The last two days have been very interesting - and also very difficult. We are the only two people who have "homework" that must be done each night in preparation for class the next day. The others have a much harder time during their work sessions caring fotier many children in a variety of care facilities.....some squirmy worms with high energy and curiosity. They are. community sponsored day care centers, an orphanage, and a center for children whose parents either have died or are dying of AIDS and they may be affected themselves We spent an hour with one of them yesterday and were tired just with the little we observed and interacted.
Getting lesson plans is a two step operation. First figure out in English what needs to be taught and then grappling with enough Portuguese to be able to explain it. The students seem to be getting more comfortable and were willing to speak today and to give me instructions using the vocabulary we had developed. It was difficult for them, but then they made me do the same in Portuguese so they knew it was just as difficult for me.
Chuck's group keeps changing day-by-day so his challenges with the beginners is to keep the repeat students interested while not overwhelming the new students.
Yesterday we were able to visit several sections of Salvadore including an open market, which is an experience in itself (pictures to follow, without the goat's head!), a museum of modern art (unfortunately undergoing renovation but providing a beautiful view of the bay, and the first fort built by the Portuguese in Brazil.
We have found a great place for a pre-dinner caiperinha (the local drink) and take a few minutes for ourselves in the middle of the day.
The city, like most, is a study in great contrast as some of the pictures will reveal.
Next time I hope to write more about the amazing attitudes we've encountered among the professional staff with their quiet commitment to making a gradual, positive impact without trying to upset the apple cart.