Blessed to be a witness...

Blessed to be a witness ~ Ben Harper

I am blessed.
I am blessed.
I am blessed.
I am blessed...
I am blessed to be a witness.

So much sorrow.
Sorrow and pain.
Still I will not live in vain.
Like the questions never asked.
Is wisdom wasted on the past.
Only by the grace of God, go I, go I...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vJEfU4qCmM&NR=1

The words “blessed to be a witness” most accurately describe how I feel about my experiences with PRECE this weekend. This morning, while in the country-side I was privileged to attend a meeting between an already existing PRECE school (EPC Ombreira) and a new community hoping to start a school. This new community, Serrote, is located about 7 miles past Ombreira and the people there have a strong desire for the potential the PRECE movement can bring. They have seen the results PRECE produces in other communities- in Pentecoste almost 200 PRECE students have passed the university entrance exam and entered the university and in the small community of Ombreira alone 6 students have entered the university! What community wouldn’t desire to enhance their human capital, develop a stronger economy and bring a brighter future to their youth?

Like all good grassroots movements this meeting took place in the living room of a single family with a few snacks, modest provisions and a great deal of energy and anticipation. After a few hours on of conversation regarding the history of PRECE, the methodology of PRECE and the vision of PRECE the question was posed to the members of the new community- “who is willing to accept the challenge of starting a new PRECE school, of working hard, of meeting challenges head on and of supporting one another throughout the journey?”. Without hesitation every hand in the room went up with enthusiasm. Ana Maria then asked everyone to stand together, hold hands and say aloud words that would describe their journey as a PRECE school. These could be words that describe what PRECE would bring to the community or words that would describe the characteristics the students would need to possess. One by one the students spoke:
- Cooperation
- Human value
- Support
- Resilience
- Perseverance
- Faith
- Partnership
- Friendship
- Optimism
- Collaboration
- Community
- Respect
- Personal worth
- Determination
- Courage
The list went on and on. Each student knew that the path they were to walk would not always be easy. They knew that it was going to take hours of hard work and determination. They knew that they as the leaders would have to be the strength and provide the vision for others. But, they also knew that they would have the support and assistance from other PRECE communities. And, they have the vision knowing that potential PRECE can bring about in them and in their future. Together the group of seasoned PRECE students and the new students prepared to embark on the PRECE journey held hands and closed in prayer- putting their lives, the movement and their future in the hands of God.

50 students?!?!?!

This weekend I started teaching English classes at Ombreira. Ombreira is a small community on the outskirts of the small city of Pentecoste. Luckily, it is not as far out in the country as some of the other PRECE communities. Therefore, the members of the community benefit from modern conveniences like paved roads, a water/sewage system and small stores/restaurants. EPC Ombreira (Cooperative Public School) is a thriving location where children gather for a variety of classes and activities and teenagers join to study for the university entrance exam. Life at EPC Ombreira is energetic and active to say the least! Children can be found taking hip hop dance lessons, playing chess and learning karate. And, teenagers constantly gather in small groups to prepare for the difficult vestibular test. And, most recently we have added an English course on Saturday afternoons. An English class for which 50 students showed up!!!!!!!!! 50 students!!?!?!?!?! How does one teach 50 students?!?!?! Guess I will find out.

Now I can guarantee that these students didn’t all show up because of the teacher (me). The reason that they showed up for class is because the hunger for education here is so great. Students- from the youngest child to the seasoned adult- are looking for something more. They desire to learn more, to grow more and to excel more. The success of PRECE is because PRECE is one of the few entities in the rural areas that is satisfying that hunger for knowledge. The students’ willingness to make education a priority and to dedicate themselves not only to their own education but the education of the entire community is what is making the difference in the countryside. My dad would call it a strong work ethic (something that he valued and demanded from his daughters), but it’s more than that. It’s the realization that education is an equalizer and the vision and drive to achieve that education despite constant obstacles. These students are truly amazing and I am lucky to have the opportunity to learn from them and grow with them!

Relax!!!!

Remember that last post I wrote about all of my frustrations regarding the stressors around the internet and the computer programs and the daily struggles PRECE faces? Well, this post is going to have a different tone. The cosmos, God and the Brasilians are all telling me one thing, and it sounds a little like this… RELAX! Put away your A-type personality that needs constant organization and structure. Put away your 5 year strategic plan. Put away your charts and your color coded “to do” list. Put it all aside, take a deep breath and listen to us. Learn from us. Let us show you what we know and how we do things. It might not be the same as you, but it is just as good.
Okay, you caught my attention and I am listening. Saturday morning when I arrived at Cipó I had the pleasure of speaking with Norma who is helping to coordinate the computer room at Cipó. She and I originally met to talk about the English class they have asked me to begin teaching (as soon as I buy a car/secure reliable transportation) at Cipó on Saturday mornings. But, our conversation quickly turned to the English courses she had already been leading and the computer software the students were already using twice a week. Every Saturday morning she leads an English conversation class using her knowledge of the language and then every week she monitors the students as they use the Rosetta Stone program to practice their English. She even has a spreadsheet to monitor their work!!!! This is my type of girl!

For a while I had the privilege of sitting with 6 year old Aline as she worked through the Rosetta Stone program- reading the phrases, picking the picture that correctly matched the words and then repeating the words out loud. Aline’s English was flawless!! Obviously, what they have established in regards to English courses and using technology to enhance their learning is working! And, they don't need me to change anything. They simply need me to walk with them through the joys and frustrations of their journey and support them in anyway I can.

There is still so much work to be done. For example, even though the computers running on cable in the computer lab have access to the internet, the wind has blown the wireless antenna down the road and that needs work (obviously!). So, Norma and I shared ideas about how we can increase the use of technology for teaching and learning. She shared some of her concerns and, since I am learning a valuable lesson, I listened. Things might not always look the way I would imagine and they might not move at the pace I am accustomed to, but I am taking a deep breath and learning that there is nothing wrong with that. In fact, there are lots of things that are healthy about that! And, together we are walking this rocky road.

Where is my "super size"?

In a culture where the most common questions seem to be "would you like to SUPER SIZE that?", "would you like to upgrade your service?", "for only $9.99 we can include an additional ...xyz" a person rarely hears the words "NO!". I grew up in a country where it seemed like everything was at my finger tips and anything was possible. If I wanted to make something happen, build something new, or try something different, I could. Granted, it would cost $$$- sometimes a lot, but it could always be done. And, too often we Americans have too much, think that we need too much and overindulge consistently to the point of great waste. It was one of my biggest frustrations in the United States. However, now the tables have been turned and I am missing my "super size/upgrade" option.

Generally I consider myself a pretty simple and basic girl. I very rarely upgraded and never super sized. But, I am now living and working in an area where the answer too frequently is "no" to what seem to me to be even the most basic needs. To be clear, the answer isn't "no" because people don't want or need certain things. They do. The answer is "no" because the infrastructure too frequently is not in place to respond with anything other than "no".

For example: This past weekend I spent my time out in the rural communities of Cipo, Ombreira and Boa Vista. I love these areas. I love the peace and calm of daily life. I love the fact that I can read all day in a hammock and only be bothered by the noises of passing goats or cows. I love the fact that everyone is friendly and hospitality there is 2nd to none. I love the fresh farm cheese and the tea made from the grass in the garden. I love the people, the land and the fact that PRECE has its roots on the hallowed ground. But, that same peace and calm means that taking steps toward new technology is sometimes like wading through sinking sand. One of my big projects here is to establish an e-learning program (1st with an English class) at the Ombreira PRECE school. Great!! So, do we have the location? Yes! Do we have interested students? LOTS! Do we have computers? Ummm... 3 that work, 4 more that need to be set up. Small problem that can be solved! Do we have internet? Ummm... Working internet?? Ummm... Ok. So, let's call the DSL Cable Company and get it set up. Ummm... Out in the country we don't have any DSL Cable Companies. Can we bring anyone out from the city of Fortaleza? Silence. And, what about wireless?? Blank stares. Ok. So, let's go with Satelite. But, this time we won't use the 1st guy who abondoned his post! Or the 2nd one who botched the job! This time we will use a good, but expensive, commercial provider who will get the job done and do it well. We can find one of those, right????? .... ... ...

Well, of course we can find one and we will and steps are being taken to find the right provider and get the best system in place. The beauty of PRECE is that people don't give up and they succeed in the face of adversity. Incredible and unbelievable things happen all the time. At PRECE there is always hope and progress is constantly being made. But, for the girl who has lived most of her life having everything at her fingertips this practice in patience is testing my patience :).

Life is GREAT... but, my transportation karma is BAD

The pieces to my life in Fortaleza, Brasil are finally starting to fit together and like any true A-type personality I am feeling a sense of peace and relief now that progress is being made. Granted, the progress is slow, but it is progress nonetheless.

A week and a half after I purchased my bed and my dresser/closet combo they were finally delivered and assembled. My room is finally set up and I am unpacked. For those of you who know me well and have lived with me, I typically like to have everything unpacked and all the decorations in place within 3 days of moving in to a new place. 2 weeks for one room was testing my patience! But, as I said progress is being made!

I have begun working. I use the term working lightly because a lot of what I am doing right now is getting to know and fully understand PRECE- their history, the complexity of the movement, the vision, etc. so that I can be of the most benefit to the program. That being said, I have begun teaching an English class to high school/college students twice a week at PRECE Benfica and it seems to be going really well. The students are all so sweet and so eager to learn! They are so fun to work with and I am really enjoying my time with them. I have also been attending meetings of the cooperative learning program at the university (below). One hope is that I will design a curriculum/program for an English language school at PRECE using the cooperative learning methodology as well as the internet and an e-learning program. And, much to my surprise (because of what seemed to be some insurmountable obstacles) progress on the internet in our pilot location (Ombreira) has begun. This weekend I will be heading out to the country to spend time at Ombreira meeting with the program coordinator and some of the student leaders! I can't wait to get back out to the country where PRECE has its roots. There is something powerful and unexplainable about being there!

And, luckily (thank you, Jesus!!!) I am beginning to better understand Portugues. I can't quite describe the frustration I feel when I am unable to relay my thoughts and feelings to someone and when I am unable to engage in meaningful conversation. I feel so hopeless!! And, that is a horrible feeling. But, slowly but surely I am beginning to follow conversations. Progress is being made!

Now, though this city is quite complicated to navigate I thought that I had made some progress in that area also. For example: Can I make it from my house to the mall/grocery store/school and back? YES! Can I take the bus from the main university campus to the other campus? EASILY! Do I have a safe jogging route to the beach and back? NATURALLY (with yoga on the beach as my 1/2 way mark!)! Do I know how to get to capoeira class and stay only on the outside of the circle without actually having to do anything in front of other people? YOU BET! Can I take the bus to the beach for sun bathing, reading and relaxing? OF COURSE! Can I make it home.... errrr.... ???? And, this is where my bad transportation karma kicks in!

Yesterday I had a pile of reading to do on cooperative learning. So, I figured that there is no better place to read than on the beach and I was brave enough to take a new bus to the beach by myself. And, if I do say so myself, I did it masterfully! In fact, I found my way to the beach, took a long walk, finished my reading, purchased some snacks and sweet talked (ha! in Portuguese!) my way in to a ritzy athletic club (see the pic below- right behind the beach before the high rises) where I met the sport director and tennis pro and finagled my way in to a free tennis lesson this morning (typically it is $50 an hour to play!). And, I made it home, safe and sound.

Today, however luck was not on my side. Why you ask? Well, I, of course am not willing to accept full responsibility but I will explain to you why I am not to blame! A little history- workers in Brasil go on strike... a lot. Professors, maintenance workers, bus drivers. The bus strike started in May when they were revising their contracts... and it is still going. Last night I got word that today many of the drivers were going to strike again. But, I was not going to be detered! I had a (free!) tennis game this morning! Luckily "Circullar 2" was running early this morning and I made it down to the beachside athletic club in plenty of time. On my way home I had assumed I would have the same luck. Not so! I waited at the same bus stop and hopped on the first "Circullar" bus that came my way. When I noticed that the bus driver was headed straight toward the favelas (slums) on the opposite side of town I began to get a little nervous. And, when he turned in to a gigantic bus terminal and every other person got off the bus I knew that I had made a mistake! In my broken Portugues I asked the driver what was happening and why the "Cirrcular" bus wasn't taking me to my neighborhood. I don't know exactly what he said, but the words "nao" "onibus" and "greve" stood out to me. He was telling me that the bus I needed was on strike and I had gotten on the wrong bus (Grande Circullar) which took me no where close to where I needed to be!!! Luckily, in true Brasilian fashion the bus driver(S!) patiently explained to me the situation, the bus I needed to take to get home, where to find that bus and that I would be just fine!! So, after waiting for what seemed like an eternity (keep in mind I had only had a piece of bread with honey before playing tennis for an hour and a half in the hot Brasilian sun... and my water bottle was nearly empty!) the bus came and I hopped on. It was truly another adventure as I traveled through new parts of town and attempted to get my bearings. We had finally made it back to a part of town that I recognized when I heard a strange sound coming from the bus!! Yep, you guessed it!... two flat tires!! It was a good thing I was still in my tennis clothes because there was no way I was waiting around for another bus so I started walking. Of course, the part of town that I recognized didn't mean that I was actually anywhere near my house! So, 30 minutes later, without a drop of water left in my water bottle I arrived at home... with just enough time to jump in the shower, grab a quick lunch and head out the door to meet with a group of children from one of the partner churches. Whew!!! I love this place, but they sure do make it rough on an American girl who is used to having everything at her fingertips!!! Everyday is a lesson in patience, but like I said... slowly but surely progress is being made:).

Tips for Americans living in Ceará, Brasil (i.e. notes to self):

1) Patience is not a virtue. It is an expectation. AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! One little example: I bought a bed and a closet/dresser a week ago. 2 days later the closet/dresser arrived in a tiny box with a promise that the man would return 2 days later to assemble it. 2 days later I was promised he would arrive 3 days later. 3 days later… ??? And, the bed has yet to be seen from!!
2) Don’t panic. The huge flying cockroaches and frogs in the bathroom won’t hurt you. The coral snakes and Brasilian wondering spiders, however, will. Stay away from them!
3) Cold showers aren’t the end of the world. They aren’t always fun, but they can be refreshing. I recommend showering after a workout or later in the evening when the water has been warmed by the sun.
4) I know it seems gross, but put the toilet paper in the trash can instead of the toilet. You don’t want to be responsible for the breakdown of the sewage system in northeastern Brasil. Just remember to empty the trash can frequently!
5) Brasilian cuisine isn’t much fun for a vegetarian/pescatarian, but it is do-able. I am trying to force myself to like beans. Thus far I haven’t been successful, but I am trying! For those who aren’t aware, the main meal always consists of rice, beans and meat. Breakfast, however, is heaven- fresh fruit, bread, cheese and cake!!! What more could a girl want?!?!
6) Flies in the kitchen are icky, but suck it up and cover the food with a towel or bowl!
7) Smiling and nodding when you don’t know what a person is saying can get you in trouble. Ask if you don’t understand something!
8) When in Brasil it is tempting to stop exercising and start napping. Don’t (I repeat, DON’T) make this a habit!!! Your pants will not fit… even though you don’t have a dryer to shrink them back to the perfect size!!
9) However, when jogging it is mandatory to be up and out the door by 6 a.m. By 7 a.m. the downtown streets are filled with cars and buses and the sidewalks are crowded with people and vendors. By 8 a.m. it is nearly impossible to get through. The jog to the beach and yoga on the beach is well worth the effort, though!
10) Do not be scared of public displays of affection no matter how odd they may seem to your American eyes. When in Rome…
11) Remind your bank and credit card companies that you will be leaving the country. Having a frozen card isn’t fun especially when trying to deal with things overseas.

I am sure that this post will continue to grow... so stay tuned!

ADEL- Completing the Circle

Many Americans wonder why university educated students would return to their small hometown where there is not as much opportunity as the city may offer. I, for one, was one of those Americans who after experiencing one year of college and the “real world” vowed that I would never return to my hometown, a small farming community in northern Indiana. It’s not that there is anything wrong with my hometown but I just couldn’t see what it offered for ME. My excuse was, “there is no opportunity for growth there.” So, why then, would a young adult Brasilian who has been educated at a top university return to their hometown?

Some would argue that they return because their culture encourages them to return and live with family until they are married. Others would argue that even in the city there are not many job opportunities. I would argue that PRECE students have been so strongly supported by the PRECE schools, facilitators and community that they are compelled to return to their hometowns and do something for others rather than simply looking out for their own best interest. In all honesty, it is probably a combination of many factors. Not only do university students who have been through the PRECE system return to their hometowns on weekends and school breaks to facilitate classes, but upon graduation they return and begin establishing small businesses which benefit not only themselves but their entire hometown community.

For the first time FPC volunteers were able to see this in action when they visited an ADEL project. ADEL stands for the Agency of Local Economic Development and in many ways is the completion to the PRECE cycle. ADEL is a way for university students to share their newfound knowledge with their small communities helping to bring economic development to the countryside and in turn empower the communities. The students partner with local producers to help them improve their farming and business techniques. Feel free to check out their blog at http://adel-ce.blogspot.com/ or their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100000917600780&ref=ts to learn more. While the FPC group was there, we observed a project in which PRECE university students have taught local farmers/producers to harvest and salvage grass during the rainy season so that the animals will have feed during the dry seasons. It seems like a simple concept, but for farmers who used to have to sell ½ their herd during the dry season because they had nothing to eat this new found knowledge is revolutionizing the way they operate. Today farmers are able to better provide for their families and sell more products to the government!

Suffice it to say that the work being accomplished by PRECE and ADEL is nothing short of amazing. They are transforming education, individuals and communities! I feel so lucky to be a part of this movement.

FPC at PRECE

Teachers typically comment that one of their favorite things about teaching is when a light goes on for a child or when a student makes a connection with something that speaks to them in a powerful way. I have always loved teaching for that reason. I enjoy exposing people to knowledge and experiences that they can connect with deeply. Last week I had the privilege of being with 18 people as they experienced PRECE for the first time. I don’t know what was more exciting, watching the 6 young girls hang hammocks in their shared bedroom so they could sleep like “real Brasilians” or watching the adults as they began to comprehend the challenges within the Brazilian public education system. It was as if I could see the wheels in their mind churning as they were thinking about ways they could become involved with the PRECE moment. There is something magical about PRECE that calls people to become active, to respond to the great need and to seek ways to walk alongside the PRECE students and facilitators.

If you have never been to the countryside in northeastern Brasil let me set the scene. The drive to Cipó, where the PRECE movement has its roots, is about 2 hours from the city of Fortaleza over highways filled with potholes, donkeys pulling carts and men, women and children all sharing one bicycle. And, then you arrive on the dirt road which has occasional cow/sheep/chicken crossings, rocks sharp enough to pop the toughest tires and hills and curves that can’t be taken at more than 30 miles an hour. When you pull up to the farmhouse there is nothing out of the ordinary at first, but then you are greeted by the most generous and most hospitable people you will ever meet. Despite the time of day there is a spread of fresh farm cheese, vegetables from the PRECE garden, cidreira tea made from leaves from the yard, and something sweet. And, if you arrive around meal time you are sure to be served rice and beans and some sort of fresh meat. The house will always be well kept and prepared for your visit and everyone within a mile radius will be lined up to welcome you and embrace you with a hug and kiss. The hospitality exhibited by Brasilians is like none other.

During the two days that the FPC group spent at Cipó we visited 3 PRECE sites, taught an English class to 70 children from various PRECE schools surrounding Cipó and visited an ADEL project. Transporting a group of 18 over the country roads is no small accomplishment, but it is made easier by the “school buses”. The school bus is actually nothing more than a pick up truck with 4 boards across the bed where people can sit. There are poles/rails built along the side and top which double as “roll bars” for safety and handles so that the passengers don’t slide in to one another. Like sleeping in a hammock the transportation is an experience in and of itself!

When teaching English the FPC group taught about body parts- an easy lesson since all the teaching supplies and examples are already available with the students!! After an introduction to the lesson and teaching the basic vocabulary we broke in to smaller groups. Each family unit was responsible for teaching a group and practicing the new vocabulary. One of the most beautiful things was watching the American children take ownership of the lesson as they shared their language with the Brasilian children. In fact, most of the parents stepped aside and the children did the majority of the teaching!! When charged with a task children can accomplish more than we ever give them credit for.

Equally inspiring to the teaching the FPC children were doing was the fact that 70 PRECE students came out for an English class over their school break!!! Most of the American students I know take education for granted, complain about going to class and would never show up for an optional class during their school break. To see 70 students travel up to 45 minutes each way up for a 2 hour English class over their school break is nothing short of amazing. It proves to me once again how hungry Brasilian students are for strong education and how much of an impact PRECE is making! Congrats to both PRECE facilitators and PRECE students for the great strides you are making.

Arrival

Have you ever had the feeling that where you are is exactly where you are supposed to be? I don’t mean that you walked in to the grocery store to get crackers and cheese and you left with crackers and cheese. For me, that in itself is an accomplishment as I typically leave with crackers, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, apples, pickles, wine and ice cream! But, again, that is not what I mean. I mean the feeling that you get when your entire being is so deeply connected with a place, a person or an entity that you know there is nowhere else in the entire world you are supposed to be at that time? It doesn’t happen to me all that frequently, but when it does happen the feeling cannot be ignored.

I didn’t cry when the airplane took flight in Atlanta. Maybe it was the 2 “drowsy” Dramamines that I took before boarding the flight that were lulling me toward sleep. Maybe it was because the week/weekend before had worn me out and I wasn’t very focused. Maybe I was simply too excited about taking 6 amazing families down to Fortaleza to experience PRECE and other partner churches. But, whatever the reason, I did not shed a tear about leaving the place and people who have been home for the past 6 years. It's not that I wasn't going to miss my condo and Atlanta and the conveniences of the U.S. I will. And it's not that I don't dearly love my friends and family. I do. But, for some reason not a tear was shed. However, the moment we touched down in Fortaleza the tears began running down my face. Instantly something about this place- the land, the people, the music and dance, the ocean, the culture, the poverty and the great riches- called to me and I felt the peace and calm of being “home”.

It’s a weird thing to call “home” a place where I barely speak the language and have never spent more than a month at a time. But, maybe the cliché saying “home is where the heart is” has more truth than I ever before acknowledged.