Getting to Know You

Ola!
No teaching started today, as originally expected, but Sue and I did meet with our potential students! 


Around 8am, Sue and I met with Ana Paola and Paolo, the kids' music teacher. He seems to be around my age and teaches lots of different styles of music to the kids. They focus mostly on instrumental music.We are going to attempt  singing with instrumental accompaniment. Very excited about that.


At 10:00 and 2:00, Sue and I went to large meetings where we could meet the people and advertise what we are all about.  I was able to sing a few things for them and they seemed to appreciate what I have to offer. It was a lot of fun!  I also started teaching them a simple tune called 'God is Here'. I think some of them liked it! How I wish I could understand more Portugese, it would make things much simpler; not only for me, but for Ana, our translator!


The meeting at 2:00 was much the same, but Paolo's 12 musicians were with us and performed a variety of songs for us to enjoy. We had a larger group than the 10 o'clock and I just couldn't help but start dancing with the kids. This turned into a very large game of ring around the rosy/duck duck goose/get out of my way because I want to hold the lady's hand. It was adorable. I can now ask someone what their name is in Portugese, so of course, that's how I managed to endear my self to these kids. That, and skipping around like a 5 year old. I love it!


Things started to get a bit rough with the boys, so I had them all sit down ( I can say that in Portugese, too!) and started teaching another song. Thus, my first 'King and I' moment.  They ate it up, fortunately! It was a wonderful afternoon.


Tomorrow, Sue and I meet with the itty-bitty children first, then we see all of our potential students once again. Tomorrow, the real work begins!

I wanna hold your hand...

The King and I

Look Familiar?

Bom Noite!


 Today Sue and I had a lot of down time after our early morning breakfast with Frs. Joe and McCall and seminarian Carlos.   So, we came back to the house and had a good nap.  Around 11:30 we headed back to their house to have dinner.  Dinner down here is in the early afternoon and is the biggest meal of the day.  Chicken, fish, beans, rice, salad! It was all amazing and we had our fill.


Father McCall took Sue and I to the beach where we saw some beautiful scenery (you'll have to trust me on this, as I forgot my camera and couldn't capture it for you).  His dog, Lampion, enjoyed the beach as well.


The highlight of my entire day had to be attending Mass. No, I'm not just saying that because of where I am... It was beautiful.  The people were so welcoming- eager to shake hands or hug Sue and me.  And the singing! This congregation does not have a formal choir- that's because they do all the singing themselves!  Two women in the front pew were leading them from their seats and encouraged me to join with them.  It was a great deal of fun and made the entire service so special. These people do not have as much as I do to be thankful for, but boy do they give thanks! One of the altar servers approached me and mentioned how much she wants to sing with us this week.  I hope I see her again.  


Afterwards, Sue and I came home to fix ourselves dinner and hang out. We have a meeting at 8:00am tomorrow with the music teacher here and we meet our first group of kids at 10:00. I was a bit nervous about starting, but after today's Mass, I am not so afraid anymore. Is anyone else thinking of the King and I, or is it just me? 


Until tomorrow,
   Jamie

Fr. McCall's church. 

We're Here!!

We made it! After 24 hrs. of travel, everything went so smoothly, i couldn't believe it! no delays, no hassles, luggage arrived  as soon as we got to baggage claim - Amazing! And what a warm welcome from all. Good to see Fr. Joe and all the wonderful people in Remanso, who greeted us with big smiles, warm hugs and kisses and a delicious meal, as well as our sign that we can see from our doorstep! Now don't we feel special! And to top it off, Ana Paula, our liason and interpreter, christened her 2nd born the day of our arrival and her party was in full swing when we arrived but stopped to introduce us and sing their welcoming song in Portugese.  What a warm welcome, so good to be here, I feel very blessed to be apart of this and am hoping for much success with the children in the next 2 weeks! Ciao for now.

Bom Noite!


Sue and I had a VERY long trip!!  We left LaGuardia at 4:20Pm on the 6th and arrived in Remanso at 5:45PM on July 7th!  Despite it's length, the trip went very smoothly. Each plane was either early or right on time and our bags arrived at every stop along with us. Thanks be to God for that! 


Upon arriving in Petrolina, Father Joe and a seminarian picked us up and we made the 2 hour car ride to Remanso.  When we turned onto the street where the St. Leo the Great center is located, we saw a beautiful sign welcoming us and thanking us for our visit! It was so special. Even more special than that, the ladies and children of the community made us dinner and visited with us.  Dinner was incredible!   It was a great way for me to practice my Portugese and learn some of their names.  This community is so welcoming and I already love them. Ha!


Sue has just turned in for the night and I am about to do the same.  Feel free to comment on what you see and read!  We'd love to hear from you.


Miss you and love you,
  Jamie

Our welcome sign! What a surprise! 

Countdown

well we are reaching the final hours before our departure, packing up until the last minute, of course, would you expect any less from me? And while trying to get stuff together yesterday, klutzy here broke her toe. Seems better today, could get a shoe on, so that won't stop me from forging ahead. The shuttle will be here to pick us up by noon and we're off for a 24 hr trip , due to arrive at our destination on Sat. afternoon. Fr. Joe will be meeting us at the airport. After much discussion and thought, Jamie and I have decided to leave her computer at home. Where we are staying, we will be safe, but I can't say her computer will be and we certainly don't want to catch anyone's attention with it either. We have been assured that we can use the computers at the center, just need to change the language from Portugese to English, so we'll see how our blog turns out. If perhaps by some unfortunate circumstance you no longer hear from us, it is because we haven't been able to make contact through their computers there, but we reassure you that we will journal the old fashion way and then enter our posts on our return. Stay tuned....and hoping we can reach out when we get there. Wish us luck..... and blessings...
sue

The Joys of Packing...

Greetings!
  Congratulations to Sue for a successful first post on the blog!


As many of you know, out-of-country travel can be stressful. The part I seem to find most overwhelming (besides getting to the airport on time) is packing.  I laid out everything I need to bring on my bed this evening:

This is JUST clothing and toiletries! Perhaps you more travel savvy individuals think I'm packing too much, but only my suitcase will tell.  Lucky travelers to Brazil can bring two checked bags and a carry-on.  Can you see my passport? Ha! I've been reminding myself to pack it all day...that would be the ONE thing I really wouldn't want to forget. That and our music, of course.


Went to St. Leo's today to make final copies of everything I'd like to sing with the people in Remanso.  I tried to organize my binder so everything is easily accessible. 

LOOK! I even tried to color-code everything for myself so I don't get confused come rehearsals. We have a LOT of music to share, but I always seem to have more songs for one group than another.  I think I'm headed back to church again Thursday/Friday to copy more music and even things out.  


That's all for now. Trying to get organized and collect/ buy any possible thing we may need for this journey.   I am definitely excited it's almost here!




Love,
 Jamie 

I'm Blogging!

Can you believe it? The technologically impaired is blogging!!! but I learned for a good cause - to share with you our adventures in Brazil. We are really excited and can't believe this is finally happening. Last minute preparations are in order as well as the nervous travel jitters. Pray for a safe arrival.
Fr. Joe plans to meet us at the airport in Petrolina when we arrive on Sat.and will drive us to Remanso where we will be staying.
Jamie has been working hard planning for our sessions with the kids. We know that you can plan for everything, but can expect anything when it comes to children, so we will just go with the flow.
Jamie mentioned earlier that some of you have expressed interest in helping our cause and has provided a link to Paypal. If you are as technologically challenged as I and prefer not to get involved with Pay pal, you can also send a donation direct to: St. Charles Brazilian Children-Arts Program, 238 Jewett Ave.,Bridgeport, CT 06606. Please make sure you mention the Arts Program.
THANK YOU to everyone for your support of this project, including all those I leaned on for advice and techy support- we couldn't have done it without you!
See you in BRAZIL!
sue