COUNTRY: Brazil
PROGRAM: GapBreak
PROJECT: Wildlife Conservation & Youth Work
WRITTEN BY: Hannah McHardy
On the last day at the Childrens Centre we had work from 11-4, a really long day that ended with a big show from the kids where they performed for us and the kids performed what we had taught them. Unfortunately due to the inability for some kids to make it to the centre that day, my group didnt get to perform! Camille, Emily, Cat and I had worked really hard and so had the kids to teach them a funny Cow Boy and Girl dance to the song 5,6,7,8!
In the end I think the time we spent with them teaching and the fun we had is more important, so Im glad we got the opportunity to spend that time with them anyway. Sarah, Steph, Ellen, Tegan and Kittys children performed "Santa Claus is Coming to Town"! It was so gorgeous to see all the kids dressed up in their Santa Hats and using English! Other performances included the choir bunch singing tradational Brasilian songs for us that everyone else watching got involved in as well.
Musical instruments come out and they did a Capohera dance for us. Some sambering happened after that even some of the teachers got into! There were lots of photos and videos taken with the kids on this day and they made a special lunch for us which was delicious. There were lots of salads and the classic Feijao (traditional Brazilian dish) with rice and an assortment of meats.
The kitchen ladies worked so hard to arrange a wonderful dessert for everyone, by baking a giant cake! Everyone went back for thirds and ice cream was served to everyone! It was so nice sitting around chatting and seeing all the kids one last time. By the time it got to the end of the day so many of the kids, even if they hadnt spoken to you before, came running for hugs and kisses and to say goodbye. Gustavo and Amelia got very emotional and were crying.
It was such a big realisation seeing how much we have greatly affected their lives by coming here, donating the money we have and spending time with the kids. "We love you all, please dont leave, we want you to stay" were just some of the things they were saying! Not letting us go and holding onto our legs made it so hard (literally) to walk out of the centre that day.
In my last week, I spent most of my days with Camille hanging out in Ingleses and going to the beach. Lots of visits to the Sorviatariam (Im not sure thats how you spell it so dont quote me...) making our own ice creams and buying some last minute merch! One night we had a bonfire with the other girls at Santinho beach. Camille and I decided it was a fabulous idea to walk from our house to where the bonfire was, not realising we would be walking for a good hour and a half to get there.
In theory, it didnt seem like it would be that long. We walked over the sand dunes under the stars and had the life scared out of us by a crow sqwaking at us through the darkness. We had a sick night sitting around the fire with Diego and some of his friends and it was an awesome way to spend time with the girls before saying goodbye in a couple of days time.
On the last night we went to dinner at a pizza place in Ingleses! It was so nice having everyone there with some of their families for a group dinner as a send off. We ate more than our fair share of pizza each and when the chocolate pizza selections came out at the end, there was no stopping us.
Brasil, and more specifically, Florianopolis, had become home to all of us and I could tell everyone in the group had such a tough time saying goodbye to the city and their families. Everyone had become so close with their families and for me, leaving them behind in the paradise that they live in was really overwhelming and I defintely shed many many tears! All through the day and night before and on the way to the airport. My host Mum and I used google translate to have a quiet chat the morning before I left while my host brother and sister werent around. She typed to me, "I think of you as a beautiful, intelligent, very nice person and I am delighted to have had you living in my house and being an older sister to my children who have enjoyed your company just as much. Everyone will miss you". I was so happy to read this and know that I had had such an impact on these peoples lives as they have had on mine!
I never thought I would miss the culture I thought bothered me! Like barely sleeping at night then a nice siesta the following afternoon, or eating the foods that have made me gain kilo upon kilo (no lie), or walking down streets where horses roamed free amongst the people. Even thinking that I wont get to experience these things again makes me really sad. There are definite plans to go back in the future.
Now another adventure awaits me! Even though Brasil is behind us it has given us so much to take with us and has given us the opportunity to become better people. I think since that first day at Babel (where I casually got a migraine, standard) to the last night at dinner with everyone we have changed physically (definitely) and emotionally that allowed us to adapt to life in Florianopolis. So many important and lifelong friendships have been made. We wont ever forget it!
Thanks so much!! Also just so you know, I would be happy to speak at any information night for next year and go to the camp. Would love to share things with the new people!!
Hannah
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