Day 1- THURSDAY Jan 26, 2012
The start was rough. WE arrived at the airport a little late due to our belief that Garmin GPS knew
something that we did not. That started a series of events which lead us to being late to arrive, late to
board the plane. I got stuck paying an extra $300 for overweight luggage, and having one extra case to
carry.
Then to top that off, they guitar did not arrive in Recife or in Rio de Janero as it was supposed too.
You could say I was less than happy about that, and I have little faith that this guitar is going to show up
at this point as I Write this before bed on my first night. I will wait and see what happens tomorrow.
Arrival
Cida met us at the airport with her drivers, and we loaded up and headed for the compound. Upon
arriving it was clearly very nice. We found our rooms and saw round 150-170 kids there in the yard,
playing a variety of sports, or swimming in the very very small pool. Lunch came around noon- beans and
rice as expected. After lunch, Blair and I decided to take walk down the road and see the surrounding
area. It was pretty barren… not much of much other than a few stores scattered around sporadicallyselling only small items- such as soap or water, and of course Coca-Cola.
CAMP
Camp here now is the inner city slum children- who have no homes, no families, and not much of
anything. They get to come here for free for this week, and they are returning to their homes
tomorrow at 3pm. These kids are all between the ages of 11-16, although, most are from 13-15. Most of
the kids have been really cool so far. I’ve spent at least 4-5 hours today struggling through conversation
with my broken Portuguese and smiling and laughing our way through the conversation. I have made a lot
of progress in my Portuguese, and I am able to carry one a full conversation basically, and catch at least
70% of it.
This picture is our dining area. These are the “slum” kids here.
Thursday Jan 26, 2012 (Evening)
By evening, I had established myself as someone that the campers can talk with. I had 100 new
friends already! Everybody wanted to talk to me, or ask me something about USA, or about what I
thought of Brasil. It was certainly fascinating, and yet I remember clearly one thing Cida has said to us
before setting us free: She said; “These kids might be nice here, because they are out of the
environments, and away from the bad influence, but don’t be fooled. Many of the girls are prostitutes,
the young boys are drug dealers, and many carry guns back in their neighborhoods. These kids are nice to
you here, but outside of here, they would kill you.”
Well- that is not something to take lightly, and yet, Looking at their smiling faces, and seeing
them have fun, and chatting with other people, it’s hard to imagine what life might really be like for
them when they leave here in one more day. They will go home Saturday morning. I got the impression,
that for this very short week of their lives, they were truly able to leave everything they know
somewhere else, and come here and just be kids. Here they did not have to put up a front and be tough
guys. Girls did not have to request money from old men that approached them. Children did not have to
look over their shoulder for a “master” drug dealer making sure they did what they were supposed to do.
Here- for this one week, they were allowed, and encouraged to be kids, to be happy, to enjoy
life….because, when this week is over, they return to horrible conditions. Parents on drugs, in jail,
unknown parents. 12 yr old kids caring for their younger brothers and sisters. It makes me think… is
this all we can do? IS it all I can do? How can this kind of life go on without someone stepping in and
saying something, or doing something to improve it?
There was also a pool there, although we were advised strongly from going into it. They said to us:
There simply is not enough chlorine in the pool to kill everything these kids have brought to it. One
warning was enough for me.
Friday, Jan 27, 2012 10:52am
Today began our first real day here. We woke up here after sleep here for the first night. Breakfast
was served at 645am. I woke up around 630, jumped in to the shower (COLD), and out to breakfast.
After Breakfast, the American team gathered around for a meeting of this weekend’s activity, and we
discussed what we might want to do during this free time. This is our only free time. After this
weekend ends, we begin full time work for the next 5 days- MON thru FRI, and then to the airport on
SATURDAY. The team will return to US, and I off to Brasilia.
After breakfast, I went to the kitchen to help with the cleanup. There were probably 20 people in
there doing a variety of jobs, so I just did what I was asked to do—dry off the dishes and put them
away as they were washed. It is fun chatting with all the people. My Portuguese has improved greatly.
I can actually communicate and hold conversations now. That makes a huge difference in my level of
comfort, and feeling of being “at home.” It also is obviously of significance when making and establishing
connections, friendships, and business… so… so far, I’m remain excited.
The red shirted people in the front are the counselors. They had tough jobs during the week.
They are all volunteer, and they are also in charge of watching the campers. The campers brought drugs,
and got into fights during their stays. The counselors were required to make sure these things were
kept under control, and kept to a minimum.
SATURDAY January 28,2012
Today and this weekend is our only free time during this week, so we have been asked where we
might like to go, and what we would like to see. Well- for me, it doesn’t matter since it is all
new. Part of our trip though today will be to walk through the slums neighborhoods where many
of the campers come from. To me, that is definitely one of the highlights of what I would like
to see, and where I want to go. They said we cannot use the cameras there, but, there is simply
no way I am going to not use my camera- they don’t know me, I guess. I had the camera out the
entire time; never put it away except for when there was nothing to take picture of.
One of the first places we went to was this old prison which has been converted into small shopping
district. It was cool to see, but it was also overpriced crap that didn’t interest me too much anyway. I
did buy a bunch of postcards though to send back home to special people…. Although- so far- it’s been
two weeks, and no one has acknowledged receiving a postcard yet, so I’m wondering if any actually got
put into the mail!
OK- so now I’m realizing that I was wrong. I’m writing this almost two weeks after the actual events,
but it was Sunday that we entered into the slums. These pics here are from the outside looking in. We
were told that in certain slums, we would be required to put our windows down in the car, so that the
people there could see who we were, and not think we were police. It was for our safety.
Finally, we made our way to the ocean side, where I couldn’t help but notice some carefully placed
signs written in English. Avoid “Sea Bath” and “Shark Attack”. Luckily for me, I was not dressed for a
swim.
Following our day at the beach and in town, Cida met us at a local restaurant called Chuhashka- It is
great (if you like meat). The waiters come around with different pieces of meat on skewers, and slice
off for you exactly what you want. It is really tasty. They also had a huge salad bar, and some sushi,
although the sushi was not anything special… but I did try it. I ate my fill there- at least 4 or 5 platesbut they were small plates though.
SUNDAY January 29, 2010
Today is the day we go to the slums. I’m so excited about it. On the way there, we first stop by Cidas
farm. It is probably 5-10 acres in size. She has plans to build this up and make a place capable of
housing 280 homeless kids. That is the permanent side, and then on the other side she plans to run the
camp here too. It is pretty cool there. I offered to assist in the construction. Will work for food I
said!
Here are some pics from the first slum we entered. The buildings are falling apart, and people are
looking at us. They know we don’t belong here. The lady below runs a bible study group here. It is
physically a small building- maybe 10X12 ft. Her son was killed when he was young. She never knew
exactly what he was killed for, only that he had some gang affiliation, and they had retaliated one day- in
which they took his life by shooting him. It was sad story, but, she also expressed a bit of happiness at
the Bible Study group that had been started there, and the work that is continuing there.
This view is from inside her Bible Study group’s room…to the street outside. Generally speaking, filled
with gang violence and drug pushers.
Above, and below, is our American crown walking through the streets. We have a few Brasilian guides
with us… I think about 4 or 5. They asked us to stay closely together in a group, and not take pictures,
or to have watches, necklaces, earrings, etc exposed. IM in the middle so I could take pictures. I
figured having people around me would at least block the outside view, but it also blocked some of my
shots too.
Here we are entering the second slums. This slum is actually part of a fishing community that
lives over the water they fish. There housing is built on sticks and planks, and they live in these very
tiny, narrow corridors that lead to each person’s house. Here, there is no mistake about it- we are the
outsiders.
This girl followed us for a while, and allowed me the honor of getting a picture with her. The
picture after the one with the girl; is looking directly opposite the one with the girl….or to say another
way- that girl and I are looking facing the next picture. You can see here the housing how it is built up
off the water with logs and whatever else is needed.
Despite having no money, they make sure they have a soccer field- or football as they call it. This
day they had just finished a big game just before our arrival, so there were many people still hanging
around the field. Here is our American team, posing for a photo with some of the youth who were
interested in us. Some of these kids here are the same kids who attend Cida’s camp. For these kids the
camp is free, and it is a place to hopefully introduce them to the Gospels, and to the love of Jesus Christ.
It is an opportunity to offer them hope in an otherwise desperate and hopeless situation.
This is a family photo. There are a few people missing. They all live inside one little tiny, one bedroom
house. I don’t know how they do it, but they do. This reminded me a lot of Jamaican living- the house
was located down a long narrow alley way, dirt…. And finally we ended up here, with cliffs to either side
of me, housing below much the same, and housing above, all the same. The poverty level cannot be
accurately described with words alone, and I could not get into a position with the camera to accurately
show the housing.
Upon leaving here, we went on to a place where it is sort of like an artist’s community. I found
these two beauties willing to pose with me for a photo. Look at how short their legs are!!! Their legs are
shorter than mine are. I splurged and got an ice cream cone for 1 real (that is about 0.70 USD). It was
hot so I enjoyed it.
Some of our Americn team resting below: Sitting on the bench; Pastor Bill from Berean Church,
Dan- in charge of sports, and Robbie- one of the other youths on our team. Each of these has been to
Brasil before.
Above is an artistic vendor demonstrating his skills and craftsmanship. Fun to watch, but couldn’t
afford his prices. Down below, these guys are dressed up as servants of the “Man of the Night.” That is
reference to the Devil, and these would be his demons. This country is very spiritual, in many pagan ways.
They practice one religion here called, Macumba. It is essentially devil worship. There was another
story I had heard on Friday- when the slum kids had been leaving- one child had told of his mother, who
had been and still was a devil worshipper—how she had sold him – she had sold her son! The boy cried
and cried that we not send him back to his home. He didn’t want to go, but we had no choice in the
matter. It was a heartbreaking story that a mother could be so misguided and lost that she could sell
her 13 yr old son.
Terry and I walked around together today at this little place. I asked Terry to take my photo with
these guys thinking that they were interesting. I did not realize it at first, but these masked fellows
are also the drug dealers to the visitor’s at ‘Carnival’- the famous party here in Brasil. What a perfect
cover- right? The know how to speak their drugs in English very well. They were very clear (in English) in
what they had, what they were asking, and where I was to go for pickup. I kindly refused, and walked
away.
This is a normal site on the streets of Brasil. Kids barely dressed rummaging through trash, or
other things- perhaps looking for something to play with, maybe for something to do, or just looking for
some attention.
MONDAY – January 30, 2012
Today is the day that our camp begins. This is the reason we are here- for the ESL camp that
MCB (Cida) hosts. The camp is generally organized to be a “fun” time, but there are only two things
required: 1: You must attend English class, since it is an ESL camp, and 2: You must attend chapel. Both
Chapel and English are offered 2x each day- once in the morning and once after lunch. Other than that,
it is mostly games and other activities designed to improve their English skills, in connection with getting
to know the campers, and their beliefs, and reaching out to those whom we are able to.
My English classroom:
Some evening games with the campers: Top: Some sort of game where you hd to move your seat
frequently. It emphasized understanding English. Sort of like a Simon Says type of game.
One lovely thing about Brasil is that most people are not concerned about outward appearances,
and they are not concerned about making fools of themselves. People simply enjoy themselves- no
matter what. I think it is something we Americans could learn from in that area.
Below is a ridiculous game, which was just a lot of fun. They called it “Ultimate Ninja” where you
had to hold the position until you could either tag someone, or someone could tag you. It was completely
silly, but you could not play it without laughing hysterically.
And here is the famous Maria Apercida Gusmaus. (Im pretty sure I spelled that name wrong).
She goes by Cida, and if not for her, then none of this camp would even be possible.
Here is my English class. I was teaching Lower Intermediate level.
The two older men with the mean looks on their faces, could never stop laughing! They were a
riot. Very interesting brothers, Humberto and Eduardo, but they were very serious in their efforts to
learn English. The bearded one- Humberto, did some interesting work with optics. He showed me some
articles he had written, and some books he had authored. Im sweaty mess in this pic because I have
just beaten Cida at pingpong. She was and has been the reigning champion until my overthrow. She was
tough-just like a natural Forest Gump, but I earned this one! She was mad !
Wednesday February 1, 2012
The weekly routine doesn’t chnge much from dy to day, just different lessons for ESL, and
different games at sports hour, and in the evening, different activites before lights out. These were my
lunch buddies. We ate together all week long, so we became pretty close friends during our time at the
table. Meals were generally relaxing, but filled with laughter coming from every table. Brasilians do enjoy
laughing!
There were two sports hours, of which I generally spent the first one playing on the soccer field
doing something- not always soccer, but by the second sports hours from 430-630, I had no more energy
in the heat and the sun to be running around. I sat and talked with campers, or did something peaceful
and easy.
If you look carefully in the last picture on the right, you can see me trying my best to pretend to
know what I’m doing with a soccer ball…. But I suppose if you’re enjoying yourself, then you’re doing it at
least half right!
Chapel time below. It was a typical setting- music for at least 4 or 5 songs, followed by short
sermon from either Pastor Dave, or Pastor Bill, and then out for evening activity (if it was the evening
service). If it was the morning service, then this would be followed by us counselors meeting with our
campers to discuss in more detail what they heard, and what it meant to them.
Thursday February 2, 2012
Here is my English class. Mostly I had the same students each day, but they were encouraged to
leave class for another class if they felt it was either too easy, or too difficult. There was about 10-15
steady students, and I had a few late arrivals as well. Only 2 left for a higher level class.
On the bottom is Blair. He and I were in charge of this class, although unfortunately for him, he
lost his voice soon after arrival. Although unable to speak, he was still extremely helpful in keeping the
class moving forward. I should also mention that Terry was essential in planning of all the ESL materials.
As well, Pastor Bill gave me to use until my return two of his ESL books. I was really appreciative of
that offer.
Sports hour follows English class twice a day. The sports field was right next to my classroom,
which made it real easy to just sort of walk on to the sports field and play. Dan was in charge of sports,
and we played football one day…which resulted in Everton getting a small foot injury. It was nothing
serious, but he had to go to the hospital for an x-ray just to be sure it was nothing major. There was
also a paintball day. They had a small paintball field set up for those who wanted to use it. I passed on
that, but many people played, and apparently had a great time there.
Below, Cida and I sitting in the Chapel awaiting the service. To the right is Dave preparing for
one of the evening games. Some of the games we played were removing a piece of paper from the top of
those bottles without letting the coin fall off, dropping toothbrush into a small container, dice stacking,
frisbee tossing- which Blair managed to win, and a whole lot of other games too. This series of events ws
called “Minute to Win It” and as the name suggests, each contest was 1 minute long.
Some games were clearly easier than others, and some people demonstrated natural talents. Above to
the right was (Forget his name right now) who mastered the game of marbles and spoons, while Cida
below clearly was overcome and defeated by the same game.
The bottom right is Anna Lee- an American living in Brasil for the last 2.5 years. She is married to her
husband Thiago, who is posing with her for his Birthday picture. We had a surprise party for him late
one night after all the campers had gone to bed. All the staff and American visitors came to wish him a
happy Birthday and to share some cake and soda.
Friday February 3, 2012
Today is our last day before leaving. It is sad when you make so many good friends, nd then you
have to say goodbye to them all. We have been exchanging emails, and Facebook names in order to stay
in contact with those we wish too. I’m expecting to have 1000 new FB friends in a week or so.
The picture at the bottom right was my team for Gymkhana. That was a daily game that we
played in teams. It was organized to improve English skills, and it was a lot of fun, although my team did
not win, but we still enjoyed it. MY game was compound words, so many times the campers would not
know the exact word, but by the time the game was over, they might have originally know each of the
two individual words, but not the compound words--- I found it interesting to see their faces light up
when they made the connection of what something was all of a sudden.
I also found it interesting to see what words were so well known already. My musical people were
able to put ‘drum” and “stick” together immediately, while my girls were just as quick with “lip” and
“Stick”. I just though it was interesting the things we know from everyday use, and those which we
don’t. Harder words were ones like Airplane, or airstrip. Eardrum was another one that got funny looks
until an explanation came forth…. And then you would hear a loud…. “ooooohhhh---- OK” but probably in
Portuguese.
The last day we went to Cidas property where she had a small obstacle course set up for the campers
to use. To get there was about a 15 minute walk from where we were camped. Bicycle still remains a
valid form of transportation in much of the world- not just a leisure item for fun, but a serious vehicle
for travel. Horseback is another form.
Blair taking a picture of me taking a pictiure of Blair. The wlk there waas nice, as we got to see
some ogf the other farms in the area. The roads were not paved, lthough crs still drive down them as if
they were highways- flying around. Again- Im not surprised that cars high short life expectancies here.
Arrivl at the farm, and on to the obstacel course, complete with mud crawsl, cargo net climbs,
mud crossing, rope bridges, hill climbs, and in general- anything designed to mke a mess of you. You
cannot do this without getting dirty- so don’t even try to sty clean!
On the way home, a great site to see. Three little boys are here having a blast playing in the
broken down plastic car. Brasilian engineering and the youthful minds of children determined to make
this work decided the best way to have fun is to take turns--- you drive and we will push! Unfortunately,
my camera was not set at the moment so I missed the best shot, but these can still tell the story
adequately.
Following this we went home to the cmp, and showered up and prepared for the evening activities
which was to be a talent show. Many of the campers were very gifted in music as in a number of others
ways too. Some danced, some sang songs.
Cida and I did a few Blck and White photos..
Saturday February 4, 2012
This is the final day. We don’t have any specific plans for today. We will eat breakfast at the normal
time, and then, after that we’re free to do whatever, until 10am when the busses will come to take the
campers home. What ended up happening was a meeting in the chapel where everyone exchanged emails
if they had not done so already, and there were many hugs and goodbyes, and photos, but the most
interesting part of that was listening to the testimonies of the people there.
Cida asked if anyone wanted to come up and speak about the week there, and many people did. Many
of the Brasilians chose to speak in Portuguese, as they said they wanted to accurately describe their
feelings, so a translator translated what was said. That was really moving to see and hear them express
their excitement, and pleasure they had that week, as well as the sadness of saying goodbye.
Once again, it made me thing back to when I was a camper at Church of The Savior 20 years ago, and
how I had enjoyed that experience so much—both as a camper when I was young, and later as a
counselor when I was older. Either way it had been fun, and here this experience was so similar in the
friendships that had been established, and in the sense that for this one week, the world did not exist
anywhere outside of our community. This was the world we could live in for this week, and forget about
everything else. It’s sad to say goodbye, but with the invention and spread of modern technology, it is
now easier than ever to stay in touch with people you meet. Facebook is helpful in that area too.
Group photo!
Marcel (top left) had confided in us that his marriage was over, and was beyond repair, and that he
wanted to get out of it. He is a physician, and his wife was also a camper there too, but they didn’t speak
at all. Beth sat down with him and told him of the book- The 5 Love Languages, and how it might help.
Beth could speak Portuguese better than I. After a few hours of chat, and the book in her hand, Marcel
decided that he was going to go buy the book and give it a try to see what he could salvage of his
marriage. I plan to follow up with him and see how things are going for him and his wife.
Rossanna- in purple shirt, was a camper from the first week too. This indicated to me that she was
from the slums, although she was probably very local.. She was 14 yrs old, and her English was excellent.
Left is Socorro. She was a Mormon and had been for about 10 yrs. I asked her about that, and
she simply said she always knew there was a God somewhere but had never been to a church, when the
Mormon missionaries had approached her. We are in a continuing chat about that. I have her email, and
we’re talking about some of the differences in Christianity and Mormonism.
Carol (center) is 14 yrs old but a great speaker. Her English is really good, and she has plans to come
to US one day for study. Alvero on the right is a great guitar player, and during the talent show he
performed an original song he had written. It was great getting to know everyone.
Thiago, and Thiago & Bruno—were the engineers of the group. Bruno was really very strong in his
Chirstin principles, and during our morning chats, he demonstrated good leadership qqualities. I can
forsee him being successful in the future, and being a good head of a family one day. They were both
18yrs old. Far right: A group of special friends!
(Left)Maria Socorro and Maria Louisa were my lunch buddies every day. We got to talk a lot, and they
were eager to improve their English skills. (Right) Reezu-one of Cidas volunteer helpers. She has spent
the month there- unpaid just helping as needed to provide better future for the campers.
I am now in Brasilia- in my room 3hours away by airplane from Recife. The last picture above is our
American team for one last photo op. Now- after having arrived safely in Brasilia, and getting into
Expansao, now is when the difficult work begins. Now is when I get to work alone, and do what I can, and
offer my assistance as necessary.
WEDNESDAY, Feb 8, 2012
Today is Emily’s birthday. She will be ten yrs old today. I’m not sure exactly what has been planned
for today, but IM sure we will do something. I have not written much in the last 2 weeks mainly because
I have not had time to. The MCB camp in Recife was a ton of fun, and I think everyone there had a
really good time. I know I did. I also thought it was a good launching pad for the trip back to Brasilia.
Since my function at MCB was to be an ESL teacher, it was good practice for what I will do in Brasilia.
I spoke with Cida, and I may work out that I will leave Brasilia in the end of June, and go back to
Recife to work with the next camp…that runs the month of July. Each camp is one week long, beginning
on Monday, and ending on Saturday morning when the campers leave. The campers range in age from old
to young.
IN July, the schedule should be something like this: Week1: IS the young kid’s and teen, Week2,
Adults, Week3: Poor kids, and slum kids, and Week 4: ESL camp for all ages.
Anyway- IM studying my Portuguese, since it becomes a lot more useful and comfortable when you are
able to actually speak to people. I went to Karate class yesterday with Sandro Lucas. He enjoys it, and
the karate teacher was pretty cool—an older guy. He teaches Shotokan, which is similar to our styleSeidokan. I recognized some of the katas that they did in class.
So- My ESL course should begin next week. I’ve been told that my students are total beginners- they
know nothing….so…more on that as it develops.
The amplifier and guitar I brought down here for the church is definitely a hit. They like it.
Although- last night was a little tough. They told me all day that there was no music and that I didn’t
need to play……. But that was not true. I ended up playing with Sandro Lucas, and a new drummer. He
didn’t know one song I knew, and I didn’t know the song he knew, so San Lucas and I and the drummer did
some little improv. It went so-so- There were no major complaints, but, it could have been better.
Actually- Edson is not playing the keyboard right now- IM not sure exactly why-- it seems he got in
trouble or something- but IM not clear on that. He will be playing soon though, and I will welcome him
back- as he was sort of the band leader. The new guitar player is really good too, but he was not there
last night. I think he must be a little older, because he is married and has children.
Anyway- that’s all for now.
We went to the pet store yesterday to let Max (the family dog) get a manicure. I met this little guy
there and washed him in the back wash basin. The next [picture is standing inside the pet store looking
out.
On the
On the way home, we stopped and got some drinks….where I took these pics. They made a sort of
reference to this being “Crack Alley.”
Karate class at the church for the kids. I sat for as long as I could, but eventually, I had to get up and
participate too. It was fun.
Well- now it’s time to go. We have to either fix or build a door for the church today… (I think)…. I’m
usually wrong, or else I’m right and they change the plans on me…. Either way- I will update when I
return.
WEDNESDAY Feb 8, 2012 – 3:44PM
Today we went to the church to fix a door in the back. They have been a lot of work at the church since
my last visit. For example- the big garage door up on the stage has been covered by solid wall, and the
kids room has been remodeled to actually be used now (previously it was just storage.). The front gate
was cut into two be used as a regular door, rather than a sliding steel gate. The first steel gate remains
however.
The door here is anything but square and straight. The door itself is OK, but the door frame is
rounded and squashed and the door definitely does not fit into the hole. We have a brand new- never
before used Bosch circular saw that I employed in an effort to cut the door frame to fit- and so- it was
successfully completed.
After that painted it gray- because that is the color we had on hand. Of course, I had to notch out
for the hinges, and we were with limited tools, but I had my knife, and they had a hammer, so- I got it
done. It is satisfactory, considering what we have to work with, but it is not acceptable by my standards.
At home IO would have had to fix the entire door frame before I left it alone.
Just some pictures out front of the church. There is a sort of trash pile next to the church on the left.
It is huge…. Probably the size of a foot ball field! That is unfortunately common here though. Also
common is fired burning to reduce the pile size, and that is certainly not healthy for the environment….
But… what can you do when no trash pickup is available. Actually- I’m told that it is available, and that it
is expected, but, I’ve never seen it. They also say it its sort of mafia like in its operation- they pick up
if they want, and strike when they want. I just consider it standard 3rd world government politics.
Below- walking up to the church from the street. Behind me is the neighborhood, and out of view in this
picture is the street. Roads work the same here as they do in US, meaning your suppose to go in a
particular direction- but- no one does. When you cross the roads here, be sure to look both waysbecause cars are coming from either side- right or wrong.
These two pics are the sight out the front door of the church. IN the first pictures there is a great
example of how Brasilian drivers create “roads” or shortcuts as desired. If you look carefully you can
see how someone decided it was easier or quicker, or perhaps just preferable to leave the road, and cut
through the dirt field in order to get where they want. This was not a unique incident- I saw it happen
20 times before I actually took the photo. It does not surprise me that cars don’t last long here… why
should they when they get treated as they do.
Wednesday, FEBRUARY 8, 2012- 11:52pm
Well- today was pretty cool overall. After returning from the church door project I came back
to the computer for a while to try and journal a little before my lousy mind forgets it all. The door
project was a good thing for me, since that is right up my alley and I’m not bad at that kind of work. I
think Pastor Sandro knows that too, since he has seen the other projects I have worked on.
While there, he inquired about building a drum housing to go around the drum set on stage—just like all
the other big churches have- to sort of deaden the volume of the drums. We talked briefly, made some
measurements, drew a few pictures…and…well that is going to be the next project as soon as we get
materials. I think that will be easy to do.
At 8pm tonight we had band practice. Last year I got frustrated with the way things worked. I
would be told what song to know for practice about 30 minutes before it was time to practice. Of
course, I never knew the songs, didn’t have the notes, or words- so, yes it was a challenge. So- tonightI got my song list at 7pm…. One hour before practice. Luckily- I knew 2 of the 5, but the other 3 were
completely new to me. So- I got the words and chords online, and practiced them, but still- although I
practiced them, I really don’t know them in my head, which makes playing them hard—especially when I
hve the role of “lead” guitarist. I don’t have any choice about that- since the other guitarist is “lead”
vocalist. I obviously cannot compete there, so, solos for me! I don’t mind doing that at all, but, I need
time to let the song sink in to my head. I need to be able to sing it to myself first-all in my head, so that
I know that I know the song.
Sandro Lucas is a good player, but he is still only 12 years old, and therefore still acts as a 12 yrs
old does. That is hard sometime in the band atmosphere. The songs we played tonight- Emanuael, and
Tudo Que Tem Folego, and Abras os Olhos, are some songs that I have been playing with Damien over
the past year, so they came out much better than some others we tried, but they will be good by
Saturday, when it is time to play them.
As a general statement- and as an experienced band member of several bands in my history, I can
say that it is a very different feeling being part of a band that prays together prior to every practice or
show, and also being part of a band that hugs each other to greet, as well as hugs to say goodbye at the
end of the practice or show. There is another element that is less unusual, but actually kind of cool in my
mind—and that is: while the band may consist of 4 main elements, there are alternate drummers,
guitarist, or keyboardist for different services, or for different groups. So far, I have played alone, as
well as with three other guitarist (all young rhythm players), and two different drummers, although, I
totally prefer Eduardo as my drummer. He is pretty good, very relaxed and laid back. He is tight with
his timing, aggressive in his fills, and he hits loud and hard! I still don’t know when Edson (Eduardo’s
older brother, will be back to keyboard, but I’m hoping it will be soon.)
Today, I tried to upload a blog site- I think I did it, but then I remembered Kelly mentioned that
she could help with that, so, I hoping that can be accomplished easily and quickly.
At the end of practice tonight, when we were loading up the car to go home, three boys walked
past us. Sandro Lucas quickly pointed out that they were “bad guys,” so, of course I asked- what do you
mean, how do you know? He pointed to the field next to the church, where a man was standing in the
dark corner of the building. “Drug dealer” he mumbled as we walked back from the road to the church
door. Upon arriving at the church door, that very man was walking towards us, not far away carrying a
water bottle. He was asking something, but I kept my mouth shut (as I had been warned previously that
speaking aloud gives me away as a foreigner- which in turn means that I have money, which makes me a
target…… or if not me, then the people with me). S.Lucas intervened and grabbed the water bottle and
handed it to Eduardo who took it to the back of the church to fill it. S. Lucas stood just behind the wall
of the door, just out of site of the man standing outside the door. I went to walk past S. Lucas, but he
grabbed my arm and told me to stay put until the man was gone. I did not see that man as physically
threatening to me—for he was puny and weak looking, but S.Lucas was clearly afraid of him.
Well- that’s all the exciting news for today, other than the fact that I am constantly getting
electrocuted in my room. My guitar electrocutes me, and the amplifier is not even turned on. The
computer zaps me too all day long. Sometimes it really hurts!