One of the lyrics of one of my favorite songs (Vienna by Billy Joel) says, “Where’s the fire? What’s the hurry about? You’d better cool it off before you burn it out. You got so much to do and only so many hours in the day.” I was reminded of this song, and this lyric, today as myself my classmates and I explored the rainforest and as I ventured to the Brazilian countryside for a weekend away with my host family.
My host family situation is a little unique, but in the very best way. They are the most beautiful, faithful, and kind people in the world, and I love every second with them. What’s unique, though, is that they live about an hour from the college that we attend during our time in Brazil. So, three other students and I commute to school for this hour daily. I must admit that the first time I made this commute, I felt discouraged by so much time in the car with people whom I was not entirely familiar with. However, these commutes have actually forced me to slow down and take time to rest- whether that be sleeping, listening to music, or talking to my classmates (or, now, my friends!). I’m thankful for this time in the car- and I’m glad I am, because today was a particularly travel-heavy day.

We commuted to school and spent the entire hour reading these goofy discussion questions that I had packed in case I needed to start a good conversation. Once we arrived at school, we hopped in a big van to head to the rainforest. Everybody was so excited, and we didn’t quite know what to expect. We spent the next 45 minutes doing MORE discussion questions, but also coming up with our own. I had the most interesting conversations with people who I never thought I’d talk to outside of classes These lively discussions made the van ride a breeze and not as tedious as these rides can sometimes seem.
We got to the forest, and it was beautiful! There was no shortage of foliage, rock formations, and amazing views everywhere that we explored. The walk we took was longer than I expected it to be- and I found myself checking the clock as we slowly ascended to the viewpoint we wanted to see. I thought to myself “Oh my gosh, we’re behind!” and for a little while, I fussed over the idea that we’d miss the next thing on the schedule. It was only when we reached the top of the trail, and the most beautiful vantage point, that I realized that there had never been any need to hurry. Where’s the fire? What’s the hurry about? We are in Brazil! We have able bodies and ample resources, and there is just too much beauty in the world around us for us to be rushing through it. Once I slowed down and realized that there truly is no need to rush, I was able to enjoy everything around me- whether it be the tall trees, the animals, or my best friends laughing and eating together.

These lyrics rang true later in the day as we started our journey to the countryside with our host family to embark on a weekend away. The drive felt so far from the school, and it was getting late in a tiny car. As we drove, though, we laughed and sang Bruno Mars songs and got excited for the weekend ahead. It felt all worth it once we arrived and saw the beautiful house we’d be staying in. We spent the weekend truly slowing down- which is not so easy for us Americans sometimes. We laid in hammocks, sat by the pool, and played uno for hours while our host parents cooked dinner. I learned how to play euchre- (which could have been the most time-consuming pursuit of the weekend)- and we roasted marshmallows by a bonfire. After a busy week in the city, hustling from class to lunch to coffee and away on tours and visits, this weekend with our host family reminded us that it is so important to slow down and take time to process, rest, and simply be with one another. This weekend taught me that this kind of communal, relational rest is vital enough to our mental and personal health that, if it takes a long car ride or a few extra hours, it is well worth it.


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