Brazil

Right after Mexico I was able to travel with the "Josh's" to Brazil to celebrate the graduation of the seven kids that we have sponsored through an educational program. I met the kids last August so it was good to see them again, unfortunately we didn't have tons of time because both of the boys had to get back for work! But Teresa was a master organizer and event planner this trip, Friday we ran around getting the table clothes and some other errands and stopped by the town of San Luis to see the Director of Education and say a quick hello to the kids and make sure all the plans were coming along.

The table settings, all the great food, and our new friend Cynthia who is studying English right now we got to practice a bit but she had to keep telling me to slow down!

Then Saturday some more errands and finally out to San Luis for the fiesta. We worked with the kids to wash the tables and chairs, Josh was a taxi driver still running heaps of errands, we got the food all together, and everyone looked great! Bruna Gabrielle spoke in behalf of the kids and both Josh's gave a few comments just about how proud we were of them and how they now need to keep working to pursue their dreams. One of the girls already scored so well on her tests the Government offered her a job that she can do while she goes to University - so that is amazing!

All the kids Alaine, Elaine, Adilson, Geverton, Bruna Gabriella, Hudson, Adlane

The boys being "tough guys"

Sunday we just went to church and actually got to listen to Sister Beck, Elder Scott, and President Erying give a country wide conference and of course we were a big hit with the americano missionaries especially the ones new to the area who loved hearing some English.

Finally Monday we met up in San Luis again and the Mayor let us take his bus with all the kids in it and a few friends up north to a few of the beaches. We swam, played this dodgeball like game, king of the raft, and of course soccer. Oh and we went up and found Gomino that morning so he came to the beach to with us. The bus was so funny that day too because on the way we were singing to some of the kids phones that really just play music and we did a little freestyle too - they would sing us a song in Portuguese and we would have to sing in English. But on the way home we were all so tired that half the group fell asleep - it was a great day! Then unfortunately our short stay had ended and it was time to go back home!

The dodgeball battle: Boys vs Girls

The boys are the King of the Raft

Why do we like throwing children in the air?

Our last lunch together with all the kids!

We had one last dinner with Teresa and her family and I had to say goodbye to my little friend Sophia who was the only one who didn't care if I spoke English or Portuguese, we got along just fine! Also side note as we walked around with them to look at some "Papa Noel" lights by this one hotel we totally saw a guy get robbed for his wallet - the kids on bikes lifted up there shirts to show a gun but luckily the guy threw the wallet and ran and the kids rode off - it was really fast but to be honest we were far enough away and with such a big group that we weren't even that scared it was just crazy though - and for when my parents read this I promise that we try to be as safe as possible!