Before we arrived in Brazil a few days back, my head was filled with various assumptions. I was anxious about the language barrier. Did I know enough Portuguese to understand my family? To understand others? Although these feelings seemed to be a reality, that fear was extinguished by my gracious Read more…
I have a secret to tell you. Although I may look steely on the outside, between you and me, inside I am a fervently nervous person. The months that stood in between me and my departure for Brazil were filled with worries that I would somehow break down during my Read more…
I understand now why writers often take trips when they encounter writer’s block. It’s hard to resist inspiration surrounded by God’s creations within a different lifestyle. My few days in Brazil have left me in utter awe. I feel as though my heart could burst with the insights and joy Read more…
After being in Brazil for less than a week, I am starting to understand why Dr. Kovach didn’t want us to write “newsy” blogs. For one, it would take hundreds of pages to talk about every new experience and moment of joy and excitement. Secondly, focusing on the details might Read more…
I have traveled to different countries before and was expecting some similarities, but this trip to Brazil has turned out thus far to be leagues away from my past experiences. Not only am I not with my family but I have been immersed in the language in a way I’ve Read more…
I probably first heard it the moment we stepped off the bus to meet our host families on campus in the Rudge Ramos neighborhood of São Bernardo do Campo. Then, it was a little louder around the table at dinner and at breakfast the next morning. Finally, it hit me Read more…
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…