August 25, 2011
-
“Inside every older person is a younger person–wondering what the heck happened”
Another birthday. hmmmmm. The only reason why this is one is alarming is because it is darn close to 30.
I’ve been in Brazil almost a week now–settling in, visiting friends, planning the future, teaching classes, and Living Stones. Of course Living Stones. Updates on the Living Stones Blog are coming soon. And in a flood. With pictures.
Yesterday on the way to Living Stones Cajueiro Claro, a bull came charging down the road. I was never scared of cows until Brazil. But when they wander free and randomly cross your path, you realize you will never joke about tipping them over ever again. Those buggers are BIG. So I jumped to the side of the path, and into a big squishy pile of mud. I suppose I should be grateful it wasn’t something else.
The puddles outside the church in Cajueiro are so big that we call them swimming pools. Thank goodness they cut a new path around them that is only muddy, not three feet of water. Diego and Neto came riding up on Diego’s horse. They offered me a ride, but there is no saddle, and I haven’t watch enough horse movies lately to remember how to get up on one without…anything. I also haven’t ridden in general since 9th grade.
I am not in Indiana anymore.
Some things haven’t changed, like Marcella still won’t let me take her picture. I actually have to wait until she isn’t looking before I run up and catch her to get a hug. But I know she really wanted one all along. It is the silly game we play. With the new kitchen, Flavio made all the kids eggs. I told him we could rotate cooking. This means I really going to have to do it: after almost 4 years of living in Brazil–I am gonna have to learn how to make beans. From scratch. Rachel cooking. Makes me laugh.
The kids have nothing to do the rest of the day–Paudalho schools (where the kids are bussed) are all on strike. The mayor refuses to pay the teachers their correct salary. Who knows how long this will last. I wear SPF 30 and still have a red nose. That is unfair. So are all the bugs in this rainy weather. I have gotten pretty used to all the creepy crawlies that are around…but really…must there be so many? In random places at random times?
And they don’t call it “raining cats and dogs.” In Portuguese the expression is “the fox’s wedding.” Anyone want to guess why? Because I have no idea. Life is good. I have joined a gym and have the sore calves to prove it. The deaf guy at church mimed for me (as he always does), that he is glad I am back from the plane. I have had wonderful conversations and even began thinking in Portuguese again. I start post grad classes in Educational Psychology next month (I think). I start community English classes this Sunday.
Let’s face it: I love Brazil. And while that is sometimes inconvenient, and I wish it would go away, I find myself randomly whistling “Blue Moon” while waiting for the bus, and smiling at the chicken being chased by the cat. There is something special about here. And I am here. I was rather spoiled at being at home. Cooking for myself got old on day 2. And I miss my peeps…so many beautiful people in my life. But life is good. And I am 29 now, because it just turned midnight here.
I still remember coming in 2004, missing one flight and showing up 12 hours late, sleeping in the back of the car until I sleepily looked out the window and saw a man carrying a chicken by it’s feet while riding a bicycle. Hello Brazil. It has been a great 8 years. Thank you for being a part of it with me. Cheers!
