The challenge of generosity today.

True generosity consists precisely in fighting to destroy the causes which nourish false charity. False charity constrains the fearful and subdued, the "rejects of life," to extend their trembling hands. True generosity lies in striving so that these hands-whether of individuals or entire peoples - need be extended less and less in supplication, so that more and more they become human hands which work and, working, transform the world.

-Pedagogy of the Oppressed, Paulo Freire, p. 45

Over a year ago, I did not see myself returning to Brazil. Nor could I imagine starting on a project to help provide tools for those in Brazil to make moves to transform their lives. But, God had other plans. A year has gone by and I look at what has been done and embark on a journey to take this as far as it can go. But in the process of doing so, I have noticed certain things about humanity and mankind: those you know versus those you don't. Those who follow through versus those who do not. This past month, those I did not know have surprised me. They have extended themselves in unexpected ways. Those who have provided support and assistance were not those I knew, but strangers, and I am so humbly appreciative.

For me Blessings for Brazil (BFB) is more than a project for Rio. I envision this as a means to provide the "oppressed" with tools to change the course of their lives. To motivate one to seek change within their own community. To use whatever resources that BFB can acquire on their behalf, and step out of their 'normal' and at times 'limited' realm and to strive towards the world outside their own. Blessings for Brazil is not about just collecting books, materials and at times funds, it is about helping that young girl in Salvador who did not want to take a picture with me, unless she was able to make some money. It is about the boys who hustle the tourists day and night, rather that taking their sophisticated business sense and using it in more legal terms. Its about the school that is trying to help that mother living in that favela, give her child access to an education that would not have been available. Blessings for Brazil is that agent and I AM GOD's foot soldier on this journey.

So the challenge I face is to help inspire those who "want" to help turn that want into action. It is very hard, but this foot soldier is not giving up. Whether it is computer supplies or books or whatever, ACTION is key. Its like a sentence; there is no sentence with out the subject and verb, subject and action. Blessings for Brazil is willing to be the subject, but you can provide the verb, the action, to help bless a child.

God blesses us so we can be a blessing for others.

Pousada or Apartmento?

Okay, I am trying to prepare for my next trip to Salvador. However, I have been having trouble deciding where to stay. I could rent an apartment, but I am very picky. The last time I went to Salvador, I did not like the apartment. That is the risky thing about find a place. The picture I saw before hand did not work for me. I was thinking of trying a Pousada (hostel-like) place. But I am not sure.

There are two to consider: (1) Porto Salvador http://www.hostelportosalvador.com/HostelPortoSalvador/Welcome.html or (2) Pousada do Pilar http://www.pousadadopilar.com/index.htm. They are very different in prices and location, but I figure I will try something different. I will let you decide. Help me decide where I should stay by voting at www.blessings4brazil.com. You have until July 1st. If you have another choice for me to consider feel free to let me know. Remember, I am looking for a place in Salvador, Bahia.

Acai (Ah-sigh-ee) not (ah-sigh)

I drove to work drinking one of my favorite drinks, Acai with Mangoteen made by Bom Dia: Bolthouuse do Brazil. http://www.bomdia.com/ It is one of the few 100% authentic versions of acai in the U.S.

In Brazil, I have it like a smoothie or sorbet as the image shows. It's one of the most common ways its served. Nothing like the recent Tropicana commercials of Raspberry Acai. Every time I see that commercial, I cringe. They incorrectly pronounce the word. It must be a sign of how little acai is in it compared to Bom Dia.

Hold Up! First, let me explain acai. Then, why companies like Tropicana and Haagen Dazs are into the ACAI BUSINESS.

Why Acai? Well it has 7 times more antioxidants than blueberries and pomegranates. Its extremely nutrient rich and in many places, it is served with guarana. Guarana is a natural source of energy, but be careful with the caffeine levels. It contains a fatty acid that resembles olive oil, and is rich in monounsaturated oleic acid. Oleic acid is important for a number of reasons. It helps omega-3 fish oils penetrate the cell membrane; together they help make cell membranes more supple. By keeping the cell membrane supple, all hormones, neurotransmitter and insulin receptors function more efficiently. This is particularly important because high insulin levels create an inflammatory state, and we know, inflammation causes aging. It has a remarkable concentration of antioxidants that help combat premature aging, with 10 times more antioxidants than red grapes and 10 to 30 times the anthocyanins of red wine. (Another benefit of staying way from alcohol).

So if you want to be healthy, repair damaged cells, and minimize aging Acai is your thing.

If you can't enjoy a daily cup of acai at a local juice bar in Brazil, try my recommendation: Bom Dia in your local supermarket.

Brazil, here I come!

Well, I am preparing to return to the place I love. This month I am celebrating a year of www.Blessings4Brazil.com. Who could have ever known that a simple trip to Brazil would result in a life changing love of such a culture. Okay, I have to admit, I did not like Brazil when I first arrived in April of last year. It did not help that my luggage was held up and I did not understand the language. I was just miserable. When one starts their trip with delayed or lost luggage it sets a bad tone for the trip. But now, I have come to just expect TAM airlines to lose it, but they usually are good with returning it. (And, usually the better price to Brazil from New York).

So now I prepare and hope to return to Brazil with some materials for the children at Solar de Los Meninos in Rio de Janeiro. I started collecting books that I am collect in conjunction with www.BooksforBrazil.org. I also have to work on my Portuguese. Eu preciso estudiar meu portuguese! Mas, eu vou estudio quando retorno. Until then, I am counting down when I can lay on the beach and gaze at Pao de Acuzar.