Now that is good.

Yesterday I returned to the school with the books I purchased in Salvador. I met up with Sheila, the librarian I worked with last summer and Regina, the Head of the Volunteer Department. It was good to return to the school and be able to see what has changed and how they are progressing forward. Regina shared how she has been working with students, teaching them English. Some of the supplies you helped to collect are being used in the volunteered-led English classes. She also shared that the music teacher has been using the flutes and harmonicas that were sent earlier this year. We also walked through the new art gallery where students art was being prepared as part of an exhibition. Great things are happening at Solar!

We also spoke the possible future of Blessing for Brazil and Solar. It is my goal of making Blessings for Brazil a tool make substantial change in a child’s life. Just one child could grow up and lead a community. Just one. For a while, I have been reflecting on what the future of Blessings for Brazil will be and the sustainability of that future. That is the challenge and I accept it. The deeper challenge is awaiting the team that will help see it through. I pray that God will put that team together to ensure that he is work will continue to flourish. Until then, I continue to live in faith and move with God.

Robbery on the Avenida

Yesterday I saw my second crime. Well, I can't say I saw the actual offense, but I saw the after effects. First I heard a guy shouting from a few yards behind me. When I turned, I saw a woman (black) running across the street. A couple of foreigners ran and caught on to her when she went to the other side of the street, but their hold did not last and she ran down the street, taking off the sweater she was wearing. Then a woman called out in rage. I could not tell what was stolen, for I did not see much. But you can believe, I said some serious thank you prayers.

With the beauty of Brazil, there are some serious issues with crime. The first robbery I saw was last year in Centro. Pick-pocketters easily took the wallet of a Brazilian man. When I asked the friend I was with how did he know, he said he watched them. It was like he knew that they were fixed on the man. I was amazed by his sharp eyes, and held on tighter to what I had. During the New Year's holiday time, a guy from the mid-west was robbed twice. I have to admit, being the loud Americano, with his clearly American attire did not help. It helps when you modify your appearance and try to down play the strong foreigner look. I say, flip-flops are a start. Lower your voice and laugh. If you can't speak their language, just whisper. Yesterday, a woman on the bus was trying to get directions from the conductor. Her strong American voice was obvious, and she did not seem to know any Portuguese. I whispered, "I will help you because the conductor does not know English, but you need to lower your voice. You don't want to make it obvious that you are a foreigner." The Californian paralegal was greatful, and got off where she needed. But it is necessary to try to offset and minimize what could happen.

At the end of the day, I ask God for safety and read the Psalms. While crime could happen anywhere, I find that here I try to be more aware of my surroundings and pray that the Lord's heavenly angels keep me safe.

Returning to where it all started.

So, it was good to return to the school that started it all. While several things hadn't changed in the favela, I see that the school has had several changes. The theatre is complete. Signs display their progress and the library was even more inviting. I walked through the library and was able to see how several of the books, Blessings for Brazil had donated, were being used by the children and the community. I will be returning to the school on Monday to see Regina, the Volunteer Coordinator. Its just so good to be able to see that we have helped to make a difference.

On Monday, I plan to return to the school with over 40 books. When I was in Salvador, I found a book distributor that had books for very good price. For example, in Ipanema books on teaching English were at least R$40, but in this store, I found similar books for R$10. So using the donations of my lovely Blessings family, I spent about R$200 (about US$160) on books. I am very pleased to be able to have portuguese books for students and the favela community. The pictures are a glimpse of the amount of books I purchased. Books varied from history, fantasy, science and learning English books.

Welcome Tanya!

Well, I am pleased to introduce some friends that will be a part of the Blessings for Brazil community. On the website, you will meet Tanya and Anna. Soon, another will come to share how you can do something to help a child in Brazil.

Wasting R$65

Okay, so I have been in Brazil many times before, but I made a big boo-boo that has cost me about $40 US. You see, I went to put credit on my Oi phone and but I put the wrong number in the system. I switched two of the digits in the number. Instead of receiving credit to make calls, I ended up giving someone an extra R$65 of talking time. If it was just a couple of dollars I would be okay with it, but it is R$65. When I went to the company, with my limited Portuguese, they kept telling me, "It's the system. It's the system. We can't give you any money." I then had a friend return to the store with me to try and work their wonders, but to no avail. So the lesson is, either (1) put the correct number in; (2) have the customer service rep ensure it is the correct number; (3) do not put huge amounts in at a time. And, if possible, use TIM instead. I have a TIM number and have never had problems with credit. Just Oi.

Actually, I rather use Skype.com now a days. It works out to be cheaper in many aspects. Oh by the way, if you are asking why I did not remember my number, it is a new line and I am still getting use to it.

HAPPY!

Y'all do not know how happy I am right now.

This week the spirit of the Lord put a new idea in my head for the project. To help set up a sign up on the website for those interested in learning Portugese or English. It was not something I planned, but I added this new feature to the website and people are already signing up to provide free session. Y'ALL are just AMAZING! You just do not know. I am so happy right now. It's not just about collecting funds, books, computer materialsI just want to all that I can to help people help others. This just makes me feel good about people. I know we are all going through different things in our lives, but thank you for trying and believing.

Thank you, thank you and thank you!

I am honored that you guys continued to understand what I am trying to do.
Lauri, the Believer of Blessings


http://www.blessings4brazil.com/EnglishSpon.html
or to view overall projects http://www.blessings4brazil.com/theproject.html

Doing Good!

Well I am happy to share a picture that symbolizes what Blessing for Brazil is about. Providing materials for schools and children in Brazil. Right now, I am getting ready to ship two boxes of materials for Solar Meninos de Luz. Later this week I will ship a third. Feel good to know that many of you out there have helped to make it happen.