Today, I didn’t want to say yes to anything. I was tired, my feet hurt from all the walking tours, and I just wanted to take a nap. So what did I do? I said yes to everything, and it was my best day yet. When we went to lunch Read more…
All languages are complex, and despite the apparent similarities, all languages are different. It is not easy to learn a different language, but having extraordinary people to help you through the process makes the struggle of learning a new language worth it. Yesterday I met Alex, the head of the Read more…
As our first week in Brazil comes to a close, I found myself sitting at the dinner table tired and hungry; after all, making wonderful memories 12 hours a day is sure to make one exhausted and work up an appetite. After an amazing home cooked meal, my roommate and Read more…
After 28 hours of travel, nearly 5,000 miles, and two entire years of anticipation, our group has finally arrived in São Paulo. We have been preparing for this trip these past few years, and although we have studied diligently, I do not believe there is anything that can truly prepare Read more…
I was a stranger and you welcomed me. Matthew 25:35b “Lord of the Rings?! I LOVE Lord of the Rings!” My new friend Camila was practically jumping up and down in her seat with excitement over our mutual interest. Camila, Brenda, and Grayce were just three of the student aides Read more…
To say I was excited before getting to Brazil would be an understatement. However, that level of excitement could not compare to the state of pure awe and amazement I currently find myself in. You might be thinking, how can someone who has only been in a country for one Read more…
I have traveled a lot in my life. I’ve been on a plane every year and I jokingly refer to the airport as being my third home. Every time I get ready to travel I find myself getting into a proud mindset as I think “I’ve done this before. This Read more…
After arriving in Brazil and taking a very peaceful bus ride to the university, we finally had the moment we had been anticipating for a long time… we got to meet our host families. At first, I was a bit nervous, not knowing what to expect. When I got off Read more…
I have traveled to seven countries in my lifetime, so traveling to Brazil did not seem intimidating. I was ready for the long plane rides and no sleep, but what was different this time was that I was going to be living with a host family. The thought of living Read more…
As my mother always says “Maggie is such a social butterfly, she could spend a whole day talking to a wall and not get bored.” For someone who loves to socialize, who would have thought having a conversation would be so scary? I thought it would be easy until I Read more…