One month later...

Wow! Time passes so quickly. A few months ago I was anxious to get to Brazil. And a month after the trip I'm anxious to get BACK to Brazil. The GSE experience was an awesome one. I made so many friends and met so many people that I'm still putting information in my address book. But the best thing about this trip was what I brought back. I now have a small garden of my very own as I have learned how rewarding it is to have fresh fruits and veggies. I am more aware of my carbon footprint. When my clothes dryer broke, I was able to quickly adapt because I was used to "sun-dried" clothing. And for my coworkers, who wanted to know everything about my trip, I brought back...another TAX RETURN (just after the tax season ended here in VA). It was surprising to see their interest in the Brazilian tax form and how impressed they were by the literature I received from my vocational visits regarding teaching children (K-12) about taxes in school. Unfortunately the person I was most excited to share my information with, our Tax Commissioner Janie Bowen, passed away suddenly. However her legacy lives on in the Vision she had for the VA Dept. of Taxation and I will be giving information to the team that handles education outreach in our agency. Above all, I would like to say thank you once again to the Richmond Rotary, the 7600 District, to those who were in charge of the superb orientation in January, the 4600 District and Rotary International. Obrigada. Beijos. Tchau!

Honey, I'm home!

Coach Murray used to talk to us about the 'strong finish' of a race. No matter how tired or sore, be sure to cross the finish line effortlessly with a look on your face that says you could run the whole race over right at that moment. Well we certainly had a strong finish to our time in Brazil.

Our time after Sao Lourenco was spent enjoying the country side, seeing historical sites and meeting more wonderful host families. I had the opportunity to visit some of Brazil's best universities and witness the future of greatness to be had by that country as determined by the magnificent research projects that were shown to us.

Now that I'm home the real work begins. The work of taking what I have learned and experienced and using that energy to better my life and the lives of others. This is now the time to cultivate the relationships that have formed and continue to build the bonds of friendship and exchange.

Thank you District 7600 for providing this opportunity for growth. Thank you District 4600 for being a catalyst of life change.

Our last night

It is our last night in Brazil. Although our experience on the ground in Brazil is nearing it's end, the experiences of the journey are far from over. I have learned so much about the country through it's culture, language, and people it has been overwhelming at times. My professional visits have been encouraging and re-energizing to me. I have learned so much about how the profession works here. Whether it be in the similarities or vast differences. 

The experiences here are closing but, now comes the time to reflect on the experiences and share those with everyone at home. I would like to say thank you to all of the host families here in Brazil. Without your support the experience would not have been the same. You all have made the journey worthwhile. Thank you to the Rotary Foundations as well for everything you support. The GSE, student exchange, and friendship exchange programs. We have met several people that have been parts of these groups. It is truly amazing how the Rotarian families have opened their arms and welcomed us in.

Thank you.

-William

5 Days and a Wake up

Hello all,

Three weeks ago GSE Team Brazil landed in Sao Paulo and welcomed with open arms by the host families for each member. In a matter of minutes we were swept away to different parts of San Jose Campos, a small city outside of the City of Sao Paulo. Since that moment we have enjoyed the hospitality of several Rotary Clubs, Cities and the Brazilian people. Our presentations, to the surprise of the Rotary Clubs, have been in the native language of Portuguese, and very much appreciated as reported by Candace (Candance, Cadence or which name she is called on a given day) in an earlier post. Seven cities later including the District Conference in Sao Lorenzo we have given 11 presentations with 2-3 to go.

I have enjoyed visiting the Labor Department's here in Brazil and have a better understanding the processes of Union Labor Disputes, as well as the Worker's Compensation and the State's CIPA (State Employee Protection Agency)in how the country provides employee safety and health. As a team we have visited several cultural venues including the TAMUR project dealing with the rescue and care of sea life mostly focusing on the large sea turtles, a natural history museum, though only a few years old has some of the best bone and structure of creatures from all era's of life as Brazil has some of the best fossil finds for prehistoric creatures, and an "old town" that was protecting its port from pirates in the early 1600's, older than the original fort in Jamestown, Virginia.

Similar to the 4 way test of the things we think say and do, the team learned 4 rules early upon arriving in Brazil; 1. Smile 2. Nod 3. Move in the direction pointed and 4. Sip Slowly when offered a drink. We gave our presentation last week to the home club of the District Governor and tonight we were asked to dress in our Formal Wear for a presentation to three Rotary clubs here in Resende. This city is smaller than most but has the third largest military academy behind West Point, and China. We will attend a reception there tomorrow and hope to gain a better insight of the Military system here in Brazil. As the title says , 5 days and a wakeup and we will be home. I am sure we will all be glad to see our family and friends again but will also be sad to say goodbye to Brazil, the friends and new families we have here. I hope you have enjoyed the posts from the team so far and look forward to presenting our trip too you upon our return. Please pass the Blog site on to others you feel will enjoy the updates from the team.

The attached Pictures are the team with the president of one of the Rotary Club in Volta Redonda and the District Governor Cunha the other is me being interviewed by a local Cable TV Station about the GSE program.

Warren

District Conference - São Lourenço

The district conference was May 14th - 16th for us. On Saturday morning, we did our presentation and I believe some of our audience was truly in awe that the presentation was in portuguese. This was one of those warm and fuzzy moments because I believe we, Americans, are often portrayed as being lazy and unwilling to embrace another culture. Well, Saturday night we sure embraced the culture at the Fantasy Ball (a masquerade ball) where we got to see the creative and fun side of the Rotarians here in Brazil. Above is a picture of our host parents from Caraguatatuba. Rotarians came from all cities in the district to participate in the conference and we were happy to see our previous host families just one more time as well as meet some of our new families. I will let another team member tell you about our visit yesterday and today. Tchau!

~Candace~

Crash!

In running, they say you hit 'the wall' when you've reached the point in the race when you just don't think you can go any further. You're ready to chuck your New Balance and go lay on the beach. Well, I hit the GSE 'wall' this past Wednesday. It was so graciously arranged for me to attend a health symposium in a nearby town. This trip required a 7am rise after yet another late night. I struggled to get out of the bed and get ready but managed to put on a semi-clean outfit and a smile. Once I arrived at the symposium, the unthinkable happened: I fell asleep during the presentations! How rude of me! I could barely keep my eyes open. I thought that I would be rejuvinated after a small meal, but no, it was even worse! I felt so bad. I slept the entire ride home and then again before the meeting we were to attend that evening. Twelve days of early mornings, full schedule days and late nights had finally got the best of me.
The good news is that on Friday we headed to Sao Lourenco for the District Conference and our biggest and most important presentation followed by a much needed break. Friday was supposed to start our three days of rest and relaxation, however, my Friday started with the Great Luggage Debate. As to not incriminate the innocent, the details will remain confidential. Let's just say this: 30 days worth of luggage for 2 people, a weekend worth of luggage for 2 additional people and a compact car do not equate to a happy driver. Things not to do in a foreign country #2: inadvertantly irritate the driver before a three hour drive. Taxi!

-April

Rotary Club - Pindamonhangaba

Let´s stay connected. Below is the website for the Rotary Club in Pindamonhangaba.

http://distrito4600-2010-2011.blogspot.com/