Second Installment
Hi
Beth and I had a lovely weekend in the mountains and the weather was fantastic all the time we were there. It is a lot like being in Germany or Austria because all the houses are built in the style of alpine Chalets and with the backdrop of the hills it could easily be in the Alps. Except for the fact that I dont think it ever gets as hot as that in the Alps.
This all seemed a million miles away from Rio where there is constant noise and movement specially this weekend because of the elections. I was horrified to see all the litter on the ground outside all of the polling stations and Beth explained that the candidates are not allowed to hand out flyers in the vicinity of the polling stations so they just throw the flyers on the floor and hope that undecided voters will see theirs and vote for them.
Unfortunatly when I returned to the convent the computer is not working so I am having problems sending e-mails as this one loses its connection every time I try to send one. So if I havent been in touch, sorry.
This is a country of great contrasts such as the difference between the peace of the mountains and the noise of Rio, and the wealth of some and the extreme poverty of others. It is an experience being here and seeing for myself what happens to people when they do not have the safety net of the welfare state to pick up the pieces when life goes bad. Projects like this are so necessary to prevent life from going as bad as it might do otherwise.
October 7th, 2008 at 05:47 pm
Maybe we should go back to the mountains for another few days. I love staying there. When we were in São Pedro da Serra, the time seemed condescending and I had the feeling that I would do everything with calm, a rhythm very different from what I have to follow when I’m in Rio.
The elections have not yet finished, as were two candidates for the runoff that will be in November. One of them took my vote, but to say the truth, I am not excited with any of them.
My country is beautiful, rich and its people very friendly, but the social contrast, so glaring for those who live here (or part of those who live here) and for those who come to visit us, it is really great.
With confidence and faith in the work we do and with the support we have received from our English friends, we will follow that path in favor of the least advantaged. Even faced with a difficult situation and that sometimes may appear to insoluble problems, the achievements of our children and young people don’t leave us dismay, but on the contrary, we are becoming stronger and more determined to pursue this path.
Thanks to all who have participated at this incredible experience so that it becomes very positive for all who are involved - children, teenagers, families, Brazilian staff and English volunteers.
Thank you Joe for your wonderful work that makes possible this amazing parthenership between Brasilians and english people.