Day 6

The wake up calls graced our rooms at 6:30am this morning (that would be 2:30am at home!). My roommate and I however found ourselves eager to wake up and excited for the eventful day ahead. After eating breakfast we packed up the bus and headed out to another school in a small, graffiti ridden inner city about forty-five minutes away from the hotel. We stayed at the artsy circus school for a total of four hours this morning and had an amazing time. The experience was very different from yesterday’s camp, and even more rewarding. We did a shortened version of our volleyball camp for a small group of boys, and then had the time of our lives interacting with the children and doing all sorts of activities. We started off by learning the Brazilian fighting dance, and a few sequences on the drums. It was quite challenging although the kids didn’t seam to think so. Next we moved to the colourful circus tent where we played some theater games, learned the samba, and saw some sweet tricks on the tight rope and trampoline. Although each activity in itself was extremely enjoyable, nothing could compare to the interaction with the children. The look in their eyes while holding our hands and fighting for our individual attention was irreplaceable. Once we all said “ciao” and received a few too many little kisses on our cheeks we left with a bitter sweet feeling. Bitter as we were leaving our new little buddies, but mostly sweet because of the lasting impression we left in the hearts of the children.

We finally won a set!!! This afternoon we played another tough Brazilian team on the volleyball side of things. They were a 21U team with more height than we have faced so far. We battled hard through rough patches and great ralleys to finish the day 1-3. Since our first game here in Sao Paulo we have improved immensely. Now working together as a team with a common goal we found ourselves more relaxed on the court with smiles on our faces. I’m excited and anxious for our last game on Friday!

In my opinion the last two days have been the best here in Brazil. The highlights for me were definitely the camps. Today the cutest little boy was sitting on Jackie’s lap for who knows how long and…………… he farted. He giggled and turned around to Jackie and said Peidei (I farted). Another highlight would have to be the dessert. At the steak house yesterday there was a tray stacked high with assorted cakes and puddings mmm. The day before we had chocolate pie with marshmallow filling! (Needless to say I need to hit the gym when I arrive home to my dessert-less world)

So I would like to end this by saying Hi Mom and Dad…. Love you!

Brooke Halvorsen