"Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Just walk beside me and be my friend.”
- Albert Camus

When many North American Christians think about the word “mission” their minds immediately drift to ways that they can help another- giving money, building homes, painting and refurbishing broken down buildings. These actions are all great and much needed, but they are missing the relational part of “mission”. Others view “mission” differently. I believe that I was blessed to work in a church that viewed “mission” as a partnership in which all partners are equals and walk hand in hand developing joint goals and projects. It is not a relationship where one gives and the other receives but rather a partnership in which all individuals have a voice and a place at the table.

Yesterday the leaders and students at the High School and Professional School in Pentecoste, team at ADEL and students at PRECE EPCs welcomed two North American partners from First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, GA. Rose Emily Bermudez , the Director of Mission at FPC, and Brant Ferrell, the Chair of the Brazil Committee, are devoted to the work that is being done in Brazil via PRECE and a variety of Presbyterian Churches in and around Fortaleza. And, they are striving to get more people involved in the partnership.

While at EEEP Pentecoste they met with Prof Manoel Andrade, Director Elton Luz and Educational Coordinators Tony Ramos Ribeiro and Ednaldo Firmiano as well as students who are preparing for high school. Three students led them around the school and with pride showed them the classes, presented teachers and fellow students and taught our visitors about the cooperative learning methodology. Students had the opportunity to ask questions of Brant and Rose Emily and to share their experiences. The thing that Brant and Rose Emily were most impressed with was the enthusiasm and motivation these students had for learning. They were taking time out of their day (when not at their “normal” school) to study and better their chances at receiving a good education. Brant and Rose Emily were overwhelmed by the dedication they saw within the students. It is the same dedication, motivation and enthusiasm that always amazes North Americans when they visit the PRECE communities and ADEL projects.

As Rose Emily and Brant continued through their day visiting PRECE EPCs and ADEL leaders this same theme of dedication and motivation to improve the reality in the impoverished communities of Ceará was evident. Every where they went we sat in a circle facing one another having an open and honest discussion. In all ways each participant had a place at the table and had a voice which was heard. The feeling of partnership and solidarity was palpable. As I listened to both North Americans and Brasilians sharing ideas and knowledge I was reminded of a quote by Albert Camus – “Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Just walk beside me and be my friend.” This friendship and equal respect for one another is exactly what I witnessed yesterday as the people of Pentecoste welcomed two North Americans with love, acceptance and joy … and as the North Americans listened in amazement and support to the stories, questions, and ideas of the PRECE students, ADEL leaders, and EEEP Pentecoste leaders and students. I am grateful for the opportunity to watch relationships built on equal respect grow and flourish.

Taking it all in stride...

When I was at the home of Jose Alfredo and Dona Marta (in Boa Vista) yesterday a giant water truck pulled in behind me. I was confused because typically there are buckets of water lining the walls of the house, but I was quickly notified that they were down to one 2 liter bottle of clean drinking water and they needed to buy more.

This is what I learned about the reality of living in the impoverished rural areas of northeastern Brasil:
- It only rains December through June. During this period rain water is caught for drinking/washing/bathing.
- When the dry season comes and the water dries up, plan B is enacted:
- The county government provides 2 hours of bathing/washing water every other day. This water is too salty and contaminated to drink.
- Water for drinking must be purchased from a private compandy that extracts water (untreated) from a local reservoir and delivers it to homes. It is not expensive, but it is not cheap.
- And, this by no means makes life easy.

I entered in to one of the bedrooms which was filled with hundreds of 2 liter water bottles, big jugs and giant barrels waiting to be filled with water. This supply would have to last as long as possible. The only problem was that when we rain an extension cord from the house to the motor of the water truck we remembered that we had lost power about an hour ago and were still without energy. Now what?

Unfortunately, this is not unusual here. Living in the interior of northeastern Brasil I have developed a much greater appreciation for all the things I typically take for granted- water and energy simply being the most recent examples!

And... We're Off!

It’s like we are doing a triathlon right now. There are moments where we sprint; moments where we catch our breath; moments of frustration and struggle; and moments of great joy and sense of accomplishment. But, there is never a moment when we quit.

These past two weeks have been both exhilarating and exhausting at the same time. You know, that feeling, when you are running on adrenaline and feel like you have all the energy in the world but at the same time are completely worn out. And, when your head hits the pillow at night you either can’t sleep because your mind is still running a million miles a minute or your exhaustion causes you to collapse in to bed before taking a shower or changing in to pajamas! That is how the faculty and staff at the new High School and Technical School have felt the past two weeks (or, maybe it's just me! HA!).

Two weeks ago we initiated the “Open to the Community” Aerobics and Yoga classes… with instructor Kacy. Believe me; I am in no way qualified to teach either aerobics or yoga! I have been an athlete all my life and have taken hundreds of fitness classes and do yoga/pilates regularly. But, that doesn’t mean I am certified or qualified to lead others. But, that seems to make little difference to anyone here and we are having a great time learning together! The first day we had two students; the second 25; and now we have more than 40!! Everyone is at a different level but everyone is enjoying burning off a few extra calories with the support from others.

This past Monday we began meetings and entrance evaluations for the English courses and the students who are preparing to study here for High School next year. The “welcome” meetings this week have presented the school, courses, faculty and staff, PRECE, and the methodology of cooperative learning to the students. The excitement and anticipation on the faces of the students has washed all of the exhaustion away and given us more energy to continue.

This might be the testimony that our methodology of cooperative learning works- when you work closely with others they give the energy and motivation to continue pressing on toward your goal; those who struggle together also succeed together.

Motivation... without Handouts

This past weekend I had the privilege of spending quality time with one of my favorite Brasilian families. There is a long list of reasons why I love the Monteiro de Oliveira family- they are welcoming, kind-hearted, generous and loving. And, when I am with them I am reminded of my life in the United States and my family there. This is partly because when at their home I have all the comforts that I am accustomed to the United States, but mainly because I am able to enter into deep conversations with them and discussions with Carlos (the father) which make me feel like I am sitting in my own father’s study debating the politics of the day. This past weekend was a perfect example.

I was sitting by the pool reading an article on the current American political situation (the crisis with the debt ceiling) in the Brasilian magazine Veja. The article was fascinating to me (always enlightening to read the news about your country from an outside perspective!) and sparked many questions about American taxes, social services, and inequalities… and the Brasilian equivalents. So, naturally I asked Carlos to share his opinions. And, just as I anticipated, his answers, from a Brasilian perspective, mirrored the thoughts of my father, from an American perspective.

When it comes to social services such as welfare (or in Brasil, Bolsa Familia) Carlos and my father raise a reasonable question: “Why are we providing incentives for people not to work? If they can stay at home, have children and receive more money from government assistance programs than they can if they work a minimum wage job than we are doing a disservice to our countries by providing “hand outs”.” I understand their perspective, but the “bleeding-heart liberal” (as my grandfather calls me) sees the situation from a completely different point of view.

The beauty of PRECE is that it is a movement which both the “bleeding-heart liberal” and the “hard-nosed conservative” can stand behind and support. PRECE in no way gives “hand outs” or a “free ride”, but is built upon the premise that each individual must be self-motivated and work hard to improve their own future and the future of others. Hard work, dedication and persistence are key characteristics of each Precista. They know that no one else is going to change their lot in life for them- they must rise to the challenge and pave a better way so that future generations do not struggle like they did. At the same time, PRECE is built upon the support, encouragement and motivation of others who believe in lending a helping hand in order to provide those born in to poverty a way to pull themselves out of their misery. PRECE is a movement where people like my father and I can come together on common ground and support the dreams of those whose reality sometimes appears to be a nightmare.

When I returned to Pentecoste on Sunday morning I was reminded of exactly how much drive and motivation the PRECE students posses within them. In a city where opportunity is not innately behind every door, the PRECE movement is opening windows of opportunity. This past weekend hundreds of students in each PRECE EPC took an ENEM practice test to prepare for the ENEM (university entrance exam) that will be administered in October. From 8 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday the students could do nothing but take the test- filling in multiple choice circle after circle! If 5 and a half hours of practice test taking does not show hard work and dedication, I don’t know what else does!

These students know that education is the path to a better future and that they must work hard to secure their place in a competitive college market. At the same time, they are surrounded by a community of Precistas who believe in them and who walk the path alongside them. They do not expect a free ride but from time to time, with gratitude, they rely on the helping hand of the PRECE community.

Vote Now and Help ADEL

All of you have heard me talk about ADEL, the Local Economic Development Agency, which was started by PRECE students and graduates of the Federal University in Ceara. In just 4 years they have already made incredible progress helping the disadvantaged farmers and small business owners in the rural northeastern part of Brasil. They are working together with farmers to teach best practices, developing classes to train youth how to start small businesses and are partnering with organizations all over Brasil and the world to improve their own practices.

They are now in a competition called The Opportunity Project sponsored by Ashoka Changemakers and E-bay. You can help them win $150,000 by following these simple steps:
1) Go to https://www.changemakers.com/node/101640/semifinalists?nocache=1.
2) Click on ADEL and enter in your email address.
3) Open your email and click on the link.
DONE!

And, in these 3 simple steps you can be a part of bringing hope and resources to the local farmers and small business owners here in Ceara. We are so thankful for your support!

A Refuge for the Community

When people think of a school they typically think of a building constructed specifically for students; a place where teachers can impart knowledge and students can discover their own knowledge. Sometimes we in North-America link schools with sporting teams, academic competitions and musical and theatrical performances. But, never before have I thought of a school as a refuge… until now.

On June 21st a new High School and Professional school was inaugurated in Pentecoste, Ceará, Brasil and it is set to open in August with everything in “full swing” at the start of the 2012 school year. This school will be administered by PRECE leaders, and following in PRECE’s methodology of Cooperative Learning the school will not only serve high school students but the entire community. The school will offer an E-Jovem course where community members can learn and develop skills needed to work in the I.T. field. The school will offer English classes not only to students but to parents, family members and the broader the community. The school library, gym, auditorium and other facilities will be open to host community events.

One such community event that has already begun (even before the school has opened) is the SuperAção ENEM. These are a series of evenings where every student in the county of Pentecoste who is preparing to take the ENEM (university entrance exam) is invited to gather together and meet with a university professor who works to motivate them as well as share knowledge and tips needed to succeed when taking the exam. These series of events encourage the students as they are able to receive support from one another and adults who care about their future.

It is a beautiful sight to see a school that is not simply concerned with test scores or teacher tenure, but is truly concerned with meeting the needs of the students and the broader community. I feel blessed to be a part of this school believing fully that it will serve as an example to all other schools in Ceará.

Thank you to new and old friends throughout the mid-west!

Cooperative Learning Group

Thank you to Donna and David for hosting us and taking us on all kinds of adventures!
Enjoying lunch with the group from First Presbyterian in Williamsburg, Iowa.
Presenting new PRECE information to the "Brasil Alumni" from the Presbytery of East Iowa. Thank you Gil, Virginia, Al and Caroline for welcoming us to Iowa. And, thank you for your long-time support of PRECE!

Dinner on the 4th of July in Wabash, IN with the Brubakers and Pastor Aureo.

Brasilians on Bikes! Exploring Wabash, IN.

"PRECE Open House" at my parents' home.

Presenting PRECE at Trinity Lutheran Church in Wabash, IN. We are so happy to have been friends in Indiana!

Hanging out with Presbyterian Pastors after the Brasil Network in Indianapolis. Thank you, Ali, for hosting us while in Indy!

Brainstorming with Rev. Connie Lee. The question at hand- "how can we implement and replicate PRECE in the U.S.A.?"

An amazing meeting with the PCUSA Brasil Network in Indianapolis, IN.

Welcome to Indianapolis. In front of the Indiana History Museum while walking on the Canal downtown.

Thank you Amy and Gavin for hosting us while in Louisville!

ELVIS!!!!! A stop in Nashville, TN.Meeting new friends, Andy and Adrienne Neale, for lunch in Nashville, TN.