So as of this upcoming Saturday, I have officially hit the two month mark in Brazil. I wish I could say it's all been perfect and I'm constantly having the time of my life, it isnt. Being here can be really hard at times, in ways I never anticipated. But it amazes me what new insight and knowledge can emerge from the challenging moments.
I haven't actually done that much new stuff in terms of activities. I went to a smaller city nearby called Sete Lagoas two weeks ago for a weekend with my australian friends. One of the Australians, Darci, lives there. It was eye opening to see how much different of an experience she is having in comparison to me. Unlike here in BH, it is extremely rare to find anyone who speaks English. Her only options for company are Brazilian kids from her school who she has to speak Portuguese with. It was nice being there and working on the language some more. We all went to a party and her friends were very excited to have foreigners there.
The longer I'm here, the more I'm seeing an in depth view of Brazil and Brazilians. Many of them really don't like Americans which can be uncomfortable for me. They feel as if we feel superior over them and lack interest in them and the condition of the rest of the world. I've been trying hard to break these stereotypes and show them a different side to Americans that is sometimes missed or misunderstood. It's also amazing how much poverty and struggle there is in this country. It's depressing to see how big the favelas are here, and how many people have to beg for food. This amount of poverty I think is what gives Brazil the reputation of being dangerous. I don't think this is the casee. Poor Brazilians aren't bad people, or aren't always dangerous, they're in need because of the struggling job availability and economy. Brazil isn't the safest, but it is not always the poor who are committing all of this crime. It is often gang and drug related. Personally, I feel safe here. With necessary precaution, there's no reason I shouldn't be okay, despite the high poverty percentages.
I've been excited about the changes I have noticed in me. I feel as if I have a more mature handle on my emotions. Some things stress me out a lot here. My closest friends here are Australians and will be returning in January. I'm afraid to lose them. I didn't think that I'd make such good friends so quickly. But I feel like I'm becoming more emotionally prepared and able to handle change like this. Part of why is because I'm learning about the growth that occurs when I allow things to happen that I have no control over. I can't go visit my parents when I'm feeling homesick, and I can't always have others solve my problems for me. In the meantime I can rely more on the people here for support. My Brazilian family is fantastic. We all had a party last weekend and they were so excited to speak with me and hear about my life here. It's reassuring to know in a country like Brazil I will always be well taken care of and loved.
General updates. My Portuguese is comjng along much better. It's more comfortable to speak with locals and I feel better about my skill level.
Although I hate waking up early, I love my school. The people there are really cool and I'm feeling closer to them than I expected I would. Most of them are younger than me and I feel silly for thinking this would keep us from becoming friends.
I have enrolled in the Nordeste trip provided by Rotary. It's 3 weeks long in November. Many of us exchange students will be traveling by bus throughout the Northeast of Brazil where there are many gorgeous beaches. We will then go to salvador, and end up in the infamous Rio de Janeiro for a few days. I'm beyond excited.
I have a lot of fun things planned coming up here. I look forward tp writing about them.
Beijos
