In Belem in time for Carnaval!

I have been in Belem for about ten days now although it definitely does not feel like it has been that long. This is where I am meant to be at this stage in my life. I feel much more at peace here than I did in Lavras. The day after I got here I went to my new university - Universidade Federal Rural da Amazonia (UFRA) and looked at the possible courses that I will be taking...in Portuguese of course. I choose to take Parasitology and Control of Microbiology which are both disciplinas (classes) for Medicina Veterinaria (Veterinary Medicine) because I figured these should go well with my internship with the Evandro Chagas Institute where they study tropical and infectious diseases. Anyway the day after I had to register for my classes and then I went on my first hike through the forest!

It was freshman week so at the end of the week they have the tradition of going on a hike which includes crossing a small river on a fallen tree. My host sister, Joely, was helping with freshman week so I went along with her. During the hike there were a couple mud fights that I almost avoided but the last one involved running in order to get away which I was able to do until I got to some very muddy spots and the apprehension with my knee caused me to slow down a bit and caught in some of the crossfire. Ha! It was still fun. Unfortunately I do not have pictures because I didn't want to ruin my camera. We were supposed to have a little forró (a type of music and dance) festa afterward but due to all the mud, we wanted to shower first. Then it started pouring and we decided just to go home and not return...there will be more forró opportunities in the future.

On the 18th of February we left for the town Mosqueiro for Carnaval. Carnaval is a nationwide holiday that takes place before Ash Wednesday and Lent. I think it is actually a really neat concept. For five days everyone relaxes...granted some people relax in other ways than others. I think across the world most people associate Carnaval with Rio de Janeiro and the parades that include many schools of samba with intricate floats and costumes. However, in other places of Brazil it is a bit more low key and I was able to experience a little of both sides of carnaval. I was in a large house with at least 20 other people and we all stayed in three rooms, sleeping on air mattresses and hammocks.

The house that we were in also had water issues so the upstairs bathroom did not have water at all and the downstairs shower sometimes didn't work. So imagine over 20 people needing to shower using one bathroom and some buckets...somehow we managed just fine and no one complained, it was lovely. People here are very relaxed and just go with the flow...it is great!

Anyway, so the activities of Carnaval...

For me, I spent many hours playing card games. My first interaction with many of my new friends was through card games. When we first arrived at the house, they were starting a game of mentiroso (liar) which is similar to BS. I won the first two games and so began the the week of cards! We also played a few games of poker and a Brazilian card game that I had learned in Lavras called Truco...I actually had to help teach some of them how to play and now I have played many many games of Truco. I enjoyed playing cards with my friends, it was a way for me to be actively among them and listen to them speak Portuguese and try to pick up on what they were saying. I learned quite a bit during that time. What is nice is that many of the students here have studied English so they are able to help me as I strive to learn Portuguese and I am able to help them a little bit with their English. During our many hours of playing, I was able to feel a little more comfortable with asking questions and practicing my Portuguese.

A few of the nights, we went to the villa which is at the center/square of the town. On one of the nights they had a parade of a few samba schools but unfortunately I wasn't really able to see any of it because we missed them when they passed by. However, that night I was able to try Tacacá which is a soup specific to the amazon region of Brazil that consists of tucupi, the gum of mandioca, shrimp, jambu, and other things. That probably doesn't explain anything but it was a yellow broth with shrimp, a green sort of foliage and people eat this extremely hot and one of the ingredients has an anesthetic effect on your mouth and lips that makes them go a little numb. It was very interesting... apparently the tacaca that I tried was weak which was probably good for my first time trying it. Another thing that I tried was tapioca...they do many things with tapioca here and you can have it with cheese and ham or more like a dessert with coconut and condensed milk. It is delicious both ways. During this adventure of tasting native foods, I was with 3 Brazilians that did not speak English at all and I really enjoyed my time with them. It was neat to see how much they loved showing parts of their culture to me and communicating with me in ways that I could understand...if I did not know the definition of a word, then they would try to explain things in a different way so that I could understand what they were meaning. It is experiences like these that I enjoy...there is a struggle but when you are able to figure things out it is so much more rewarding.

Another day we were going to go to the villa and everyone was getting ready...how did they do that? Well the males dressed as females and some of the girls dressed as guys. It was quite entertaining to see how the mannerisms of some people change when they are in the outfits of the opposite sex. As I was watching and enjoying this, I was asked several times to join in and dress as an homem (man)...after several times of refusal I thought to myself, well why not...I'm in Brazil and it's Carnaval! My mom had told me that while she and my dad were living in Brazil they both dressed up for a Carnaval party in the attire of the opposite sex. So hey, I went for it and now I can say that I have done so and never need to again! Hehehe...oh the crazyness of Brazil at Carnaval.

          

So on our way to the villa, we were walking along and came across another group of he-shes and she-hes who were walking behind a car with music. We joined them in their walk and called to other parties of people to join as we went along. The "leader" of the other group was like a Brazilian Richard Simmons, he was hilarious. For every song he would lead the group in some sort of choreographed dance...it was very entertaining. Anyway, we walked toward the villa and then as we got closer I realized that we had become part of the parade. We were even announced by the men above the stands and danced in front of many people sitting on bleachers. What started out as our house of about 20 people turned into a huge group of easily 60 or more people. It was wild but oh so fun! There were moments during the whole thing where I just laughed to myself thinking...wow, this is real life! Ha, only in Brazil! I will never forget that experience.

I truly enjoyed my time during Carnaval and the opportunity to meet so many people and make new friends. Being around so many people for 5 days in a row also helped expose me to the culture more. People here seem to show their general love for each other more than in the US, whether it be strangers, friends, or significant others. They kiss each other on the cheek when they greet each other or say goodbye. I don't know exactly how to describe it but there is a greater feeling of love and less barriers that are put up here. It is an interesting contrast and maybe I'll be able to better describe it as I become more exposed to the culture...I'll keep you updated. Abracos e Beijos!

 

My Trip to Rio

Before heading to Belem, I had the opportunity to stay in Rio de Janeiro for a little over 3 days. While there I stayed in the apartment of my late grandma (Vovó) which will probably be the last time that anyone from my family is able to stay there because they are preparing to sell it. I was also able to meet both of my uncles on my dad's side for the first time that I can actually remember.

Although the trip was only for a few days, my time in Rio was very special and impactful. It was strange to be there without Vovó and I miss her dearly but I am also thankful that she is in a more peaceful place. I enjoyed talking with my uncle about some of his many life stories, especially those that included my dad and grandparents. My dad is an amazing man and I am so blessed to have him as my father. Through some of the stories, it is very evident that I have acquired several of his traits such as being very slow and meticulous at many things such as studying. It was very important for me to be there and as I reflect, tears fill my eyes. I am so thankful for all of the wonderful memories that I have from being in Rio and in that apartment. Before my study abroad experience, that was my primary picture of what Brazil was like. I will forever treasure that place and the people that have filled it and my heart.

Along with visiting my uncles, I was able to go to Copacabana beach, Ipanema beach, and Corcovado - Cristo Redentor with some of the other American students...it is truly breathtaking being there.

I enjoyed the few days that I was in Rio and I think it provided the perfect transition from Lavras to Belem.

I'm in Belem already!

It is hard to believe that I have been in Brazil for 7 weeks already! The last few weeks in Lavras were very full of some exciting adventures. Then I was able to spend a few days in Rio de Janeiro before flying to my new home in Belem, Para. I'm sorry that I have been so bad at updating this blog. I had limited access to the internet and I have an online class that takes up much of my internet time.

Alright, time to recap a little.

One of my favorite people in Lavras is another girl who rents from the same woman that I did and her name is Lilian. Although we sometimes struggled with the communication aspect, I feel as though we connected quite well. I would sit near her at every meal. She introduced new Brasilian music to me and encouraged me to look up the lyrics in order to try to learn more Portuguese and the proper pronunciation. We also played pool  (sinuca) together (and won) and went to the fair/market in the square. I really enjoyed spending time with her. I already miss her but I am very thankful that I was able to meet her in Lavras. There are many other people that I met in Lavras, but I would have to say that she sticks out as one of my favorites that I will always treasure and remember.

I did many things in Lavras, mostly my Portuguese class which involved several adventures. As our final project, all the students put together a slide show of our experiences in Lavras. I would like to attach it here so that you all may see it but I am not sure how to do that. We did many things in class. The last few weeks we visited different places to ask people questions and converse with them. We went to a few schools and spoke with the students of our instructor's English classes. It was a neat experience to converse with people in Portuguese and then the next day having them try to ask us some of the same questions in English. I really enjoyed talking with the students, they ranged in ages from about 11 to 17. We also had class in a gym where we were instructed how to do some exercises and stretches in Portuguese. Another day we went to a veterinary clinic and asked them some questions about what they do. We conversed with a few professors at the university (UFLA) as well about some of the expectations of what classes will be. Of course we had classroom sessions as well which were very helpful with learning some of the grammatical aspects of the language. Overall it was a good course and I'm glad that my first five weeks were focused on learning Portuguese.

Along with the class, we also had the opportunity of experiencing some of the culture through festas and going out. We went to one graduation party on campus that was quite fun. It had good food, good music, some dancing and provided a good way of meeting some new people and practicing some of our Portuguese. I will always think fondly of Lavras, it was a good place for me to be for the beginning of this experience but I am so very happy that I am in Belem. I feel as though I am going to grow so much more here. I will elaborate on some of my other experiences in Rio and Belem in other posts, but this one wraps up Lavras.

Salt and Light

Over the last week, I have read Matthew 5:13-16 about four times and in both languages. I have a Portuguese Bible that I use to expand my vocabulary as well as practice reading. Last semester in my small group we started studying the Sermon on the Mount and so I thought it would be a good section to study again and work with the translation. I read the passages in English, then in Portuguese and write down my new vocabulary words. I also receive daily devotionals in my email from Insight for Living by Charles Swindoll. I can not deny the repetition of this passage in the last week. I am called to be salt and light in this world, no matter where my location is. My prayer is that I may shine as God desires me to. I only aim to be a reflection of his glorious light. May nothing inside of me hinder the light.

Matthew 5:13-16

 ¹³ “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.

   ¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; ¹⁵ nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. ¹⁶ Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.   

Week Two

I forgot to mention in my last blog that we toured the UFLA (Universidade Federal de Lavras) campus last week which is HUGE! Their main focuses are biology and agriculture but they have many other disciplines as well. There are so many buildings and trees and flowers...it is quite the spectacle.  

Here is a toucan that we saw on campus, and then we saw 4 others!

This is a very large bunch of bamboo trees

Some pretty flowers

This is how you get a mango from the tree

Mango straight from the tree...can't get much fresher than that!

The girls found some bamboo on the ground during a hike between classes.

Now for this week. On Monday we had class and went shopping around town. In the afternoon on Tuesday and Wednesday, we wrote recipes, went shopping for ingredients, and then had a "cooking show." One group made puppy chow "Brasilian style" - they do not have chex cereal here so corn flakes were used instead. My group made a wonderful salada de frutas (fruit salad) and the boys made s'mores. My teacher filmed us and said that he was going to upload the videos to youtube. I will post the link if he indeed does put the video up.

Yesterday we went to the bus station to see about tickets to a town that has several waterfalls and we are planning on going there on Sunday! I am very excited for the trip! We also stopped at a market and went over the names of fruits and vegetables. We tried some lichia which is a very strange food. It looks similar to a strawberry but does not taste like one at all, you have to peel of the outside and it contains a large seed in the middle. I took a picture but I have not uploaded those pictures yet. I will put them up later so you all can see what I am talking about.

Today we ended class at a churrascaria which is a restaurant where the garcons come around with many different types of meat and cut them off for you if you so desire. It is very tasty! I tried a chicken heart for the first time, and once is enough! I'm not the biggest fan. On the way back one of the other students bought a baby chick at a pet store and some feed for only 4 reais which is equivalent to about $2.28! Oh the things you can do in Brasil!

Never a Dull Moment

Wow, it has been quite the week and I will try to remember all the things that I am wanting to share.

Last Sunday night there was a large storm and a few knocks were heard at the main door of the guest house...we all were a little freaked out to say the least. My roommate Sara and I were a bit nervous about what was going on. We did not want to open the door of our room so we called over to another student, Andy, who was staying in the room across the hall. Once he finally responded and we felt alright about leaving our room and found that there was a telephone ringing nonstop in a room that no one was staying in. Due to the storm, the electricity went out and for some reason the phone was triggered when it came back on. A couple of the other students went to the desk in the lobby of the main hotel to get help. Once the man came to open the door and unplug the phone, everything was fine and we were able to go to bed with only four hours to sleep before our first day of formal classes. Of course while we were sleeping the power went off again and so we all woke up late because our alarm never went off. Thankfully it was not too late and we were still able to grab a quick bite to eat for breakfast and start the trek up to our classroom.

After that drama, we started the 25 minute walk to class so we were a few minutes late but it was not too much of a problem. The formal classes in the classroom have been enjoyable. Our instructor is very good about keeping us involved and interested with various games and videos. Most afternoons we walk around town with our class to try to encourage the immersion aspect. A couple of days this week we toured a republica which is like a sorority and then another housing option through a very nice woman named Dona Cidinha. Although Dona Cidinha's housing is further away from campus and a little more expensive, it includes meals which actually makes it a less expensive option. Dona is a lovely woman who always thinks of others before herself. Currently her brother is in the hospital in critical condition from cancer...please pray for her, her brother and her entire family. She is having a very difficult time right now. We moved into our new house on Friday and it has been very nice so far. I do not have internet access in my house but in the main house where we eat I am able to get online.

Now back to the week. It has rained almost everyday here, when it starts to downpour most people find a building with some sort of covering to stop and wait under, but not us. The crazy Americans just run through the rushing waters and have all of the Brasilians stare! We found that many people hitchhike to campus and there are even designated hitchhiking signs near the bus stops on campus for people to get picked up. This is a very foreign concept to me because I cannot imagine hitchhiking in the US or even in Rio for that matter but I think that since it is a smaller town that it is more common. We have hitchhiked to class a few times from the guest house and the people have been very nice. For all of you who worry for my safety please do not...we travel in at least pairs and God will keep me safe, I have full faith.

On Friday night we went to a club where a Beatles cover band was playing. They were very good but it was probably at least three miles away from our new house with many steep hills along the way. Therefore, after 6 miles of walking, my knee was not very happy with me. That led to another fun adventure of trying to purchase an ice pack. I went to a couple drug stores to try to find one and after asking and having the worker laugh at me because of my inability to understand and communicate, I was able to purchase an ice pack. My knee is feeling much better after a couple days of not walking as much and icing.

On Saturday for the afternoon portion of our class we watched a movie called Se Eu Fossa Voce about a husband and wife who switch bodies (like Freaky Friday). The movie was in Portuguese and we had the Portuguese subtitles on as well so that we could read what they were saying to try to make the connections between their spoken words and what was written. I thoroughly enjoyed the movie and laughed at the many entertaining parts. I understood most everything which was very surprising. I have come to find that I am understanding more and more and use the context of the conversations to figure things out but I struggle with the actual speaking aspect. I must continue to remind myself that I have been here for barely over a week and this is a time-consuming process.

Sorry for the novel my friends, now as a disappointed Packer fan I will say goodnight. Week two begins tomorrow!

First weekend in Lavras

Yesterday and today were my first full days in Lavras. So far there have been both ups and downs. We have gone walking around the town both days which has been enjoyable. Yesterday we went to an indoor stadium where some guys were playing futsol (a type of indoor soccer). It was great to watch but also gave me a tremendous desire to play and made me realize that I am still more than a month away from running and a few months away from even starting to play :( I felt very torn as well because soccer has always been a way for me to connect with other people, especially those in different countries who may not speak English. I am always amazed at how the sport is able to cross language barriers. However, this too shall pass and I pray that God will help me develop patience during this time of waiting. 

It is also rainy season here so it rains or rather downpours just about everyday. Today we got caught in the rain a few times but it wasn't too bad since I was prepared with my guarda-chuva (umbrella). I also went to a catholic church service today with a couple of my roommates which was interesting. I was able to follow some of what was going on but they seemed to skip some parts of the program so I was lost during some of it as well. There is an evangelical church in town that I would like to go to but I have not found anyone willing to go with me. Hopefully I will gain the courage to go on my own if no one will come with me next weekend.

Each day we also went to get some acai, which is delicious! I prefer the place that we got it from today because the people there were very friendly and helped us learn Portuguese.  Their names were Amanda, Erica, and Joao Paulo. We spent quite a while talking with them back and forth learning many new words. I look forward to seeing them and conversing more with them as I learn the language. Tomorrow we start our formal Portuguese course which will consist of 5 weeks of 6 hours of Portuguese per day, 6 days a week. Each day we will have 3 hours of classroom work in the morning and then 3 hours of practical class around town. I am excited to start but I know that this will also be a draining process especially mentally. May God give me strength, an open and eager mind, and a joyful attitude as I begin the main reason for my being in Brazil.

Boa noite gente!