Tchau Brasil !

Tchau Brasil

This week is my last week in Brazil as I head now to India to continue my work. Must say this country grew on me. Initially the challenge of the language was quite something but then again I got myself into my books, found a great teacher and just learned the lingo.
Then, I had the privileged of meeting wonderful people that taught me a great deal about this country. I thank them all. Obrigado a voces!
For those of you who might still be hesitating in coming over, just make the move and you won’t be disappointed.
I was in Fortaleza, (North East) this week where poverty is much more crucial. Desperation can be seen at most corners off the Beira Mar Avenida, but then again there is wonderful social work done here for the underprivileged. I saw and met once again hard working people wishing for better days for their families. I also met some that managed to pull themselves out of poverty. Remarquable men and women! I think slowly the government is addressing issues, (of course not fast enough for those suffering) still a wave of hope is embracing this country.
When I was home in Canada the other week for my holidays, I met with my friend Claudia, who’s from Rio de Janeiro and a true Carioca. She listened to me talk about Brazil, Rio, Sao Paulo, Recife, the music, the food, the people, and everything else. She listened to my every word and then kissed me on the cheeks to thank me. I said: “Why theses kisses Claudia? Her answer was: “Because so often I have heard people coming back from my country and all they could talk about were the negative aspects of things over there. Your words give me hope that my Brazil, is finally blossoming.”
I understood that for her, the wind of changing that she had wished for was finally catching on. Not just in me, but in all those that were now seeing in Brazil, a great country of the future.
As I depart next week, I know I will be sad to leave behind the friends I met and all the kids I worked with during this last year. They are with me forever in my heart!
Obrigado a todos!
"Brazil, where hearts were entertaining june
We stood beneath an amber moon
And softly murmured someday soon