England, Germany, Argentina, Australia, and Sweden. There was definitely a contagious desire to travel and experience the world. I love the mentality of young people from European cultures-- They were out to explore and discover the world—vagabonds and good people. I really enjoyed hearing their stories and spending time with them.
We went sightseeing on Tuesday and saw many beautiful parts of Rio—the famous Christ the Redeemer statue, a birds eye view of the city (including the football stadium where the world cup will be) and these famous stairs with colorful tiles from all around the world (and, of course, the artist was just chillin’ on his masterpiece stairs, about half way up—although at first I thought he was a homeless man). We also learned about the favelas that surround the city. One sad reality of Brazil is the extreme difference between the wealth and poverty juxtaposed everywhere. Huge colonies of these shanty towns line the mountain, while across the street, fancy gated communities and restaurants exist.
I was sad to leave Rio. I hope to go back someday—and hopefully I’ll pick a sunnier weekend! Now I’m back in structured, central Brasilia. It’s funny how it felt like home when we got back. What’s even more strange is the reality of how limited my time here really is! I am torn, because I’m anticipating how much I’m going to miss this already! I’m really trying to remain fully present. I’m here now, and I’m meant to be here. Soon enough, I will be home, and that is exactly as it should be.
Well, sadly, it is way past my bedtime, and I still have a children’s novel to read. I’d better get started on that. Oh, the life of a student teacher in Brazil!
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